Chapter 21 - Starting to be more “Princess-like” 

It’s two days since the Representatives have all left and I was summoned  by Eril’s mother, the previous Queen, to her chamber.

Queen Silvia doesn’t leave her chamber much since I became Emperor but still helps to advise the country.

Usually when she calls for someone, it is an urgent matter so I am a bit nervous about what it is this time.

Even though I am the ruling Emperor it was only because Inunis was assassinated and Eril had no right to the throne.

Walking up to her chamber doors I knocked on it and waited for a reply.

“You asked for me mother?” [Rinor]

“Yes, I have something to discuss with you. Come in.” [Silvia]

With her permission I opened the doors and closed them up behind me.

Looking around the room, you can see various runes and magic incantation along with archive scrolls.

“Have you made any breakthroughs with your experiment?” [Rinor]

“No, not yet but I do have some leads. Anyways what I wanted to talk about was that half-blood you adopted into the Royal Family.” [Saliva]

The atmosphere suddenly became heavy as she said those words.

Though she still have such a calm face on her I could feel the pressure she is exerting on me.

“W….well, I thought it would be a good idea to gather as much war potential as I could to fight the Shades and if I just left her as is, there would be attempts to end her life by the nobles.” [Rinor]

“And you think she is worth the shame brought upon this family for adopting her!?” [Salvia]

“I certainly think so. Not only has she saved both Gelion and Merilien, she assisted the [Hero] in slaying the strongest Shade thus far…. So I’m sure in the future she will become a great asset to us, right?” [Rinor]

“Be that as it may, have you considered the risk of your choice? It could cause the empire to break down, which was what I had been trying to prevent. Even the Alliance with those damn Humans was already pushing it. Had they not have a [Hero] to help us train ours, it would be impossible to work together given our history. I even took extra precaution with Eril so she wouldn’t do anything to disturb the already tense situation while I search for a way to breakthrough the level cap. If this were to cause me any problem in the future, I hope you can find a way to fix it.” [Salvia]

“I won’t fail.” [Rinor]

“Then, you can leave. Ah, also get more mana crystal, I’ll need more of them for the spell.” [Salvia]

“Yes mother.” [Rinor]

With that dealt with I exited the chamber and called for someone to collect more mana crystal, the highest quality possible.

“Huff…. What an Emperor I am…. Tch. I would never let this empire fall.” [Rinor]

‘I know that the relationship between the 8 section of this Empire was starting to breakdown after the sudden death of the previous Emperor but how bad was it to make the Queen be so harsh on Eril.’ [Rinor]

___________________________________________________

After Eril tried to run away a couple of times and I found out about it, I put  a restriction spell on her.

The spell not only weakened her but also tells me her exact location as well as giving me the ability to slightly influence her thoughts. 

Following this event Eril began acting different from when she was first brought back and stopped trying to leave, though she still complains about being kidnapped.

“Huff…. That Rinor, causing another issue just after I solved the problem with Eril. If this were to intervene with my plan then he would’ve been a bad choice of puppet to take my place while I try to find a way to surpass level 100.” [Salvia]

‘Well, when I do succeed, Gelion will be the first to learn its secret and there would be no need for that Human [Hero] any longer. Gelion would be able to take on anything and wipe out the Shades, the Humans would be done playing their part by then and there won’t be any need of the Alliance either.’ [Salvia]

With that thought in mind, I began formulating another spell that may be the one I’m looking for.

Though no one in history had ever surpassed level 100, it has to be possible because you can still raise your stats even after reaching level 100.

Even if Elves nor the other races have yet to accomplish this, legendary and God-like monsters have, so if mere monsters can do it we can too.

This is also evident in the [Darkened] monsters with the ability to ignore limits they have.

For legendary and God-like monsters, they can filter mana to its purest form and let that circulate through its body which is why these monsters’ blood makes for the best potions and is obviously the key to their long life and high levels.

As for [Darkened] monsters, not only do they get a huge boost to their stats, they can also surpass level 100 with the effect of [Darkened].

In this case though, the mana is corrupted and is extremely unstable.

To achieve my goal, I have chosen to go with pure mana because it is less dangerous and easier to manipulate.

All I need to do now is figure out how to make the same level of purity that those monsters use.

