"Woooooooo. . . . look at this, Erwin!.. The veggies really grew"

And not only did they grow, but the vegetables we planted were also very lush and looked so healthy. If we have journalists with cameras, I'm sure they could use my vegetables as material for organic food advertisements. Because even without a filter, the vegetables in my hands look absolutely delicious.

"That means our experiment is successful"

The southern part where Tagave is located is an area where the land is not very fertile. The mountains in the northwest part of the country keep the humid winds from the ocean mostly blocked. Giving us less rainfall than other areas in Amteric such as the western part of Ilargia which is famous as the grain silo of this great country.

They also don't have a favorable climate. But unlike us, who solved our problem by colonizing other countries. They developed their agriculture until they were able to create a breakthrough like cold-resistant crops. I want to do the same, but such research is a long-term venture. And because farmers aren't valued in the inner Amteric, no researchers want to come here.

That's why we ultimately decide to just cheat. In other words, as you might already expect. Erwin stepped in and made another OOT(Out Of Time) item. This time, we used the item he made to make artificial fertilizer.

"With this, we can grow all kinds of crops"

And those crops can be used as ingredients to create our own specialties, for export, or most importantly, for us to eat ourselves.

The business Erwin runs does have a margin, and every time an order comes in it was massive. Making our profit even higher because of the economy of scale. But because his kind of business requires workers with strong technical skills, only a few selected people can enjoy the benefits.

In my place, where the majority of the population are just farmers. We need another, simpler source of high income.

"Congratulations Erwin, once again! you've managed to build another marvelous creation! I'll make sure that your name will be immortalized in history"

"Please don't! I'm afraid of being sued by Fr*tz Haber."

Well, even if I didn't write it down. I'm sure that someone else will definitely do so in the future. Because Erwin had just created an object that could literally produce nitrogen from the air.

Using his newly built high-pressure steel reactor. He became the world's first inventor of chemical fertilizers.

Of course, I understand that he was just replicating an already existing invention. But it was still a great achievement. Even I know how a gas engine works if I were told to replicate it. I wouldn't be capable of doing it. But Erwin is different. As long he knows how something works, he will be able to recreate it.

Putting that aside. . . .

"This way, we don't have to worry about starving if some bandits block our road again"

Because now, we can produce our own food. In addition, with Erwin's invention, we can also start cultivating lands that were previously useless.

"Yeah!"

After that, Erwin and I took a good look at the village.

Our village was, of course, still small. But in terms of population, there has been significant progress in the past two years or so. In addition, the news that my father finally ascended the throne last year also had a big influence. Our territory has become more known to the public.

Originally the only ones who specifically lived around here were a few small local communities, the servants in the castle as well as my slaves. Other than that, the population was scattered in small villages far from our castle.

But now there are many people from other neighboring areas, including merchants who decide to live and operate here. The total population in the center of Tagave is currently close to two hundred. And that number still hasn't included the local communities I've mentioned before.

Now I can even see some small children running around in our fields, not to work. Like it used to. But to play. Where once it was just me, Erwin, Haruki, and my slave daughter, Miina can be seen running around in this place.

"Ah. . . by the way, Miina just had her birthday! I want to give her something"

Herman has helped me a lot in organizing my other slaves. Without his help, doing any project would not be as smooth and easy as it is right now. That's why I wanted to give something to his family. Or in this case, Miina who is his niece.

"What do you want to give her?"

"Something that can be used for learning, I would like her to be able to assist us in the future"

I could give her cash or other valuable items. But that sort of thing will only make Herman feel bad, besides if I give her money. In the end, It would probably be her parents that would use it. That's why I want to give her something that can serve as both a toy and a learning tool.

"Learning huh. . ."

There are no public schools for common people in Amteric. And even if there were, it's unlikely that a slave child would be able to enter one because the cost would definitely be too prohibitive. Besides, paper and pens are also not cheap things that you can buy without thinking. Even for me who is a member of the Royalty.

"How about a board and chalk?"

"The chalk will be a problem"

The board is fine, but if the chalk runs out then the board will just end up being a mere board. Chalk may not be as expensive as pens and ink, but only specific stores sell it. And they don't come cheap. Besides, since what I wanted to give was a birthday present, I also wanted to give something that looked a bit fancy.

"I understand, I'll come up with something."

"I'll leave it to you. . ."

After checking the harvest of our vegetable field. I intended to go straight back to my study, but before we got inside the mansion. Suddenly, there was a man on a horse who stopped right in front of the gate. As soon as the man dismounted, he immediately knelt down and said.

"I was sent by His Highness Arthfael Irmhilde to invite Princess Amelie to the capital."

He said that what he brought was an invitation, but if the person inviting was someone like my father. It was pretty much an order.

"Agh. . . I don't have a good feeling about this"

Two days later, I went to the capital with Erwin.

