LYDIA'S POV

　　"Do I really have to wear such a heavy dress?" I questioned Evan and Brandon, and they both shook their heads at my whining.

　　"Unfortunately, yes," Evan said, his voice tinged with sympathy. "It's all part of the image we need to uphold."

　　"Why do we royals always have to wear such heavy dresses?" I sighed, adjusting the intricate layers of fabric. "We're also normal people."

　　Evan chuckled. "Normal people don't have to worry about making a statement every time they step out in public."

　　I adjusted my dress once again, and they both looked at me with amusement in their eyes.

　　"Get used to it, princess. The way you dress is the first thing people notice about you. Your behavior, your aura, your position—everything else is just secondary," Brandon advised, his tone firm but kind.

　　"Yeah, yeah, I know," I grumbled. "It just feels so stifling sometimes."

　　Brandon smiled, his eyes softening. "Trust me, we all feel that way. But remember, it's not just about the dress. It's about what it represents."

　　I nodded, taking a deep breath. "He's right. I need to look presentable for the national assembly today. My dress and my presence will be a message to everyone that I am here to stay, whether anyone likes it or not."

　　I was attending today's assembly as the representative of the royal family, but I knew that one day, I would be the one conducting the assembly, and people would attend it for me. Seeing my father back there was an eye-opener for me. I was seeing things from a new point of view and felt more positive about everything.

　　As I took my place, I couldn't help but glance over at my father's place, where he used to sit in his regal chair. For a moment I pictured him sitting there watching me closely with warmth in his eyes.

　　"Father," I said quietly, and closed my eyes, "I can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by all this, I wish you were here to see me like this."

　　I swear I felt him whispering in my ear, his words gave me the strength I needed today.

　　"I understand, my dear. It's a lot to take in, but remember, you are prepared for this."

　　I nodded, trying to draw strength from those words confidence. "One day, I'll be the one up there, conducting the assembly."

　　I opened my eyes and glanced around the room, taking in the sea of faces. "It's just hard to imagine right now. Everyone seems so focused on me already as If they all are waiting for me to fail, will they ever see me as their leader?"

　　Brandon, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. "You're already making an impression. After what happened in the witch alley they now know that it's not easy to mess with you."

　　Evan nodded in agreement. "You have a presence. It's undeniable. And seeing you here, participating, it will be clear statement to all the nobles who think they can walk over you that you are not someone with whom they can mess easily."

　　I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their words settle over me. "I guess I just need to be patient and keep learning."

　　Brandon squeezed my shoulder gently. "Exactly. And never forget, you have all of us to support you. We believe in you."

　　"Thank you, all of you," I said, feeling a newfound sense of determination. "I won't let you down."

　　With that, I turned my attention back to the assembly, ready to take on my role with renewed confidence. Today, I was a representative, but tomorrow, I would be the one leading. And I knew I was ready for the challenge.

　　"Can we go and meet my mom first? She can't participate in this assembly, but I can at least meet her before leaving," I questioned, my eyes hopeful. A strange look passed between both of them.

　　Evan sighed and nodded. "Alright, let's go see her. I'll accompany you while Brandon heads to fulfill his duties as the beta."

　　Brandon placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I'll see you at the assembly. Take your time."

　　As we walked through the corridors, Evan was awfully silent. The tension was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Finally, I turned to him. "Is something bothering you, Evan? You're unusually quiet."

　　He looked at me, unsure. "Actually, there's something, but I'm not sure if I should tell you at this moment."

　　I stopped in my tracks, turning to face him fully. "What do you mean? What are you hiding?"

　　Evan hesitated, his eyes shifting away from mine. "It's just... there's been some news about your mother. I didn't want to worry you before the assembly."

　　My heart sank. "What kind of news, Evan? You can't just say that and not tell me. Please, I need to know."

　　"In your absence, I used to visit your mother to check on her, and a few times, I caught her talking to Oleg. They often seemed to be in the middle of tense conversations, but whenever they heard me approaching, they would become silent," Evan said, his expression troubled.

　　I frowned, not understanding where this was leading. "I don't understand what you're trying to say. What kind of conversations?"