"I almost believed you."
"Oh please, Your Ladyship, that's just a small bluff. A faint heart like his, which is still governed by emotion, is too simple."
Look at this person.
"Emotion can cause the downfall of an empire."
There are too many examples of emotions that result in the destruction of an empire.
Love is part of that; even the ML was driven by emotion to end the tyranny of the Adiand Emperor.
Akan pursed his lips. "I'll keep it in mind."
As if. Look at those lips of yours. You clearly look down on what I'm saying.
***
The following day found them at the training grounds beyond the inner city. The wide practicing arena lay open beneath a pale sky, the dust stirred by the movement of young bodies learning the shapes of violence in its safest form. Wooden weapons clashed, boots struck the earth, voices called out in instruction or frustration.
"Your Ladyship," Akan said as he guided her wheelchair to a shaded vantage point, "are you not weary after yesterday? You still have the strength to come to such a place."
Ett rested her chin lightly against her knuckles, eyes already scanning the field. "I find myself lacking stimulation," she replied. "Watching is sufficient."
It was true enough. The quiet halls and measured conversations of noble visits left her restless in a way she could not fully explain. Here, at least, movement filled the air.
A flutter of wings interrupted her thoughts. Akan glanced down just as a pigeon settled briefly upon his wrist, a narrow strip of paper secured to its leg.
"What is that?" Ett asked, her attention momentarily diverted.
Akan smiled as he freed the letter. "Butler Xiwen writes again. He asks after our condition."
"I see."
She gave no further comment and returned her gaze to the arena, watching as two boys circled each other with blunted swords, their stances hesitant and overcautious.
A part of her wondered what it might feel like to draw a bow again, to feel tension in her fingers and the familiar steadiness of aiming at a distant mark. Even if only for an hour or two. But her body would protest, she knew. It always did.
Even in games, she would choose a long-range class, if not one that sneaks behind people's backs without them knowing.
In any case, the future reeks of war and will proceed as the novel dictates.
"This scenery makes my heart pound."
"…"
Akan could only smile helplessly. "If it's Your Ladyship, even strange things interest you."
Her Ladyship's secret amusement? Was she always like this?
As far as Akan knows, Ett does not like watching scenes of violence in real life, and she reads strategic and historical books. Never has she read fighting or gory novels.
"Then have you been moved, Your Ladyship?"
The fight is actually nearing the end of the competition now.
"Not satisfied."
"Why so?"
"Not much blood has been spilled."
"Aiya, Your Ladyship is not really fond of barbaric ways of fighting."
"And too light to be called a near-death match."
This competition needs to be upgraded.
Look at these nobles. Just one hit, and they cry. Considering they are noble children, they must have been aware of the basics of combat and such. One stomp on the foot, and they've become banshees.
Just how soft are they? If their arms were cut off, would they die on the spot?
It's like she's looking at 21st-century men. Too soft. If they stub their toe on a table leg, they wallow in pain as if at death's door; it wasn't even a bullet. Well not all, but oh well.
If war comes, either they turn over a new leaf or die on the spot and flee cowardly to who knows what graveyard.
"They need to have high tolerance."
Even Guren, as a child, could endure more in battle. Aren't they ashamed of themselves? Guren is even younger than them. It's not like she has high expectations for them, but they need at least a little push.
A battle will ensue in the future, and other empires will invade. How would they protect their precious assets? They cannot depend too much on families with knights or even their own knights.
"Then I'll suggest that to the Dean."
"Mhmmm."
These nobles need discipline. Even the commoners were better and more tenacious than these people.
If only they were more open-minded people, and learned from their opponents' behavior, that would be wonderful. Specially for self-entitled children from the nobility.
"What's the use of honor and dignity once you die and can't come back?"
"Good point, Your Ladyship. Surely, our Dean will understand where you are coming from."
Ett stood up. "Let's go."
It would really be better to watch a death match between adults. But Adiand, even though it is a nation that once won battles under Guren's command, has no such thing as a gladiatorial arena.
If she were to recommend something like that, no, it had already been done by the Fidorin Empire. They have great military power and warriors to match. Adiand, on the other hand, lacks such experienced, battle-frenzied citizens.
