( The first chapter was written from Valentina's POV but from here the story will continue mostly in 3rd person's POV. )

( And also since Kim Eun-Jae and Valentina are the same, Valentina's name will be used henceforth <3 ).

As soon as Valentina came out of her room, she saw her brother and seeing Vercil who had to face an unfortunate end because of her innocence and foolishness, her heart swelled with love and guilt towards him and not being able to stop herself, she ran and hugged him.

Vercil had always loved Valentina and respected her as his elder sister and even though he had always wanted to bond with her like siblings, she was never interested, more like she was a little jealous of her brother who was so courageous and strong, something even she wanted to be and naturally because of it, she kept her distance from him. Though the past Valentina quite much regretted it later, there was nothing much she could do about it. Finally the moment Vercil had been waiting for his whole life came, and even though he was a little surprised at first, he accepted his sister's embrace and completely melted.

But as soon as he hugged her back, her eyes started flooding with tears which made him worried.

Vercil - Sis-sister are you crying ? What's wrong? What made you cry?

Valentina - It's nothing, I just had a terrible nightmare, we both went quite far away from each other, so far that we could never meet again. I don't want to loose you, child.

Vercil - Don't worry sister, I won't ever let that happen, no matter what I'll protect you and we will always be together.

Velentina - Yes sure ( *looked at him lovingly* )

Vercil - And sister I am not a child anymore. ( *Playful pout* )

Valentina - Yeah sure, you are a big boy afterall. ( *Ruffled his hair* )

Just as both of them were laughing and enjoying the moment, a messenger came to inform them that the emperor had arrived at the duchy.

The imperial palace wasn't far from Isidor duchy that was situated in what could be called the heart of the capital. Because of which, the duchy was someone times even called the centre of power due to its position and growing influence. It was a title that people often only preferred to use in secret. Thus, the emperor had himself come to put forth the contract.

*Reception room*

Valentina - ( *bowed* ) Greetings to the glory of the empire.

Feliz - It's an honour to meet you my lady.

Valentina - It's an honour for Isidor duchy that his majesty himself came. His majesty is too kind.

Feliz - ( *smiled* ) You sure have a way with your words. Now then, should we take a look at the document? You can read it if you want and can even add your conditions of you have any, but they should be yours, and not ( *looking intently at Vercil* ) according to the duchy's interest.

Feliz - Cyril ( *his secretary* ) hand over the document to the princess and add any conditions she wants.
I've put forth three conditions out of which the first condition is simply a just-in-case situation. So I hope the lady won't loose trust due to it.

Valentina - ( *Smiled* ) Nothing can make me loose trust in you, your majesty. ( *Thinking* ) Because I don't have the least bit of trust in you to begin with.

Valentina - ( *Thinking* ) Oh? Let's see what the conditions are.

1. The empress must divorce the emperor if he ever wants it, since according to imperial law, one cannot have more than one legal wives.

2. Princess Valentina Isidor must give birth to the heir to the imperial throne. And that child will inevitably be declared as the upcoming ruler of the empire.

3. The Isidor duchy must provide required assistance whenever necessary and always be loyal to the imperial family.

Would you look at that? I didn't expect him to be so direct, but guess he always has been shameless. Well then, isn't it my duty to put forth my conditions now? To gain equal advantage from his unwanted matrimony?

Feliz - Then, young lady what do you want to do?

Valentina - I want to add a few conditions.

Feliz - Very well and what are they?

Valentina - Even though I believe that the first condition was added only to prevent any future problems, I would like to add a few conditions in order to prepare for any unpredictable situation. ( *smiled* )

1. If the emperor ever brings up a lover and divorces me because of her, I must be given the position of empress dowager.

Cyril - What?! Isn't that the position of the widow of the emperor? How can someone else receive that?

Velentina - Yes but you seem to be forgetting something. In this empire, it also belongs to the mother of the emperor as stated in the imperial law. Right now, the position of the empress dowager is empty and moreover since I would be the mother of the future monarch, I don't think there would be any problem in assigning the position of me. Also, don't the people prioritise position over anything? And if I were to return to the duchy after divorce then I would ultimately become the target of the high society and don't you think it would be unfair for me?

Nevertheless, there are only two positions higher than the empress consort, the empress dowager and the emperor, so giving me the position would also prevent me from facing any unnecessary situations and would also uplift the image of the imperial family even more, about how thoughtful they were to give the previous empress, the respectible position to prevent her from facing any backlash.

Cyril - But-...

Valentina - Are you perhaps implying that his majesty's words of giving me the freedom to add my conditions and making my child the future ruler were all just empty words? How audacious!

Cyril - What?! I could never-

Feliz - That's enough. The condition only sounds reasonable. Fine, Cyril add it to the document and what's next?

Valentina - 2. I must be given the rights to manage the affairs concerning the future of the empire and the crown prince/princess in short I must be given all the rights of the empress dowager.

3. And lastly, I must be allowed to bring my child to the Isidor duchy whenever I feel necessary, but of course we will have to return to the palace and he/she will be given adequate security befitting of a future monarch.

Valentina - That's all the conditions I wish to add.

Feliz - Cyril have you recorded all the conditions?

Cyril - Yes your majesty.

Feliz - Then present the new document so we both can sign it and fix this awaited engagement.

