Soul of a Human

While Tiara found solace in helping and learning new things, Saphine went in the opposite direction and fled into the safety of her old life. Returning to most traditions was comparatively easy for her, as her family hadn't known about her crush on a commoner and, therefore, didn't lecture her about that or think about some sort of punishment. She would keep that secret close to her heart.

Still, she was a pragmatic woman, and wishing for something that could never be was not her style. This included stopping some habits she had acquired, like the "special diet", which Saphine tried to stop because even though the noble clothing was even more obscuring than the plain school robes, they were uncomfortably tight around the chest area now.

However, changing back to a Soul-kin diet proved more difficult than Saphine had guessed because she would get those random hunger pangs whenever she only ate the bare minimum for the usual meals. In addition, Saphine noticed that if she didn't do her light workout, which she had started at school secretly, she couldn't fall asleep.

Because of that, she just accepted it and continued doing her workout, but of course, this had the side effect of making her crave more food than a noble lady should ingest, which brought her right back to where she had started. Her pragmatic nature again allowed her to accept that situation and make the best out of it because even though a noble Soul-kin woman had her worth only in the magic, her children could inherit. Still, having a body with a more "primal" shape seemed to draw the attention of two male Soul-kin, even though none of them had acted upon it.

But noticing the unsubtle glances towards her chest, mainly from Mor, hadn't been difficult. That said, maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all and would help her get even better prospects for a husband.

Of course, at first, she found that notion revolting, but then Dino had explained his plan to Orth, Tiara, and her. The goal was simple. They would secure Dino's position and expedite the King's retirement. Of course, this sounded worse than it was. Dino wouldn't kill his father but instead garner support from as many people as possible until the King had no choice but to hand over the crown, and the three friends were cornerstones in that plan.

Clare and Tiara's roles in the plan still needed to be clarified, so Clare was informed by Orth about what would have to be done, and Tiara would help her brother out if he needed her help. In essence, Orth was to become the next Obsidian head, which he had already planned on, and to that end, he would use his father's shrewdness against him. Saphine was asked to find a suitable husband who might be interested in leading the Sapphire family and would be more open to Dino's way of thinking.

At first, she was offended by the request, but after a few moments, she saw the truth in it. As a girl, she could never take over as family head. Saphine still didn't like it, but the scolding Tiara dealt to her big brother made her smile. Tiara was too innocent and cute. She honestly scolded the crown prince for asking a girl who had lost her first love to go and find anyone else.

Still, this was something Saphine could do, and reluctantly, she accepted, but when she asked Dino how her finding a husband would make the chosen man the next head, the prince looked uncomfortable and handed over a stack of documents.

Saphine's eyes widened in shock when she began to read. This stack of paper was a comprehensive list of laws her oh-so-perfect brother had broken or ignored. The list mainly included embezzlement, but some more vulgar ones were also included.

"How did you get those?" She asked in apparent disgust.

"It was not hard. Almost every noble has a similar dirt pile. Though most of the time, my father would make the evidence vanish. If he even knew about them. I mean, most of the victims would rather stay quiet than draw the ire of a high noble upon them," Dino said apologetically.

The revelation that her brother was a complete lowlife, using his position in law enforcement to do what he pleases, strengthened Saphine's decision. That meant they had two of four high noble houses in line with Dino's plans, but more would be needed. They needed at least one more, and the Ruby family was no option. So, the only family left was the Emerald, but how Dino would convince them was still being determined.

For Orth, Dino's plan went into action as soon as he got home because his father almost ambushed him.

"Son! I have decided to send you to basic training as punishment for your digressions. That way, you will learn to follow orders and how to behave as an officer."

"As you wish, father," Orth said, playing the obedient and regretful son. "Might I just say my goodbyes to Lady Celestine? It would be rude to vanish without a word."

"I'm sorry, son. But that won't be possible. She opted to change into a more fitting place to stay and is no longer here. Also, it would be best if you quickly packed your things. The glider to Obsidian Isle is taking off soon. Because I also have to return quickly," Lord Obsidian stated.

Orth had, of course, known of Clare's involuntary moving, but not asking would have seemed unnatural. His father, of course, didn't know that the two lovebirds had already talked, and Orth knew exactly where Clare was. Meaning their telepathic connection was easy to establish. And if his father would try anything else, it would be up to Dino to intervene.

Though Orth only replied, "That saddens me." to his father.

"I'm sorry, son. Still, let that be a lesson. You can't hold the lesser-born nobles to the same standards as us. And I hope your exciting time on our home Isle will help you overcome your infatuation with that girl. Maybe you will even meet a more suitable young lady." Lord Obsidian said in a sympathetic voice.

Orth nodded, perfectly playing the heartbroken youth. Still, he wanted to confront his father with the lies if he would have even the sliver of a chance against the might, which was Lord Obsidian, the avalanche, mountain-splitter, and walking earthquake.

Without being able to do anything for now, Orth was forced to leave Diamond Isle and his girlfriend to play the perfect son and sway his father's opinion of him.

For Saphine, the game only began. She had to keep quiet about her brother's crimes and find out if her actual fiance was already the right one. She asked her father to meet with the destined boy because she wanted to get to know him. Of course, her father agreed gladly and was happy that his rebellious daughter finally saw reason, oblivious to her true motives.

The "date" was a complete disaster, and in the end, Saphine questioned her father's decision because that mouth breather was entirely unable to independent thought. This would have been advantageous for Dino's plan, but she thoroughly despised that self-important tool of a noble. While talking to the boy, her thoughts often went to the late Mor, who at least made an interesting conversation partner, even if she had needed to go to extreme lengths to make it clear to him that there was a romantic interest.

Ultimately, she demanded of her father that she get to know every possible suitor until she found someone who was not as stupid and self-important as the one he had chosen. Her father's reaction almost infuriated her.

"Too bad you didn't like him." Lord Sapphire had said. "I thought he was nice."

"Wait? Did you try to marry me to that idiot because he seemed nice?" Saphine asked incredulously.

"Of course. Even if noble marriages are of a political nature, I would at least want to be sure you're in good, loving hands." Her father replied, and Saphine sighed in annoyance.

"Dad, you have to think about such things more."

"I just want you to be happy and well taken care of. Even with all the restrictions the nobility demands of us." He answered.

"That's very sweet of you, but let me choose who I want as a husband for myself now. Yes?" Saphine said.

"As long as he's a noble. Go ahead." Lord Sapphire agreed.