2

I don't know why after being an outcast for so long. My father, aka the new king of this country, decided to summon me. But as an Amteric citizen and also a member of the royal family. I couldn't refuse his orders.

Therefore, I decided to depart for the capital immediately along with Erwin. Who not only served as my bodyguard but also as an intermediary between me and...

"Welcome princess"

. . . His father

"Thank you, Sir Arthur, for letting me stay here."

During my time at Ordiff, I hardly ever left the dormitory. So I didn't know where are the lodgings people usually used were. That's why I decided to stay at Erwin's parents' house.

It's not only big and comfy but also safe, and most importantly. Free of charge.

"You can call me Uncle as you used to Princess"

"Then you can call me Amelie too"

Erwin's father stared at me with a gaze that seemed to say "What did this girl say?" And in return, I also looked back at him with a gaze that I filled with the words "You started it first."

Well, from outside we just intensely stare at each other.

We continued to stare into each other's eyes for a while until finally...

"Ahahahaha...,,"

"Ahahahaha...."

We both broke into laughter.

Neither of us knew why we are laughing. But that's not important. I feel like we would have continued to laugh had Erwin not forced his way into our conversation.

"Ahem! Father! I'm glad you're well!"

"Hm... of course! I don't have time to be sick! What about you? You're not bothering the princess too much, aren't you?"

This time it was Erwin and me who made eye contact with each other. We wanted to laugh but decided to exercise some restraint.

I don't know why, but Erwin's father always acted awkwardly in front of his own children. Like earlier, his words were a bit twisted but he was simply wondering if Erwin had ever been sick or not in Tagave.

You could say he was a tsundere parent.

"Of course! I always do my duty properly."

Just like his father, Erwin used me as a medium to communicate.

"Pri.... Amelie, Erwin"

Erwin's father looked at me and Erwin in turn and said.

"You've grown up. . . . "

I'm now 9 years old and Erwin is 15. While I'm still considered a child, Erwin is already an adult in the eyes of society.

"So you noticed my muscle huh, father?"

"I don't know about your skill, but you do look stronger"

Not long after Haruki was gone, Erwin got hit by a growth sprout and is now not only tall but also become quite muscular. Not as muscular as his father, but muscular enough that when you see his body, the word "Solid" would come to your mind.

"I'm still training regularly, not as intense as before though"

Not only he doesn't have that much free time, but he also doesn't have a proper teacher to give him a good training menu.

"I will send someone to retrain you"

"Thank you, father"

His father nodded and moved his eyes to me.

"And Amelie, You have become a beautiful girl"

"Are you sure? Uncle?"

I have grown taller but not much has changed except my face no longer looks so round and my hair is now longer, reaching my waist. And instead of one, now I also have two ribbons adorning my hair. One from my mother, and one from Haruki.

"Very sure! boys would be head over heel for you and girls would be so envious of you"

"That sounds. . . . . terrifying"

"Ahaha. . . just come to me when you are in trouble"

His face still looks stern, but the kindness in his voice is unmistakable.

In my present world, I have yet to feel the tender love of my father. But if my father is not a prince and just a commoner who focuses on being my mother's husband and my full-time dad. Maybe...

"Uncle!!!"

I could hug him tightly just like what I'm doing to Erwin's father right now.

"...."

Erwin's father initially hesitated to return my show of affection. But not long after, he wrapped his hands around my shoulders delicately as if he was holding a very fragile object.

"We'd better go to my office"

I nodded and the three of us moved from the living room to his office. Once we were inside, Erwin immediately broached a more serious topic.

"So, why was Amelie called?"

"For that, you are one of the reasons."

The answer didn't come from Erwin's father who was sitting in front of us. But from a young man who had just walked into this room.

"What do you mean, brother Ector?"

The one who replied was Ector Frank, Uncle Arthur's first son. Erwin's first brother who is currently 22 years old. Just like his father, and his other brothers. He also worked in the army.

"This is what I mean!"

Ector placed a long metal object on the table before us.

"You recognize this thing, right? Erwin!"

Upon seeing the object, Erwin and I were instantly at a loss for words. Why? Because it was an air rifle like the weapon Erwin had made and used in the past.

"How did you get it. . . ."

"You should know better. . "

I tugged on Erwin's sleeve.

"Erwin! It's from that time!"

When Erwin and Haruki rescued me from a kidnapper. They used his rifle, but fearing it would be seized by the landlord of the town we were in. Haruki threw Erwin's rifle into the river.

"I indeed made something like that, but that doesn't mean that this weapon is . . ."

"Don't run away from reality! You're the only one who would make something like this!"

I was sure that Ector had no proof that the rifle in front of us had anything to do with Erwin. But I also thought that no one could make such a thing except this personal bodyguard of mine. And judging from how his father and brother were looking at Erwin, it seemed that they were used to seeing Erwin create other Out Of Time objects while he was here.

