The second prince led Dahlia to the emperor's chambers, where they found the emperor sitting at his desk, deep in thought. As they entered, he looked up with a cold stare and said with his calm and deep voice, "I hear you were responsible for the success of today's battle."

Dahlia nodded, not daring to say anything.

The emperor sighed and said, "While I appreciate your initiative and strategic thinking, you went against the plans of the third prince. He is furious and has threatened to have an Imperial duel with."

Dahlia wasn't surprised with this as she knew that this was the type of person the third prince is. Derek Von Fierma Alugia the 17 year old prince was the type of person to use the most underhanded tactics to get his way.

Among all the seven princes of the Empire Derek was the most unpredictable. He was given the nickname of the tyrant prince. Derek was a person who did not care about honor at all and did whatever it took to sit on the throne. In the future he was eventually killed by the first prince.

Dahlia felt a lump in her throat. She knew that the third prince was a lunatic who would even kill a child if it got in his way. She knew that Derek is a person she should not take lightly.

"But Father that's absurd, how could he request an Imperial Duel to his sister," Raymond shouted, "She is simply too young to be involved in Imperial Duels and she's far too weak."

Dahlia look unfazed on the outside but on the inside she was worried. She knew that the emperor had swore to not involve himself in the affairs of his children so she would have to fight.

The emperor then said, "However, I have decided to not permit it this time."

Dahlia worries were suddenly replaced by confusion as she couldn't understand the reasoning of the emperor. The emperor who in her past life never cared for his children and tried by all means to stay out of their affairs even as his own children killed each other was suddenly interfering. She was simply flabbergasted by his actions.

The emperor continued, "I cannot deny that your plans were successful and helped us win the battle. But know that your actions have consequences, and you must be careful in the future."

Dahlia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had expected the worst, but the emperor stepped in. She thanked him and promised to be more careful in the future.

As Dahlia left the emperor's chambers, she felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was relieved that she had been spared from the duel. On the other hand, she couldn't understand why the emperor had stepped in like that. She decided to contemplate further in her room.

As Princess Dahlia walked down the hallway on the way to her room, she saw the Third Prince, Derek Von Fierma Alugia, approaching her with a scowl on his face.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the little princess," he sneered. "What are you doing in my part of the palace?"

"I'm simply walking through," Dahlia replied coolly. "My chambers are in this direction. I have no interest in your part of the palace."

"I don't believe you," the Third Prince spat. "I know you're plotting against me with my brother, the Second Prince. You're just a weak little girl with filthy blood running through your veins. A dirty pest who doesn't know her place."

Dahlia stood her ground, unfazed by the prince's words. "I know exactly where my place is, and it's not by your side. If anything, you should be careful not to cross me."

The Third Prince's eyes narrowed in anger. "Is that a threat?"

Dahlia smiled thinly. "Take it however you want."

With that, she walked away from the prince, confident in her ability to handle him. She knew that the Third Prince was not to be trusted and that her she could trust in the fact that the third prince wouldn't be willing to lose an amazing person.

Days passed, and Dahlia's position in the palace became more secure. She was suddenly called to the throne room once more and told her she was to receive a reward for her accomplishment. When the emperor asked what reward she desired, Dahlia replied without hesitation.

"Execution of all the servants under me."

The emperor raised an eyebrow, surprised by Dahlia's request. "And why is that?" He asked with his cold calm voice.

Dahlia explained how poorly the servants had treated her and how they had disrespected royalty, a punishable by death offense according to the law. The emperor listened intently to her words and then stared at her with his cold gaze.

"You truly are your father's daughter," he said in a low voice. "Very well, your request will be granted."

As the emperor left the room, Dahlia felt a sense of satisfaction. She knew that her position in the palace was now unshakeable, and she could continue on with her plans for the future without worrying about disrespectful servants.

Later that day, Dahlia made her way to the training grounds. She picked up a bow and began shooting arrows at a target with impressive accuracy. It wasn't long before her 8 year old little brother, Kaiser, appeared and asked if he could join her.

"Of course, Kai," Dahlia replied with a smile. "I could use some competition."

As they continued to practice, Dahlia suddenly remembered a book she had read in the past. It contained a legendary sword art, a technique so ancient and perfect that it had barely any flaws. The Winterthorn Sword Technique. In her past life the contents of this sword technique were adopted into the empire's Imperial Sword Technique which greatly increased the overall power scale of the knights in the empire. And those who learnt the actual contents of the book achieved an unparalleled level of swordsmanship.

"Dahlia, what's wrong?" Kaiser asked, noticing her pensive expression.

Kaiser Von Asher Alugia. She remembered that in her past life Kaiser became a genius with the sword would reached the level of sword master, but that his true potential had only been discovered after he turned 15. She remembered how Kaiser would become one of the only 5 sword masters in the empire who was on par with the Emperor.

"I want you to train with the sword from now on," Dahlia replied, excitement creeping into her voice. "Don't worry about having a teacher I'll teach you the movements."

Kaiser's eyes widened in amazement. "Do you really think you could teach me?"

With a smug and pompous look she said, "Of course I can!! I'm Dahlia Von Perez Alugia!!"

As she recalled the times when one of her only friends who was also a swords master would practice every form of the sword technique. She remembered how the book explained how to utilize the mana within the body to it's maximum efficiency. 

"I'll give you instructions which you'll have to strictly follow. But promise me you'll only practice this sword technique when no ones watching." Dahlia said pressingly.

Kaiser ended up promising and like that the lessons began. Although Dahlia's demonstrations with the sword were very clumsy and bad the young Kaiser picked up on them and did it better than Dahlia. This proved the fact that Kaiser was a genius with the sword and his talents were the best in the imperial palace.

After a long afternoon of Training Dahlia retreated to her chambers where she ordered her new servants to prepare a bath for her and a meal. She immediately entered the bath as soon as it was prepared. Whilst in the bathroom she thought of all the times she was neglected and mistreated by people who were her own family. She had no one in the palace but her brother. 

No sooner had the memories of her past tragedy and loneliness hit than she fell into tears. After a while she picked herself up and said,

"I can't believe I'm really back in the past... This time I'll live happily in this life..."

She finally felt a sense of relief. As she laid in her bed she couldn't help but get excited about her future promising future.