Emilia stood before the opposing candidate, her silver hair fluttering softly in the cool evening breeze. Her violet-blue eyes didn’t glare or harden—instead, they held a quiet sadness, mixed with the steady resolve she had worked so hard to cultivate. She wasn’t here to argue… but she couldn’t pretend everything was fine anymore.

“I… I want to talk to you,” she began, her voice gentle but unwavering. “Not as your rival, but as someone who wants the best for Lugunica—just like you do.”

She clasped her hands in front of her, a habit she had when trying to steady her heart. “I’ve heard about some of your plans. About how you carry out your decisions. And I know ruling isn’t simple—I know we can’t save everyone, no matter how much we wish we could.”

Emilia lifted her gaze, her expression earnest rather than accusing. “But… people aren’t tools. And they aren’t problems to push aside. They get scared, they get hurt, and they trust us to care. If we forget that, even a little…” Her voice faltered for a moment, a hint of emotion slipping through. “…then we lose what it means to lead at all.”

She took a small step forward—not threatening, just sincere. “I’m not saying you’re wrong about everything. I’m not saying I’m perfect either. But the path you’re walking… it could make people afraid of their own ruler. I don’t want that for you, or for Lugunica.”

A breath escaped her, soft and steady, as if letting go of something heavy. “I don’t expect you to agree with me right away. But I had to say this. Because I’m going to walk my path with honesty and kindness, even if it’s harder. And if our ideals clash…” Her eyes shone with quiet determination. “…then I’ll face you with everything I have, too.”