Synopsis:
Elena Rosalind Evergreen, once an Imperial Princess of Eldoria Empire, enjoyed a luxurious life until chaos struck the imperial court. Her elder half brother, fueled by ambition, conspired with the tyrant Prince Cedric Winterhorn of Frostholm Kingdom. In exchange for the throne, he promised Elena to the lustful Cedric.
Refusing to marry the tyrant, Elena fled the palace, pursued by Cedric's army. Through trials and tribulation, she fell in love with her personal guard, Adrian, who saved her countless times. They found solace in a rural countryside, but their happiness was short-lived. The enemy, led by Cedric, discovered them, and in a tragic confrontation, Adrian sacrificed himself for Elena's escape.
But Elena lost the will to escape after seeing her lover dying. Captured and facing Cedric who discovered in rage that Elena was pregnant with Adrian's child, he got her executed.
She thought it was the end, But to her astonishment, she awoke in her 5-year-old self, granted a second chance to rewrite her destiny. Now, she vows to find her true love earlier, but first, she must navigate the treacherous imperial court and ensure a future filled with love and happiness.
Chapter -1 Dead and Reborn, Back to 5 years old
"A~e, Di A~n"
"A~ Di A~n"
"Adrian!!!"
I opened my eyes to a red ceiling and hurriedly looked around. "Where am I?" 'This is not Emberwood Meadow'
A sense of bewilderment enveloped me as I took in the opulence of the room. I found myself seated on a grand bed, adorned with the finest silk sheets and plush rag dolls on either side. A dressing table stood a bit far away adorned with delicate trinkets and a polished silver mirror that reflected the regal atmosphere.
The light cascaded through a set of large open windows, revealing the breathtaking view of the Palace garden bathed in the soft hues of sunlight.
As I took in the surroundings, a sense of déjà vu crept in 'It's a very familiar room'
'How did I end up back in my room at the Imperial Palace, didn't I get killed?' As I thought about it, a face hovered in my mind.
"Adrian, He, he died trying to protect me" tears welled up unconsciously at those thoughts
Suddenly there was a knock on the door "Your Highness, is everything Okay?"
I came back to my senses "I-I'm alright, you do not need to worry" My voice was shaky as I was still a bit confused about my situation. It was then that I noticed that my voice was very soft and sounded young.
"Call me if you need anything Your Highness" Silence followed those words.
I forgot about the past and started looking around assessing my current situation. I was shocked seeing my current body, it was very small and light. It's definitely a child's body.
"Did I just regress back to my childhood, reverting time? How is it possible? I never heard of a magic spell like that. As far as I know, time magic only allows you to control the flow of time, creating a separate dimension with it. Not traveling through time" I thought aloud.
"But it doesn't matter, I can think about it later. Since life gave me a 2nd chance, I'm gonna cherish it. I'm gonna resolve all my regrets."
"I need to find Adrian, but first I need to clean up the mess in the imperial court"
…
"Currently, I'm in the dining room, having my breakfast attended by Olivia, my personal head maid—the same person who called out to me earlier.
I find myself all alone at the huge dining table, as each member of the imperial family resides in different residences. This doesn't mean I always have my meals alone; my elder brother, the 2nd Prince, often visits to share a meal with me. He loves me a lot. The Imperial mother does the same, but currently, they are all occupied with various matters, considering I woke up late today.
"Olivia," I call.
"Do you need anything, Your Highness?"
"What's in my routine today?" I'm still not used to my current situation, as I didn't just get back to a year or two ago but a whole 20 years. Yes, I died when I was 25 years old.
"You originally had an Etiquette lesson at 9 am but since you woke up late, it got pushed back to 10 - 11 am, then there's also basic arithmetic and general knowledge in the afternoon from 1:30 - 3 pm" Olivia replied without giving it much thought.
"Just these? What about Magic theories and combat lessons" I asked back, since this routine felt too lax to me.
"Your Highness, did you forget that You can only choose your majors at 7 years old whether to become a mage or a swordswoman, you're still young. You can only study the theories after that. And one cannot have combat lessons before 8 years old, it's dangerous" Olivia patiently explained it to me.
Oh yes, normal children start studying Swords and Magic theories from 10 years old, but it's the members of the imperial family who need to mature faster, thus beginning their studies from childhood
Well it's normal for me to forget such information after growing up, do you remember your childhood that clearly?