However, Guren is a strategic leader. He knows this weakness and makes alternative plans. Adiand citizens possess skills similar to Guren's; most are strong with their minds.
They are creative and capable of innovation. They are deeply rooted in introversion and do not travel much to other empires. Few Adiand people venture out, though some are curious to see the world, while others are ordered to do so for missions.
Still, as they passed beyond the training grounds, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"How dare you. Such barbarity."
Both Akan and Ett halted.
"It is only a quarrel among children, Your Ladyship," Akan said, though his tone had already cooled.
Ahead, a group of boys stood clustered together. Five well-dressed youths encircled another whose clothing marked him as common-born.
He lay on the ground, damp and grimacing.
"What occurred?" Ett asked.
"One of the commoners splashed water upon the young master when he felt pressed, then struck his shin," Akan explained.
Ett nearly smiled.
A clever response.
"Hey," she said.
Akan stiffened in surprise.
"Eh?"
The boys looked up.
"You are the Duke's son," Ett said calmly, her gaze settling upon the one who stood most rigid. "Is that correct?"
"Yes," he answered quickly. "I am Von Afein Fiel Escarta, son of the Duke of Escarta."
The southern house. Equal in standing to the northern Garths. No wonder the boy carried himself with such arrogance.
"You are the eldest," Ett said.
"Yes."
Akan stepped forward, his eyes cold. "Your manner toward Her Highness is improper."
"Who are you to correct me you're just a maid!," the boy snapped, emboldened by ignorance.
"She is the Archduke's adopted daughter."
Akan displayed the sigil fully.
The boy paled. "I beg forgiveness. Greetings, Your Highness."
"Hush," Ett said.
Ett did not care for titles now.
"Were rules established before this quarrel?" she asked.
"No, Your Highness."
"Then how is this barbarity?"
The boy faltered. "Because…"
"There were no rules," Ett said evenly. "And no mediator."
Confusion crossed his face.
"In battle, rules do not wait to be spoken," she continued. "This commoner acted with better sense than you."
Von clenched his jaw.
"Your father once fought beside His Majesty," Ett said, her voice sharpening. "I did not think his son would be so small in spirit. If an enemy struck you unseen in war, would you cry that it was unjust?"
Her eyes hardened.
"How shameful."
Silence fell.
"I am troubled by how you present our standing," she said. "Learn from this, rather than fester in resentment."
They all gritted their teeth. Von Afein was quick enough and bowed, "I apologize for my misconduct."
"We apologize, Your Highness."
Seeing this, Ett found it amusing and said, "For the future of the Adiand Empire."
Yeah, suck it up, you spoiled brats. Bite this grandma if you can.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Your Ladyship."
When they were far away, Akan chuckled. "Was that children's fight interesting enough for you?"
"A little."
They were cute.
"Then won't those children come looking for you?"
"U-Um, excuse me, Your Highness!"
The bullied student ran up to them.
"Wait, please!"
"Akan."
"Of course."
Akan stopped and waited for the student to approach. He stepped in front of Ett and bowed deeply.
"T-Thank you so much, Your Highness! Please tell me how I can repay you!"
Look at that. This boy's hazel eyes are shining brightly despite his tattered uniform.
"Just be useful. That's it."
"Yes, I will!"
Such a spirited one.
Akan pushed the wheelchair as the young boy watched them from afar.
"We'll leave soon."
It's been three days since she and Akan toured the area, and for some reason, she feels odd whenever she thinks about the palace. Akan would have already told her if something had happened there. Maybe she's just grown accustomed to that place rather than being away for so long.
After another two days of touring and meeting nobles from afar, Ett remembered an idea she had nearly forgotten.
"Invite the Paralian, Ecluss, and Zalore daughters to join me for a cup of tea."
It's better to meet them personally if they are to be potential love interests for Guren. After that, she will meet the Dean and return home. Home? Hah. She really thought of that gloomy palace as her home now. Terrific.
"I will do so, Your Ladyship."
Let's see their potential.
