Crown Princess Cecilia struggled to keep her expression neutral as one of the Lords droned on, his voice blending with the murmurs of Parliament.

She and her father, King Heinrich, were attending this meeting because Lord Finnian, the Speaker of the Parliament, had insisted on presenting his latest legislative proposal. Cecilia already knew what he was pushing for—and how persistent he was. It didn't take a genius to figure out his motives.

Trust was a rare currency in the monarchy's circle, and she wasn't about to spend it recklessly.

"As I stated earlier, Your Majesty," Lord Finnian said with a measured tone, "and now to Her Royal Highness, who graces us with her presence today—I present my proposed tax reform legislation. This will greatly benefit our beloved Encland, refining our tax system to maximize economic and social advantages, ensuring steady growth for Eshasea's economy."

"You make an excellent point, Mr. Speaker," one of the Parliament members chimed in. Others murmured their agreement, and Cecilia didn't miss the way Lord Finnian's smile widened.

"What does Your Majesty think of the proposed legislation?" someone asked.

King Heinrich was about to respond when another voice cut in along with a hand raised.

"May I speak, Your Majesty?" Princess Cecilia asked. The room fell silent. All eyes turned to her, including the King's and Lord Finnian's.

"What..?"

King Heinrich then eyed the Speaker of the Parliament and the latter recovered quickly, his lips curling into a polite, thin smile.

"Yes, Your Highness. You may speak."

Cecilia met his gaze, her voice poised yet firm. "Your proposal certainly has its merits, Mr. Speaker. An efficient tax system is vital for economic stability. However, taxation isn't just about businesses and landowners. Consumers—our people—also bear the burden."

The room remained still as they absorbed her words.

"In economics, taxes fall on whoever ultimately shoulders the cost, whether it's businesses or everyday citizens. Sales tax, payroll tax, and state income tax—each play a role. If we fail to strengthen payroll tax policies, do you truly believe this tax reform will succeed?"

A shift rippled through the room. Even King Heinrich studied her thoughtfully.

"One of our greatest weaknesses," she continued, "is unemployment. If we demand taxes from citizens who have no jobs, we are merely tightening the noose around their necks. Should we not first ensure they have opportunities for employment? Before restructuring taxes, we must listen to the people. Healthcare, job creation, and economic stability should take priority."

She turned her gaze to Lord Finnian. "Mr. Speaker, I understand your desire to improve the economy, and I commend your persistence. But our citizens are more than numbers on a ledger. They deserve policies that prioritize their well-being. I propose a program that allows them to voice their concerns while creating job opportunities for the unemployed. Degree holders unable to secure work should not be an afterthought. Let us address these issues before finalizing your legislation."

Lord Finnian tensed, his lips parting as if to protest. "Your Highness, this reform must be approved swiftly to ensure—"

"As the one who was chosen by the crown to be the next heir of the throne and the future protector of the crown, it is also my duty to make sure not just this country's status at being but also to make sure that the citizens of this country will have the rights and opportunities that they deserved," Princess Cecilia said firmly and looked at her father. "I would like to propose a program wherein we'll give an opportunity for the citizens to let us know their concerns and also give proper job opportunities for the unemployed as well. Every individual in this country deserves to have the opportunity to have a job—just like all of you inside this meeting."

Princess Cecilia turned to her father. "I ask to formally present a full study on this matter, Your Majesty."

The members of the Parliament looked at each other before looking back at the crown princess with subtle disbelief written on their faces. The tension in the room was palpable.

King Heinrich stared at his daughter for a couple of seconds to which Princess Cecilia felt her nervousness slowly creeping into her system. She knew that her proposal and her idea is good but since the Parliament is much more powerful to her when it comes to legislation, she was afraid that she might not be able to convince His Majesty.

Suddenly, King Heinrich smiled. "We will think about it, Your Highness. But I will make sure it'll be a priority. But first, submit your study, and we will give it due consideration. Your proposal will be a priority."

Princess Cecilia smiled and bowed. Since she was bored in her office these past few days, she actually thought about this proposal and thought she might be able to discuss it in the future but she never thought it'll be this early and fast. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You will have my report shortly."

"But, Your Majesty—" Lord Finnian attempted to interject.

King Heinrich raised a hand, silencing him. "That's enough for today. This meeting is adjourned."

God, I never thought meeting those people could be this exhausting. What a verbose event indeed.

"Your Highness, shall I review your schedule?" Azalea, her secretary, asked. The young woman, daughter of a baron, had served diligently since Cecilia's ascension as the Crown Princess. Though they were not particularly close, Azalea's efficiency made her invaluable.

"About that, is it okay if I take a break—"

"Your Highness."

Princess Cecilia knew exactly the owner of the voice. She tried her best not to roll her eyes and groan that she even took a deep breath to compose herself then she turned to face that person.

"Lord Finnian."

