Black String of Fate

"Why have you summoned me, Your Majesty?"

"Seraphina, this is about the count you executed. I must say, you've made some bold moves..."

In the regal expanse of the royal palace, Seraphina found herself facing one of the most nerve-wracking moments since entering this trial. She had been resting in her chambers, trying to process the day's events, when the emperor's butler arrived with a summons to his office.

The urgency of the command had left her little time to compose herself, and she knew her actions were significant enough to draw the emperor's immediate attention. However, she hadn't anticipated being called upon so swiftly, mere hours after the execution.

The emperor, an aged man nearing his sixties, commanded respect and authority with an air of effortless majesty. Despite his years, he remained a figure of formidable strength, his presence alone enough to silence a room. His eyes, sharp and discerning, spoke of a wisdom accumulated over decades of rule.

He had already surmised the underlying motives behind Seraphina's drastic actions but wished to hear her reasoning directly.

"Your decision to execute Count Hadrien has not gone unnoticed," he continued, his tone measured but probing. "While your evidence was solid, the manner and swiftness of your judgment have raised many eyebrows within the court."

Seraphina stood tall, her heart pounding. This was her moment to prove herself, otherwise her next actions would be difficult to execute. "I acted with the nation's best interests at heart, Father. Count Hadrien's crimes were egregious, and his influence poisoned the integrity of our governance. By removing him, I aimed to restore faith and order among our people."

The emperor studied her intently, a flicker of surprise crossing his stern features. It had been years since they had spoken so directly, and the transformation in Seraphina was astonishing. His once-gentle daughter now radiated a steely resolve and an unexpected ruthlessness that both impressed and concerned him.

"Your intentions are noble, but your methods...," he paused, choosing his words carefully, "are uncharacteristically harsh. The court is in disarray, unsure of what to make of your newfound decisiveness. It is both a strength and a potential threat to the stability we have worked so hard to maintain."

Seraphina met his gaze without flinching. "Sometimes, harsh methods are necessary to uproot deeply embedded corruption. If my actions can serve as a deterrent to others who might exploit our people, then I am willing to bear the scrutiny and backlash."

The emperor leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. This was a side of Seraphina he had never anticipated seeing, and it forced him to reconsider his perception of her. "You have indeed made an impact, Seraphina. But be mindful—power must be wielded with care and wisdom.

There are those who will see your actions as a challenge to the established order, and they will seek to undermine you."

"I understand, Your Majesty," Seraphina replied, her voice steady. "I will tread carefully."

The emperor nodded slowly, a trace of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Very well. Now, the main reason I called upon you was to discuss the now ownerless territory in our western provinces. Executing a count has left a significant gap in our chain of authority."

The emperor's eyes locked onto Seraphina's with a gaze that conveyed his unyielding authority. Seraphina's instincts screamed that whatever he had planned would not be in her favor.

"Seraphina von Souvell, I hereby command you to take charge of the territory of the former Count Hadrien. You are expected to govern, develop, and bring honor to the Souvell Empire."

Seraphina immediately knelt, bowing her head according to royal customs. "I, Seraphina von Souvell, shall obey and honor the emperor's commands."

Inside, her thoughts raced. 'What the hell! Why me? Why isn't the Second Prince or one of his close aides getting the territory?'

This was an unforeseen complication. From her brief time in this world, she understood that the previous Seraphina had lived a sheltered life. It seemed illogical for the emperor to suddenly place such a heavy burden on her shoulders after just two weeks of displaying competence.

'This throws a wrench in my plans. I thought I could influence events from the palace, but being stuck in some backwater province will make it harder to exert my royal authority...'

The emperor's voice broke through her thoughts. "Great. You're dismissed." He turned away in his chair, signaling the end of the audience. Seraphina rose, bowed once more, and left the room.

Once she was well out of earshot, Seraphina exhaled a huge sigh of relief.

'I suppose I need to work with whatever this damn trial throws at me. Did an actual Princess Seraphina even exist all those years ago?'

Like Xavier, she had concluded that this trial was a glimpse into the past. However, her academic background provided her with much more insight into the era they were experiencing.

'Sometimes I wonder if all the things I'm experiencing right now are truly reflective of the era before the golden age of magic. The power level, compared to modern times, is absurdly low. The influence of the church is also not nearly as strong as it is today...

If this really is the Souvell Empire I know, then the task of saving the world could actually be possible. The downfall of this era began with the Souvell Empire itself. The events that led to the church gaining its current power all started from this point in history. The centuries-long tragedy of mankind, whose savior was the Elemental King, will soon begin.

I need to hunt down the demonic sect. Those demons in human skin, as vile as the Laplace cult, need to be culled at their roots. But first, I need to set up a solid foundation. A weak girl who isn't even initiated is useless against an entity like that.

She actually had the best idea to start setting up a foundation. She planned to do it anyway, but the sudden circumstances only steeled her decision.

'System, will initiating myself affect my initiation in the real world?'

After two weeks, Seraphina saw a familiar screen, one she did not expect that she would miss.

*********

No, any conditions incurred in the trial will not affect the challenger in reality.

*********

Seraphina smiled with a cold, confident glint in her eyes.

'This will make things a whole lot easier.'