"You're Majesty, the Dowager is asking for your permission to leave and attend the Imperial Academy."

Akan genuflected.

"Now the Dowager's starting to prance around?"

"This subject doesn't think so; she must have found something that needs a personal visit."

That is what Her Ladyship said to him. It's not like Akan knows it, either.

Her Ladyship has had a sudden burst these past few months, and even he who had been with him for years can't help but be confused.

Guren shook his head, "She should know covering her body with a veil isn't good enough."

The eyes and hair of an Adiand royalty are too prominent. As long as you're not blind, you can distinguish them from the common populace.

Akan nodded, "Yes. Her Ladyship also prepared for that part."

"..."

"Then so be it."

Guren has no time to be curious about what her mother wants to do. She won't do something reckless without any prior plan and benefit.

"Why are you even telling me this?"

"Her Ladyship just said it. She will be leaving the palace for a few days."

"..."

Guren frowned. What's the matter with her?

Usually, she will do what she wants regardless of whether he has a say. Her mother had the guts to go outside when she usually stayed in her chamber.

"It's not something preceding, leave."

"Then this subject will leave first Your Majesty. Have a good rest."

Akan bowed and closed the door.

"Ugh."

Guren frowned; his headaches were coming again. His cold act had a little crack. These previous nights are taking a toll on him.

He can't sleep peacefully.

***

Meanwhile, after learning of Ett's plan, Akan pursed his lips in disagreement, "Your Ladyship is going to pose as a student?"

Why would you?

"I just want to explore."

"..."

That's not something an Empress Dowager should do. Is it delightful?

"Besides, we have a day before the Academy starts."

There's an examination too.

"Your Ladyship, this would require you to stay at the Academy's chamber."

"It's just a few days."

"... should you be this carefree?"

Akan can't help but speak informally. He'd be annoyed, alright.

If the Dowager goes there, he could only visit her.

"I'm a child."

Meaning it's expected to be carefree at this age.

Akan can't refute that. She is indeed physically a child. Physically, that's it.

"Then I suppose we'll be visiting the Dean at the end of your leisure?"

"Yes."

Akan sighed.

Nothing to do but follow Her Ladyship.

"Then I'll guard Her Ladyship from the shadows?"

"Whatever you want."

This time, she can go outside with a different identity.

"Get out and prepare."

"When would we depart, Your Ladyship?"

"Midnight. Do you have the invitation?"

"Yes."

"Good."

She just needs a few clothes. No need for maids to assist her. After all, she's a woman of the modern world. Lighter clothes should be fine.

Ett stares at her nightclothes; she needs the right dress. Now, she'll try a little bit of change with the help of ribbons and pins.

That night was long for Ett, who had made some changes to the clothes she needed. When morning comes, she looks dead.

Coug—

"Ah."

Ett splurted blood again.

"Hah."

Sometimes, she hated this random coughing blood that made her hallucinate she's genuinely Ett, and she's born with it.

"Your Ladyship, I'll call the physician right away! "

"No. I just need some sleep in the carriage. Let's go."

"Your Ladyship."

This person is really... could he just pin and tie her down in her chamber?

"Akan."

"Tsk."

"Wow."

This guy even tsked at her. Where was his respectful attitude? Now, he's openly showing his attitude.

Hah. Forget it.

Akan and Ett rode an ordinary carriage as they secretly made it out of the palace, disguised as travelling for half a day to the academy.

They arrive early in the morning even though they were expecting it would be midnight. For the previous hours, they kept pausing.

Ett's little body, who travelled for the first time, vomited time and time again. When she tried to ride the carriage, it became better; however, the midnight coldness and being out outside for too long also made her dizzy and in a daze, sneezing with blood splatted her handkerchief.

There was no more manageable way. Therefore, Ett decided to stay in the carriage and made more cushions and blankets to support herself.

"Seriously, how can I enjoy seeing this place if I ju---chooo! Ugh."

She should better shut up. Her emotion and mood have their own 'emotion' and 'attitude'. Voicing out her complaint just made it worse.

Sneeze.

"Ha~"

"Here, have a tea, Your Ladyship."

"Mmm."

So warm. Wrapping many layers of blanket around her body is good; if she falls, it wouldn't be that serious.

*thump*

Ack!

"…"

Now, she had just fallen from the seat.

"Ehem."

Seeing Her Ladyship falling, as much as it pains him to see her state, is pretty adorable, like those butterflies before they could fly.

Ett, "..." What's with that look ah?

Stolen story; please report.

"If it's alright, would you go outside and breathe some fresh air?"

"Fine."

Awhile later.

"Your Ladyship, we've used wood to connect both seats as your bed. I also added more blankets and pillows to make you comfortable."

