March 21st, 853, about an hour after the duel. Inside the familiar room filled with mystery.

With the duel concluded and the factions maneuvering to exploit the aftermath, the Ruby-eyed mastermind discerned that the moment had arrived to guide the unfolding events in her favor. Although she harbored the desire to personally make a move, the timing wasn't right. Currently, nobody paid her any attention, and that anonymity would persist for at least another six months. It was time for Hestia, the formidable leader of the Lux Hesperus Consortium, to orchestrate the next strategic move.

Deliberately, she slid a seemingly ordinary ring onto her finger. To the untrained eye, it appeared as just a piece of jewellry. However, she knew better than anyone that concealed within this ring was a small white core, hidden from external view. A discreet aperture on the outer part of the ring allowed it to absorb and recharge from sunlight. As she activated the core, her dazzling golden yellow hair transformed into a lustrous dark blue, and her shining ruby eyes shifted into a profound blue azurite hue. Simultaneously, her porcelain skin tone changed to a warm siena, completing her transformation into Hestia.

Ordinarily, it was impossible for someone with blonde hair to change it to any color other than white using the core. Similarly, individuals with red eyes could only modify them to shades of yellow, purple, or white. Conversely, those with black hair could easily change their hair color, while those with white hair were restricted from altering it at all. The aristocracy remained oblivious to the reasons behind these peculiarities, but the mastermind not only understood the enigma but also knew how to circumvent the restrictions.

This unconventional skill, taught to her by Luke in her past life, was the key to her current existence in this country. It granted her the freedom to move undetected and set her intricate plans into motion. Without this invaluable trick, she would be engaged in a desperate fight for her life. Now armed with this capability, she could navigate the political landscape with unprecedented flexibility, ensuring the success of her carefully laid-out schemes.

Knock Knock Knock. Three knocks echoed on the door. "Come in!" Hestia's voice, now laced with a slightly different accent, beckoned the mysterious yet familiar woman into the room. The woman blinked for a moment, and then understanding dawned as her gaze fell upon the ring. She had faithfully served her master for over a decade, privy to the secret transformations facilitated by the enigmatic ring. Each time Hestia adorned the ring, it signified a departure from days spent in seclusion. Today, however, urgency overshadowed the usual joy.

"I've been monitoring the Palace, and it played out exactly as you predicted, Master. Vivienne visited Her Highness the Empress. Princess Seraphina Nocturna was also with her," she informed.

"Good. It's not surprising that the Empress wanted to meet her, but Seraphina's presence is unexpected. She has no love for her mother," replied Hestia.

"Are you certain about that, Master? I've never seen Princess Seraphina express dissatisfaction or opposition to the Empress."

"You'll understand Seraphina in due time. She won't hesitate to bring her brother down if it benefits her. Though she may not show it, she feels like a hostage in her own country. When the dam bursts, both Empress Lysandra and Prince Silvanus will be caught in the aftermath," explained Hestia.

"I hope you're right, Master. What's our next plan of action moving forward?"

"A good question," Hestia replied, reaching into her drawer. She retrieved two sealed letters, keeping one for herself and handing the other, addressed 'To Lord Bartholomew Sterling,' to the woman. "Ensure this reaches Lord Bartholomew Sterling using the Consortium's resources before he arrives in the capital. As for your next tasks, continue monitoring the Palace until the Sterlings return. Once they're back, leave the Palace and focus on tailing Vivienne," she instructed, moving to the chessboard. Her azurite eyes pierced the pieces as she executed moves Be6 followed by Bb5, indicating the Empress's counter-gambit and her corresponding move to block it.

"Are you sure about this, Master? Wouldn't it be better to continue monitoring the Palace for insights into Empress Lysandra's moves?"

"That won't be necessary. Right now, her focus is on Luke and breaking the tie between the DeMontforts and Sterlings. Besides, we've gathered a lot of information on Vivienne. It would be best to figure out how she contacts the Empress and exploit it," replied Hestia. In her past life, without the intervention of Empress Lysandra, the Sterlings would have remained oblivious to Marquis Whitewood and Duchess DeMontfort's actions. The relationship wouldn't have shattered so completely. Additional investigations by the DeMontforts would have ensued, attempting to rectify the situation instead of the chaotic mess that unfolded. All she could do was watch as things crumbled to pieces as she was powerless. But now, things are different. She will change destiny itself.

"Understood, Master. I'll set off now."

"Take care. I too have to set off now considering I have to take care of this" Hestia exclaimed, waving around a letter addressed 'To Lord Cedric DeMontfort.'