In other words. Someone managed to salvage Erwin's rifle that Haruki threw away, reverse engineer the design, then mass-produce it and sell them to the military. From the way Ector spoke. I'm sure that their rifles also eventually fell into the enemy's hands and also got mass-produced by the opposing side.

Which ultimately. . . . .

"This thing took far more casualties than anyone ever expected"

Both sides wound up slaughtering each other with greater ease.

"The casualties on both sides were so great that everyone finally realized"

If the war continues, their country will be in danger. If their productive population dropped dramatically in such a short time. Not only the security of the nation but also the economy and the society of their country would be devastated. For a smaller nation, their country can be dissolved altogether.

"That's why. . ."

Ector turned his gaze towards me and continued.

"Your father, His Highness Arthfael decided to take power and declare Amteric's defeat against the coalition forces"

In other words, my father staged a coup and overthrew my grandfather, and then declared a defeat to end the war as quickly as possible. Before our army was exhausted and our already chaotic economy completely collapsed.

However, even though Amteric was defeated. The coalition forces did not succeed in conquering us. Our soldiers were still able to fight, they didn't take much of our territory, and of course, our capital city was still standing tall.

"This is where you must take a part in this conflict Amelie"

Erwin's father said.

"To persuade the coalition forces to accept the ceasefire and peace treaty you must . . . ."

"Become a political hostage. . . huh."

Erwin's father nodded.

I understood that we needed a political hostage from the royal family. But I don't understand why I was selected. I am just the daughter of a commoner woman. We have no wealth, nor power, nor authority. So my political value should be almost nonexistent.

"I understand why you're confused, Amelie."

Without saying anything, it seemed like Erwin's father already knew what I was thinking.

"Unfortunately I don't have the answer, only His Majesty does"

"Thank . . . you."

I don't know what to say. I don't even know how I should feel after learning this news. That's why, right now I can only offer my thanks.

"Erwin. . "

Feeling that his father's conversation with me was over, Ector called out to his younger brother...

"Right now we can still protect you."

If the news that Erwin was the original creator of this deadly weapon became public. I'm sure that everyone would be scrambling to get him into their side, whether willingly or by force. There's even a chance someone wants to kill him fearing his knowledge. But the fact that he is still living a peaceful life to this day proves that some people are protecting his secret from the shadows.

"But we won't be able to keep on doing this! That's why. . ."

Ector stood up, dropping some paperwork to his father's desk, and then touched Erwin's head.

"Please control yourself."

Before finally walking out.

With that, we ended our first day with a heavy feeling.

3

After Erwin was told that he had been indirectly responsible for the deaths of so many people. He decided to distance himself from everyone. Something I could understand.

Amteric, as the biggest country on this continent, has a very large territory and population. Based on the research that Haruki showed us. The total number of people living in this country is estimated to be around seventy million. Ten times the population of the countries around us, and three or four times the population of major countries outside the continent.

With such a large population, it's no wonder that we can field nearly four million people into the battlefield. Add to that there are also coalition soldiers numbered nearly five million. If even the total casualties were from Erwin's rifle knockoffs only amounted to 1 percent. He is indirectly responsible for the deaths of ninety thousand people.

And I'm sure that the number of soldiers felled by his weapons is actually more than that. Furthermore, I'm sure that not everyone who fell was a soldier. Common people who don't know anything would be also on his list of victims.

Literally, he has become the J.R. O**enheimer of this world.

No wonder he wants to be alone.

But I have absolutely no intention of leaving him alone. When one's head is filled with worries and burdens. Being alone and thinking about all the bad things you've done will only make you sink further into negativity. Therefore, I will accompany him.

Even though I can't offer any useful words or advice. The presence of other people is enough to keep you from falling too deep into your own thoughts. Most of the time that is.

"Erwin! I'm coming in!"

Without waiting for a response, I went straight into his room which was luckily unlocked. And sure enough. . .

"What's the matter, Amelie? Are you scared to sleep alone?"

I found the boy sitting at the window of his room.

"Yes, that's why I'm going to sleep here tonight!"

I pointed to the pillow I had brought. Making Erwin sigh loudly.

"You don't need to worry about me, Amelie"

"Then don't put on such a worrying face!"

Erwin widened his eyes before finally touching his face. After that, he forced himself to smile and said.

"I'm sorry."

"Forgiven! Now come down and get some sleep! We'll be busy tomorrow"

"Yes. . "

Obeying my orders, Erwin got down from the window and lay on the bed immediately after picking me up onto his very tall bed. After that, for a few minutes, we just lay next to each other without saying anything. Only about ten minutes had passed. Erwin finally decided to open his mouth.

"I shouldn't have cared if my weapon killed many people"

No matter how many people fell because of his weapon. To Erwin, those people were nobody. He didn't know any of them, he couldn't see their suffering, and he didn't know anything about them. So, to him, all those people's lives should be nothing.