I hurriedly finished my breakfast and got readied for the Etiquette class, I already know the proper Etiquettes of an Imperial Princess, but I still needed to pretend to not arose suspicions. And I can't really disagree that my etiquette sense became a bit rusty after leading a carefree life for 2 years with Adrian.
Thinking about Adrian made me gloomy again but I quickly got over it.
…
I reached the classroom after changing into an appropriate dress. And then
"Well well, look who's here, it's Princess tardiness herself. So dear Princess, did you have enough sleep yet" the voice sneered full of sarcasm.
There she was, even though now looking very young, I recognized her just from her tone of voice.
She's my half sister -
"Manners Princess Aria, you need to pay attention to your speech. You can't talk with someone like that" with that, the speaker voiced towards me "You may take your position your highness"
"Yes Lady Isabella" I greeted and went to my seat.
"What manners do I need to talk with her who came an hour late. Anyway, my lessons are over. I'm going" she scoffed and left the room.
My half sister Aria Gabrielle Evergreen, the 2nd Princess of the Eldoria Empire. She was always rude towards me. I never did her any wrong, but…
"Sigh, she's still immature, needs to learn about hiding emotion" mumbling that, she looked towards me
"I'm sorry your Highness, please don't mind her. Originally, your lesson would have been over alongside her highness Aria, but as you were late, we're gonna begin right now."
"Yes Ma'am, it's alright. I'm used to it," I said with a small smile. Truly, I'm very used to it after 25 years. The child Aria is still cute compared to her older version.
Lady Isabella returned the smile, appreciating Elena's resilience. "Good to know, Your Highness. Let's focus on the lesson now. Today, we'll delve into the intricacies of imperial greetings. Can you demonstrate the curtsy we learned last time?"
Elena nodded, eager to redirect the focus to the lesson. As she performed the curtsy with surprising grace for her age, Lady Isabella couldn't help but be impressed.
"Excellent, Your Highness! You have a natural flair for this. Now, let's refine it a bit more. Imagine you're greeting a foreign ambassador..."
After that, she started teaching me some basic Etiquette. I knew all of those, just pretended to be inexperienced. But it still made her amazed
"Great, you're doing very well Princess. You're a fast learner"
…
3rd person POV - Isabella:
I was really surprised. It might be just basic etiquette, but it would still be hard for a 5 years old child to follow all the complicated procedures on her first few tries. Elena might be a bit clumsy here and there, but she got a natural air on her, as if she already practiced those steps many times before.
Even as a star teacher of the Imperial Academy of Eldoria who oversaw many students of imperial family and nobles, it was my first time seeing a student learning these steps so quickly. In fact Elena even did some advanced steps without me even showing them to her.
'Did she really learn them beforehand? But she only became 5 years old a month ago. Children of the Imperial Family starts studying from 5 years of age, not before them. And even if she starts earlier than everyone else, I didn't hear of any other Star teacher teaching her Etiquette.'
"Excellent, your highness! You're a genius. We can stop for today" After practicing for a while more, I ended today's lesson. Really, I don't think she needs any more basic lessons. She can just start medium level ones.
I was really curious, so I asked her directly
"Your highness, did anyone teach you these steps before? You look like you practiced these before."
Elena, who received a glass of water from a nearby maid, stopped in her tracks hearing this.
But she soon replied in stutter "I-I saw Iiperial sister Carla in a Banquet before, I learned these from watching her"
"You mean you learned these steps just from watching her highness Carla in a banquet!"
I was truly shocked. Carla Elias Evergreen, she's the 1st Princess of Eldoria Empire. Only 11 years old but a mature graceful young lady. She's already good at leading people and in stewardship. It's possible to learn some moves from watching her.
But the point here is that Elena just became 5 years old a while ago. Let alone her being so young, even older children won't pay that much attention to someone's moves, much more remembering and applying them.
'I found a natural genius, his majesty the Emperor is truly lucky. How unfortunate that she's a girl, not a boy'
…
1st person POV:
'That was close' I sighed in relief.
' Looks like she believed my words. I really need to restrain myself more and pay attention to how I act. But it's hard, isn't it. How do you stop something which has already become natural for you? It feels so dumb to intentionally make mistakes which are so childish'
…
I returned to my residence from the classroom. Right now I have an hour of free time to do whatever I want. It's good, I really needed some time for myself to figure out the current situation.