"Good."

Now, this feels better. Just that, Akan would stay outside from that moment on. It's not like it's trouble for him.

"If possible, I should have called the Dean himself."

"Hush, let's go."

Ett stared at the entrance gate. Looks like they'll walk up to the highest place. Just look at this extravagant architecture and opulence.

They sure are advanced with the order and facility for such a closed-off empire.

"Your Ladyship, please pardon my shamelessness."

Akan swept her from the ground and carried her in his arms.

"…indeed, you've grown bolder these days."

"Thank you for your compliment."

"…"

She feels like a baby. Now, the passing noble children look at her in dislike and with narrowed eyes.

"Does Her Ladyship remember who she will be?"

"I'm not that old."

Of course, she does. The adopted daughter of the Archduke is in another empire doing investigations.

The good thing about the Archduke is that he works mysteriously and has no family left.

Even if they look her up, they will only know she was adopted. Maybe in his travels, she was picked up. After that, she'll be discarded to the unknown.

"You know, Your Ladyship, as the 'daughter' of the Archduke, you have the right to not participate in the test."

"If I failed, just pass me."

It's so easy going to the backdoor.

"…"

Ett took her time looking around the Imperial Academy grounds and couldn't help but hum.

In the reports she read, Adiand is flourishing and improving now, more than in previous generations.

The streets she passed by and the roads going to the academy were immaculate and spotlessly clean. This is quite different from her modern understanding.

Shouldn't there be shat everywhere?

There are designated areas for specific places, and Guren is up to date with whatever is popular and what the common populace needs this season. He did read the proposal Akan gave.

The people don't look like they are barbarians who know nothing.

An independent empire that doesn't need alliance and treaty to survive.

As Ett looks more into it, it feels bothersome. Especially the Adiand nobles, who thought their empire was superior to any other empire.

Although such piousness and devotion are appreciated with time, it won't be extended for an empire to be destroyed.

Even the First Persian Empire and the Roman Empire had ruled for two millennia, faded overtaken by other empires. A continuous cycle.

As such, they must survive and live long as an empire and form diplomatic, widespread relations using trade.

Ett sighed.

To do that, Guren must be at the top of the pyramid to stand alone and fight the empires, which is not impossible but not practical. Say, if he did rule well, then what about the next generation and so on?

Chocolate cupcake, why is she worrying about this? She's now all out thinking about military war and strategy.

If this happens, it will also change the genre of this story entirely. It's too tiresome!

"Oh, my head."

"Akan."

"Yes, Your Ladyship?"

"Train the soldiers and gather more men."

We really lack the militia with how closed off we are and how the women in this empire have a hard time giving birth.

"Your Ladyship, don't worry. We put much effort into funding the militia, so there shouldn't be any issues. However..."

"Go on."

"The nobles would demand an explanation if another war would ensue and might increase the demand on war taxes."

"Tch."

Those nobles only know how to complain.

They aren't going to be soldiers themselves and send some of their children if not for money. Regarding the increase in war taxes, hah.

Do they want people to start tax resistance when the complaints of taxes have been low these previous years?

"Let them be."

In front of Guren, they are all lambs.

A capable child can see through what they intend to do. It is a fact that will always be the truth for every Adiand person.

Whoever is talented and skillful in his crafts and abilities can rise even if you are a commoner, with some special exemption for the aristocratic lineage, to keep their face.

If they don't show much progress, they are just aristocrats with no abilities to serve the empire and will be stripped of their titles.

Something unique in Guren's ruling advances better than before.

No wonder the divided factions are low-key.

"Your Ladyship, this is where I can only assist you."

"Alright."

"Since the test would come in about two hours, Your Ladyship can rest briefly. Someone from the academy will guide you."

Indeed, there was already a finely dressed woman coming up to her. She bowed gracefully.

"It's a pleasure to meet the young miss Ettna Froiz; I'll be your guide for the following hours, Reas Linn."

"Pleasure is mine."

Ett said curtly.

"And you must be?"

Lady Linn inquired, looking at Akan.

"Ah, apologies for not greeting this lovely lady; please call this humble servant Nakan."

Nakan? Ett looked away. The originality is superb.

Lady Linn chuckled, "You make me shy, dear sire. Thank you for your assistance."

"As it should be."

Akan turned to Ett.

"Then, Your Ladyship, I would go back. Your personal maid will help you with your things."

Ett frowned. There was no maid in their travels, though.

"She'll come a bit late."

Akan chuckled, seeing her reaction. Ett didn't' bother anymore and just nodded, following Reas.

"See you soon, Your Ladyship."

"Mmm."

This guy is cooking something.