I'm in another world, and I start out transformed into Lancelot.

“Brother,” Euphemia respectfully presented the document, which embodied her painstaking efforts, with both hands, her voice slightly hoarse.

"This is a proposal I've come up with, and I'd like to ask you... to take a look and give me your feedback."

Schneizel accepted it with a smile, his demeanor as composed as ever. He used his long, slender fingers to open the proposal and began to read it calmly.

The room was instantly filled only with the soft sound of turning pages and the blurry urban noise outside the window.

Euphemia stood respectfully to one side, her gaze instinctively avoiding those seemingly gentle yet sharp, fox-like purple eyes.

Those deep gazes seemed to pierce through people's hearts, easily revealing the secrets she tried so hard to hide—such as the existence of that mysterious fairy knight.

Her fingers, which were tucked behind her back, curled slightly, as if bracing herself for her brother's gentle yet sharp questioning:

"Euphrates, is there anything else you haven't told me?"

Time seemed to stretch out infinitely in the silence. Finally, Schneizel turned to the last page.

He put down the documents and looked up. Euphemia's heart was in her throat.

However, the expected questioning or denial did not materialize.

Schneizel's usual smile deepened slightly, carrying an indescribable...appreciation? A light of admiration seemed to flow through his purple eyes.

“Euphrates,” his voice remained gentle, yet contained a hint of genuine surprise, “this idea… I think it’s quite good.”

"Really?! Your Majesty!" A tremendous surprise suddenly illuminated his heart like the first rays of dawn.

Euphemia's originally pale cheeks instantly flushed with excitement, and her clear purple eyes shone brightly.

The joy in his voice was almost overflowing, like a little penis that had been unexpectedly allowed to fly.

All the worries that had been bothering her seemed to vanish instantly in the face of this affirmation.

“Of course it’s true.” Schneizel’s features softened, like an enlightened and patient older brother.

"Just do what you believe is right and keep going, Euphemia. Don't be swayed by the opinions and prejudices of others."

He paused, then added in a steady tone, "As for Cornelia... you don't need to worry." Mentioning the princess known for her iron-fisted nature, he nodded slightly, confident.

"I will talk to her."

As the prince who clearly advocated for a demilitarized solution and stable, peaceful governance, he knew that continued high pressure would only deepen the rift of hatred.

If peaceful coexistence is possible and economic and institutional advantages can be used to consolidate rule, why engage in futile bloodshed?

Moreover, deep down he did not truly regard all the residents of District 11 as worthless.

Those so-called "pure-blooded" noble officers lying under the patronage of their ancestors—ten extravagant and dissolute good-for-nothings combined—are worth far less than Lord Kururugi, whom he personally selected and secretly observed for a long time.

"That's wonderful! Thank you so much, brother!" Euphemia was overjoyed and almost burst into tears.

All her worries vanished, and she bowed lightly, taking her leave with overflowing gratitude and renewed confidence.

A pale pink figure swirled out of the door like a light breeze, her skirt fluttering, and that pure joy seemed to bring even the silent governor's mansion to life for a moment.

The door closed gently behind her, shutting out her youthful excitement.

The moment the lock clicked shut, the gentle smile on Schneizel's face, as warm as a spring breeze, vanished without a trace, like the receding tide.

He turned around with an elegant yet cold demeanor, once again facing the bustling city lights.

He strolled back to his desk, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the hard cover of the proposal, which still held the warmth of Yuffie's body.

Under the lights, his deep purple eyes seemed to have all the starlight extinguished, leaving only a bottomless abyss that was almost cold.

A barely perceptible curve swept across the corner of his perfect lips; it wasn't a smile, but rather the knowing look of a chess player upon seeing a brilliant move.

This move was bold, yet extremely ingenious. Yuffie, this seemingly random "vase" piece, precisely struck a crucial point on the board.

It is like a double-edged sword—on one side, it is enough to pierce, knock and shock those old Britannian nobles who have long been corrupt, who have run rampant with bloodline theory and have hindered him from building a new order, exposing their arrogance and unreasonableness to the sunlight; on the other side, it is like cutting off the fuel supply, which can fundamentally weaken the soil on which the Black Knights depend for survival.

As a legitimate administrative special zone, "Japan" will inevitably suffer a severe blow to its legitimacy when the hope of peaceful coexistence is put on the table. The "liberation" banner that the resistance forces rely on to unite will be invisibly dissolved.

