____SOLA VILLAGE _____
_____MARIA'S HOUSE___
____SAMANTHA____
See now? I told you, at your current level, it's impossible for you to defeat me, Princess Maria!
____MARIA____
(Screaming) Then why didn't you dodge my strike?! Are you mocking me? And on top of that, you brought a child with you? It's impossible for a hypocritical woman like you to be a mother. Now tell me—where did you steal the child from? A noble family? Or is it your little brother? Oh, right… I heard your drunk father brought another concubine, so no wonder there's another child. You keep multiplying like ants! Not as if your lineage will go extinct, so why… why did you do this? Tell me, Samantha!
____SAMANTHA____
So! That's how you see me now? That's truly sad!
____MARIA___
What? Now you're pretending to be sad? Hahahahaha, you're really funny! Hahaha! And on top of that, you came here after everything you did? You… you're really crazy, aren't you?!
____SAMANTHA____
I really… at least listen to me! You don't understand the context of what happened and…
____MARIA___
And? What? Don't think I'm that little girl who trusts everyone and befriends anyone, just like I befriended you and made you my best friend. But you betrayed that trust. Not only that—you even testified against me in the GREAT ANCESTOR Court! And luckily, I'm not like you. I still honor that friendship, and I still trust my mother's words. Had the court known you testified falsely, you'd be in hell now, paying for your crimes!
/Interrupted/
____SAMANTHA____
(Screaming) Just… just listen to me! I… I'm really sorry! (Crying) I never meant to do it!
____MARIA____
Hahaha, I didn't know the royal family of Hima possessed acting talent! Even the Great Justice's lie detector didn't catch your falsehood in court! And now you say you've come to apologize? Do you think an apology is enough to fix everything?! Hahaha, you spoiled child! What did you expect from a girl raised in the palace, with servants doing all the work while she sits comfortably? Her only "job" is to order, and they obey!
____SAMANTHA____
N-No! That's not true! …Calm down… just listen to me! I'm really sorry…
____MARIA_____
No. I don't need to hear anything from you. Is there even anything left to say? I already know everything—I won't fall for your trap again. But do you know… "You can only kill me." Yes, no one will care. It's not that I'm a good person either… or is that what you want me to say?
____SAMANTHA____
No… no… it's not like that… I…
_____MARIA_____
You…? What are you? You're just a lowly traitor! Know this, I am not the same person I was ten years ago!
_____SAMANTHA_____
It seems you won't even let me explain! Then let me prove my sincerity: I will completely lower my defenses now. You are free to kill me or not, but let me tell you one thing first: "That Samantha ten years ago in the Great ancestor Court was not me." Now the choice to believe me or not is yours!
____MARIA____
Don't expect any mercy from me after everything you did ten years ago!
____10 YEARS AGO ____
_____IMPERIAL PALACE_____
____MARIA____
Mother! Mother! I heard the Hima royal family is visiting us today, right?
____THE EMPRESS___
Yes, and I also heard they have a daughter from the Empress Mother, who is your age.
______MARIA_____
Really? But the Empress Mother? …What is that?
_____THE EMPRESS_____
Oh! Right, our kingdom doesn't have this system. It's called the "Polygamy System." In their kingdom, the king can marry multiple times, but only one wife is recognized as the "Empress Mother" to determine the legitimate heirs. She is usually from the imperial family or a high-ranking noble family, so her children carry pure blood.
____MARIA____
I don't like that!
___THE EMPRESS___
W-What? Was my explanation too complicated?
____MARIA____
No, that's not what I meant. But this system… it creates bias among the children to please the father. If one illegitimate child is more deserving of the throne and the people support them, suddenly they are told they are ineligible because they aren't from the main family. Doesn't that create hatred toward the main family? That's how great villains are born, often destroying the kingdom in the end!
____THE EMPRESS____
(Sighs) You are truly something… I can't match your intelligence. After all, you're your father's daughter. But what I'm trying to say is: be friends with their daughter. As I said, you're the same age; you need to experience social life a little.
____MARIA____
Is that really necessary? Isn't studying three hours a day enough? I've already surpassed my teachers. I'll finish studying medicine and pharmacy in a month. I'm already a great magician and a ranked warrior in swordsmanship. I'm considered one of the prettiest girls in the kingdom. Any problem with that?!
