Chapter 10

“Oh my, that’s so pretty…!”

The color of the teapot began to change slowly from the bottom, creating beautiful patterns. Does the color change when it comes in contact with hot water? That’s amazing….

“It’s a gift from the priest of Arcentia. It’s an advanced country of magic, so there are all these beautiful objects.”

Arcentia is a country where there is an Academy that my brother attends. The Khalin Empire is a superpower that occupies nearly 70% of the continent’s territory, and has as many diverse history and culture as it does, but has fallen behind the Arcentia in its magical civilization.

In the past, there was a magical empire that encompassed the continent, and Arcentia is where the capital was, so the ancient magic civilization still seems to be alive there.

There were many academies in the Khalin Empire, but the reason why Arcentia is the best in the continent was because of this background. There were traces of mystical ancient civilization in various fields, not just magic.

“My first brother goes to the Academy in Arcentia. Oh, come to think of it, didn’t the young lord of Crescente go in there?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“…really? Oh, my God … what a wonderful coincidence.”

Contrary to her words, the Princess’ voice was a little shaking.

The arms are bent inward. Princess Cynthia was closer to Leonhart, his brother, than her half-brother Claudian.

To be honest, Claudian’s friendship with Theodore, who is considered as the next Duke of Crescente, would not be much of delight to Her Highness.

I didn’t have to tell her more about it, so I can avoid the awkwardness.

“My brother Leonhart was not attending the Academy, but he was taught by the great people of the Empire.”

“I’ve heard a lot about the brilliance of the second prince.”

Sure enough, the Princess conveyed to the praise of Leonhart.

Even if the Arcentia Academy is the best in the continent, the education that Leonhart received will not lag far behind, as he have been taught by the great talent of the Empire.

In order to become the Crown Prince, it would be better to learn from the figures of the Empire and increase your personal connection. Watching the Emperor’s reign from the side is also helpful.

Claudian didn’t go to Arcentia on his own decision.

The former Empress, Claudian’s birth mother, passed away a long time ago, and the current Empres was the birth mother of Leonhart and Princess Cynthia.

Both princes have excellent qualities, so the current Empress who thought that the second prince—Leonhart—would be at a disadvantage, used her hand and sent Claudian aboard.

There’s something like Marianne. But unlike Marianne who had sent a false charge to my brother, the Empress had persuaded the Emperor will all her eloquence.

Maybe because they have similar experience, Claudian and my brother are on the same wavelength.

The next topic was the hairpin that I gave as a gift.

“How did Lady Adriana get the hairpin? I don’t think you’re interested in jewelry.”

“Actually, I got it as a present from my brother. I’m embarrassed because it’s such an old thing….”

At my words, the Princess’ eyes were wide open.

“Oh my, is it alright for you to give me stuff like that?”

“Yes, I’m really fine, so please don’t mind. When I was you wearing it, I felt more that worth it. It suits you so well.”

“I’m glad because I wanted it, but the young lord Crescente will blame me for taking his sister’s belongings. Hoho.”

“My brother was fine too … I didn’t even ask him, actually. Though I suppose he’ll be a little disappointed, if I say it’s to live, my brother will understand.”

Today’s tea-time was not a separate party, but a time of relaxation and pleasantries during the Princess’ schedule. Therefore, the allowed time was not very long and the time has come to the end of tea-time.

The Princess spoke as she rose from her seat to see me off.

“I had so much fun today. Oh, Stella, bring what I’ve prepared.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Stella brought a luxurious box wrapped in a violet cloth and handed it to Leah.

“What is this?”

“I thought about what would be good in return for the hairpin, and I picked this one. It is a tea that relaxes your mind and helps you sleep better. I prepared it because you look a little tired at the last party, but you look better today than you did then.”

That day … I was definitely tired. I didn’t sleep to fixed my dress… I covered it with make up but I couldn’t hide my fatigue completely.

“Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

“Call me Cynthia.”

There were only a few who had a close relationships with the Princess, except for her family, the Emperor, the Empress, Claudian, and Leonhart. It’s quite extraordinary for a person to call the Princess by her name because even someone from the royal bloodline couldn’t do that if they’re not from the direct line….

Ah….

Seriously, does she think I’m her sister in law? Maybe when we were talking about Arcentia Academy earlier, she was talking about Leonhart in a subtle way…?

“How am I supposed to call the Princess—”

“Please accept that, I want to be closer to Lady Adriana in the future. Or do you not want to be close to me?”

“…That’s not the case. It’s an honor, Cynthia.”

“That’s a relief. Adriana.”

Cynthia smiled cheerfully. Frankly… I don’t know if it’s okay. To be honest, I’m not entirely happy about it. She didn’t show any interest in Marianne and Sharon’s gift earlier, does Cynthia think I’m more suitable to be a Princess than Sharon?

Or maybe she’s using me to check Claudian and brother Theodore’s friendship.

It wasn’t a bad thing anyway. Marianne and her daughter wouldn’t poison the Princess’ friend if they had the idea.

As I left the palace to go to my carriage, there was a man ahead who was redolent of his immense presence.

The Emperor of Khalin Empire.

Leonhart, who’s accompanying him, was also charismatic as a Prince, but the greatness that overflowed from His Majesty was unparalleled.

“Greeting to His Majesty the Emperor, His Highness.”