I died, killed by Cedric Winterhorn, the crown Prince of Frostholm Kingdom and returned 20 years back to the current time. Let's not think about how that happened, there's plenty of time for that later.
My current priority is to stop the 3rd Imperial Prince Asher Oliver Evergreen from causing the chaos he did in my previous life. He schemed with Cedric Winterhorn to overthrow the current Emperor Amon Leopold Evergreen.
And shockingly, he somehow did succeed with his crazy plan. Who could have thought that the chief advisor was so corrupted. Imperial father was very careless trusting him so much. In the end Asher exploited that into blackmailing him along with some benefits.
The chief advisor holds huge influence in the Imperial Court. With his aid, it was very easy to throw the whole realm in Chaos.
Asher's cunning plan unfolded with precision. He directed Cedric to escalate tensions at the border, diverting half of the Imperial Army to reinforce it along with some trusted vassals. Simultaneously, Frostholm spies sowed chaos throughout the Empire, further distracting our forces.
Even as imperial father dispatched my elder siblings, the 2nd Prince and 1st Princess, to investigate the external threat, unknown to them the true danger lurked within our very walls. The chief advisor, a puppet in Asher's scheme, poisoned the castle guards, leaving the Palace vulnerable.
The grand official banquet, attended by the Emperor, nobles, and court mages, became the stage for Asher's coup. The poisoned feast plunged the gathering into chaos, while the 3rd Prince, with his maternal family's personal army, seized the moment to capture the Emperor. The Imperial guards and court mages, incapacitated by poison, were powerless to resist, leading to the successful overthrow of the Empire.
But foolish brother, did he really think Cedric, the infamous tyrant, would truthfully help him so much just because of me. He might be a lustful womanizer, but not a fool. The coup d'état weakened the Empire, giving opportunity to the enemy. Frostholm kingdom was the Empire's rival to begin with. King William was also not an idiot.
In this whole event, the greatest danger was the chief advisor. Even if the Frostholm kingdom really did attack the border and cause all those Chaos, the Empire and it's vassals were strong enough to defend it, no number of internal chaos would have made it fall so quickly.
The best swordsman and mages of the Empire were stationed inside the Palace. Only because of them being poisoned and getting off guard did Asher succeed in his scheme.
"So I need to reveal the chief advisor's crimes and make him leave his post. There's also some other bad sheeps hidden inside the court. Only after cleaning them can I stop the 3rd Prince's Coup" As I spoke my mind aloud, suddenly someone called me from behind.
"Elena?"
Chapter - 2 Confiding in Alex
"Elena?"
I looked behind at that familiar but foreign voice and saw a young boy over 10 years old. What caught my eyes were his features—hair the color of sunlight and eyes as deep as the sky.
So young but already carrying the aura of an Elite. His clothes spoke of nobility—fine, with a deep blue jacket adorned in gold. The emblem of his noble lineage stood out, with delicate details that hinted at luxury. A silk sash crossed his shoulder, marking his place in the ruling family. His shoes, impeccably polished, completed the look
As he approached, his movements were graceful, as though he'd always known the weight of his Imperial blood. There was an undeniable regality about him, a testament to his upbringing in the Evergreen family.
"Lord brother?" It took some time for me to recognize the young him.
"What were you thinking so much, I knocked but you didn't hear" He spoke with a gentle tone.
"Ah, you knocked, sorry I was thinking about today's lessons" I spoke awkwardly. I really didn't hear him knocking.
"Oh really? I never knew my sister was a hard worker. Come, you can practice later. Take it easy and have our lunch now" He gave me a funny look just like the way you talk with children. But really, isn't he also a child from my point of view. Who's he acting like an adult with?
"You go first, I'm coming in a moment"
"Ok, Come fast, the food is ready on the table" He closed the door right after that.
…
3rd person POV - Alex:
Seated across from Elena at the dining table, the weight of the palace life leaves my shoulders. The endless responsibilities of being the second heir to the throne, the diplomatic intricacies with officials, and the tiresome charades with fellow nobles leave me perpetually on edge.
Yet, there's a refuge I find in Elena's company. It's in these moments, away from the scrutinizing eyes of the court, that I can let down my guard. The authenticity we share is a sanctuary amidst the artificiality that pervades the Imperial environment.