____THE EMPRESS_____
No, no. What I mean is that you should live a little. You haven't gone out for a while. After studying medicine and eating, you go straight to sleep. Even if you don't, you spend time in the library. If you go out, it's only for sword training or magic practice. Don't you think you should engage socially and make some friends? Your coronation is in three months.
____MARIA (POV)____
What a long lecture… coronation again… what a nuisance. Do I really need this? I'm only turning fifteen. Why must the whole kingdom know of my existence? (Sighs) I guess there's no choice.
__1 MONTH LATER ____
_____IMPERIAL PALACE__
(A child's cry)
__MAID 1__
Congratulations, my lady! It's a healthy boy.
__MAID 2__
And what a handsome child!
__MAID 3__
He inherited his father's eyes and hair, but also his mother's beauty!
__THE EMPRESS__
(Laughing) You may come in! No need to peek!
____MARIA(POV) ___
(whispering) It's my mother… what did she expect?
___CORONATION ____
____IMPERIAL HALL___
____ARTHUR____
Welcome, honored guests! Today will be remembered by the kingdom and its people—a new dawn rises! Wars and conflicts end. Today is the coronation of my beloved daughter, Princess Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber.
____GUESTS____
(Applause) Long live the Emperor of Sartia, the sun and light of the kingdom, Arthur de Magia of Sartia Amber, and his radiant daughter, the future of the empire, Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber!
____MARIA____
First, I thank my father for organizing this wonderful event for me. I welcome you all to my coronation and fifteenth birthday. I officially declare the start of the coronation and succession ceremony.
_____ARTHUR____
I, Arthur de Magia of Sartia Amber, Emperor of Sartia under the Great Empire of Lasmir, crown my first daughter, Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber, as heir and future 70th Empress.
____MARIA____
I, Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber, accept this honorable position for myself and my people and wear the Heir's Crown, the "Crown of Wisdom," chosen for me in the selection ceremony.
____ARTHUR____
(Places the crown on Maria) Now I officially announce: Princess Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber, heir and future 70th Empress of Sartia!
____MARIA____
I will strive to be like my father, Emperor Arthur, and to meet the hopes of the people and all of you!
(Applause)
____ARTHUR____
Let's begin the celebration! I'll now give my daughter her gift. Bring it in!
____MARIA____
(Opening the gift, surprised)
This… isn't it…?
____ARTHUR____
Do you like it?
_____MARIA____
(Shocked)
Y-Yes, Father! Thank you so much!
______MARIA (POV)______
He trusts me… I have to live up to that trust. But I heard the "Heavenly Xian Guo Crystal" chooses its master… sigh. I'll need to work harder. At least the coronation is over!
______ZENITH'S ROOM______
_____ZENITH_____
Who's there?
____??????_____
(Laughing) Don't you recognize your friend from just knocking? That's unfair!
_____ZENITH_____
Oh! Christine! It's been a long time!
_____CHRISTINE____
Really? It's only been three months.
______ZENITH______
Time passes slower without you! Last time, I wanted to introduce my daughter to the social world, but she always avoids it…
_____CHRISTINE_____
(Laughing) So proud of your daughter now! Don't underestimate mine either.
____ZENITH____
She's invited to join the Lasmir imperial family!
_____CHRISTINE____
And I'm glad you're safe. I must go, His Majesty Emperor Wayne is waiting for me.
_____ZENITH_____
(Smiling) Farewell!
____IMPERIAL HALL_____
____WAYNE____
What a wonderful ceremony! I should call you "Arthur, 69th Emperor of Sartia, under Lasmir, the sun and light of the kingdom!" (Suppresses laugh)
_____ARTHUR_____
Stop mocking me, Wayne!
______WAYNE______
(Bursts out laughing) Sorry! Hahaha!
______ARTHUR (POV)_____
Oh, women are terrifying…
____WAYNE____
(Sign language) Save me, Arthur, please…
_____CHRISTINE_____
(Scary glare)
____ARTHUR ( POV)____
(Sweating)
Sorry, Wayne. This time I can't intervene. I'm doomed.
_____ARTHUR_____
It's my chance! I'll help Maria make friends and join social life.
____ BALCONY____
______MARIA______
(POV)
It's noisy inside! Many are trying to get close for personal gain. I hate noise… the balcony is perfect for peace. But I have to deliver my closing speech… sigh.
______ARTHUR______
So you've been here all along! I was looking for you. Quiet, like you like.