As the most powerful contender for the imperial throne, and as an older brother who believed he maintained a facade of affection and a degree of care for his half-sister, Schneizel cast his gaze upon the endless night sky, his deep purple eyes as solidified as ice.

A plan that can both deter stubborn nobles, undermine the foundation of resistance, enhance the royal family's "people-friendly" image to win hearts and minds, and that he doesn't have to personally get involved in the bloodshed from beginning to end... why not do it?

What a pity... Zero, the leader of the Black Knights, was a formidable opponent.

However, that little bit of regret was insignificant compared to the throne he wanted.

Chapter 11 The Clumsy Knight Almost Became a Poet

Once the heavy burden on her heart was lifted, an unprecedented sense of ease lifted Euphemia like light wings.

She practically skipped back to her temporary bedroom, her slender figure tracing a joyful arc in the dim light of the corridor.

The joy that had swelled because of his elder brother's approval still swelled in his chest, like a ripe, sweet berry about to burst open.

She couldn't help but sit on the edge of the bed, her toes unconsciously tapping lightly on the thick carpet, humming a vague and cheerful melody.

“Lisa,” she turned and called to the middle-aged maid who always had a gentle and calm expression, standing by the door, her voice still tinged with excitement.

"Immediately send someone to invite Lord Kururugi over. Tell him I have something very, very important to say to him in person!"

However, the maid Lisa looked clearly troubled.

She didn't answer immediately, but stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke with just the right amount of respect and a hint of barely perceptible hesitation:

"Your Highness, Lord Kururugi... left about half an hour ago."

"Eh?" Euphemia's smile faltered slightly, and a hint of surprise and disappointment flashed across her bright purple eyes.

Lisa quickly added in a low voice, "Lord Kururugi specifically informed the steward before he left, saying that he would be needed to assist with the preparations for tomorrow's school festival."

"Time was of the essence, so he excused himself and returned to Ashford Academy."

"...I see." With just those three short words, the excitement that had been soaring like a balloon seemed to subside slightly.

But the burning joy was simply too much to bear. Euphemia quickly rallied, "It's alright! I'll go to the academy to find him myself tomorrow!"

Lisa's body tensed almost imperceptibly, and she subconsciously opened her mouth slightly:

"But Your Highness..." Her hesitant words were clearly written in her unsure eyes.

The school festival is a crowded place, and although security is tight, it is ultimately too chaotic and unguarded for an imperial princess and the vice governor of District 11.

But before this worry could even be voiced, it was silenced by the sudden, bright smile of the girl in front of him, filled with intense curiosity and anticipation.

“It’s settled then!” Euphemia’s voice was clear and bright, like a silver bell, full of irrepressible energy.

She walked a few steps to the open window, gently placed her hands on the cool marble windowsill, and gazed intently over the high mansion walls, through the city's twilight, toward the distant area where a warm glow faintly danced—the direction of Ashford Academy.

Her eyes no longer held the reserve and restraint of a princess, but were filled with a pure, crystal-like longing and curiosity.

"Lisa, do you know?" She took a gentle breath of the cool yet exceptionally fresh air carried by the evening breeze.

"School festival... Just hearing about it makes my heart flutter~ How lively and joyful it must be!"

Her words were filled with boundless longing for the vibrant world outside, and that intense yearning almost materialized.

This trip was not just about finding the Vermilion Bird; I was eager to share with my friends the momentous news that would illuminate the future.

More importantly, it was to experience it firsthand, to see and touch with her own eyes the "smile of an ordinary person" that she wanted to protect with everything she had.

The overwhelming noise, the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and chatter, the unbridled youthful energy...

These fragments that make up "everyday happiness" will no longer be ordinary sights in her eyes.

They will become the most valuable nourishment on the thorny path ahead, and the most powerful and inspiring vision to strengthen her resolve.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As Euphemia was waging a “fierce battle” with her oversized hat and constantly slipping sunglasses, trying to hide her striking pink hair and purple eyes, a clear, cold voice, like the touch of shattered ice, rang out beside her.

"Hmm...it seems Your Highness is as joyful as a morning bird in the forest~"

The silver-haired fairy knight stood at the intersection of light and shadow, her simple dark blue casual clothes unable to conceal her extraordinary presence.

A faint smile played on her lips, and her amber eyes quietly reflected Euphemia's slightly disheveled movements.

“Your Highness’s… cover-up,” her voice carried a melodious rhythm unique to elves, and she spoke slowly, as if carefully savoring each word.

"Is it a wish to temporarily remove that glorious crown in order to immerse oneself in the mundane world and experience pure joy?"