"But, when I imagined that a soldier carrying a gun suddenly came to our place and killed everyone in the village... I. . . . . ."

I leaned over and looked at Erwin's face. There I found a few tears welling up in his eyelids. In addition, his hands were not still, they were both over his chest squeezing his chest tightly.

". . . You have fought in a war right?"

"I do! but all those times! I'm just doing my job!"

After witnessing so much tragedy, he decides to close his heart. No longer does he treat himself as a human. He is just a machine doing work. In his mind. Fellow soldiers are just work partners, they are no longer friends. Wounded allies are just patients, not brothers in arms. Even enemies aren't enemies, they are just obstacles.

"I... I don't know what to do"

His empathy for strangers should have been dead a long time ago. But right now, his feelings are a mess. He felt like his mental capacity as an adult was regressing. It made him feel weak. And he doesn't like it.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

"I... . ."

As someone born in the modern era. The destruction, death, and misfortune that people experience due to war is something I've only ever seen and heard about on TV or news on the internet. None of them felt real, they all felt so far away that I couldn't relate to them in the slightest.

I felt that none of that could ever happen to me. Because in my mind, they were just like stories. Not something real.

But Erwin's words made me realize that we were now in another world. A world where tens or hundreds of kilometers away, people were fighting, dying, and killing each other.

It was not impossible that the scenario Erwin had envisioned could happen at any time.

Erwin turned his body and faced me with a troubled face.

". . . . I'm scared Amelie!"

Seeing his face, I went straight and hugged him tightly.

Why?

Because I too was scared.

Afraid that our peaceful life would end just like that.

Scared that the people around me would just disappear.

Scared that I would commit similar mistakes and jeopardize everyone I loved.

"Erwin . . . . we, are dangerous."

"Yes. . "

Erwin returned my hug and started stroking my hair.

"We must hold ourselves back"

"Yes."

The skills I have may not be as impressive as anything Erwin can create. But my knowledge is still something that is Out Of Time in this world. Depending on who wields that knowledge, they could use it to make everyone's lives miserable.

"How about we make a promise?"

"What promise?"

"A promise . . ."

. . . . . To restrain ourselves. To hold ourselves back.

After that, we sealed the promise by linking our pinkies before we went to sleep.

The next day, we went to see my father early in the morning.

4

I thought we would be guided to the palace to meet my father. But instead, the royal guards took us to the king's private mansion far away from the palace. When I asked why? to the guards escorting us, none of them answered.

Hence. . .

"It's likely that your father's political power isn't solid yet."

Erwin answered my question.

"I see."

A coup is certainly not something that can be easily pulled off. You need the right mix of timing, planning, and luck. If even one element was missing, instead of coming to power my father would land in jail.

And as with all coups, the previous authority also didn't all agree or support my father's efforts. Even though he had valid reasons such as saving the country. In the eyes of many other nobles, they still dominating, and they had no reason to admit defeat.

The arrogance of the lords in Amteric, which was well known throughout the world, didn't help either. Many of them refused to concede defeat to people who they considered to be inferior to them.

In addition, they also basically don't really care about the country and are more concerned with their own self and territory. To this day, there are still many who refuse to withdraw their troops.

"I think he wants to avoid interference from other factions that disagree with his decision"

I understand.

"Erwin! Please keep me safe."

"Of course!"

Once we were almost at my father's mansion, I could see that there were many guards keeping watch. But even so, I still couldn't really feel safe. When power is up for grabs, one is capable of doing absolutely anything to seize it.

"Princess, this way please."

"Thank you. ...."

Following the servant who welcomed us. Erwin and I arrived at a large room where there were many people busy with their own activities.

My father is relatively young, so none of his children are truly adults yet. But even so, I could see that there were many adults who were probably my sibling's personal bodyguards.

Unlike me who only brought Erwin as my guard. My other brothers had two to four adult bodyguards each. Making this place even more crowded and full than it ought to be.

"Erwin, is there anyone you recognize?"

Because I never traveled anywhere other than to school in the capital. I never once met my other siblings. Even the one that is in the same school as me, I can only see them from afar.

"The one escorted by four men in the frontmost spot is Seragus"

The first prince of this country, my eldest brother. He is 17 years old, 2 years older than Erwin. Then beside him, with the same number of bodyguards was the country's first princess. My eldest sister, 14 years old Serafina.

After that, Erwin pointed out another sibling named Sevarion. Unlike my previous two siblings, he was busy chatting with my other siblings. Apart from them, Erwin also mentioned my other sister Charlene as well as a pair of twin boys and girls who were about my age named Aveline and Evaline.

I wanted to know more about my siblings from the other mothers. But as soon as someone yelled...

"His Majesty arrives!"

