"Adam," she said, "I need to know if you are willing to take over the imperial family. It's your right, and with everything we've learned, it might be the best way to stop their plans for good."

Adam looked thoughtful, his expression unreadable. Before he could respond, Eighth Prince Alderic, who had been listening from the corner, stood abruptly. "I protest!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with indignation. "I am a better fit for the role. I have the experience and the bloodline to lead the imperial family."

Layla's gaze hardened as she addressed Alderic.

"Your time will come, but right now, we need someone who can bring about real change, someone who can be accepted by those who have been oppressed by the current regime. Adam is that person."

Adam nodded, his resolve clear. "I'll do it," he said, his voice steady. "For the people and for a better future."

Alderic's face twisted in frustration, but he could see that both Layla and Adam were united in their decision. Reluctantly, he conceded, taking a step back. "Fine," he muttered, "but know that I'll be watching closely."

Layla appreciated Alderic's willingness to cooperate, even if it was begrudgingly. "Good," she said. "Since you're on our side, Alderic, tell me if there's anything we can use to solidify Adam's position quickly."

Alderic hesitated for a moment before speaking. "There is one way," he said slowly, "for Adam to instantly gain the seat as emperor. The world tree in the throne room. If it chooses him, no one will be able to contest his claim."

Layla's eyes widened slightly as she recalled the world tree. In the original work, Adam had taken the same route to ascend to the throne. She hadn't considered it as an option, but now it seemed like the perfect solution. "The world tree," she murmured. "Of course. It's a powerful symbol and a living testament to the legitimacy of a ruler."

Rossette, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "But how do we ensure that the world tree will choose Adam? Isn't it supposed to have a will of its own?"

Alderic smirked, a hint of his old arrogance returning. "The world tree recognizes true intent and the strength of character. If Adam approaches it with a pure heart and a genuine desire to lead, it will choose him."

Layla considered this, weighing the risks and rewards.

If Adam could gain the approval of the world tree, it would give them an unassailable position within the imperial palace. "We'll go with that plan," she decided. "Adam, you'll approach the world tree during the ball. Mary, ensure that everything on your end runs smoothly to keep the imperial family occupied."

Adam nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'm ready," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll do whatever it takes to gain the world tree's blessing."

Mary stood, ready to leave and execute her part of the plan. "I'll take care of the counterattack. You just focus on what you need to do, Adam."

With their roles assigned and the plan set, the group dispersed to prepare.

Layla remained seated for a moment longer, her mind racing through the potential outcomes. She was confident in their plan, but the imperial family was cunning and resourceful. They needed to be equally shrewd and relentless.

As the room emptied, Layla rose and approached Adam, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've got this," she said softly. "You've always been meant for something greater. Now's the time to prove it."

Adam smiled, a rare, genuine expression. "Thanks, Layla. I won't let you down."

With that, they parted ways, each preparing for the crucial moments ahead. The ball would be the turning point, and with the world tree's blessing, they could finally tip the scales in their favor.

______

The following day, Layla, Rossette, Adam, and Prince Alderic made their way to the imperial palace with determined strides.

The air was thick with tension, but they moved with purpose, their eyes set on their goal: the world tree. Layla led the group, her senses heightened as they navigated the palace grounds.

Thanks to Mary's counterattack, the palace security was noticeably thinner. Guards were fewer and spread out, their attention diverted to the chaos outside the palace walls.

This was their chance to slip through undetected, and they seized it with precision.

The grand corridors, usually teeming with guards and servants, were eerily quiet, allowing them to move swiftly toward the heart of the palace.

As they approached the throne room where the world tree resided, the grandeur of the palace seemed to fade into the background.

Their mission was all that mattered. The world tree, a towering entity with branches that seemed to touch the heavens, awaited them at the end of this journey.

Its presence loomed large in their minds, a beacon of hope and legitimacy for Adam's claim to the throne.

However, just as they reached the final corridor, they were met with a formidable obstacle. First Prince Loriel, flanked by a group of loyal supporters, stood in their path, blocking the entrance to the throne room. His expression was one of cold calculation, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of his brother, Layla, and the others.

"So, you finally reveal yourselves," Loriel sneered, his voice echoing through the hall. "Did you truly believe you could waltz into my palace and take what is mine?"

Layla stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "We're here for the world tree, not for you," she said, her tone calm but firm. "Step aside, Loriel. This is bigger than your ambitions."

Loriel's supporters drew their weapons, readying for a fight. "You will not desecrate this sacred place with your treachery," Loriel declared, his voice ringing with authority. "Prepare yourselves, for this is where your journey ends."

The tension crackled in the air as both sides readied for the inevitable confrontation. Layla knew they couldn't afford to back down now. The fate of the empire hung in the balance, and they were ready to fight for it.