“Lady? Ah … I guess you’ve come to see Cynthia.” Leonhart assumed an aloof attitude.

His Majesty the Emperor knew me when I was young, but he didn’t seem to be able to remember me because he hadn’t seen me in the last few years. As soon as I was about to introduce myself, the Emperor opened his mouth first.

“Are you, the estemeed-daughter of Crescente?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Unexpectedly, His Majesty recognized me at once. Oh, is it because of my black hair?

“It’s been a long time. Do you remember me? I met the young lady when you were very young.”

“How can I forgot Your Majesty.”

The third Emperor of House Luminous. He is the one who made the Khalin Empire as prosperous as it is now.

The last Emperor of the former Imperial Family was a man of loose judgment and indecision, full of self-interest. The successive misrule had accelerated the corruption in the Empire, which had been slowly reduced before, due to the careless of the next Emperor.

The Grand Duke Luminous, who can’t just sit down and watch the Empire’s situation, revolted and became the first Emperor Luminous.

It was not easy to get rid of all the rotten branches and rebuild the country. But the first and second Emperor spared no effort to carry out their duties, and it’s the third Emperor who began to shine because of his successful efforts.

Of course, the achievements of the previous two Emperors were never just taken back.

As for his charisma, it would be hard to find a match for him even if we searched the entire Empire. He has a great presence, sharp eyes, and a powerful voice.

He executed the current system that the previous Emperor had designed but failed to implement it due to opposition. As the system became so successful, the Emperor’s dignity became like the Sun.

My father used to tell the Emperor about Marianne. His Majesty respected Marianne, whom my father loved, and did not interfere, recognizing Marianne’s temporary housekeeping authority even after my father died.

It was unfortunate for me, but I didn’t mean to resent the Emperor. Resentment won’t do me anything.

“You reminded me of Wallace.”

The Emperor closed his eyes as if recalling my late father. I felt like I was being hung up.

Even though everything had been ruined since Marianne came, I loved my father and my father loved me. Now it’s irreversible.

“How’s the young lord Crescente? I remember he was brilliant and good at martial arts. I’m sure he must be stand out in the Academy.”

“He’s doing fine. Not long ago, I heard he was dealing with minerals’ mine, they found a new vine of mineral and the villagers celebrated it. He was asked to drink at the celebration, so it was the day he drank the most alcohol in his life.”

I haven’t been in touch with my brother but it’s a bit awkward to answer that I don’t know, so I recalled my memories and fumbled some of the episodes that happened around that time.

The Arcentia Academy also acts as a guild, so it is often commissioned.

The request come from various classes, such as lord, temples, or a neighboring resident, and the Academy selected the quests that students could afford and introduced them to students in need of work. Ramona broke all her fortune and joined the Academy to earn such additional income.

Ramona, Theodore, and Claudian’s team was initially squeaked out by random matching, but they build friendships while fighting together and settle neatly on each quest they take on as the main character team.

As a result, their reputation goes up, and they will be responsible for bigger and more difficult quest.

Later on … they were involved in a heavenly fight. In the fight, my brother gets the Celestial Sword and becomes the most powerful aristocrat on the continent in name and reality.

“That’s a very pleasant story. I wish Claudian would write down detailed story, but he doesn’t have any original narrative skill. He often write down hard stories about what classes he takes and what his grades were like.”

I could imagine Claudian writing down his regards in a formal letter.

The quiet and wise Emperor is good, but it’s fine for the next Emperor to resemble Leonhart, who makes all the idle talk. Well, just a little.

“If it’s alright with you, why don’t you join us for dinner today?”

His Majesty seemed more pleased to see me than I thought.

If he’s going to do that, I’d like him to take care of me. Well, I know it’s too much to expect him to pay attention to me because the Emperor was a very busy man….

Anyway, I had no reason to refuse because I had to have dinner with Marianne and her daughter when I got home. It’s still a little early for dinner, but I spent my entire day alone until I found my past memories, so waiting is not a problem for me.

“I am honored, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, well … I have to see the minister from now, and you must be bored to wait.”

“I’m alright—”

“Leonhart, give the lady a tour of the Imperial Palace. I will inform Professor Mark.”

“I will.”

I didn’t have any slightest idea about strolling around the Imperial Palace with Leonhart as my escort. His Majesty the Emperor then went away, saying

see you later.

And next to me, only Leonhart and the maids were left.

“Don’t you have a schedule? Just because of me….”

“It doesn’t matter. It won’t be a problem if I postponed it for a day.”

Leonhart led me to the Emperor Palace. The Emperor Palace was the most magnificent and splendid palace on the Imperial Palace grounds. Besides the Emperor’s office and chamber, many people come and go because there were many facilities.

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While watching the room filled with mural paintings of famous painters, I felt a little uncomfortable.

Even when I went out alone, it was not easy to walk in high-heeled shoes for a long time. It wasn’t as hard as walking outside because it was a flat room with a soft rug, but it was the time when my ankle became a little sore and I hesitated a little bit.

“Let’s take a break in the garden. It happens to be in full bloom.”

Like a ghost, Leonhart suggested a break. The timing was too perfect that it doesn’t seem to be a coincidence. I thought it wouldn’t be obvious … but he had an impressive sight.

“Yes, let’s do it.”