The Speaker of the Parliament was indeed tall in her opinion. The gray and white on the strands of his hair were visible and she could tell that the man was around his early fifties or mid-fifties. He looked gentle with all his smiles towards her right now but if she didn't notice how his eyes looked so sharp and disgusted at her presence right now, she'll definitely get fooled with his polite and friendly gesture.

"That meeting was... enlightening," he said smoothly. "I must admit, your contributions were unexpected."

Princess Cecilia has the urge to scoff at him at that moment. She didn't miss the mockery on his tone. It's no new thing to her that half of the Parliament, including him, didn't like the idea of a woman to rule. He just didn't like the idea of a woman on the throne. Most of the Parliament members wanted her cousin, Prince Sebastian as a direct inheritor of the crown next to her but as someone like her, he only wants to be a successful Ph.D. holder and a professor, and of course, a published book author in New York.

"You flatter me, Lord Finnian," she smiled with such confidence in her tone. "Though I hear you've been trying to pass this legislation for over five years. Surely a man of your intellect can come up with something even more... you know, compelling?""

She could see how the Speaker of the Parliament's jaw tightened to which she felt a bit triumphant for her wonderful clapback on his mockery but the latter kept his friendly face on to her and continued. "It's truly an honor to be in this meeting with you, Your Highness. Of course, I understand that you must be preoccupied with the selection of your future husband—an important decision for a princess. After all, finding a suitable partner, one who can stand by your side and help govern, is no small matter. You are a brilliant leader, Your Highness, and we have always hoped you would be recognized for more than just your pretty face. You need someone who comprehends the complexities of politics, the ever-shifting dynamics of power, and the serious challenges facing this nation. Being a princess is not a fairytale of unicorns and rainbows—it is a duty, a responsibility. Choosing a husband who can one day be king will not only strengthen the crown but also ensure the stability of this kingdom."

Cecilia's expression remained unreadable the moment he said those words. She could see how the man even have the audacity to smirk at her. She expected that a man like him will definitely underestimate her because she's a woman. This misogynistic motherfucker. You want to be satisfied in this mockery of a conversation? Well then, I'll give you one.

"Mr. Speaker, how interesting it is that you assume I would ever hand over my responsibilities or hide behind a man. Such an old-fashioned idea. Let me make one thing clear—I do not rely on others to lead. I do not stand in the shadows. I take charge, I make decisions, and soon enough, I will rule. And when that day comes, you will answer to me, just as you do now. I only hope you will still have the same confidence when you stand before your queen. But if not, I understand. After all, it must be quite a challenge to find your words when looking up at a woman in a crown... and very, very high heels," Princess Cecilia raised her chin up as she looked at the speaker of the Parliament.

She could see how his face darkened at that moment. He looked so infuriated that he even stepped forward. "You—"

The two bodyguards immediately stepped behind her but she immediately raised her hand to stop them. She smiled at them and then looked at Lord Finnian again. With full authority, she spoke. "I am the Crown Princess of this country and your future queen, Mr. Speaker. I am reminding you of your place."

Lord Finnian stared at her, stunned.

"I would suggest you watch your tone when speaking to a monarch—a member of the royal family deserves a certain level of respect, wouldn't you agree? After all, you are merely a guest, and opportunities to stand before royalty are never guaranteed. The world has a way of shifting in unexpected ways. One moment, you're here... the next, well—who's to say? Do be careful on your way home, won't you?" Princess Cecilia smiled at him and she didn't wait for him to say anything that she left him in that state.

"Your Highness, are you okay?" Azalea asked her as soon as they finally left to go to her room.

Princess Cecilia smiled at her. "Of course. It's no big deal, actually. Kinda used to it. Right now, all I want to do is to breathe some fresh air."

"Would you like to go somewhere, Your Highness?"

Princess Cecilia immediately stopped in her tracks and turned her head to her secretary. "Now that you've mentioned it... I really want to go somewhere. Would you like to help me?"

"Of course, Your Highness! Your humble subject would like to help."

"Perfect. Well then, I want you to do something."

"The princess! She's leaving the palace grounds!"

"Send the guards! We must follow her!"

Panic spread like wildfire. Courtiers and security personnel rushed to their stations, watching in horror as one of the imperial cars sped through the gates without warning. The vehicle moved so fast that the guards scrambled into their own cars, engines roaring as they gave chase.

Amidst the chaos, with only a few guards left behind, a white horse peeked out from behind the palace's outer walls. A moment later, a girl with a striking red wig and an oversized white hat emerged from the shadows.

"Thank you for your help, Azalea. I will definitely reward you once I'll come back. " She then grinned as she patted the horse. "Good girl, Moon. Now, sneak the princess out of here."

The horse flicked its ears, almost as if understanding her words. Amused, Princess Cecilia chuckled before tightening her grip on the reins. From a slow, careful walk, Moon suddenly broke into a gallop, carrying the disguised princess away from the palace grounds.