OLEG'S POV

　　As Lydia and her companions left the hall, I felt a rush of satisfaction wash over me. For a moment, I had doubted whether this plan would work, but now everything was falling into place. Lydia was out of the palace, and Fiona was here. She was a temporary pawn, someone I could easily remove from my path when the time came. For now, the crucial task was to solidify her position as the true princess and gain the trust of the remaining nobles and the people.

　　I scanned the crowd, seeing the doubt and curiosity etched on their faces. They needed to believe in Fiona, and I would ensure they did. Clearing my throat, I stepped forward, commanding their attention.

　　"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed nobles, and loyal subjects," I began, my voice steady and authoritative. "I understand that today's events have left many of you with questions and doubts. Allow me to clarify and reassure you."

　　I turned to Fiona, placing a hand on her shoulder as a gesture of support. "This is Fiona, the rightful princess of our kingdom. For many years, we were led to believe that Lydia was the heir, but the truth has finally come to light. Fiona's unique insignia, her birthright, proves her lineage beyond any doubt."

　　The crowd murmured, the doubt still lingering in their eyes. I knew I needed to do more to convince them. "I take full responsibility for the initial confusion and the disappearance of the true princess. Years ago, in a moment of negligence, I took Fiona out for what I thought would be a harmless outing. Evil nobles exploited this opportunity and abducted her, leading us to believe that she was lost forever."

　　I paused, allowing the weight of my words to sink in. "But fate has a way of correcting wrongs. Fiona has returned to us, and it is our duty to honor her rightful place. Lydia's actions, though brave, were based on a falsehood, and now we must correct this course."

　　Fiona, sensing her moment, stepped forward. "I understand your doubts, and I am here to prove myself to you. I am Fiona, the true princess, and I vow to lead this kingdom with the same dedication and strength that you admired in Lydia. Together, we will bring prosperity and peace to our land."

　　The crowd's murmurs grew quieter, their expressions softening. I knew they were beginning to accept her. Now, I had to drive the point home.

　　"Lydia's departure, while unfortunate, is necessary for the stability of our kingdom. She has shown great strength, but her time has passed. We must look to the future, and Fiona represents that future. I urge you all to give her the same support and loyalty you once gave Lydia."

　　A few nobles nodded, their faces showing signs of acceptance. I could see the tide turning in our favour. However, I knew I couldn't celebrate just yet. Lydia would undoubtedly try something, but with most of her support and power gone, she was essentially powerless. All I needed to do now was ensure that Fiona ascended to the throne, and then everything would be mine.

　　I addressed the crowd once more, my voice filled with conviction. "Let us stand united as we embrace this new chapter for our kingdom. With Fiona as our princess, we will overcome any challenges and emerge stronger than ever. Trust in her, trust in us, and together we will build a brighter future."

　　The nobles began to applaud, and the tension in the room dissipated. I had them where I wanted them. Fiona smiled at me, her naivety a stark contrast to my calculated plans. Little did she know, she was merely a piece on my chessboard, easily moved and eventually discarded.

　　As the applause continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. Lydia was out of the picture, and with Fiona temporarily installed as the princess, it was only a matter of time before I eliminated her as well. The throne would be mine, and with it, the ultimate power I had always desired.

　　For now, I would bask in this moment of victory, knowing that I had out-maneuvered Lydia and set the stage for my ultimate rise to power. But I remained vigilant, aware that Lydia might try to retaliate. She was a formidable opponent, but she had underestimated me, and that would be her downfall.

　　As the crowd continued to cheer for Fiona, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. Everything was going according to plan, and soon, the kingdom would be mine to rule.

　　As soon as the crowd began to disperse, their doubts temporarily assuaged, I wasted no time. I called for my most trusted aides and immediately began organizing Fiona's coronation.