PoV: Gilles

Liz Cathers words left Alicia speechless. It must have been something she didnt expect.

Im at a loss for words, too.

What do you mean?

Alicia is talking in her usual way.

Exile would be too much of a punishment.

This time, its a murder charge as well I mean, its funny for me to say this, but erasing the memory of the prince of a country is quite a big deal, you know?

But youre still my dear friend.

However, Alicia gave her a blank look, as if to say, when did she become her friend?

Why was everyone being fooled by Liz Cather?

Liz, youre just a commoner, right? I dont think youll be able to change the decision that Duke has made.

Alicia said with a straight face as she calmed down.

Why not? Me and Duke

Hmm, Friends?

Alicia interjected with a sneer.

If youre saying that youre friends, then how can you, a mere commoner, even interfere in the edicts of a prince?

Its not like that Im just doing it for Alicia-chan.

For me? Dont make me laugh. You may be a great person, Liz. But dont get too carried away with the idea that you can do anything.

I know it sounds strange to say this, but for some reason I like the way Alicia looks at hercold and contemptuous.

Normally, Albert and the others would say something to chime in, but this time the atmosphere was tense, and they remained quiet. It would be interesting if Liz Cathers brainwashing wore off like this.

Arent you the one actually getting carried away, Alicia-chan?

Alicias eyes widened for a moment, but she quickly grinned.

She hadnt expected Liz Cather to respond like that. Maybe she was starting to change under Alicias influence.

Do you think so?

Isnt this the reason why you ended up in this mess right now? Youre getting greedier and greedier. As soon as you get one thing, you immediately start wanting more and more. That in itself is the scariest part. When you were thirteen, they allowed you special early admission into the academy, and next thing you know, youre already planning to rule the school.

She certainly has a point there, I admit. I was irritated by that. On the contrary, ruling the school would be too small of a scale. Shes not the kind of woman who would stop at just that. Shes capable of ruling the world. Besides that example is too confusing. Are we really going to be okay with this sort of woman as the saint? This White Angel-san?

Whats wrong with that?

Liz Cather froze at Alicias words.

I love this moment, the feeling of Alicia crushing Liz Cathers flowery brain.

I think its a good thing that theres no limit to greed. Ambition is what allows you to crawl upward. Greed is the most important thing a person can have when theyre growing up.

And the greater that ambition, the more of a dictator you become.

Liz Cather muttered quietly after taking a deep breath once, perhaps a little impatient with her words. She always speaks in a polite and gentle tone. Theres something about the way she speaks that grabs peoples hearts. It was to be expected of a saint.

Thats the problem of becoming a ruler, isnt it? The moment when you gain authority to rule over something, your greed would morph into an insanity; an obsession. Whether it be as leader of a small group, or a village chief, or a king (Alicia)

Greed controls people, you know. That is what makes humans think they are special. (Liz Cather)

Youve changed, Liz-san, to be able to speak like that. (Alicia)

I wonder if its because of the monitoring we do, but she must be thinking that in her mind.

Ive known some very intelligent and wonderful leaders. As far as Im concerned, greed is a weapon that can be used to protect people if its not abused in the wrong way.

From Alicias tone of voice, she must have been talking about Gramps.

Liz Cather immediately clammed up at Alicias rebuke.

Anyone who stands on top must be able to see and understand what is below them. Those who fail to do so and are too greedy end up becoming dictators, while those who try to see it from below are less greedy become good rulers. Do you understand? (Alicia)

Alicia grinned by lifting the edge of her mouth lightly as if to mock Liz Cather.

The look on her face made me shiver. I knew Alicia was the only one for me.

And dont worry, tyrants wont last long. (Alicia)

Just like Alicia-chan. (Liz Cather)

Ill take that as a compliment. (Alicia)

Alicia smiled at Liz Cather, and I found myself surprised not because of how Alicia reacted, but to the reaction of Liz Cather herself.

She was completely hostile towards Alicia. Ive been through a lot in my life, but Ive never seen such hostility towards Alicia. In fact, she had been always trying to persuade Alicia.

Duke, huh? Was her hostility born out of jealousy that the man she liked preferred another woman instead? I dont know what a maidens heart is like, but if it can change a person, it can be quite frightening.

Alicia-chan, once you realize how fortunate you are, youll realize how privileged you have become.

Oh, so you mean one day Liz will let me come back to this country?

Yes. Ill never abandon my friends.

Liz Cathers expression returned to her usual one. The look of a pure girl.

Its annoying how she imposes her ego on others. I looked at her as I thought to myself.

Righteous Flower of Evil:

Im actually kind of proud of Liz. She really is changing. She actually recognizes now that the world isnt all full of butterflies and rainbows! Though, she still cant handle hearing differing opinions very well. Not that Alicia is really much better in that department! XD

While Im proud of this character development, though, I cant help but think it took a weird turn. Shes worried about Alicia one moment, the next shes calling her a dictator and showing obvious hatred for her (at least obvious to Gilles). Feels a bit odd. Wouldnt it be cool if she wasnt actually trying to save Alicia, but rather she was in on the plot with Ravaal and was trying to prevent her from going there and thwarting their schemes?