___________________________________________________

Today Yoichi and Blaze set off to finish off the remaining [Darkened] monsters at Vlirim Cave but left me behind, saying that my condition would only slow them down and put me in danger.

I can see where they’re coming from but even still, I’m so bored stuck in this place.

I wonder how much longer till this debuff go away? It really is inconvenient, almost made me lose to Kiirion. Now what do I do? 

As I was thinking so Gelion came running over to where I was sitting.

“Hey hey, big sis Haliel. You looked so awesome fighting Kiirion the other day. By the way how come you fight using  swords instead of magic spells when you have such a high Intelligence stat?” [Gelion]

“Oh that? Well, it’s because I had always wanted to be good with the sword since a long time ago. And also because my magic is quite powerful so I don’t use it often against other people.” 

Of course I would want to use a sword, I had always wanted to be a magic knight ever since I began reading manga and light novels. Magic is freakin awesome too but whenever I use it, the fights end too fast and it gets pretty boring because of that.

“Can you show me one of your spells, pretty please?” [Gelion]

“Ok, I’ll show you one that looks pretty. Scorching Phoenix Fire!”

A magic circle appeared on my hand and a huge brilliant fire erupted into the air, forming a Phoenix.

I manipulated the fire by manipulating the mana used and made it fly around us.

“Wah!! Amazing, it’s like a real Phoenix.” [Gelion]

“Yep, I used inspiration from watching Blaze.” 

After a bit I started to feel tired so I disrupted the spell and the Phoenix bursted like a firework in the air.

I checked my status and saw that my mana was already really low and remembered that the debuff also affects my mana pool.

“Wow, that explosion looked really beautiful.” [Merilien]

“Oh, hello there Merilien. I was wondering where you were at since you and Gelion are usually always together.”

“Hmph. I was looking for Gelion. He suddenly ran off after lesson was over but to think he’d be with you.” [Merilien]

“Is there something wrong with him being with me?”

“...” [Merilien]

I don’t think I’m imagining things but does she hate me? Why? Did I do something to make her dislike me? …. It can’t be that she’s mad I stole her brother now can it?

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Anyways, mom and dad wants you. Let’s go already.” [Merilien]

“Ok then, lead the way.” 

So we started walking off the castle wall and went to the throne room, where Rinor and mom were waiting with another person.

“So, what is this all about?”

“Ah, you’re finally here Haliel. This person here is the Royal Family’s personal tailor. Her name is Allisa and today she brought over some dresses for you and if you’d like a custom made dress, she’ll take your measurements and make it for you.” [Rinor]

Saying so, some men came into the room carrying a giant wardrobe and placed it next to Allisa as she moved to open it.

Inside it was a tiara and a lot of dresses made from expensive looking materials with elaborate designs and decorated with gems and laces.

T-these are way too flashy for me to wear… I’d rather stick with pants and a shirt please.

“D-do I really have to wear one?”

“Yes you do. It would be improper for a Princess to not wear one Haliel. Don’t worry I’m sure you’ll look adorable, hehe.” [Eril]

“I-I suppose…”

So I reluctantly chose a couple that were ‘less flashy’ but still flashy nonetheless and tried them on.

“They all look splendid on you Princess.” [Allisa]

“They really do, you look more like a Princess now Haliel.” [Rinor]

“Wow big sis looks so beautiful.” [Gelion]

“Hmph.” [Merilien]

“Thank you Allisa, you are dismissed and I am grateful for your hard work. After this is to show you to your own room, so guards bring that wardrobe over to Haliel’s room.” [Rinor]

Allisa and her helpers bowed to Rinor before they left the room and we started walking to my new room.

As we entered, I saw a bed covered by a white veil and a door opening to the balcony filled with various types of flowers.

Not long after we entered, the guards came with the wardrobe and I told them to place it next to the door leading into a huge closet.

Though this room was big, it’s nothing compared to Rinor’s room and mom’s room.

“So how is it? Your own room, but you’re welcomed to come sleep with me in my room whenever you want.” [Eril]

“Hmm, then I would be setting a bad example for Gelion and Merilien right? But it was fun sleeping with mom after so long.”

“Well, with this done let’s all go eat. The chefs should have prepared something really nice by now too.” [Eril]

By now it’s already pretty late and we arrived at the family dining room together.