On the other hand, the young boy who had been bullied earlier watched as Akan and Ett faded from sight. His bright eyes turned serious. As always, he returned to his room and immediately wrote on a small piece of paper, tying it securely to a bird's leg.
It flapped its wings and flew away, as if knowing its duty, until it vanished from human sight.
Caw. Caw.
"We thank you, Your Highness, for inviting us to your tea party."
"Indeed, this Hermaia tea is the most expensive and rarest variety!"
Ett sipped her tea, observing them. The most reserved and quiet of the three was the Count of Ecluss's daughter, Arandel. The most mature among them was Baron Zalore's daughter, Ferie.
"You're curious whether I'm truly his daughter, aren't you?"
"Ah, well, does that matter?"
Dasra, the daughter of the Paralian Duchy, said this to lighten the mood. Of course, to you all, it does matter, especially in how you treat me as a noble.
"You already know," Ett remarked.
"But you don't look like an adopted daughter. You truly resemble His Grace."
Well, thanks to Akan's slimy hands.
"How are you faring in your territories?"
"Since Your Highness mentioned it, there was a drought last month. The crops withered and died, so we took secondary measures with the mines."
Dasra Paralian spoke with sadness before brightening. "Thankfully, I created a new jewelry set, and the nobles seem to like it very much. Oh, here. I brought this for all of you."
"Thank you, Lady Dasra."
This girl knows how to promote her product. It was indeed a boon to their business. Almost all nobles own this kind of jewelry now, though her gift appears more thoughtfully prepared.
Ett glanced at Dasra's fingers, which were wrapped. They must have been bruised from rushing to make this happen, since Akan had only just sent the invitation after helping her rest.
"Dear me, I'm ashamed I didn't bring a present. My apologies. After I return, I will deliver one soon."
Ferie smiled. "Would you mind if I made you some interesting tea?"
Ett raised a brow. "Ah yes, the future Tea Empress."
She was known for her skill, the young lady whose tongue could distinguish many kinds of tea in a single sitting and craft the most delightful or addictive scents.
"A-Ah, no. I-It's too much to be called Tea Empress. It's…"
Fwoosh.
Unexpectedly, she was shy with compliments. She looked like a tomato.
Eh?
"Then please do so."
Whatever floats your boat.
"Thank you!"
Now only Arandel Ecluss remained.
Girl, you understand the assignment, don't you? They were all expected to present their interests or skills, even if abrupt, without overt intent to promote their houses. Ett didn't care, but Akan must have said something to prompt this display.
And Arandel remained quiet the entire time.
Arandel of the Count Ecluss household sensed her gaze and nodded. She did not seem inclined to show her talent, and that was fine. Ett knew such things were not for everyone.
"Done!"
Ferie beamed and personally placed a cup at each seat.
"Please taste it, and speak freely, even if your criticism pains me."
Could she handle that? Ett sipped the tea.
"!!!"
Ett felt calm, and even her ongoing headache, which had its own temper, subsided.
"The taste is subtle, yet it carries the scent of rose, even though no rose was added."
"Yes."
Even Lady Arandel couldn't help agreeing with Dasra, despite being particular about tea.
"W-What do you think, Your Grace?"
She wore a hopeful expression as she looked at Ett.
"My headache has lessened."
Ett had always been a coffee drinker. Even in the palace, she only drank tea when necessary.
Adiand does not import coffee beans from other empires, which disappointed her. Still, this was the first time tea had such an immediate effect.
The flavor was familiar. Ett realized this was the tea the Physician often ordered.
"Thank you."
Ett wondered if this could help that little one in the palace.
"That's a relief."
Ett gave a thumbs-up. Her thoughts had already shifted back to work. Export. Import. Trade.
"???"
What does raising a thumb mean? The three ladies exchanged glances and shook their heads. They had no idea.
"Your Highness, may I ask you something?"
Why do Lady Dasra's eyes shine with such curiosity?
"Go on."
I'm in a good mood. Go ahead.
"I may be bold to ask, but are you the Emperor's future Empress?"
Clank.
"Oh no!"
Cough. Cough. Damn it, the tea went up her nose.
Ett felt as though a needle pierced straight through her head.
"P-Pardon?"
What did this girl just say?