Viana stayed in her room for several days, reading book after book, stopping only for meals or tea breaks.
The servants who brought her meals or tea, or came to clean her room, whispered among themselves in the corridors, discussing the peculiar behavior of the Princess.
"Her Highness has been acting strange since yesterday."
"Yes, that's true. She didn't attend the tea gathering with the other nobles."
"Strangely, she used to never touch a book, but now she's been reading books all day."
Sina, who was passing by, overheard their conversation and told them to get back to work.
"Why are you gossiping about the Princess? Get back to work now," she said firmly.
The female servants hurriedly left the corridor and went back to their respective tasks.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Sina walked toward the Princess's chamber. Yet, deep in her heart, she shared the same thoughts.
'The Princess truly has become strange. What wind has changed her?'
As she reached out to grasp the door handle, her hand froze mid-air.
'But her change is actually a good one. She no longer scolds the servants, and she's not spoiled anymore.'
With this thought, a smile spread across her face, and she opened the door.
She saw the Princess reclining comfortably on her sofa, resting her arm on a pillow, while engrossed in reading the book "Royal Political Guidelines."
With a smile on her face, she walked in then picked up the Princess's empty teacup and placed it on the tea-brewing table.
Afterward, she poured the hot tea she had brought into a fresh cup.
Then she placed the teacup on the coffee table in front of the Princess, who kept reading, and said, "Your Highness, here is your warm tea."
The Princess suddenly asked, her eyes still fixed on the book resting in her lap.
"Sina, is it possible for me to have lovers before marriage?"
Sina, who had just finished placing the cup, accidentally bumped the pastry tray, causing it to fall.
"A-Ah. Sorry," she said as she quickly cleaned up the pastries and carried them to the tea table in the corner of the room.
Viana lifted her head from the book she was reading and asked again, "Who do you think I could take as my lovers?"
"W-What do you mean, Your Highness? You are not married yet," Sina replied nervously, pretending to be busy.
"No. I want one now, before marriage."
"I-I think that is not possible, Your Highness."
"Why not?"
"B-Because a lover does not have the right to Your Highness's virginity. Only your husband has that right," she answered again.
"Hmm." The Princess then marked the page of the book she was reading and closed it.
"So, I have to get married first?" she said, gazing out of the open window, which carried the fragrance of the roses planted beneath it.
Sina glanced at her, then hurriedly left the room, carrying the spilled pastries and the empty cup.
Before closing the door, she took one last look at the Princess, who was still staring out of her window.
'Why does the Princess want a lover? And earlier, she said not just one, but lovers...'
***
Viana stood up from the sofa and walked over to the table. She sat down on a chair adjacent to it.
She picked up a blank sheet of paper and dipped her pen into the ink.
'Hmm, let me list down the names of people I remember who might have potential in the future to solve the kingdom's issue,' she thought while beginning to write a few names on the paper.
She then wrote down one name, "Kaley," on the piece of paper.
Kaley was a disciple from the temple who was destined to become the high priest by the time Viana got married. He held significant influence in the Kingdom of Elysia, which entrusted its faith to the goddess.
It would indeed be crucial for the royal family to secure the support of the future High Priest. His influence and connection to the temple could greatly strengthen their standing with the Kingdom of Elysia's faith.
However, if Kaley were to become part of the circle of "lovers" of a Princess from the Yanis Dynasty, it could potentially jeopardize his position and his sacred role as a priest.
Viana circled Kaley's name and placed a large question mark above it.
Then, she wrote down the name Arden Daelis. He was the son of a nobleman who, in the future, would become a significant figure in managing the kingdom's finances.
At the moment, he was studying at an academy in the Empire of Valendale, focusing on politics and royal administration.
The Princess wrote down another name, Reyes. He was a commoner, not a noble, yet destined to become an exceptional knight in the future.
His skill in wielding sword magic was far beyond average.
'If you wish to rule a kingdom, you must first gain control of your entire army.'
Viana recalled one of her grandfather's statements from the past—a man under whose reign Elysia had flourished and entered its golden era.
Lastly, Viana wrote down the name Prince Rayne Elwick. He was the crown prince of the Empire of Valendale.
In the future, under his leadership, Valendale would rise to become an immensely powerful empire, excelling in both military strength and economic stability.
If she could secure the Prince, Elysia's future would undoubtedly be safeguarded.
Viana leaned back against her chair, letting out a long sigh.
She needed to win the hearts of all these men to secure her own future.
Suddenly, a transparent screen appeared before her;
[Your next tasks are to earn the love of the following men:
1. Kaley — Love Percentage: 0%
2. Arden Daelis — Love Percentage: 0%
3. Reyes — Love Percentage: 0%
4. Prince Rayne Elwick — Love Percentage: 0%]
[The time needed to raise all love percentages to 100% is two years.]
[If successful, there will be a reward for your achievement.]
Viana sat up straight again, staring at the screen in front of her, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Moments later, her voice echoed through the corridor, startling several servants passing by. "Are you kidding me?!"