I cherish these unmasked interactions, hoping they will remain untouched by the political intricacies that often poison sibling relationships in the court. The fear lingers — a fear of losing this genuine connection, of witnessing Elena succumb to the intricate dance of deceit that so many siblings in the court perform.
In her, I see a haven of sincerity, a bond unblemished by the masks others wear. It's a silent plea for our relationship to endure the trials of imperial life, a wish to shield Elena from the relentless game of power and ambition that defines our world.
Until now everything was good. She's still my innocent sister. But today I felt something different.
When I entered her room to call her, I saw a gleam in her eyes which I haven't seen before, and an unspoken tension lingered in the air. It's as if a shadow of anxiety constantly haunts her, yet when she notices me, she hides it. Her telling me she was thinking about the lessons was definitely a lie.
'Did something happen, why doesn't she share it with me if she's facing a problem'
And her body movements, the way she's holding the fork and knife! 'How did she become so good with her cutlery skills? She was still having trouble yesterday and I had to feed her'
'Something changed about her, I hope it's a good one'
In the end I still decided to ask.
"Did something happen while I was away?"
…
1st Person POV:
"Did something happen while I was away?"
At those words I paused "Eh! N-no, everything is just usual"
'Did he notice anything unusual about me? But we just met. I really hate it, he was always an intelligent one. Figuring things out quickly while calling me an idiot for being slow'
"And how usual is it?" He asked with sharp eyes staring at me.
'Oh god, I hope he doesn't ask me about my usual routine. I can't remember much about my childhood days' I was screaming inside but still tried to reply without revealing anything.
"It's the usual routine. I went to the etiquette lesson and just returned a while ago"
"I checked on you in the morning, you were still sleeping at that time. Isn't it unusual for you to wake up late?"
Hearing that I became speechless 'Really, I thought I was always lazy and loved to sleep. No, it's not the time to reminisce about myself. What do I say in reply?'
As I was trying to think about something, I noticed my brother still staring at me.
'Dmn with this, why am I even trying to come up with excuses. He's my trusted brother who has always loved me dearly since young. Can't I just reveal everything to him. But the question is, would he believe me or just think I'm speaking nonsense.'
So I plucked up my courage and asked "Brother, I have something to tell you"
Alex raised an eyebrow and asked "What is it?"
I looked around and told him "Not here, let's talk after the meal"
…
3rd Person POV - Alex:
'Is she finally opening up to me? Yes that's my sister who always relied on me for everything' I thought with a smile while quickly finishing the food.
After finishing with the meal we reached Elena's room. As I closed the door Elena looked towards me with a tense look on her face as if she's about to say some earth shattering news.
As I thought like that with a smile, Elena finally decided to open her mouth.
Taking a deep breath she told me "Brother, will you believe me if I tell you that I came from the future, that I regressed back to 5 from 25 years old?"
I stopped smiling hearing that, my mouth hanging open "What!?"
…
1st Person POV:
Looking at my older brother who's showing me a disbelieving face, I sighed. 'Yes, he won't believe me that easily, who'd anyway. If it's not because I know he loves me a lot, I wouldn't have dared to tell him anyway. But since I decided to reveal it to him, I'm gonna tell him him everything and make him convinced '
"I know you might find this hard to believe, but you should know that I haven't learned any magic, not even the theories, but what if I can use magic even after that" I said it while flicking my finger and conjuring a small flame over my index finger.
His eyes widened, and mouth hung open in disbelief. With a smile, I opened my palm, and mud gathered over it, turning into a ball.
Given my limited mana as a 5-year-old, I could only cast small spells, but it should be enough to prove my point. Not just anyone can cast magic. You need to learn mana control, understand the theories behind the magic, and then apply them in reality.
"Now do you believe me?"
His disbelief lingered as he asked, "How can you use magic? You shouldn't even know how to feel mana, let alone... Did you really come from the future?"
Seeing me nod he took a deep breath and said "I still don't kinda believe it, but if you really came from the future, how did you achieve it? Even time magic can't accomplish this. Or did a grandmaster mage make a breakthrough? But it's still impossible"
Going against time defies the rules of the world. Controlling the flow speed and creating a separate dimension is ok. But reverting time is not possible for humans.