She tilted her head slightly, a strand of silver hair brushing against her cheek.

"Would that make you feel more comfortable?" Euphemia peered from under her hat, her voice muffled by her sunglasses.

Meilushin neither directly affirmed nor denied it, but simply nodded slightly, her movements elegant and elusive.

"Such expectations do indeed possess a rather...childlike sincerity."

Her gaze shifted to the direction from which the faint sounds of commotion could be heard outside the window, her eyes sparkling with a curiosity that seemed to belong to a world beyond the mundane.

"And coincidentally, that festival for human youth, called the School Festival, is also a fascinating and unseen sight for me, a foreign traveler."

Her gaze returned to Euphemia, her faint smile deepening, carrying a hint of cunning and a resolute will to protect her.

“Besides, that loyal knight named Suzaku is probably too busy today. Why don’t I accompany Your Highness for the time being? We can... enjoy this novel fireworks together,”

Her fingertips seemed to point almost imperceptibly at Euphemia's restless hat and wobbly sunglasses, her tone carrying a hint of elfin teasing.

"Alternatively... when these things that conceal your identities suddenly develop some mischievous thoughts and try to escape their constraints, you can apply a little... a force of regulation in time."

"After all, wouldn't it be a pity if a long-awaited joyous occasion were marred by a minor accident?"

Her tone carried the elegant distance unique to non-humans and a touch of ancient rhythm.

Although it's called assistance, it's more like a curious and willful fairy who has found a legitimate excuse to participate in the lively human world with a sense of protection.

"Hmm... that's fine!" Euphemia hesitated only slightly before smiling and agreeing.

But then, her bright purple eyes swept over the other person's stunningly beautiful face, and a slight worry appeared between her brows.

"However... if Lancelot-san were to reveal his appearance like this, it would probably cause quite a... uh, commotion?"

Upon hearing this, the fairy knight showed no sign of trouble. Instead, a knowing smile with a touch of elven slyness curved his lips.

She produced from somewhere a piece of light, thin tulle, the color of which matched her simple dress.

The veil was as thin as mist, almost transparent, yet it perfectly concealed most of her facial features.

She gracefully covered her face with a veil, leaving only her amber eyes, which resembled molten gold at sunset and possessed an otherworldly radiance, visible.

"Has your worry dissipated?" Her voice, veiled by a light gauze, carried a unique haziness, adding to its profound depth.

Beneath the veil, her beautiful eyes gazed at Euphemia with a clear smile.

“But…” Her tone deliberately rose slightly, carrying a subtle emphasis like that of an ancient elven language and an intimate little promise.

"During this time incognito, Your Highness, please remember to call me Melushin. That name that echoes on the battlefield... perhaps it carries a bit too much weight at this moment?"

Her choice of words and tone carried a rhythm and antiquity unique to non-human beings; she spoke of "Lancelot" as if it were a piece of "heavy armor" that needed to be carefully preserved.

"Melushin" is more like a new name used to blend into the "school life" at this moment, a small charm for an elf to blend into the crowd.

"Okay! I understand, Melusin~" Euphemia's face blossomed into a relieved and slightly joyful smile.

Being able to walk openly with the fairy knight, who had cleverly disguised himself and was no longer afraid of being forced to separate from her, without having to live in constant fear, was undoubtedly a great joy for her.

"However..." The princess's smile deepened, taking on a natural, relaxed, and playful tone typical of friends.

Her tone was light, clearly indicating that she completely trusted the person in front of her not to be offended by such a small joke.

“You really need to work on the way you talk!” Euphemia narrowed her eyes slightly, as if sharing an interesting secret.

"That would make you look too... like a bard~ which is a bit out of place in our fast-paced world, isn't it?"

"Hmm...Is that so..."

Upon hearing this, Fairy Knight Melusin tilted her head subconsciously, as if she had been presented with an interesting question.

Her silver hair swayed gently with her movements. A glimmer of understanding flashed in her amber eyes, as if she had grasped the essence of "immersing herself in the present moment."

Then, she naturally extended her slender, fair hand forward, her movements fluid and graceful, carrying the elegant invitation characteristic of a knight.

A thin veil covered her face, revealing only a pair of beautiful eyes that curved into crescent moons, brimming with pure anticipation and radiant with smiles.

“Then, Your Highness Euphemia,” her voice remained clear and melodious, though she tried to adjust it, it still carried a unique rhythm.

"Please join me in enjoying this school festival!"

"my pleasure."