Chapter 3

I was speaking the truth.

My designation as Crown Princess was merely due to being the elder.

Ever since I became Crown Princess, I was not only forced to cultivate diligently but also had to follow Father, learning to manage tribal affairs.

I never had a moment's peace.

Life was utterly miserable.

Celeste, on the other hand, with no one to push her, still devoted herself to cultivation and study all day long.

I once lamented that Celeste didn't know how to enjoy life.

Reborn, if she wanted it, I would grant her wish.

The two esteemed elders of the Dragonkin exchanged glances, then quickly bowed to Celeste, proclaiming "Long live the Crown Princess!"

As if fearing I would change my mind.

It seemed my struggles as Crown Princess were as painful for them to watch as they were for me to endure.

Father, however, roared, "Nonsense!"

"Lyra, you are the elder sister. Protecting the Dragonkin is your responsibility! How can you push it onto your sister, Celeste?"

"Besides, Celeste is devoted to her cultivation; she has no interest in becoming Crown Princess of the Dragonkin."

Celeste, without a word, fastened the dragon-crested necklace around her neck, then bowed solemnly to Father.

"No, Father. I want to be Crown Princess of the Dragonkin."

"I cultivate diligently every day precisely to protect our people."

Hearing Celeste's words, the elders all looked relieved, but Father's face grew even colder.

"There's an order to succession! The Crown Princess must be Lyra!"

I couldn't help but frown.

Father had always doted on Celeste. Now that I was voluntarily abdicating, he should have been pleased.

Celeste showed no surprise, her expression abnormally calm.

She asked in a low voice, "Sister is willing to step down. I am capable of holding the position of Crown Princess."

"The clan elders also approve. Why do you repeatedly object, Father?"

I noticed that her eyes held none of the childlike reverence she once had for Father.

The two elders were utterly baffled, and the surrounding Dragonkin began to whisper.

They didn't understand why Father was so adamant against Celeste becoming Crown Princess.

I was very curious myself.

Father softened his expression. "To become Crown Princess, one must choose a soul-bonded consort to cultivate the Draconic Divinity Arts."

"Celeste, the black snake Lyra carelessly pushed to you is too lowly. He is far beneath you."

"How about this: the matter of the Crown Princess will be postponed for now. We can discuss it again after I find suitable consorts for both of you."

Dorian, who had been silently standing behind Celeste, serving as a mere backdrop, suddenly changed expression.

He looked at Celeste anxiously, his eyes filled with unconcealed affection.

So Dorian was already in love with Celeste at this point.

No wonder he was so cold towards me.

In my past life, I was trapped in the position of Crown Princess, already living a stifled existence, and still forced by Father to find a soul-bonded consort.

I couldn't help but feel a rebellious urge.