The Winfield Kingdom was geographically distant from Astaraia during its kingdom days. It wasn't exactly on the brink of colpse, but as a small nation, it always carried a nagging sense of vulnerability to ensure its survival.

  The royal family didn't chase after ostentatious grandeur; instead, they prioritized approachability, jumping in with quick, hands-on responses whenever issues arose. The nobles, too, feared the backsh of heavy taxes and vish lifestyles, so most of them—alongside the royals—tackled governance with a shared urgency (though, inevitably, a few fools slipped through the cracks). Thanks to these efforts, the political ndscape stayed mostly stable, and support for the monarchy ran high.

  Even so, the Astaraia Empire kept swallowing up neighboring countries one after another until it finally bordered Winfield. Of course, they tried to study and mimic the empire's advancements, but the empire's ironcd know-how for keeping secrets shut them out, leaving progress frustratingly slow.

  The idea of a princess falling into svery as a prostitute? That used to be the stuff of rare nightmares, but now it was yesterday's outdated common sense. With the empire's non-military threats looming rger by the day, the possibility felt all too real—and that's when I quietly steeled myself for it. ...Though, honestly, the background aside, the real reason was my teenage hormones kicking in with an interest in all things erotic that was way more intense than average, fueling endless fantasies.

  When I shared my surface-level resolve with my father, King Gerald, he exploded, as expected: "I'd never let something like that happen to my precious daughter!" But I convinced him that preparation was essential. Maybe it was because he knew how real the threat had become that he pushed back so hard. In the end, I begged him to gather intel on the empire's prostitution ws, industry ndscape, customs, and more—to assemble a team that could figure out how to navigate it all and squeeze out maximum advantage.

  The royal family's lineup: Me, born to Concubine Gabriel, and my half-brother Crown Prince Frederick, just six months younger, from Queen Sophia. Then came my younger brother Gilbert from the queen, and finally my little sister Michelle from Mother—making us four siblings in total. Queen Sophia must have harbored some unresolved feelings about sharing the king, but she never let it show. Mother and I always showed her the respect she deserved, and the crown prince looked up to me as his big sister without any resentment. As the child of a concubine, I walked a few steps behind, but the legitimate side—including the queen—treated us with kindness and equality, never lording it over us. The crown prince grew up sharp and wise as the eldest of us four, and under our father the king and our two mothers, we all thrived in a happy, nurturing family environment.

  But in the face of the empire's subtle, overwhelming pressure, holding onto independence proved impossible. Father was a good dad and a sensible ruler, but he didn't have that extraordinary genius needed to weather such an insane storm. In the end, he couldn't hold back the people's thirst for the advanced civilization the imperials enjoyed. A national referendum sealed it: we'd soon submit a formal request for annexation. The family meeting should have felt like a funeral.

  In a room we'd double-checked more thoroughly than usual for bugs, Father delivered the news in a voice thick with bitter regret. I was the first to speak up.

  "I'll throw myself into it as a prostitute and adult film star—going all out with the kinkiest, most shameless service imaginable. I'll lead the charge in racking up those points to unlock the empire's tech. And Queen Sophia, could you py the role of the utterly unwilling sve? While I, the concubine's daughter, expose every lewd act, your resistance—refusing to break in spirit—could pnt the seeds for reciming independence someday."

  Mother chimed in right after.

  "I'll sell my body with plenty of enthusiasm too. I grew up in an orphanage, you know—prostitution was always my top career option back then. I never expected this level of happiness or status, but if that's what the situation demands, I'll offer myself up gdly. I can't match Ange's energy, but as a mature woman, I'm confident I can draw my share of fans."

  The queen protested.

  "I can't let you two shoulder all that burden alone."

  I shot back—no time for holding back.

  "No, with all due respect, the real burden falls on you and the crown prince. You'll endure the agony of being vioted against your will, all while searching for a path back to independence—something I can't even begin to imagine right now."

  "I couldn't either. There's no precedent, no clues at all."

  Father and the crown prince just shook their heads grimly.

  "Even so, as the royal consort and legitimate line, it's your duty to keep thinking about it. If you start moaning in ecstasy too, any chance of that path vanishes. This is about dividing roles—and keeping our actions completely separate. A concubine's daughter from orphanage roots? Perfect for drowning in pleasure. But you, the queen, and the crown prince need to keep showing resistance and a will for independence.

