CHAPTER 744: CHAPTER 744: CRUEL REALITY

They chatted more about tea since it was Lobelius’ banner product. It turned out that Seraphina was indeed an avid Lobelian tea lover.

Thus, despite the initial tension and suspicions, the atmosphere gradually relaxed over tea and snacks. The conversation flowed smoothly around various Lobelian tea Seraphina usually ordered from Lobelius.

Arabella found they had the same taste in tea.

Finding a common ground, they finally began to converse more easily.

Their discussion eventually turned to matters of mutual interest beyond tea, touching on trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the importance of the Yearly Assembly for nations in Eliora.

They had moved past formalities into a discussion that felt surprisingly natural instead of the tension of their earlier meeting.

When Princess Seraphina and her companions seemed ready to push through with their intended topic, Arabella finally inquired about Seraphina’s words in her letters, "You mentioned in your letters that there was a lot you wanted to say but cannot do so. Can you please enlighten me why?"

The question made Princess Seraphina take a deep breath before finally replying, "I was worried someone else might get the letter. Those who do not share the same vision with our faction might be watching my movements even while I am in another kingdom."

"I see. That is indeed highly likely. How many factions are there?" Arabella knew keeping another faction in check was quite a thing among opposing factions.

"We try to look perfect outside, but in truth, Crux is divided into three factions. Those with the most numbers are the Pro-slavery faction. They are also the most influential with all the power they gathered from maintaining the slavery system. Second are those who remain neutral in fear of losses and would simply side with the faction who gets the upper hand. The third is where me and my twin’s faction. We call ourselves the Pro-Crux faction since we think for the best interest of Crux and all our people; which is why we want changes," Princess Seraphina explained in detail.

Arabella absorbed Seraphina’s words, realizing the gravity of what the latter was divulging. The princess’s openness surprised her, considering the risks involved.

’Is she intentionally revealing this important information as bait?’

If Arabella schemed for something, she could already use those three factions to destroy Crux from inside if she wanted to.

Creating "in-fighting" inside the kingdom and making them ruin themselves would minimize losses and expenses for Valeria compared to directly attacking Crux.

’What am I thinking about? We are not exactly set out to destroy Crux. We only want our people back.’

Arabella reminded herself that she was not here to plot destruction but simply to do what she must.

"What exactly are these ideals and visions for Crux that you speak of?" Arabella inquired, seeking to understand Seraphina’s motivations and goals more deeply.

They needed to know what exactly Princess Seraphina and her companions were after.

Princess Seraphina paused, choosing her words carefully. "Your Majesty, everything I say from here on will put my life at risk. Can I trust that everyone here will not reveal my words to others regardless of the result of our meeting today?"

Arabella understood what the princess meant. She wanted assurance that her words would not be used against her outside this room.

This was a private meeting so Arabella nodded and said, "Yes, of course. You have my word that everything here will remain confidential as long as it does not put Valeria in danger. These three are among my most trusted people. They will not reveal any information they learn here to others without my approval. However, is it also true for your people?"

Arabella glanced at Seraphina’s companions. She needed assurance as well and she asked the question so she could hear what they honestly thought.

After all, Emily and Jacob were both more than mere servants. They were magicians as Alwin had confirmed earlier. Their initial wariness had softened a bit but they remained vigilant.

Meanwhile, the stalwart guard knight who seemed to be in his thirties, listened intently as they conversed, his hand never straying far from his sword hilt.

The three were poised and observant, assisting Princess Seraphina with an air of steadfast loyalty and fondness for the princess. It spoke volumes about their deep bond and understanding for each other.

Arabella wanted to know more about their strong connection before they continue with the issues in Crux.

"Yes, Your Majesty. You have my word as well. These three are my confidants. Emily and Jacob are the ones who found and sheltered me and my older twin brother Sebastian when our mother was assassinated. They took care of us for years before Uncle, I mean Sir Harold, my late mother’s most trusted knight, finally found us," Princess Seraphina revealed.

"Oh, I see," Arabella nodded. "If that is the case, then we can speak without reservations."

She finally understood why the three seemed closer to the princess than normal servants or guards. She then encouraged, "Let’s push through with our conversation earlier then."

Princess Seraphina nodded and expounded on what she meant with her differing ideals and visions from the rest of Crux.

"My faction wants the people of Crux to have a better future. And when we refer to ’people’, we mean all of Crux. We envision a future where the people of Crux, not just the masters but even the former slaves and everyone else, can live with a taste of freedom and thrive. But since our mindset is quite different to most people in Crux, our ideals are seen as treasonous by those who profit from the current system."

Princess Seraphina’s eyes were filled with a tinge of sadness and frustration as she spoke.

It was evident in her eyes that she truly treasured Crux despite its twisted system. Thus, their words and treatment of her and her twin brother hurt even more. It was why they wanted change.

’What a cruel reality,’ Arabella thought as she nodded in understanding and let Seraphina continue.