"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 downfall to an empire."

There are too many examples of emotions that destroy 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.

***

"Your Ladyship, aren't you tired from yesterday? You still have the energy to come...to this place."

Currently, Ett feels like she is missing action in her life, so she decides to come to the practicing arena for knights and watch the students competing with each other.

"What's that?"

Just now, a pigeon flew on Akan's writs, giving him a letter. It must be some secret message.

"Oh, this?" Akan smiled as he read the letter. "It's Butler Xiwen asking how we are faring again."

"I see."

Ett just nodded and returned to look back at the students.

Seeing the students doing their own sports and skills, Ett wants to try attending archery class and holding a bow, even if she'll just try it for a few hours. However, her health would be affected again.

Even in games, she would choose a long-range class, if not those that sneak behind people's backs without 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 doesn't want to watch scenes of violence in real life, and she reads strategic and historical books, never was it some fighting and 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 the barbarian way of fighting."

"And too light to be called a near-end 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 whatnot. One stomp on the foot, and they've become banshees.

Just how soft are they? How much more if their arms are cut off, would they die in the spot?

It's like she's looking at 21st-century men. Too soft. If they stumble their toe on a table's leg, they wallow in pain as if they're at death's door; it wasn't even a bullet!

If war comes, either they turn a new leaf or die on the spot and run cowardly to who knows what graveyard.

"They need to have high tolerance."

Even Guren, as a child, can endure more when he is in battle; aren't they ashamed of themselves? Guren's even younger than them. It's not like she has high expectations for them, but a little push.

A battle will ensue in the future, and other empires will invade. How would they protect their precious assets? They can't depend too much on families with knights or 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 and learned from their opponent's behaviour and learn from them, that would be wonderful.

"What's the use of honour and dignity once you die and can't have a comeback?"

"Good point, Your Ladyship. Surely, our Dean will understand where you are coming from."

Ett stood up, "Let's go."

It's really better if you're watching a death match between adults. But Adiand, even though it's a nation that had won the battle in the hands of Guren, there's no such thing as an arena for gladiators.

If she recommends something like that, no, it's already done by the Fidorin Empire. They have great military powers and warriors to boot. Adiand, on the other hand, lacks such experienced and battle-frenzy citizens.

However, Guren is a strategic leader. He knows this weakness and makes alternative plans. The Adiand citizen has skills similar to Guren; most are good with their brains.

They are creative and can make innovations; they deep-rooted how introverted they are and don't travel much to other empires. Fewer Adiand people try to venture out; well, there are those Adiand who are curious to venture and see the world and those who are ordered because of a mission.

"How dare you! What a barbaric move!"

That was quite loud.

"It's just some child fight, Your Ladyship."

"Oh."

They were passing by a group of children, one she recognized as one of the commoners, who was stomped by five nobles of his age.

"What happened?"

"Well, the Major commoner, that boy splashed water on the young master's face when he felt trapped and then kicked his shin."

Lol.

Now, that's a good one.

"Hey, you there."

Akan, "???"

"Your Ladyship?"

Is Her Ladyship feeling kind now?

The boys looked at her, specifically her broth and gasped, realizing she was above them.

"You're a Duke's son, is that right?"

Judging by his sigil. It's pretty familiar.

"Yes. I'm one of the sons of the Duke of Escarta, Von Afein Fiel Escarta."

Ah, the Son of Escarta from the South. If the Garths are the leading nobles in the north, this Major noble's father is the same. No wonder he acts this arrogant.

"I'm assuming you're the first child of the Duke?"

"That's right."

"The way you speak to My Lady is rude."

Akan uttered, looking down at him in distaste.

"Who are you to say that!"

Von Afiel humped, seeing no sigil on Ett's clothes, unaware of her identity.

"She is the Archduke's adopted daughter; be respectful."

Akan showed him the sigil before attaching it near the position of Ett's chest.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"I...I apologize! Greetings, Your Highness...uh, Highness!"

Von Afein does not know her name!

"Hush."

Ett doesn't need formality and greeting for now.

"Did you have rules before your dispute broke out?"

Ett asked.

"No, Your Highness."

"How is it barbaric?"

"That's because—!"

"There was never a rule established."

"Still!"

"Even if there is, there's no mediator."

"What does Her Highness mean?"

"In battle, there's no rule. Isn't this young commoner much better than you in tactic?"

"Well..."

Of course, he realizes that, but as a noble with pride, he can't take it!

"Your father had accompanied His Majesty in battle years ago. I didn't think his son would be this petty and not learn from his mistakes. When you participate in war, and you're your enemy stabs you in the back. Would you say, 'That's not fair?'"

Ett scowled.

"How ignoble."

"!!!"

"..."

"I am concerned at the way you show our face. As nobles, you should learn from this incident instead of being upset."

They all gritted their teeth; Von Afeil first bowed and apologized.

"I apologize for my misconduct. I've learned a lot!"