  Of course, the empire will suspect something, so we'll counter with comments like, 'Why not just let go and enjoy it?' And you can respond by looking down on us as 'weak-willed trash who couldn't hide their lowborn roots.' We'll split our residences and workpces entirely, making it seem like half-siblings torn apart by total division and rivalry."

  "Is that really the only way? What happened to 'I'd never let that happen to my precious daughter!'? I've never hated my own incompetence more than today."

  Father's voice dripped with utter despair.

  Should I say it? Screw it—might as well!

  "Actually, part of me is looking forward to the shameless service. You know how teens get super curious about sex, guys and girls alike? Well, mine was like, times ten.

  Prostitution? Totally off-limits for a princess in the old days. And as royalty, I've been drilled to act all prim and proper. That's exactly why I fantasized about it nonstop—if I became a prostitute... The contrast just lit a fire in me. Everyone calls me this beautiful, ideal princess and dy, but that's my true nature underneath. So in a way, this fate is like a reward for me."

  I said it with a ugh, and suddenly the queen leaped over and wrapped me in a tight hug!

  "I'm so sorry, though—no matter what, this will be a painful role for you. And now I'll have to insult you? It breaks my heart! I didn't carry you, but you're still my precious child! I love you, Angelica!"

  Then everyone piled on, hugging me close. The queen and all the kids burst into sobs.

  Stepping back to watch was Mother, until the queen pulled her in.

  "I want to thank you again for supporting His Majesty—and me—all this time. As a woman, I did feel jealousy and possessiveness. But I've never known a more exempry concubine than you."

  "My ck of jealousy might stem from more than just accepting my station—maybe my love for His Majesty wasn't deep enough. But you are the undisputed queen, and my respect for how you've honored and cherished us will never waver, now or ever."

  "I've never once felt your love cking. You've supported me as queen and given us such a beautiful, noble princess. In the hardships ahead, we may have to feign opposition on the surface, but our hearts remain united."

  And with that, they pledged their solidarity.

  The Winfield KingdomThe Winfield Kingdom was geographically distant from Astaraia during its kingdom days. It wasn't exactly on the brink of colpse, but as a small nation, it always carried a nagging sense of vulnerability to ensure its survival.

  The royal family didn't chase after ostentatious grandeur; instead, they prioritized approachability, jumping in with quick, hands-on responses whenever issues arose. The nobles, too, feared the backsh of heavy taxes and vish lifestyles, so most of them—alongside the royals—tackled governance with a shared urgency (though, inevitably, a few fools slipped through the cracks). Thanks to these efforts, the political ndscape stayed mostly stable, and support for the monarchy ran high.

  Even so, the Astaraia Empire kept swallowing up neighboring countries one after another until it finally bordered Winfield. Of course, they tried to study and mimic the empire's advancements, but the empire's ironcd know-how for keeping secrets shut them out, leaving progress frustratingly slow.

  The idea of a princess falling into svery as a prostitute? That used to be the stuff of rare nightmares, but now it was yesterday's outdated common sense. With the empire's non-military threats looming rger by the day, the possibility felt all too real—and that's when I quietly steeled myself for it. ...Though, honestly, the background aside, the real reason was my teenage hormones kicking in with an interest in all things erotic that was way more intense than average, fueling endless fantasies.

  When I shared my surface-level resolve with my father, King Gerald, he exploded, as expected: "I'd never let something like that happen to my precious daughter!" But I convinced him that preparation was essential. Maybe it was because he knew how real the threat had become that he pushed back so hard. In the end, I begged him to gather intel on the empire's prostitution ws, industry ndscape, customs, and more—to assemble a team that could figure out how to navigate it all and squeeze out maximum advantage.

  The royal family's lineup: Me, born to Concubine Gabriel, and my half-brother Crown Prince Frederick, just six months younger, from Queen Sophia. Then came my younger brother Gilbert from the queen, and finally my little sister Michelle from Mother—making us four siblings in total. Queen Sophia must have harbored some unresolved feelings about sharing the king, but she never let it show. Mother and I always showed her the respect she deserved, and the crown prince looked up to me as his big sister without any resentment. As the child of a concubine, I walked a few steps behind, but the legitimate side—including the queen—treated us with kindness and equality, never lording it over us. The crown prince grew up sharp and wise as the eldest of us four, and under our father the king and our two mothers, we all thrived in a happy, nurturing family environment.

