“Ah!”
Xiang Xiang jumped onto the edge of my dining table and gestured towards a cream tart on top, indicating that it wanted so food.
Let emphasize once again, Xiang Xiang is truly clever. Not only is it clever, but it also knows how to behave properly. Despite being mischievous, it knows its limits and never causes any major trouble, just like those little cats and dogs, engaging in playful antics to a degree acceptable to its owner.
For example, although it occasionally sneaks into the kitchen to steal food, it never snatches food in front of , especially when surrounded by maids or outsiders.
Now that Violet has left, it’s only this little guy who can still make feel genuine joy and indulgence from the bottom of my heart.
It’s almost like... it’s our child.
I smiled and picked up a piece of tart with the fingertips of my silk gloves, offering it to Xiang Xiang, who reached out and took it, then sat at the table nibbling away slowly.
I have to say, the rules and regulations of the Human United Kingdom are quite interesting. Although any human, except for the so-called queen and mbers of the royal family, is prohibited from sharing a al with , Xiang Xiang is exempt from this rule.
As my pet, it seems to be naturally considered the private property of Queen Lilya lchior. Feeding it is like throwing a bone to a dog kept at ho during al tis.
Additionally, just like its true owner, Xiang Xiang has a fondness for all kinds of desserts, fruits, and light foods. It even mimics that “troublemaker” personality so well that I often see traces of Violet in it.
Perhaps in a way, Xiang Xiang can indeed be considered Violet’s child.
Does that make a foster mother? Saying it like that, hehe... hehe...
Ah, no, my thoughts are starting to wander in strange directions.
I quickly shook my head, stifling any signs of a smile that might appear at the corners of my mouth.
“Hm?”
See, even Xiang Xiang was startled. This won’t do, I need to set a good example for the child.
As I finished my lunch, Xiang Xiang had just finished nibbling on the cream tart that was almost as big as it. Once it greeted with a series of “Ah, ah, ah”s, it wobbled away.
It usually only cos to during al tis at noon or in the evening, and when it’s ti to rest at night. It disappears before dawn, probably wandering around the palace playing. I’m not sure what this little creature does all day.
Everyone knows that this peculiar Xiang Xiang fruit is my pet, and because of its endearing personality in a certain sense, many people indulge it and even secretly feed it sotis.
How nice, just like its owner.
Like a free-spirited bird, unpredictable yet possessing a charm that naturally draws everyone’s attention towards her.
Next, I have so free ti to myself, albeit confined to the palace.
It’s not that I can’t go out, it’s just that if I were to do so, unless I sneak out, the normal procedure would involve rallying a large group of guards, and the whole palace would beco bustling.
Unless absolutely necessary, I shouldn’t trouble everyone.
Usually during this ti in the afternoon, I would read, catch up on sleep if needed, tend to the flowers and plants transplanted from the Mingluan Hall that I’ve nurtured since childhood, or perhaps et with so people I want to see and handle unfinished morning affairs.
But today, I choose to practice swordsmanship.
My swordsmanship teacher, nad Nicholas, was once known as “The Vicious Wolf” and was once pursued by the kingdom as a wanted swordsman.
Nicholas once resided in the capital for a period of ti, but later fled due to his cris. It is said that it was by a chance encounter with him in his destitution that Violet advised him kindly, convincing him to join my service.
As the candidate she had identified, Nicholas’s abilities and strength are indeed beyond doubt, and the achievents he has made so far have long since offset his past cris. In my opinion, this guy isn’t actually bad at heart, he’s even a bit naive. It’s just that he was too stubborn in the past and didn’t leave himself a way out, which led him to that extent.
If not for this, even if it were soone brought by Lilya, I would consider whether to entrust him with important tasks.
By the way, Nicholas is now the captain of the palace guard, responsible for ensuring the security of this place. With his legendary level of strength, it’s not just favoritism.
At two in the afternoon, I changed into loose practice clothes, tied up my royal blue hair representing the royal lineage, and entered the palace’s martial arts hall.
Nicholas was already waiting for there.
Compared to the unkempt appearance when we first t, this guy now looks much more presentable. Not only is his beard cleanly shaved, but his hair is also long, well-grood, and flowing behind him. He’s wearing a light red armor representing the leader of the palace guards, with a sword at his waist. To be honest, he’s kind of handso.
I heard that Nicholas is currently dating a baron’s daughter who serves as a maid in the palace. I can only hope for his success. After all, this guy is also one of my capable subordinates.