And my father along with his bodyguards rushed into the room. Everyone immediately stopped their activities and was led to the center of the room by the servants. Leaving their respective bodyguards behind.

The older children immediately formed a line. Meanwhile, the group of younger children including me had to be guided by the servants. Then, once our line seemed neat enough.

Without any further preamble, my father simply said...

"Do you all know why I called you here?"

Out loud.

"...... Good!"

No one answered his question, but it was a sign that everyone here had been told the reason why they had been summoned by the supreme sovereign of this country.

"It's time for you to fulfill your duty as members of the Royal Family!"

And that duty is to sacrifice yourself for the benefit of the country.

"But! As a king! I don't want you to just be hostages!"

Learn! Absorb all the knowledge the enemy has to offer. Take this opportunity to see Amteric from the outside world! Then bring back all your wisdom and experience to make this country better!

"And as your father!"

I want you to be a better person than me!!

A greater person than me!!

"Be! A BETTER KING THAN ME!!"

That statement instantly made the room rowdy! My father indirectly just said that you can prove that you're better than him! You can inherit his throne.

Even if you're the middle or even the dead last child.

"Now I will personally tell you where you are going!"

My father began to call out his children's names one after another and told them to come closer to him.

After that, as I expected, his older children were sent to the core countries of the coalition army.

Seragus was dispatched to Albion. A country with great industrial and military capabilities that also had a penchant for expansion similar to Amteric.

Serafina was sent to Hispain. An island nation positioned between two large continents, making it a busier hub for international trade even compared to Yamato. Among the members of the coalition forces against Amteric, this country had the largest maritime power.

Sevarion, my second older brother, was sent to Xamara. A country located on the main route of the continent's largest river. The country that also where the command center of the coalition forces is located.

After that, my other siblings were dispatched to the small countries around Amteric that shared a direct border with us.

It's arguably the most unpleasant post to live in, given that it's filled with people who hate Amteric the most. Which is not surprising since we are the source of their misery.

I thought I would be put in this group and sent to one of the smaller nations around us. Forgetting that there was still one other major country that hadn't been mentioned in this meeting.

"Amelie! You're going to Yamato!"

It wasn't just me who was shocked, but also everyone who understood the current geopolitical situation.

"Your Highness."

I lowered my head and asked.

"Did Your Highness not misread the name of the country?"

Yamato is one of the countries at the center of which the coalition forces were founded. You could even say that without Yamato, the coalition forces would not have been created. In the battle against Amteric, it was their troops that had the biggest contribution in breaking the stalemate between the two sides and turning the tide in their favor.

Their troop numbers were not the highest, and their country was not the wealthiest, but in terms of competencies. No one can match them.

Of course, I got all this information from Haruki. Who is in fact a Yamato citizen. But I know that the boy is not one to boast. I could rely on him to see things with an objective view.

"They asked for you specifically!"

"They asked for me?"

But why? I'm hardly worth anything in terms of politics. If my father wanted to throw me away, he could simply do so. Making any agreement with me as the collateral would have absolutely no binding power whatsoever.

"If you want to know, ask them!"

Not knowing what else to say, I lowered my head again and thanked my father.

"And! Tell your bodyguard that he's forbidden from leaving the country without my permission!"

My father said in a smaller volume.

"Can I ask the reason why, Your Highness?"

"You already know the answer!"

You don't want to give another country a chance to grab Erwin huh. He may be dangerous, but it's better to have a dangerous man on your side than on the enemies.

"Then what about my guard, your Highness?"

In a soft voice, he answered my question with a slightly annoyed tone.

"I don't even want you to g........ I'll prepare a bodyguard until you reach Yamato! You will have a new guard there!"

Is that ok? well, I'm happy that I don't have someone monitoring my activities. But are you sure you don't want to give me a guard from Amteric? to. . . you know. Protect my safety?

"Stop putting that silly face on!"

What silly face?

"That silly face!"

I'm not even saying anything.

"Your face tells me everything you are thinking!"

I covered my face with both of my hands.

"Stand properly! Don't embarrass yourself!"

".....Yes fath..."

Ahh yes, he isn't my father. He is the king and I'm his subject. This is the palace, not my home.

"Yes your highness"

I knelt down. Feeling a bit bitter.

".....Enough! I know someone trustworthy there! I will leave you in his care"

I lowered my head again and thanked him.

Just as he came, my father also left in a hurry. And with that, the meeting ended.

5

The next day, we said our goodbyes. Erwin's father tried to get us to stay longer. But we couldn't leave my mother alone for too long. I didn't want her to become bald from having to keep taking on the business from Erwin's workshop as well as the management of the territory all by herself.

On the way, I decided to share what I'd talked about with my father.

"It seems my father also knows about you"

"And that is why he wants to put me under house arrest?"

"Umm. . ."