After a few minutes, Cyril presented the new document and both of them were required to sign it before having an official marriage.

Valentina - Your majesty, if you allow, can I have the audacity to present a suggestion?

Feliz - You may.

Valentina - Then I think we must sign it using a blood oath, so that we and any one aware of the contract won't reveal the contents of the document until this matrimony is possibly annuled. I have only proposed this for the safety of the empire, for if the words were to get out and cause a misunderstanding, your majesty would have to deal with unnecessary headache.

Feliz - Hmm. The suggestion doesn't sound bad, and it will also ensure the secrecy of the contract till the probable time comes for it to be revealed.

Both of them took the blood oath and finally signed the contract.

Feliz - But ( *looking at her suspiciously* ) doesn't it look like the young lady would be at great advantage if the marriage was to break? Does she perhaps secretly wishes for it?

Valentina - Not all your majesty, I would be extremely heartbroken if this engagement were to be annuled but won't only be fair if I were to also gain something in return for letting go of my love for his majesty? ( *Gracefully* )

Feliz - ( *thinking* ) What's this? The lady seems to have changed a little? Or am I overthinking things? Nevertheless, nothing changes the fact that she loves me and can be controlled at my will. Ah what a pleasure. ( *Amused smile* )

After conversing with Vercil for a while, Feliz finally left the duchy.Soon after, even both Valentina and Vercil returned to their respective rooms.

      •__________•.•.•.•.•.•.•__________•

*In her room*

Valentina's POV :

Now then shall we see what cards I have with me?

Ofcourse I have to first strengthen my position so as to not die like the last time.

Hmm? Let's see? One of my Trump cards can be my high interest in politics. Well politics and required scheming had always interested me during my life as Kim Eun-Jae and owing to that I acquired quite an adequate amount of knowledge in the field, so my utmost priority should be - to seize the political power of the empire.

Because the empire had no empress dowager, Isabella had received all the rights and powers of the empress and empress dowager which had created quite a convenient situation for her, but with the presence of a empress dowager will her plan still be the same? She won't have her hands on the same rights and with this her powers will also be quite limited and thanks to the blood oath the contents can't be revealed in advance, so naturally she won't get much time to prepare for such a situation.

Have I perhaps ruined a part of your plan little bird? I can't wait to see your face once you get to know of the conditions in that contract and I can't wait to break those evil wings of yours. ( *Smirked* )

Isn't mana quite important in this world? But thankfully I have the advantage of being born with quite an overwhelming amount of mana. One of the reason's why past Valentina was mocked was also because of this, even though she had innate talent, she was a coward, even though she had power, she couldn't gather courage to use it and couldn't bother to sharpen her skills which later made her a laughing stock.

Valentina - ( *head palming* ) Ah! I still can't get used to the fact that we both are one existence.

Then, I should start my magic training soon enough to make up for my short-comings. But before that don't we have another important thing? Shouldn't I take care of my pretty little guests who have no other work except reporting my movements? ( *Evil smile* ).

*Rang the bell* *A while later*

Maid - Did you call young miss?

Valentina - Hmm. You are lynn aren't you?

Lynn ( maid ) - It's an honour that the princess knows my name.

Valentina - Well you work for this mansion so isn't it natural for me to know atleast the names of those who are loyal to us.

Anyway, take this letter and this bag ( * handing over a letter and a bag to her along with a address* ) and just deliver this all to that address but remember to say them to hand this over to the " raven of the darkest nights ". Do not say a word more, give it to them and come back. Also take this list and bring the items mentioned.

Lynn - ( *bows* ) As the princess wishes. ( *Exits* )

Now then, since I have already ignited the fire, should we get ready for the fireworks? Ah! I can't wait to see his shocked face. ( *Smirk* )

*In Vercil's office*

*Knocks*

Vercil - ( *not looking up* ) Come in

Valentina - It seems that you are busy, should I come again later?

Vercil - ( *instantly looks up* ) No-No not at all sister.

Vercil - Do you want to say anything?

Valentina - Well I just wanted to say that I'll be going to the arlec mountains tomorrow.

Vercil - Arlec mountains? But why? Those can be dangerous after dark.

Valentina - well I wanna enjoy the few days I have before I get married, and also aren't the mountains really beautiful? And the fresh air will also be a good change and anyway I plan to return before sunset so you needn't worry. ( *Smiled* )

Vercil - I am still not sure but if sister wants it then...but you will have to take escort knights with you no matter what.

Valentina - Sure sure. Then I don't think I should disturb you anymore, I'll go back to my room.

Vercil - No don't worry, sister's visit would never disturb me.

Valentina - ( *stopped on her track and turned back* ) Also if you are free the day after tomorrow then would you like to visit the night market with me? Afterall it's good to take a break once in a while. ( *Smiled and left the office* )

Vercil - Huh-? I...would...love-to... ( *Shocked* ) did sister really just invite me to visit the night market with her? Ha..I had my suspicions from today morning but sister's definitely changing...but I don't hate it, as long as we can stay as siblings and she loves her little brother, I am willing to do anything for her...my lovely sister...( *Loving smile* )

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Hey everyone, I really hope you liked this chapter and if you did then don't forget to leave a few words of encouragement or constructive critisism. Also should I make the chapters a little longer or is the current length alright?

Then I'll be back with another chapter, till then byeee~.