“Your Majesty.”
Upon seeing , that individual imdiately gave a slight bow as a gesture of respect. According to protocol, given the difference in our statuses, he should have perford the act of kneeling to show deference. However, considering the inconvenience it would cause each ti, I granted Nicholas permission to simplify the gesture during our private etings.
Indeed, to avoid suspicion, I typically do not bring many attendants when practicing swordsmanship. Currently, the only one accompanying is Emily.
Of course, there are surely hidden guards nearby. It is a necessary arrangent that accompanies wherever I go. Nonetheless, they are my loyal soldiers and will never divulge any secrets.
“Let us begin.”
Without much preamble, I slowly drew the wooden sword from my waist, and Nicholas did the sa.
Our thod of sword practice is straightforward: spar and use our actions to comprehend the mysteries within the swordplay.
Nicholas’s Swift Wind Style is a secret technique not to be divulged without permission. However, as soone who possesses magical abilities learned from Violet, I see no necessity to delve into it. What I need to practice is solely my control of the sword and combat skills.
Originally, I was incapable of combat. Though born into the royal family, like my sister nna, I lacked any magical talent, and my physical constitution was naturally frail, making it difficult for to train in martial arts.
Therefore, I chose to spend a considerable amount of ti reading books, studying various knowledge and strategies, honing the etiquette of royalty, governance, and worldly wisdom, opting to make wisdom my weapon.
However, the stigma of being both magically and martially inept always lingered in my mind, and there were indeed people who gossiped behind my back.
I am aware of these things, and what they say is indeed factual, leaving with no ans to refute.
It was Violet who changed everything.
She responded to my plea, bestowing upon a miraculous spiritual treasure, the “Casket of Ascension,” whose value cannot be asured. It transford my physique and, through a ans yet incomprehensible, bestowed upon a power that seems entirely foreign to this world, a power unheard of.
This should be a secret of considerable importance to her, yet Violet still chose to share it with . The thought of this trust fills my heart with infinite sweetness and warmth.
I can sense the expectation emanating from Violet. By aiding , she must want to verify sothing through . Even to respond to her, I must beco stronger.
My power is called “Aeromancy,” a miracle similar to the Swift Wind Style but fundantally different.
I can feel the warm flow that constantly envelops my body, bringing the lightness I could never comprehend before.
Swords constantly clash, and in battle, I imitate, learn, comprehend, and innovate.
Creating a new path that belongs solely to her and .
Just like during the court etings, whenever I imrse myself in sothing, ti seems to pass quickly. In the blink of an eye, the sky darkens.
I sheathe my sword, drenched in sweat, and look at the sword instructor, whose condition hasn’t improved much, with a satisfied smile.
“Nicholas, now I can keep up with your full-speed swordplay. Next ti, you’ll have to step up your ga, or perhaps soon, you’ll need a new sparring partner.”
He chuckles in resignation.
“Your Majesty, in terms of physical prowess alone, you have long surpassed . It’s just your grasp of this power that is still immature. I must say, your progress has been truly remarkable in this ti. It seems that, given ti, our country will witness the birth of a new legend.”
“Perhaps.”
I don’t explain too much to him. The existence of the Cascet of Ascension is a secret known only to very few. Its true effects are only clear to and Violet. I won’t divulge it to anyone.
After changing out of my training attire, I quickly took a shower, relieving the hunger pangs that had built up after a vigorous afternoon exercise session. Together with the enticing aroma that seed to appear out of nowhere, I dined in the “Queen’s exclusive” restaurant.
Next, ca the ti I had been eagerly anticipating: the dicinal bath.
Not only does it alleviate the fatigue of my mind and body after a long day, but more importantly, during this leisure ti, I communicate with the delegation visiting from the Azure Sky Kingdom.
In other words, I can learn about Violet’s news.
As I lay in the warm water, feeling my entire body relax, I leaned back on the luxurious cushion of the elastic royal bath and retrieved the communication stone from my spatial ring.
This magical item, made from special high-grade magic crystals, allows direct communication between parties thousands of miles apart. However, due to the extre rarity of its raw materials and the need for specialized magic research to adjust the contact frequency and charge different communication stones, its application is not widespread.
But of course, I have no issues with it.
After activating the fully charged communication stone in my hand, accompanied by a slight static noise, the voice of my appointed delegation representative, Felina Trollope, ca through.
She’s a capable woman, just a few years older than , loyal, versatile in both literature and martial arts, and cos from a respectable family background. The only downside is her rigidity, which is sowhat related to Felina’s family environnt.