Erwin balled his hands but decided not to say anything. He knew that whether he liked it or not, he had to comply with the order.

"He will provide my replacements, right?"

"Of course! But they will only escort me to Yamato before returning home"

"They will abandon you?"

"Yes, but I'm grateful"

"Why?"

"Because perhaps I can meet Haruki"

Yamato is Haruki's home country. And since Haruki is the son of an influential person there, the chance of meeting him is quite high. In fact, if I were to press on my request to meet him, it's not impossible that my host would grant it.

Erwin nodded. Then added

"Come to think of it, it's most likely that you were chosen to go to Yamato because of Haruki"

"How so?"

"Let me explain."

For some reason, Haruki had such a high opinion of me and Erwin that he thought we were geniuses. Even though from our point of view, he was the real genius.

His vast knowledge, his ability to understand foreign concepts that we pointed out, and also his talent in manipulating people's emotions. If a child who has all those things isn't a genius, who else is?

But putting that aside. He could have told his parents how great I was, and his parents could have told his superiors how much potential I had. In the end, they chose me to be a political hostage in the hope that I could give them something.

"And if Yamato really prioritizes education as Haruki told us, I guess my hunch isn't too far off from what actually happened"

"Ughh. . . . too much pressure"

"Hey. . . no need to be scared, you have a lot of things you can give them here"

Erwin touched his head with two fingers.

"Besides, if you can show your skills, it's possible that you'll be given more freedom"

It's just like Erwin said. If Yamato really put a lot of importance on education, I would probably be able to do more things there.

"But. . ."

"I understand what you're thinking."

Of course Erwin does, we were just talking about it last night. The fact that our existence is not normal and that the knowledge we have could change the world. Either for the better or for the worse. But clearly, we are dangerous.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Although we don't want to harm anyone, our knowledge can be abused.

"I'm sure that you can pick and choose what you share with everyone!"

I'm still not sure how to organize my thoughts into 'okay' and 'problematic' categories. But. . .

"The important thing is that you must remember . . . ?"

Erwin raised his index finger and pointed it at me. It made me instantly realize what he was trying to say. We laughed and at the same time said.

"Self-restraint"

"Self-restraint"

Before we started laughing again.

"Erwin, I leave Mama to you! Please take care of her."

"Leave it to me!"

After that, we linked our pinkies.

During the ride, we also talked about other topics. Like what I should prepare for the trip, what he should prepare for my trip, and then what we needed to prepare to cope with the lack of managers on our territory.

I thought about preparing Herman's nephew as my replacement. But Erwin insisted that I would put too much burden on her. Which I understand considering that she is literally just 6 years old. It was just that we were really short on human resources. So, our conversation turned from whether we should train her or not, to how to train her efficiently and not put too much pressure on her.

Five days later, we finally arrived at my house and were greeted by the tears of my mother who seemed to have been told that I had to leave her.

6

After traveling overland through one of our colonies for over two weeks and by sea for two weeks as well. I finally arrived at the port of Yamato. And just as my father had said, my bodyguards returned as soon as they handed me over to the officer who came to pick me up.

The officer whose face felt familiar.

"Welcome, Princess!"

"Thank you for picking me up, sir. . . ."

"Masashi Youta, Haruki has told me a lot about you princess!"

I knew it. I grabbed my skirt and bowed to him in a hurry. But before I gave a noble salute to Haruki's father. Suddenly his colleague raised his hand and said...

"Princess, you don't have to"

Which I could only respond with a confused face.

"My name is Eiji Hiraku, and we're nobody so you don't need to offer a salute to us! let alone this guy"

Haruki's father just laughed in response to his partner's insults. As for me, despite being told to stop. I still continued my social routine.

I gave them respect not because they had a status. But because they had gone through the trouble of coming to pick me up and giving me an escort. Besides, I also just wanted to give a positive impression to Haruki's father.

Not sure how to react after I decided not to listen to his suggestion. Mr. Eiji could only say...

"Thank you, princess."

While putting on an awkward smile.

While escorting me to my new residence. We introduced ourselves to each other. And since you already know me, I'll skip my introduction.

Haruki's father, Masashi Youta is now a military advisor. Rising above a diplomat. But even though he has a high rank, he does not have the right to make his own decisions or mobilize troops.

In practice, his work is more about intelligence. His visit to Amteric almost two years ago was part of the job.

Appearance-wise. Unlike Erwin's father, Masashi doesn't look like a soldier. Probably because he mostly works behind the scenes. But it doesn't mean he is thin. Just slim. He should be the same age as my father, yet he looks younger.

Or more precisely, he looks healthier. His face is not as dead as my dad's.

As for Mr. Eiji, he is a lieutenant in the Navy. He was chosen to pick me up because just like Haruki's father. He also spent a long time on the Amteric and often dealt with their people. Making him more familiar with the culture.

