NOVPUBAfter some time, Serene finally settled down, her breathing returning to normal as she quietly wiped her tears away.
Luka leaned back against the bedframe. 'It seems she's finally calming down…'
The moment of peace lingering between them— until a knock echoed through the room.
Knock. Knock.
Both Luka and Serene turned toward the sound, their attention caught.
Then came a voice— unmistakably familiar.
"Excuse me, is Luka Rein Junker awake? And if so, may I speak with him?"
It was the voice of the Second Princess.
Serene froze, eyes going wide.
Luka, on the other hand, smirked knowingly. 'About time…'
He could already guess what this was about.
After all, he knew she wouldn't come in person unless she had a reason.
A very specific one.
And so, Luka called out without hesitation. "By all means, come in."
The door opened, and Charlotte entered.
Behind her trailed her personal maids.
Her knights remained posted just outside the door, flanking the entrance like statues of steel.
"It's nice to see you again, Lord Junker," Charlotte greeted, her tone more formal.
Her hands were gently clasped in front of her.
Luka gave her a half nod, lips twitching with subtle amusement.
"It's truly an honor for the Second Princess to come visit me personally. I don't want to waste your time, so shall we get straight to it?"
Charlotte's lips curled into a pleased smile. 'You really are interesting,' she mused.
With a soft clap of her hands, her personal maids vanished on cue, disappearing like mist into the air.
She then turned to the girl, her gaze gentle but firm. "Excuse me, Serene… may I speak with your Young Master in private?"
Serene jumped slightly, clearly caught off guard.
"O—of… course!" she stammered, bowing deeply.
The weight of royal presence pressed heavily on Serene's shoulders, making her heart race.
She quickly made her way to the door, pausing for a moment to glance back at Luka, as if making sure he was truly okay, before slipping outside and gently closing the door behind her.
The room fell silent.
"You see…" Charlotte began, her voice calm yet laced with conviction.
"I would like to formally invite you to join my political faction — the Royalty Faction. For years, we have steadily lost ground to the Noble Faction, whose sole ambition seems to be the removal of my family from power."
Charlotte exhaled softly, eyes narrowing with a hint of frustration.
"Their strategy has been most effective — nurturing young geniuses, binding their loyalty early, and turning them into tools of their cause. Admittedly, we have fallen behind in this regard."
She went quiet for a moment, her eyes closing briefly as if to gather her thoughts.
"But I believe you could change everything. With someone of your caliber, I am confident we can alter the tides of this conflict."
Charlotte held her gaze on Luka, expression softening just slightly.
"So I ask you this, Lord Junker: if even a sliver of interest stirs within your heart, state your terms — and I shall listen."
Having listened closely to every word she said, Luka remained silent for a long moment.
He was looking for even the faintest lie.
But… there was none.
Everything she said had been genuine—painfully honest, even.
Luka was a little surprised, as he knew that royalty usually spoke with silver tongues and hidden daggers.
But the Second Princess—
She had laid her cards out plainly.
Perhaps too plainly.
Rubbing his chin, the gears in Luka's head began turning.
Then he finally responded, "I'll join your Royalty Faction…"
Charlotte's eyes gleamed with excitement, already stepping forward slightly— until she heard him continue.
"…However, my terms are a little… hard to get."
"Please, name them, Lord Junker!" Charlotte replied instantly.
She was hell-bent on getting him, no matter the cost.
Luka nodded slowly. "Well, then… let me start by saying this: the more results I produce, the more I expect my rewards to grow in kind. And to begin with—my first term—"
He raised a finger.
"—I want unrestricted access. Full clearance across the Eternal Empire. That includes all government-controlled zones, military sectors, research facilities, and especially the Royal Archives."
Charlotte's expression faltered for just a second—her brows twitching, lips slightly parting—but she caught herself quickly.
"I want to move freely," Luka continued, "without ever needing permission. Whether it's a dungeon sealed by the Emperor himself. I want in. Always."
There was a reason behind this demand.
Luka had plans—many of them—and each one required knowledge, mobility, and freedom.
Plus, he hated being caged.
"…" Charlotte didn't speak right away.
The silence.
Her eyes lingered on Luka, calculating.
'That level of clearance… Not even the Dukes' have.'
After several long seconds, Charlotte finally spoke.
"…I can't guarantee that on my own," she admitted, her voice low.
"But I will speak with my Father. If anyone can approve it, it's him. And as for your performance—yes. The more you accomplish, the greater your rewards will be."
She looked him dead in the eye. "You have my word on that."
Luka nodded slowly, satisfied for now.
Then, he raised a second finger.
"And one more condition."
"Go on…" Charlotte responded.
"No one in your Royalty Faction—no maid, knight, noble, or whoever—must ever go near Arthur Fay Atlas. Under any circumstances. Never contacted, recruited, or interfered with. You are to isolate him completely."
This time, Charlotte's brows furrowed, her smile thinning just slightly. "Arthur Fay Atlas…?"
'Who is that?' She thought to herself.
"He's dangerous," Luka said simply, eyes narrowing. "More than you know. If you want me to serve under your banner, you'll need to keep him far away from it."
Charlotte hesitated, though she couldn't explain why.
She had never even heard of this man before, yet something deep within her urged caution.
Her heart whispered "no", but her mind remained resolute.
Logic won out, and after a moment, she gave a firm nod.
"I understand. I'll see to it personally."
"Great." Luka nodded again, leaning forward slightly, the light catching in his eyes.
"Then we have a deal, Your Highness."
Charlotte extended her hand, her expression resolute.
"Yes, Lord Junker. We do."
