Aurelia couldn't help but hum in joy; her request for sculptures was confirmed to be doable, which meant that soon she would have her own personal sculpture of herself being held by Cedric.
Not only did she feel joy at the fact, but she also felt very happy about Rayn and Lucious.
The archangel girl was absolutely beaming.
Aurelia had allowed them to spend nights in private, which apparently had allowed the couple to fully relax.
"Lucious. Are you satisfied? I heard you went on it for the entire day..." Aurelia leaned forward, her eyes scanning her loyal guardian.
Lucious's wings fluttered for a moment, "Yes, my lady! I didn't realise just how much I missed his touch."
She turned to Rayn, who was behaving the same.
'Well... Good for them.' Aurelia sighed.
Seeing them act like a proper couple just excited her more for her future with her king, however, she had to work hard to win over the hero.
With a groan, she pressed her back against the throne.
At any moment, Dukes invited by Raguel would come.
She needed to look as terrifying as her husband in their eyes; only then would they truly respect her.
Raguel had made sure to drill it into her that she must not show weakness in front of what she named: 'Unworthy Swines.'
No matter how much she interacted with her, she felt scared every time she shouted at her.
And yet that feeling faded with each interaction and with every new thing she learned about Raguel.
Despite everything, she could feel that Raguel truly meant the best for her. Not only did she teach her despite her strictness, but she also approved of her crush on Cedric.
In addition to all of that, she had also truly believed she could be a queen.
'It makes me feel so nice...' She crossed her arms and closed her eyes.
Other than Cedric, nobody cared more about her well-being than Raguel, and she could sense it.
Each slap on the wrist, each shout, each reprimand.
It all had a purpose.
It was not to inflict torture like Father had done to her, but to incite growth.
She was like a mother.
A mother who actually cared about her instead of letting her suffer her Father's unjust punishments.
With a sigh, she opened her eyes, scanning the throne room.
Other than the Angels, it was tranquil and empty.
Tranquility that would soon be broken by arriving guests.
She took a deep breath before taking a regal position taught by Raguel.
'By mothe...' She let out an exaggerated cough 'By Raguel's words, Ruler's appearance is paramount.'
Raguel had trusted her, and by extension, Cedric trusted her to fulfil this duty flawlessly.
There was no time for anxiety.
She might have been useless before meeting her hero, but now she would become an ideal queen.
There was no other choice.
With a sharp turn, she stared at Ladios, "How long until dukes come?"
"I believe very soon."
Aurelia sighed once again. No matter how much she reassured herself, she was still anxious.
She locked her fingers as she leaned forward slightly.
A moment passed before Ladios announced a new guest.
It was Jole, of House Topaz.
His gaze was cautious, his body language showing just as much anxiety as Aurelia herself.
And yet he walked with confidence, he approached the centre of the throne room, and instead of definitely standing, he knelt in respect.
"It is an honor to meet you, Princess... No Queen Aurelia." His lips curled into a smile.
Aurelia reeled back in surprise.
'Why would he call me a queen? Did Raguel convince him?' She resisted the urge to tap her cheek.
She couldn't afford to act like a little girl before important nobility right now, appearances were paramount.
She put on a stern face before finally speaking,"You must be Duke Jole. I see you have received my letter and decided to respond." She raised an eyebrow for a moment, "I take it you are willing to support my ascension?"
Jole's gaze fell to the floor. Why was he here?
Was it truly to support Aurelia?
The answer was simple: "Yes, I will support your ascension." A moment passed, "However, I do have a request!"
Archangel trio shifted; they were under orders to execute anyone trying to exploit Aurelia.
Something he wasn't blind to, a cold sweat ran down his brow.
"I wish for my daughters to be given a chance to prove themselves to you!" He blurted out his request quickly.
The last thing he wished for was to anger the Angels that protected Aurelia.
He truly felt his request wasn't bad, he was not stupid to demand to be given a position.
But to be given a chance to prove themselves would be something anyone of a kind heart would allow.
Aurelia leaned back, clearly in thought.
'This is not 'The Princess of Fools.' What kind of idiot gave her that nickname?' He gulped as he stared at the former princess.
Everything about her screamed 'Ruler.' There was nothing that one would associate with a fool.
Her speech, her posture.
It was all as if she had been taught since birth.
And yet Jole knew that the princess never gained a formal education.
Everything she had displayed was surely cultivated by her and possibly taught by Raguel.
'No wonder a woman like Raguel decided to support her.' He smiled.
There was no doubt in his mind, Aurelia would be the queen, even if it cost him his life.
A minute seemed like ages before Aurelia finally broke the silence, "I will allow it. Send them after the Senate had concluded."
Jole looked up, his anxiety washing away in an instant.
"Thank you, your majesty. I swear that you will be a legitimate ruler!"
"Good, Duke Jole, you may leave now. Thank you for responding to my summons just before the senate." She bowed her head slightly, enough to show respect and not far enough to seem subservient.
"I am glad we had a chance to talk. Queen Aurelia. Despite it being a short meeting, it truly was fruitful."
Aurelia smiled, "May we meet soon, Duke Jole."
With a bow, Jole turned heel and made his way out of the palace, after all, he still had his duty to attend despite waiting for an important senate gathering.