Supreme Warlock System : From Zero to Ultimate With My Wives

Warlock Ch 269. Her Choice

"Your Highness," the official began again, trying a different approach. "Even if you were to take the commoner’s path, you would still be a target. Your identity alone would draw attention, and not all of it would be good. There are those who would seek to use your presence for their own gain."

"I am aware," Selena replied.

The official studied her for a long moment before sighing. "This is highly unusual."

Selena merely smiled again. "Then let’s make it even more unusual."

The official exhaled, rubbing his temples. "We will need to discuss this with the council."

Selena inclined her head. "Of course."

The official turned to Alric, as if seeking assistance in convincing her otherwise. But Alric merely shrugged, his arms crossed. "Her Highness has made her decision."

The official sighed again, clearly defeated. "Very well. But you must understand, Your Highness—once you enter this path, there is no going back. You will be evaluated like any other candidate, with no special treatment."

"That is precisely what I desire," Selena said.

The official gave her one last wary look before nodding. "I will make the arrangements. But I still urge you to reconsider."

"I appreciate your concern," Selena said, offering a slight nod of gratitude. "But my mind is made up."

The official hesitated for a moment longer before bowing deeply. "Then may the Sanctum guide you, Your Highness."

He turned and walked away, Selena let out a slow breath. That was easier than expected.

Alric stepped beside her, his voice low. "There’s still time to turn back."

Selena didn’t even glance at him. "No."

Alric sighed, crossing his arms. "I figured you’d say that." His sharp green eyes flickered toward her, his expression unreadable. "You do realize what you’re getting yourself into, right?"

Selena’s golden gaze remained steady as she looked ahead. "I know exactly what I’m doing." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Alric scoffed. "Oh? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re about to jump into a battlefield without armor."

She smirked. "Wouldn’t be the first time."

"That’s not reassuring."

Selena finally turned to him, her expression softer but still unshaken. "I appreciate your concern, Alric. I do. But this is my choice."

Alric narrowed his eyes. "It’s reckless."

Selena chuckled. "That’s what they said about my mother when she took the throne."

Alric huffed. "Your mother was a warrior. She had years of experience before she made decisions that could cost her life. You? You’ve been in a gilded palace your whole life." Find exclusive stories on Freewebnovel

Selena’s gaze darkened slightly. "And you think that means I don’t understand struggle?"

"I think it means you underestimate what it means to fight like a commoner."

Selena tilted her head slightly, studying him. "You still don’t trust my decision."

Alric let out a slow breath. "I trust you. But I don’t trust the people in that exam."

She smiled slightly. "Then stay close."

Alric frowned. "It’s not that simple. The moment you step into that trial, your title means nothing. You will be treated like any other warlock, mage, or whatever else shows up. No special treatment, no safety nets. Are you truly prepared for that?"

Selena’s eyes gleamed. "Yes."

Alric exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You’re impossible."

Selena’s smirk widened. "And yet, you remain by my side."

Alric shot her a dry look. "For my sins."

She let out a small laugh.

"I won’t stop you," Alric said after a pause. "But if anything happens, I will step in."

Selena glanced at him. "No, you won’t."

Alric scowled. "Excuse me?"

"If I take this exam, I will take it as a candidate. Not as a princess. You will not interfere."

Alric looked at her like she had lost her mind. "I am your knight. Your protection is my duty."

She smiled. "Then do your duty and let me fight."

Alric was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed. "You’re stubborn."

Selena grinned. "You’re just figuring that out now?"

Alric groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hate this."

Selena patted his arm. "You’ll survive."

Alric sighed again before glancing toward the Sanctum doors. "Do you at least have a plan?"

Selena grinned, mischief flickering in her golden eyes. "Yup. Fairy Dust."

Alric blinked. "Fairy Dust?"

She nodded, her expression entirely too smug. "That will make this all easy."

Alric pinched the bridge of his nose. "You are not seriously thinking of using enchanted Fae Dust in an exam meant to measure your raw abilities."

Selena shrugged. "Why not? It’s not cheating. It’s… creative problem-solving."

Alric muttered something under his breath, but before he could argue further, the Sanctum doors creaked open once more. A robed official stepped out, their eyes sweeping over the two before nodding.

"Her Highness, Princess Selena, and her guard. The council is ready to receive you."

Selena shot Alric a triumphant smile before stepping forward, her stride graceful and deliberate. Alric followed, shoulders tense, his instincts screaming at him that this was a terrible idea.

The official led them through the Sanctum’s winding corridors, past glowing magical sigils etched into the walls, their eerie blue light casting long shadows as they moved. The air smelled faintly of parchment and burning incense—a mixture of knowledge and judgment.

As they approached the grand chamber, Selena stole a glance at Alric. "Relax. You look like you’re marching to your execution."

Alric gave her a withering look. "Maybe because I feel like I am."

Before Selena could respond, they entered the council chamber.

The room was massive, circular, with high vaulted ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. The walls were lined with floating scrolls and ancient texts, pulsing with magic. Seated in a crescent formation were the council members, their robes adorned with symbols of various magical factions.

An older man with silver hair and sharp, hawk-like eyes leaned forward. "Princess Selena. This is quite the… unexpected request."

Selena smiled politely. "I like to keep things interesting."

A woman with piercing blue eyes, her robes embroidered with intricate runes, studied her carefully. "You wish to take the S-Rank exam through the common path rather than the noble or royal selection process?"

Selena nodded. "Correct."

Murmurs rippled through the council.

Another member, a stern-looking elf with sharp features, spoke next. "May we inquire as to why?"

Selena’s smile didn’t falter. "I wish to experience the trials as any other candidate would. No shortcuts, no advantages."

The blue-eyed woman’s lips pressed into a thin line. "That is noble in thought, but reckless in practice. Do you understand what this entails?"

"I do," Selena said without hesitation.

The silver-haired man exhaled slowly, exchanging glances with the others before his gaze landed back on her. "You will be required to sign an agreement. You will receive no special treatment, nor will your title offer you any protections within the trials. Once inside, you are just another candidate."

Selena inclined her head. "Understood."

Alric, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "And what of her safety?"

The elf councilman’s gaze flicked to him. "Every participant assumes responsibility for their own well-being. If the princess wishes to compete, she will be treated no differently than the others."

Alric clenched his jaw. "And if something happens to her?"

A smirk played at the corner of the silver-haired man’s lips. "Then I imagine she will have to survive like the rest."

Selena turned to Alric with an almost teasing smile. "See? Fair and square."

Alric scowled. "I hate this."

Selena laughed softly before stepping forward to the grand table in the center of the room. A thick parchment was laid out before her, glowing faintly with enchantments.

"By signing this," the blue-eyed woman said, "you acknowledge that your rank, status, and affiliations hold no weight within the exam. You will be subject to the same rules as any other candidate. There will be no interventions, no special considerations."

Selena picked up the quill. "I understand."