_____MARIA(POV)____
I forgot someone… yes… problems!
_____ARTHUR_____
Follow me, today you'll start making allies. First step!
____MARIA(POV)_____
( nervous)
Why does he want this? I feel I shouldn't go…
____WAYNE_____
Stop messing around! Your first mission begins now! Follow me!
____CHRISTINE____
Oh! You're late too… even Wayne!
_____ARTHUR_____
Maria, this is Christine, Empress Mother of Hima.
_____MARIA_____
Greetings, Your Majesty! Honored to meet you!
____MARIA(POV)____
Damn, I should've known! So this is his plan… sigh.
_____ CHRISTINE _______
Actually, my problem has already been solved, but you came at the right time. I'm busy at the moment, but I promised His Majesty Arthur that I would take care of his daughter, Her Highness Princess Maria. Can you do this for me? …Oh, I forgot to introduce you. Her Highness Princess Maria, this is my third daughter, Princess "Samantha de Halfa of Hima Amber." Samantha is the first daughter of His Majesty the Emperor of the Kingdom of Sartia, "Arthur de Magia of Sartia Amber." Welcome with me Her Highness the First Princess, the Dawn of the Coming Empire and its Shining Star, "Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber." Today is her coronation day—I forgot to say this earlier—but Happy Birthday, Your Highness! Now I'm leaving. Be good friends!
_____ SAMANTHA _____
Mom… wait, this…
_____ CHRISTINE _______
Goodbye! Enjoy the party!
_____ MARIA ____
Greetings to you, your Highness the Third Princess of the Kingdom of Hima, "Samantha de Halfa of Hima Amber." It's an honor to meet you!
_____ SAMANTHA _______
Greetings to you as well, your Highness the First Princess of the Kingdom of Sartia, Crown Princess, Dawn of the Empire and its Shining Star, "Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber." The honor is mine to meet you!
_____ POV MARIA _______
Damn, how many times have I greeted someone today? And they want me to join social life. But this time is different. I realize the person in front of me is strong. I hate to admit it, but she's stronger than me. I must train. But if possible, I need to get her on my side. As my father said, I must gather allies, especially allies like her!
_____ MARIA _____
Actually, you don't have to stay with me here. I can take care of myself. You don't need to worry!
_____ SAMANTHA ______
I heard today is your coronation, right?
_____ POV MARIA _____
(Shocked) She completely ignored me! …
_____ MARIA _____
Ah… yes!
_____ SAMANTHA ________
You're so foolish! Of course, you need protection. Think about how many people want to kill you, especially now that you've been announced as Crown Princess!
_____ POV MARIA _______
What an annoyance! I take back what I said before. No matter how strong she is, a person this bold will never be my ally!
_____ MARIA _______
It seems you're the one who doesn't understand. I can protect myself. I don't need help. As I said before, if you really think I'm foolish and useless, I don't have to do anything! Whatever you do is your decision, not mine. So stop complaining!
_____ SAMANTHA ________
That's true, but my decision is to follow what my mother said. Until she or His Majesty returns, I won't leave here. Do you understand now?
_____ MARIA ______
Do as you wish! I don't care anymore. Just don't bother me!
_____ SAMANTHA ______
(Sigh) …what a nuisance!
_____ POV MARIA ________
(Angry) …that "Samantha," I swear I will kill her!
____5 MONTHS LATER____
_____ POV MARIA _____
Five months have passed like this. They want me to make friends, but it doesn't matter! In fact, it seems Samantha and I share the same hobby. This happened two months ago when I discovered she loves books, and she's not as annoying as I expected. I think we can get along!
_____ SAMANTHA____
Maria, have you read this book? It looks fun!
_____ MARIA _____
Oh, it's "Goodnight." Yes, it's really fun. You have good taste!
_____ SAMANTHA ______
Can I borrow it then?
_____ MARIA ______
(Smiling) Of course!
_____ SAMANTHA ______
Thank you so much!
_____ MARIA _______
You're welcome!
____1 MONTH LATER____
_____ MARIA ___
Oh, this is unexpected!
