The people of Wonderveil were haunted by the same terrible dream—one that nearly everyone in the realm experienced.
In the dream, Princess Celestia lost the war, her gentle nature becoming her greatest weakness. The peaceful land of Wonderveil transformed into a place ruled by fear. Traitors and criminals roamed freely, homes were looted, fights broke out in the streets, and ordinary people lived in constant terror. Worst of all, Celestia could only stand by and watch, powerless to stop the chaos.
Many woke up gasping for breath, some drenched in sweat even though the night air was cool. Others clung tightly to their family members, trembling with fear.
Even more concerning was that the dream had also visited the nobility. At first, they dismissed it as mere coincidence or ordinary sleep visions. But as the same dream repeated night after night, shared by so many, they began to see it as a true prophecy of Wonderveil's future. Dread settled deep in their hearts.
The nobles held a secret meeting—without inviting Celestia. They gathered in the garden of a grand mansion, discussing the growing crisis. The afternoon sky was heavy with clouds, and a soft wind rustled through the trees. Every face was etched with worry and unease.
"I… I am truly afraid," one man said, his hand trembling slightly as he held his teacup. "Wonderveil will grow weak if Princess Celestia continues to lead. I know she is kind, but too much kindness can be dangerous."
Several others nodded in agreement.
"I understand your concern," a woman spoke up, "but what choice do we have? We can either stand behind Princess Celestia—gentle as she is—or turn to Princess Elowen, who is powerful but ruthless."
Silence fell over the group. The very name Elowen was enough to make them feel uneasy.
"What should we do? These dreams are clearly a warning."
"We must appoint a new regent—Alice. She cannot be made Queen outright, of course, since she does not possess royal blood," one woman suggested.
"That is a wise proposal. But how do we even bring this matter up with Princess Celestia?" asked another.
"Do not worry—we can speak to Nyx, the cat who is always by her side," someone replied. "Yes, that is right. We will ask Ryan to speak with Nyx and explain everything."
All agreed, and a decision was reached: Alice would be appointed as Celestia's regent.
Soon after, they explained their plan to Ryan. He listened carefully and understood their anxiety. Wonderveil was indeed facing overwhelming troubles—war, a shortage of knights, widespread fear among the people, and countless other burdens weighing heavily on Celestia. There was truth in what they said; having Alice serve as regent seemed necessary.
Ryan found Nyx in the library, sitting atop a high bookshelf, watching the librarians arrange volumes below.
"Nyx, I believe Wonderveil needs a regent."
Nyx turned to look at him. "Are you not enough to support her?"
"I am only Princess Celestia's companion. If anything were to happen to her, I hold no official authority. Only a regent can legally take her place and rule should she be injured or unable to lead."
Nyx fell silent for a moment, understanding the logic behind Ryan's words. "I am not sure about this. If I tell her, it will only add to her stress."
"It is for the best. Please speak with her," Ryan said gently.
Finally, Nyx nodded. He leaped down from the shelf and made his way toward Celestia's office.
When he arrived, the door was slightly ajar. He slipped inside and found Celestia hard at work, writing documents at her desk, which was covered in stacks of papers. Her face showed clear signs of exhaustion.
"Princess Celestia."
She looked up, surprised to see him. "Yes, Nyx?"
"I know this will come as a shock, but I believe you need to appoint a regent."
"A regent? Who do you suggest I choose?"
"Alice."
Celestia paused, setting down her pen. She glanced out the window for a moment before turning back to Nyx, thinking carefully about the decision that would affect the entire kingdom.
"Will appointing Alice truly help me manage the affairs of the realm?"
"Certainly."
"But Nyx, I have not yet held my coronation ceremony to officially become Queen. How can I appoint a regent before that?"
"There is no need to worry about such formalities. You have the authority to name her as your regent whenever you wish."
Celestia fell silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. I will speak to Alice about it."
Later that same day, Celestia met Alice in the library. Alice was seated by a large window, reading a thick book. Seeing Celestia approach, she quickly closed it and stood up.
"Alice, I would like you to become my regent."
"Excuse me? Why so suddenly?" Alice asked, taken aback.
"It is a suggestion made by Nyx."
"I… I do not believe I am suited for such a role. Being a regent is no easy task." Alice lowered her head modestly, as if reluctant to accept.
"I know, but I have little choice. So much is happening across Wonderveil, and I need someone who can stand in my place should anything happen to me."
"Princess Celestia, I understand—but you have not yet been crowned Queen yourself."
"That does not matter. I may still appoint you as my regent even before my coronation."
Alice looked at Celestia for a long moment, then a small, faint smile appeared on her lips. "If that is truly your wish, then I will do my very best to serve."
Celestia smiled back, relieved. She truly believed Alice would be a great help in managing the kingdom.
But she had no idea what was truly going through the other woman's mind.
After Celestia left the library, Alice remained standing where she was. Her smile slowly widened, her eyes shining with quiet satisfaction.
Finally, she had secured the position of regent. Even if she could not defeat Elowen directly, gaining control and influence over Celestia was one of her main goals.
And now, she was one step closer to achieving it.
Elowen sat in her office, enjoying a cup of hot tea. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the large windows, filling the room with a calm, golden glow. After weeks of war, injuries, and countless troubles, she finally had a moment of peace.
She lifted the cup and sipped slowly.
But the quiet did not last long.
The office door swung open from the outside, and Ashveil entered with hurried steps.