  But in the face of the empire's subtle, overwhelming pressure, holding onto independence proved impossible. Father was a good dad and a sensible ruler, but he didn't have that extraordinary genius needed to weather such an insane storm. In the end, he couldn't hold back the people's thirst for the advanced civilization the imperials enjoyed. A national referendum sealed it: we'd soon submit a formal request for annexation. The family meeting should have felt like a funeral.

  In a room we'd double-checked more thoroughly than usual for bugs, Father delivered the news in a voice thick with bitter regret. I was the first to speak up.

  "I'll throw myself into it as a prostitute and adult film star—going all out with the kinkiest, most shameless service imaginable. I'll lead the charge in racking up those points to unlock the empire's tech. And Queen Sophia, could you py the role of the utterly unwilling sve? While I, the concubine's daughter, expose every lewd act, your resistance—refusing to break in spirit—could pnt the seeds for reciming independence someday."

  Mother chimed in right after.

  "I'll sell my body with plenty of enthusiasm too. I grew up in an orphanage, you know—prostitution was always my top career option back then. I never expected this level of happiness or status, but if that's what the situation demands, I'll offer myself up gdly. I can't match Ange's energy, but as a mature woman, I'm confident I can draw my share of fans."

  The queen protested.

  "I can't let you two shoulder all that burden alone."

  I shot back—no time for holding back.

  "No, with all due respect, the real burden falls on you and the crown prince. You'll endure the agony of being vioted against your will, all while searching for a path back to independence—something I can't even begin to imagine right now."

  "I couldn't either. There's no precedent, no clues at all."

  Father and the crown prince just shook their heads grimly.

  "Even so, as the royal consort and legitimate line, it's your duty to keep thinking about it. If you start moaning in ecstasy too, any chance of that path vanishes. This is about dividing roles—and keeping our actions completely separate. A concubine's daughter from orphanage roots? Perfect for drowning in pleasure. But you, the queen, and the crown prince need to keep showing resistance and a will for independence.

  Of course, the empire will suspect something, so we'll counter with comments like, 'Why not just let go and enjoy it?' And you can respond by looking down on us as 'weak-willed trash who couldn't hide their lowborn roots.' We'll split our residences and workpces entirely, making it seem like half-siblings torn apart by total division and rivalry."

  "Is that really the only way? What happened to 'I'd never let that happen to my precious daughter!'? I've never hated my own incompetence more than today."

  Father's voice dripped with utter despair.

  Should I say it? Screw it—might as well!

  "Actually, part of me is looking forward to the shameless service. You know how teens get super curious about sex, guys and girls alike? Well, mine was like, times ten.

  Prostitution? Totally off-limits for a princess in the old days. And as royalty, I've been drilled to act all prim and proper. That's exactly why I fantasized about it nonstop—if I became a prostitute... The contrast just lit a fire in me. Everyone calls me this beautiful, ideal princess and dy, but that's my true nature underneath. So in a way, this fate is like a reward for me."

  I said it with a ugh, and suddenly the queen leaped over and wrapped me in a tight hug!

  "I'm so sorry, though—no matter what, this will be a painful role for you. And now I'll have to insult you? It breaks my heart! I didn't carry you, but you're still my precious child! I love you, Angelica!"

  Then everyone piled on, hugging me close. The queen and all the kids burst into sobs.

  Stepping back to watch was Mother, until the queen pulled her in.

  "I want to thank you again for supporting His Majesty—and me—all this time. As a woman, I did feel jealousy and possessiveness. But I've never known a more exempry concubine than you."

  "My ck of jealousy might stem from more than just accepting my station—maybe my love for His Majesty wasn't deep enough. But you are the undisputed queen, and my respect for how you've honored and cherished us will never waver, now or ever."

  "I've never once felt your love cking. You've supported me as queen and given us such a beautiful, noble princess. In the hardships ahead, we may have to feign opposition on the surface, but our hearts remain united."

  And with that, they pledged their solidarity.