"We apologize, Your Highness."

Seeing this, Ett finds it funny and says, "For the future of 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, Akan chuckled. "Is that child fight interesting enough to you?"

"A little."

They were cute.

"Then wouldn't those children come and find 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 come near them. He walked in front of Ett and bowed deeply.

"T-Thank you so much, Your Highness! Please tell me how I can repay you?"

Now 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 the soonest."

It's been three days since she and Akan toured here, and for some reason, she feels odd whenever she thinks about the palace. Hence, Akan would have already told her if something had happened in the palace. Maybe she's just used to that place rather than being out here for long.

After another two days of touring around and meeting nobles from afar as they watched them from afar, Ett had an idea she nearly forgot.

"Invite the Paralian, Ecluss and Zalore daughters to join me for a cup of tea."

It's better to meet them personally if they can be a love interest for Guren. After this, she will meet the Dean and get back 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 was bullied a while ago watched as Akan and Ett faded into his 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 the bird's legs.

It flapped its wings and flew away as if knowing its job until a human's eye could no longer see it.

Caw. Caw.

***

"We thank you, Your Highness, for inviting us to your Tea Party."

"Indeed, this Hermaia Tea is the most expensive and rarest type of tea!"

Etta sipped her tea, observing them. The most reserved and quiet one above the three was the Count of Ecluss's daughter, Arandel. But the most mature one among the group is Baron Zalore's daughter, Ferie.

"You're curious if I'm truly his daughter, right?"

"Ah well, does that matter?"

Dasra, the daughter of the Paralian Duchy, to lighten up the mood. Of course, to you guys, it matters as well as how much you'll treat me like a noble.

"You already know."

Ett remarked.

"But you don't look like an adoptive daughter. You truly look like His Grace."

Well, thanks to Akan's magical hands.

"How are you all fairing in your territories?"

"Now that Your Highness has mentioned it, there was a drought for the following month. The crops have withered and died out. Therefore, we took secondary measures with the mines."

Dasra Paralian uttered, feeling saddened before she beamed. "Thankfully, I've made 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 boom to their business. Almost all of the nobles have this kind of jewelry, although their gift seems to be more taken into thought.

Ett glanced at Dasra's fingers, which had been covered. It must have been from bruised rushing to make this happen since Akan had just sent them the invitation after he helped her get rest.

"Dear me, I'm ashamed I've not given you a present. Apologies. After I get back, I'll deliver them soon."

Ferie smiled. "Would you mind if I made you some interesting tea?"

Etta raised a brow. "Ah yes, the future Tea Empress."

She was also known for her skill, the young lady whose tongue could distinguish different kinds of tea in one setting and make the most lovely or addicting scent.

"A-Ah, no. I, it's too much to be called Tea Empress. It's..."

Fwooshhh.

Unexpectedly, she's shy with compliments. She looks like a tomato.

"Then please do so."

"Thank you!"

Now, it's only left with the Arundel Ecluss.

Girl, you understand the assignment, don't you? All of them should show what they like or skills, even if it's abrupt, something that's not an overall hidden intention to promote their house. Etta doesn't care about it, but surely Akan said something that made them this showy.

And...Arandel was quiet all the time.

Arandel from the Count Ecluss household sensed her gaze and gave her a nod. This person doesn't look like she cares to show her talent. That's fine; Ett knows these things are not her cup of tea.

"Done!"

Ferie beamed and personally gave them one going to each of their seats.

"Have a taste and do tell me to the point I'm pained by your blunt criticism."

Could she handle it? Etta sipped her tea.

"!!!"

Ett felt calm, and even her ongoing headache, which seemed to have its own moody behaviour, subsided.

"The taste is subtle, yet it smells of scented rose even if no rose was mixed."

"Yes."

Even Lady Arandel can't help but agree with Dasra, as she is picky with tea.

"What, what do you think, Your Grace?"

She had a puppy face looking at Ett.

"My headaches lessened."

Ett had always been a coffee person. Even when she was in the palace, if there was tea, she'd only drink it if necessary.

Adiand doesn't have coffee bean products for the other empire, which disappointed her. Still, this is the first that such a tea instantly affected her.

The taste is familiar; Ett realized where the Physician ordered her tea.

"Thank you."

Ett wondered if this could help that little guy in the palace.

"That's a relief."

Ett just made a thumbs-up. Right now, her mind is thinking about work again. Export, import, trade.

"???"

What does lifting the thumb mean? The three ladies looked at each other and shook their heads. They don't know either.

"Your Highness, may I ask you something?"

Why do Lady Dasra's eyes seem shining in curiosity?

"Go on."

I'm in a good mood, fire away.

"I may be bold to ask this, but are you the Emperor's soon-to-be Empress?"

Clank!

"Oh no!"

Cough! Cough! Fudge, the tea just went into her nostril. Ugh.

She could even feel a long needle went directly to her head.

"Par, pardon?"

This girl, what did she say?