Since I had the chance to chat with Haruki's father. I wistfully inquired about where Haruki is and whether or not I could meet him. Unfortunately, the answer I got immediately threw my hopes back into the sea because the answer I got was. . .

"I'm very sorry princess, but Haruki is in the military academy and can only come back once in a while. . ."

In addition.

Because Princess Amelie Irmhilde is essentially a political prisoner. I'm not allowed to go around carelessly. On top of that, everyone who wanted to meet me also needed permission. Making meeting anyone let alone just a childhood friend even more difficult.

"But. . "

But?

"But if Princess joins the academy, you don't have to ask anyone's permission to meet any students"

Upon hearing that, I couldn't help but smile. But Eiji who was next to him immediately turned to Haruki's father with an exasperated face while saying. . .

"Mr. Youta, I remember that we can't interfere with the princess's education!"

It seems like the Yamato authorities intend to let me choose what I want to do. They think that whatever I do, the outcome will be better if I choose it myself. What Haruki's father just said could be taken as him ordering me to go to the military academy.

"Ahahaha. . ."

"Don't laugh!"

I could see that Eiji really wanted to smack his partner's head, but he decided to restrain himself before finally turning back to look at me.

"You don't need to listen to his words princess, if you want to meet Mr. Youta's son we can arrange it! You don't have to worry"

In Yamato, there are many educational institutions that I can enter. Starting from schools for the common people where you can get a basic education, in engineering, and economics. There are also schools for the nobility with politics as the main curriculum and military studies as a side extracurricular. Then there were also specialized research centers with no formal ties to any institution of learning.

And lastly, of course. Military academy where you have to prepare not only your brain but also your body. Not only do the written lessons demand a lot from the students, but the curriculum for physical training is no joke either.

Every year, it is not uncommon for many who are no longer able to endure to decide to leave or straight up get expelled.

"Naturally, if you don't wish to enter any school that's fine too! You are a guest after all"

If I just want to fulfill my duty as a political hostage. I really don't have to do anything. Just coming here is already counted as work. So, even if I just roll around in my room all day for years. Yamato will still continue to accommodate my stay.

But.

"I'll die of boredom if I do nothing, Mr. Eiji"

In addition, my father also said that his children should return home with something useful for Amteric. That we should become better person.

"I'm going to enroll in the military academy!"

"Princess, please reconsider"

The military academy is not a place for people who aren't committed. Plus, you have to practice martial arts there too. Getting injured during practice is a student's daily meal. That kind of place is not suitable for a princess like you at all.

Mr. Eiji kept bombarding me with all sorts of reasons why I should avoid the military academy. But even though Haruki's father's words influenced me, I didn't choose it just based on his persuasion. Rather, it was because I thought that it was the most interesting place.

My experience at the special school for nobles in Amteric made me not want to retry it here. Then my memories from the past made me not want to redo the public school either. For a research organization, I think the responsibility is too great and all my colleagues will probably be all adults.

I might be an adult mentally. But I wanted to have a friend who was my physical age.

"Mr. Eiji! I thought I was free to choose my path?"

I'm curious about what was taught over there. And since I'm always being protected, sometimes I don't want to be a burden and wish to be able to defend myself. Besides, it wasn't like anywhere else. There was somebody that I not only knew but knew well. . . . . . .

Ok, fine. I was just making excuses to meet Haruki.

"Good girl."

While Mr. Eiji had a face full of terror. Haruki's father put on a big smile and started stroking my hair.

"Mr. Youta, please stop patting the princess"

"What princess? She's my daughter"

After that, we ended up taking a walk before heading to my current residence. Haruki's father took me to many interesting places in the city like the monument to the founding of this port city, a marine research site, a fishing spot, and then a fancy restaurant.

Although I did feel tired, I was happy. Because the reception didn't feel make me feel like a guest. Haruki’s father act like someone who was happy that his child had returned home. He treated me like his own daughter.

The day ended with me falling asleep and needing to be carried away.

And then.

One week later, I was formally a first-year military academy student. And unlike the friendly welcome, I received from Mr. Eiji and Haruki's father. What I got were curious stares, disgusted looks, angry gazes, hateful glares, scorn, sneers, and condescending eyes.

The military academy is a school with a six-year education system. Four years of preliminary education, and two years of advanced education. You could only enter here after getting a basic education either in a public school or graduating from a private education after you were eleven or twelve years old.

In other words, nine-year-old me doesn't really have the qualifications to join this school. And yeah, my background as Amteric's princess doesn't help either.

In the eyes of the world, Amteric is an evil nation that invades other countries without reason. A country filled with egotistical people, and a country that forced their siblings or perhaps their parents to go to war.

Opinions that I can't refute.

But unlike them, I can't just say that Amteric citizens are evil incarnate. Many joined the war only because they were forced to by their lords. And people like my mother and my slaves were also just trying to live a normal life.