This is my first time here since I came here and looking around I can see that the room is furnished by a purple tablecloth, paintings of Elves, well decorated vases with flowers in them, and a beautifully patterned long rug.

Just as we sat down, the maids and chefs came in with delicious looking food.

After they placed the food on the table, the chefs went back to the kitchen to prepare desert while the maids stepped back and formed a line.

It was kind of awkward having the people look at me while I eat, but the food was really good so I just ignored it.

After we finished eating the main course, the chefs came back with deserts and what instantly caught my attention was the chocolate tart with strawberries on top.

Ohhh, chocolate! It’s been years since I last had a taste of sweets and the first thing I eat is chocolate, my favorite!

Oh and the cake looks pretty good too. Were these things even available during the middle ages? Well, doesn’t matter since this is a fantasy world.

“Hehe, seems the chocolate tart caught your attention eh? You look so adorable, staring at it the moment it was shown. Well, go ahead and eat up sweetie.” [Eril]

W-was it that obvious? Can’t be helped right? It has been 10 years without sweets, 10 whole years! Who can go this long without sweets or anime?

“Ohh, I want the fruit mix custard!” [Gelion]

“And I want the strawberry cake.” [Merilien]

“Okay, okay. Here you go.” [Chef]

So after desert, the maids came to clean the table and dishes.

There was still some chocolate tart left so I took a slice of it before the maid went to the kitchen.

“You sure do like it don’t you?” [Rinor]

“What can I say, it’s delicious.”

“Alright then, since dinner is done, go to your rooms and take a bath.” [Eril]

“Okay” [Merilien and Gelion]

“I guess I’ll go take one too.” 

Saying so I headed back to my new room and went into the bathroom.

I was surprised to see that the bathroom was connected to the closet by a door, which could be locked.

This is pretty advanced for the time period I first thought it was, but then again ‘fantasy world’ so everything could pretty much be powered by mana crystals.

Then again this may only be available to royalties and the rich.

After washing myself, I walked into the tub filled with warm water filled with flowers giving off a sweet fragrance. 

I bath in there for  while before getting out.

Once I got out, I remembered that none of my other clothes had been cleaned.

A-ah…. This means I have to wear those dresses!! Dammit me, why didn’t you wash your clothes!! 

Without any other options, I reluctantly put on a nightgown.

Since becoming a girl, especially with my long hair, I noticed how long it took for my hair to dry and without a hair blower it takes even longer so I like to take walks outside after bathing.

Hmm, Blaze and Yoichi should be back by now too. Let’s go see if they are really back.

I began walking to the gates after I finished dressing and felt the cool night air against my skin.

As I got closer to the training area, I could see both Blaze and Yoichi.

“Blaze! Yoichi! How’d it go?”

“Huh, Haliel you’re wearing a nightgown.” [Blaze]

“Wow you look adorable in that.” [Yoichi]

‘I-I’m not a loli. I just like children since they are small and cute.’ [Yoichi]

“Aww, she does!” [Lilith]

“Wait! You guys didn’t even answer me yet!” 

“Ahaha. Well, Vlirim Cave was filled up with [Darkened] monsters again but not as much as the first time we went there. The monsters were also a bit weaker too.” [Blaze]

“Then why did it take you the whole day to exterminate them, I was so bored here by myself.”

“Ahem. Well, that would be my fault. I made it into a training session for the new knights so it took us longer than last time.” [Yoichi]

“So will you be starting Gelion and Merilien’s training again tomorrow?” 

“Yeah I will. It has been a while since last time.” [Yoichi]

“And Blaze, can we continue our training too then?”

“Sorry, I want you to be completely healed before we resume your training.” [Blaze]

“Aww, can I at least practice with my sword and bow?”

“As long as you're not over exerting yourself then it’s fine. No using spells above tier 6 though, that will only slow down the filtering process and don’t forget your medicine.” [Blaze]

T-ah, I did both of the things he just told me not to do… 

“And don’t stay in the cold for too long so go to bed already. Let your body rest more, you are too energetic.” [Blaze]

“O-okay…”

“He is right about that. Young children shouldn’t stay up late, it’s bad for your health.” [Yoichi]

With both of them urging me, I decided I should go to bed.

I am pretty tired and a good rest after so many years of hard work isn’t bad too.