However, it doesn’t affect her work efficiency.
“Good evening, Your Majesty. Felina Trollope humbly wishes you peace.”
“Very well. How are things?”
Although I was eager to imdiately learn about Violet’s current situation, I couldn’t show it too obviously. I needed to make Felina feel that I was more concerned about the delegation, otherwise, she would surely nag endlessly.
“Very smoothly, Your Majesty. Tonight, we have reached a location less than five hundred kiloters from the southern border of the Nobos Iron-blood Empire. It is likely that within another half-month, we will be able to enter the Spryce Island, on the border of the Azure Sky Kingdom. However...”
Felina explained to about their encounter with Abyssal Beasts nearby, specifically how Violet and others, who had gone out without permission, had fought against them.
“To think such a thing happened...”
Although the description of the Abyssal Beasts in her account made furrow my brow in concern, the deepest feeling in my heart was actually...
That Violet, she really can’t stay still for a mont.
Just recently, she caused a sensation in the Bolt Kingdom, and even here in the Courage City, we’ve been hearing rumors about various “miracles” lately. It seems even the upper echelons of the Holy Empire have been alard and have dispatched personnel to investigate.
I’ve been trying hard to help her conceal it, but it’s really giving a headache.
But... this is indeed how Violet should be. It’s also the aspect of her that is most enviable, admired, and even jealous.
Free-spirited...
“Yes, I am aware of this matter. It is not to be underestimated. Our country will take the opportunity to probe the attitude of the Azure Sky Kingdom and seek further cooperation. For now, focus on completing your mission.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After chatting about so other matters, especially after tactfully obtaining quite a bit of information about Violet from Felina, I hung up the communication satisfactorily.
“Abyssal Beasts... the Abyss, huh...”
Lying in the warm bath, my mind drifted to the “Great Catastrophe” that nna ntioned to so ti ago.
That little brat, she suddenly ca to and talked about being a “Revelator,” and went on about a bunch of incomprehensible things like the original future, the present, and the Descendants.
Although it seed absurd at the ti, upon calm reflection, it appeared that everything she said matched the facts, and so of the puzzling points I couldn’t understand beca clear.
nna’s words reminded of a phenonon in this world called “Divine Favoured,” lucky individuals whose appearance has no signs or trends, completely random, a special phenonon whose principles remain unexplained to this day.
For example, Farnell Stephens is one such individual. Could my sister nna be the sa?
In other words, the destined encounter I believed I had with Violet might have just been a random occurrence driven by external forces. It’s quite discouraging...
However, I am still very grateful for what nna did. eting Violet has indeed changed my life, and I have never been so fortunate to have the chance to et soone in this lifeti. [1]
But...
If all of this is true, then the prophecy about the “Great Catastrophe”...
Was it a mistake to advise Violet to go south?
Originally, I just wanted an excuse to know her whereabouts. I never expected sothing so terrifying to actually erge from the Abyss. Will Violet be okay?
Ah, my stomach hurts.
Tomorrow, I’ll summon those old geezers to discuss and take the opportunity to see nna. Since ascending to the throne, communication between us sisters has decreased significantly.
With things reaching this point, I had no inclination to continue soaking in the bath any longer, so I promptly summoned the maid waiting outside the door and ended tonight’s dicinal bath.
Passing by the dressing room, I glanced at a corner where Violet had set up a strange magic called the “Invisible Space Portal” before leaving. It seed to allow her to return directly here from elsewhere, but so far, I hadn’t seen it actually work.
It seems she won’t be appearing tonight either. Honestly, what was I even expecting? Violet clearly said she didn’t plan to use it in the near future before leaving.
Returning to the bedchamber, it was almost nine o’clock at night.
In my nightgown, I spent over an hour dealing with the paperwork accumulated today, drank the warm milk Emily brought , and when I turned around, I noticed Xiang Xiang had returned at so point and was peacefully snoring on her own little bed.
This little rascal, always appearing and disappearing like a ghost...
It’s quite late, so it’s ti to rest. There are still many things to handle tomorrow.
As the royal maids pulled the curtains on both sides and exited the room, I lay back on the soft, newly changed sheets of the large bed.
The room was empty, devoid of any presence.
I closed my eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.
[1]
Don’t be grateful for what your sister did. She was literally the mastermind behind hundreds of thousands of living creatures who got killed, so of whom were rely victims of scapegoating.
Reviews
All reviews (0)