Of course, I'm not going to explain all those things. Not only deep down they already know, but they also won't listen to anything I might say either.

"My name is Amelie Irmhilde, nine years old, I won't be here for long but nice to meet me."

The negative reaction I got was far more intense than anything I had ever experienced at my old school. But I had absolutely no intention of just giving up and leaving this school with my face down. That only gave me a new goal.

Chasing after Haruki.

I still wanted to quickly leave this school, but with my face looking up. Hence, I joined the acceleration program.

7

With a solid and clear goal. The next step is just to make a plan to graduate as quickly as possible.

With my memories from the past. I'm sure that everything will be smooth and easy.

Or so I thought.

Unfortunately. Military education is vastly different from the general education I once went through. It made me, just like the other students, have to struggle to catch up with my peers who had enrolled earlier.

All that agenda forced me to spend most of my time studying. Sometimes I even had to stay up late to pass tests or exams. It was not uncommon for me to ask Haruki's father for help when I felt stuck on a subject.

But even though all my new lessons were difficult. My young brain is very cooperative. As long as I'm diligent, graduating in three years isn't impossible at all.

Rather than written lessons. The main obstacle to me being able to glide through the academy's fast lane is . . . .

"Amelie! We'll leave if you don't finish in ten minutes!"

"Ahhh. . . hahh. . Hah. . . agghh..."

"Shut your mouth! Don't waste your breath and keep running!!"

"Yy . .Yeh. . Sir.. "

Obeying the instructor's orders, I kept running like a drunken man on the verge of fainting while breathing like an asthmatic.

As you can see, my biggest roadblock was physical education.

As a girl, who was still young, and also never had to do hard labor. The physical training at this academy really felt like torture.

Every physical education lesson was over. I always ended up lying down like a corpse.

Honestly. If it wasn't for Haruki's father who always, comforted and give my tired body a massage when I cried because my body hurt all over. I might have completely given up.

I just want to crawl to Haruki and whine. But sadly, I got the news that Haruki was receiving special education and was unable to leave the separate faculty from where I was.

Considering that even I, who was in the primary class, was already this busy. I can imagine that he really won't have time. As a special student, he needs to do far more than a regular student like me. Just imagining it already sent a shiver down my neck.

And that program will last for another two years. In other words, until he graduates.

I want to see Haruki!

I want to see Haruki!

I want to see Haruki!

I don't know how many times I said that word in my head. I missed him. We are not even physically that far away. But why can't I see him?

It didn't take long for me to start thinking about sneaking out and looking for him myself. But fortunately, when Haruki's father saw me behaving oddly. He provided me with a remedy for my longing by sharing stories about Haruki when he was a child.

In return, I also shared the stories I had with him.

Our various story sessions brought me closer to Him. And when he said that I could think of him as my own father, without hesitation, I complied and clung to him like a koala. Yeah, I'm being easy. But hey, I'm choosing who I'm being easy with.

My new daily life continued for two more years. And with hard work and mediocre grades in physical education. I was finally able to complete my accelerated program and graduate from the primary section in one and a half years.

Leaving my peers who were older than me behind.

And yes... In those one and half years, I didn't make a single friend.

Something that made me feel lucky because I didn't have to suffer the pain of leaving people I was close to. But it also made me feel like a failure because my social skills hadn't improved at all in the past years.

Once I entered the advanced class. I keep going on the fast lane so I could graduate faster and catch up with Haruki.

But. . .

"Hey Amlie, Welcome to the advanced class"

Don't tell me!

Amelie uniform [https://krita-artists.org/uploads/default/original/3X/5/d/5d2a089bce2f1f9d730f13f8c3d045c391ef012f.jpeg]

"Haruki. . . . why are you still here?"

Unexpectedly.

Haruki who should have graduated years ago was still at the academy. And not only was he still in school but his rank was also dead last. On top of that, everyone also regarded him as a nuisance, looked down on him, and treated him as if he was the stupidest person in the world.

Seeing that, my anger immediately burst and I said in a loud voice.

"You're all nothing compared to Haruki!!!"

That instantly put me in the same position as him. No one likes me, I'm considered a nuisance, and useless. And since I was the princess of Amteric, they didn't forget to add in hatred as well.

I decided to quit the accelerated program In the 6th grade, exactly at the very end of my education period. I didn't need it anymore. My goal has been accomplished. I didn't need to run away anymore. With Haruki by my side. I wasn't afraid of anything anymore.

And right now, I've also found a new purpose.

Just like Haruki helped me in the past. I will also help him. Whether it's helping him graduate, helping him return to his old self, helping him demonstrate his skills, or helping him to do whatever he wants.

In other words

"Haruki!"

"What? Why are you looking all serious?"

I took a deep breath and said. . .

"I will make you happy!"