Elowen looked up. "Ashveil?"
Ashveil stopped before her desk. "Elowen, your sister has appointed Alice as her regent."
Elowen set her cup down gently. There was no trace of surprise on her face, as if she had expected something like this to happen. She slowly rose from her chair.
"She has appointed someone with no connection to the royal family—someone who does not even hold noble status." Her voice remained calm, but it carried clear disapproval.
Ashveil met her gaze. "What do you intend to do?"
"I am going to visit my sister."
Ashveil fell silent for a moment. "You mean go to the palace? Alone?"
"Yes." Elowen reached for the sword resting beside her desk. "Is there any reason I should not?"
"I am coming with you."
Elowen looked at her companion and gave a faint smile. "Of course."
Soon after, Elowen prepared for the journey. She wore her knight's uniform, with light armour fitted securely over her body and her trusted sword fastened at her waist. Even though she came to talk, she remained a warrior. Ashveil also readied herself.
Minutes later, they mounted their horses and rode away from Elowen's castle. They crossed the borders of her territory, passing through the magical barrier that surrounded it without any trouble. The evening wind blew through their hair as they travelled along the dirt road. To anyone watching, they looked like ordinary travellers—no one knew their true identities.
Nearly twenty minutes later, they arrived at the main palace of Wonderveil. The guards standing at the gate widened their eyes; they recognised Elowen immediately.
"Princess Elowen…"
The gates opened without hesitation, and their horses entered the palace grounds. Servants going about their work also stopped when they saw her. Despite the many rumours spread about her, they still respected her status as a royal princess and bowed their heads respectfully.
Elowen and Ashveil dismounted and walked toward the palace's main entrance. The large doors were opened for them, and the moment they stepped inside, a voice rang out.
"Princess Elowen."
Nyx emerged from a corridor. His blue fur was as neat as ever, but his eyes were sharp and watchful. He stood directly in her path.
"Princess Elowen, what brings you here?" he asked, his gaze intense.
"Just visiting the palace," Elowen replied calmly. "And visiting my sister, Celestia."
Nyx scoffed. "You cannot seize the throne from Princess Celestia! You are not worthy!"
Ashveil frowned, but Elowen remained composed.
"Nyx," she said, looking straight at the cat. "I know you despise me. I also know you tried to remove Charles from my sister's life."
Nyx's eyes widened in shock. "How do you—"
Before he could finish, another voice spoke.
"Elowen."
They all turned to see Celestia standing a short distance away.
Nyx immediately stepped forward. "Princess Celestia, do not go near her."
But Celestia continued walking. Her usually gentle expression was now serious and firm.
"Nyx." She looked directly at him. "This is not your concern."
Nyx froze in place.
"Please leave us."
For a few seconds, Nyx could only stare at her—he rarely heard Celestia speak in such a tone. Eventually, he bowed his head. "As you wish, Your Highness." He withdrew.
Only Celestia, Elowen, and Ashveil remained. The two sisters stood facing each other. It had been a long time since they had spoken face to face; war and conflict had driven a deep wedge between them.
"What are you doing here?" Celestia asked. "Have you come to take the throne from me?"
Elowen shook her head. "No. But I have one question."
Celestia remained silent.
"Why have you appointed Alice as your regent when you have not yet held your coronation?"
Celestia let out a soft breath. "This is my business, sister. You have no need to interfere."
Silence settled over the hall. Ashveil watched them both, feeling the distance between them growing wider.
Elowen finally nodded. "Very well, Celestia. That is all I wished to ask." She paused before adding, "You are far too gentle to rule."
Celestia's expression shifted slightly, but she said nothing in reply.
Elowen turned to leave, but another voice stopped her.
"Princess Elowen."
Alice approached them, a thin smile on her face. "I did not expect you to dare enter the enemy's lair. Do you think you will be allowed to leave this palace so easily?"
Elowen looked at her without fear. "Of course I will."
Alice's smile faltered slightly, but before she could speak further, Celestia stepped forward.
"Alice."
Alice turned to her.
"I will handle matters with my sister. You need not involve yourself."
Alice frowned. "Princess Celestia, your sister is known for her cruelty. We cannot simply let someone like her walk free."
For the first time, Celestia lost her patience.
"Obey my command!" Her voice echoed loudly through the hall. Everyone nearby fell instantly silent, and Alice froze in place.
"Alice," Celestia continued, her tone growing cold. "You are still a commoner."
Alice was stunned. She had never seen Celestia speak with such authority—even Elowen herself was slightly taken aback.
Elowen finally turned away. "I will take my leave now."
She walked toward the exit, Ashveil following closely behind. No one tried to stop them. They left the palace grounds as easily as they had entered, mounted their horses, and rode away.
Celestia watched from a distance as her sister grew smaller and smaller, until eventually Elowen's figure vanished from sight.
From that day onward, something changed within Celestia. She still performed her duties as before—attending meetings, reading reports, listening to the people—but she was no longer the same. She became colder and more reserved, speaking less and smiling rarely. Often, she would simply nod instead of giving long replies.
Ryan noticed the change. Nyx noticed it too, as did the palace servants. Even the animals living within the walls could feel it. It was as if Celestia was carrying a heavy burden all on her own.
The meeting with Elowen, the pressure of leadership, the ongoing war, and the betrayals surrounding her—all these things were slowly transforming her. And unbeknownst to everyone, this change was the most worrying development of all.