The Third Princess, Nora Luvina.

The Magic Empire of Luminus spanned an immense territory, stretching seemingly without end.

Countless cities and towns thrived within its borders, home to its vast population.

Among them, the largest, most populous, and most advanced was the empire's capital—the Magic City of Celestria.

With over a hundred million residents, including both locals and immigrants from various regions, Celestria was a bustling metropolis.

Its sheer size and dense population made it a prime hub for commerce, attracting merchants from all over who sought to trade and amass wealth.

"Come here, honorable customers! Freshly cut beef, fish, and poultry—affordable prices! Just two silver pieces per kilogram of beef, and only one silver for poultry and fish! Don't miss out!"

"Come and see my premium vegetables, grown by expert mages! Enriched with traces of magic, they're perfect for your children's growth! Only three bronze pieces for five bunches!"

The merchants' endless cries blended into the lively bustle of Celestria's bustling center.

However, the vibrant atmosphere was suddenly interrupted as five white-armored soldiers rode through the main street with an air of authority, their imposing presence casting a heavy pressure over the crowd.

The citizens and merchants quickly stepped aside, not daring to block the soldiers' path. On the right chest of their armor gleamed a golden lotus emblem—the symbol of the Imperial soldiers.

Whether a member of the imperial family or an imperial soldier, they were revered figures whom ordinary people wouldn't dare to approach.

Suddenly, all eyes were drawn to a horse-drawn carriage trailing behind the five soldiers.

Milky white and adorned with intricate golden carvings, the carriage exuded elegance and grandeur.

Yet, it wasn't just the carriage itself that left the crowd in awe—the two towering, majestic white horses pulling it were equally breathtaking.

Many stood frozen in speechless admiration. It was, without a doubt, the most luxurious and exquisite carriage they had ever seen.

Though they had no way of knowing its exact value, they were certain that even a hundred of their lifetimes wouldn't be enough to afford it.

"Do you know who's inside?" a thin man asked curiously, turning to the person beside him.

The other man shook his head hesitantly. "I don't know, but it must be someone from the imperial family."

The thin man nodded in agreement. "Yes, only someone of high rank could ride in a carriage like that."

Only those of the highest status in the Imperial Palace had the privilege of traveling in such luxury.

The crowd murmured with speculation, but no matter how much they pondered, the identity of the person inside remained a mystery.

...

"How much longer until we reach the Mansion of the Duke of Vanitas?"

Inside the opulent carriage, a young girl sat gracefully on a lavish, silk-lined sofa.

Her beauty was nothing short of extraordinary, as if each feature had been meticulously sculpted to perfection.

Despite her youthful appearance, an air of innocence surrounded her, adding to her natural allure.

Her long, golden hair cascaded down her back, with small braids on either side, enhancing the graceful impression that perfectly suited her.

A delicate pearl butterfly brooch secured the braids, further highlighting her beauty.

Like her hair, her eyes were also golden, radiating an air of indifference, arrogance, and coldness—compelling anyone who met her gaze to instinctively look away.

This mesmerizing young girl was none other than Nora Luvina, the Third Princess of the Magic Empire of Luminus—fiancée to Arthur Vanitas.

Beside her, a beautiful maid lowered her head in deference.

"Do not worry, Your Highness. We will arrive in approximately half an hour," the maid replied respectfully.

"Very well." Nora said nothing more, simply giving a small nod.

She leaned back against the sofa, folding her legs in a relaxed manner.

"Sofia, pour me some tea," she commanded calmly.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maid, Sofia, quickly moved to prepare the tea on the large table to her right.

Meanwhile, Nora closed her eyes, waiting patiently.

A few moments later, Sofia returned with a tray bearing a cup of tea.

"Here you are, Your Highness," Sofia said respectfully.

"Mm..." Nora nodded slightly, taking the cup, and took a sip.

The warm liquid soothed her throat, bringing a sense of relief and restoring her energy.

"By the way, Sofia," Nora spoke as she set the teacup back on its saucer. "What do you think of my fiancé, Arthur Vanitas?"

Sofia was briefly startled by the question but quickly composed herself.

"Though I have never met him in person, I have heard that Arthur—I mean, Young Master Arthur Vanitas—is an exceptionally handsome teenage boy. Unfortunately..."

She sighed softly before continuing, "He is just an ordinary person with no magical talent and hardly worthy of you, Your Highness."

Nora smiled faintly before gracefully opening the gold-handled fan in her left hand, using it to cover half of her face.

"You're right, Sofia," she said calmly, with an air of arrogance. "A man like him doesn't deserve me. That's why I came all the way to the Duke of Vanitas Mansion to break off our engagement."

Sofia nodded in agreement, but doubt quickly clouded her beautiful face.

"However, Your Highness, has the Emperor and Empress been informed of the engagement's dissolution? I'm afraid..." Sofia trailed off, knowing Nora would understand the unspoken concern.

"Don't worry. I'm completely certain Father and Mother won't be angry with me," she replied with confidence and pride. Her golden eyes gleamed with cold indifference as she added, "After all, Arthur Vanitas is nothing but an illegitimate child of Duke Vanitas, a scum who can't even use magic..."