_____ GREAT ANCESTOR COURT _____ _____ GREAT JUDGE OF JUSTICE _____
According to evidence and witnesses, Princess "Maria de Magia of Sartia Amber" is a traitor under Article 356 of the King and Emperor's Law, accused of "killing the 69th Emperor of the Kingdom of Sartia under the Great Empire of Lashmir," "Arthur de Magia of Sartia Amber," and his wife "Zenith de Magia of Sartia Amber." Because she is from the imperial family, her sentence is reduced from death by hanging to exile to the northern borders, and she is banned throughout the Amber continent.
Since there is no heir except Prince Carlos, who has not yet been crowned because he is only one year old, we will appoint the late emperor's brother, "Kristof," as emperor until Prince Carlos reaches eighteen. Therefore, I announce as the 70th Emperor of the Kingdom of Sartia under the Great Empire of Lashmir, Mr. "Kristof de Magia of Sartia Amber." Do you accept your position and promise to rule justly, fulfill your brother's will?
_____ KRISTOF _______
I, Kristof, brother of the late Emperor "Arthur de Magia of Sartia Amber," accept this position and promise to be a ruler you can be proud of! And I am truly sorry for what my niece did. Honestly, Maria, I never expected this!
_____ GREAT JUDGE OF JUSTICE _____
From now on, you, "Kristof de Magia of Sartia Amber," are declared the 70th Emperor of the Kingdom of Sartia under the Great Empire of Lashmir! And as for you, the guilty one, Maria, do you want to say anything?
_____ MARIA ______
There is a royal witness who can prove I was with him at the time of the crime! Yes, it's Her Highness the Third Princess of Hima, "Samantha de Halfa of Hima Amber!" She was in the library!
_____ GREAT JUDGE OF JUSTICE _____
Bring her here!
_____ POV MARIA ____
That damn Kristof calls himself my uncle, but thanks to my mother, I now understand the meaning of having a friend!
_____ SAMANTHA _____
(Entering) Greetings, Your Honor. I am the Third Princess of Hima, "Samantha de Halfa of Hima Amber." I heard you summoned me!
_____ GREAT JUDGE OF JUSTICE _____
Greetings, Your Highness! I heard you were with the accused, Maria, in the library at the time of the emperors' murder. Is this true? Before you answer, please place your hand on the lie detector!
_____ MARIA ____
Samantha, it's me. Now tell them the truth—I'm innocent!
_____ SAMANTHA _____
No, no, Your Honor! That day, I wasn't with her. I was with my father, Emperor "Wayne de Halfa of Hima Amber," at a work meeting to build the Mana Power Station!
_____ MARIA _____
Impossible… you too… no… no… Samantha, what happened to you? We were even with my mother an hour before she died! Samantha, answer me!
_____ GREAT JUDGE OF JUSTICE _____
The lie detector confirms what Her Highness Princess Samantha said. This session is concluded, and the verdict remains as is. Court adjourned! (Gavel bangs)
_____ POV MARIA ______
I realize now how foolish I was, that I was just a pawn. I discovered their plan too late. Damn it, damn it. Not that regret changes anything. But what I didn't expect is Samantha?! How could she lie and do this to me? And the lie detector didn't even detect her. What happened? It must have been broken! But now I know that if I meet any of them again, I swear I will kill them all! Yes, just wait for me, my brother Carlos. Your sister Samantha will save you! And I will prove that justice will prevail and reclaim my throne. I will not disappoint my father and mother!
_____ SOLA VILLAGE _____
____1 HOUR LATER____
_____ POV MARIA ____
(Shiver) We have arrived. It's really cold here, but I heard the northern people have chronic illnesses. It seems I'm in the perfect place to spread my wings. I will finally use everything I've learned!
_____ MARIA _____
But where will I sleep tonight? It's impossible to sleep outside, I think!
____3 MONTHS LATER____
_____ POV MARIA ____
It seems all I've learned hasn't gone to waste. After two months of effort, finally everyone knows of my presence. This is natural, as I am the only doctor in this village. Everyone is grateful to me. Of course, I am the only doctor able to cure their illnesses, even ones that stumped the chief doctors. Life here isn't as bad as I expected. I have solved the food crisis using greenhouses. As for water, all we need is enough heat to melt and purify the ice. I even have my own house and a guard (even though he's a traitor—I'll kill him when I feel like it. Playing with him is fun). So, let's continue to prepare for my plan. I am Maria, and I keep my promises!
_____10 YEARS LATER_____
_____ MARIA _____
(Angry) Don't even try to explain. I already know everything!
_____ /Stab/ _____