Hearing the story from a different perspective, Shartia felt a new, unfamiliar wave of emotions wash over her—ones that made her question everything she had known until now.

"…No way. That idiot couldn’t have thought that far ahead."

"Are you sure? From my perspective, it seems like Ricardo went out of his way to look out for you."

"Really?"

"Think about it. Back when Desmont’s influence was at its peak, who would dare criticize Desmont Olivia, especially someone referred to as the 'Devil of the Empire'?"

Shartia had always thought Ricardo was incapable of such foresight. At the time, it had never even crossed her mind.

"You! Didn’t you say you’d appoint someone competent as acting president?"
"Yes, that’s correct."
"Then why is Olivia sitting in that chair?!"
"Isn’t it reassuring? No one can challenge her authority."
"I can’t even stop her!"
"That’s unfortunate."
"I should never have trusted you…"
"Let’s give her a chance. I believe in her."
"…"
"She received the best education Desmont has to offer and countless private lessons. Well, except for when the tutors gave up out of sheer frustration… But still, there’s no one better suited for the acting president role!"