Deculein departed as promised, without offering any rematches or retries. Meanwhile, Louina remained seated, and Sophien turned her gaze toward her.0

"Louina, what is your assessment of this position?" Sophien inquired.0

"... It appears better than mine," Louina admitted honestly, despite the sting to her pride.1

Sophien nodded in agreement and said, "Much better. Not only more skillful but also far more engaging. You are too timid, Louina."0

"... I apologize," Louina responded.0

"Did you grow up being reprimanded harshly by someone?"2

“No, I just read books at home, Your Majesty,” Louina responded calmly to Sophien's words, her face betraying no emotion.0

"The relationship between Yukline and McQueen is strained, isn't it?"0

"… No, Your Majesty," Louina replied, her discomfort evident. She lowered her head, attempting to mask her expression.0

Fifteen years ago, during the Berhert Conference, the previous head of the Yukline family attacked and defeated the head of the McQueen family, crippling and breaking Louina’s father. Shamelessly, he later claimed it wasn’t intentional, insisting that such incidents were common at Berhert.6

He offered financial support to the family under the pretense of mercy, demanding McQueen’s Magic Vision in return, with an empty promise to return them once McQueen had recovered. At that time, the McQueen family had no choice but to accept, choosing the lesser of two evils. This was not the first atrocity committed by the Yukline family.0

Even under Deculein's leadership, these actions continued, resulting in many of McQueen’s Magical Visions being locked away in Yukline’s underground library. Thus, Louina’s foremost goal was to reclaim her family’s Magical Visions.0

After a prolonged silence, Sophien leaned forward, peering into Louina's eyes and asked, "Are you shedding tears?"0

Startled, Louina shook her head. Sophien could...0