"I don't know the cause of it either, just that I died and the next moment I opened my eyes, I was here"
"You died? But you told me you were 25 years before regression"
"That… I got executed by Cedric Winterhorn from Frostholm Kingdom"
"Killed by Cedric! tell me the whole story" I asked, but with a serious looking face this time.
Hence, I recounted the full story of how the 3rd Prince conspired with Frostholm Kingdom through Cedric to overthrow our imperial father, and they ultimately succeeded.
"So it's my younger brother, the 3rd Prince? The Mckenny family has always been ambitious, but I never imagined their thirst for power would lead them to plot against the throne in such a treacherous manner." He spoke with a deep frown.
"I can think about the Mckenny family later, but first I need to find what kind of leverage Asher got against chief advisor Antony. He might be a bit greedy but doesn't have the guts for going against the emperor. And you…"
Relaxing his expression Alex placed his palm on my head, smiling "You might have been 25 years old in your past life, but I'm still your older brother in this life. So let me handle this matter" saying this, he messed up my hair.
"Hey" I pouted, but there was a smile hidden in my eyes.
Still smiling "I'll take care of everything within the palace" saying that he walked towards the door. He stopped before opening it and looked back at me "Meanwhile, you can go search for your lover. Adrian, wasn't it?"
"Huh!" I looked up in shock.
"He might be a commoner, but he sacrificed his life protecting you, and if you found happiness with him, as your elder brother, I approve. But you still need to establish yourself to gain imperial Father's approval, something I believe you can achieve given your experience" With those words, he opened the door and left.
"Brother…" I couldn't help but feel truly blessed to have such a caring elder brother.
…
After my brother left, I proceeded to my afternoon lesson. This time without Aria bothering me as she's already 7 years old, thus having her combat theory class separately.
As my elder brother said, As my elder brother mentioned, his approval for my relationship with a commoner was one thing, but gaining approval from imperial Father and other nobles required me to establish my own power and influence. Which meant I needed to focus on personal growth.
Arithmetic aside, I wasn't that good with other subjects. I mostly lazed around in my previous life under my elder brother's pampering. Seriously, he really spoiled me rotten.
He even went as far as opposing imperial father against political marriage, that's why I remained unmarried even till 25 years old.
But the basic studies taught to 5 years old wasn't enough for me. Thus with his approval I got access to more advanced books which he delivered to me.
I kept refined my acting skills through Etiquette lessons with Isabella, who became particularly enthusiastic about my progress. Teaching me wholeheartedly instead of just taking it as a job. Aria, on the other hand, grew irked by the attention Isabella bestowed upon me. Despite her resentment, my focus wasn't on her; it was her family that concerned me.
However, I discreetly halted my attendance in afternoon lessons as I delved into more advanced studies, including magic. I had confided in Alex, but I didn't want to arouse suspicions among others.
The change in my demeanor didn't go unnoticed by the maids, including Olivia, who observed a shift in my playful nature. But they were not sure of what really happened. Only Olivia knew that I was studying magic in my personal library since she brings me food as I always get too focused, forgetting meal time. But I trust her enough, so it's not a problem.
It's been a month since I confided in my brother. Currently I'm in a secluded training ground practicing magic with whatever little mana I have.
In my previous life I didn't master attack magic that much. My brother opted for me to stay away from battles and dangerous stuff, telling me that he'd protect me his whole life.
But that was a mistake, well to begin with, i picked up magic thinking it would help him, as he chooses to master the sword.
But gradually I forgot my original goal. From fighting beside him, I became a support, choosing Healing and Support as a major.
But after experiencing what happened in my previous life, I came to realize that having personal strength matters. You can't fully rely on others.
Lost in the rhythm of my training, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Elena"
Chapter - 3 Leaving The Imperial Palace
"Elena"
Startled! I looked behind and saw Alex standing there.
"Brother, don't scare me like that" I said with a slightly irritated tone.
He chuckled, waving his hand"Sorry, I didn't mean to do that, it's just that you were too focused on your training. How about taking a break as I have something to tell you " saying that, he started walking with me following behind.
We found a small gazebo and settled beneath it.
"I started investigating chief advisor Antony since you told me about him joining Asher, but I couldn't unearth any substantial evidence of wrongdoing or corruption. For now, he appears quite clean."
"But I'm convinced he's involved with the third prince's rebellion. Asher later admitted to coercing him, holding some sensitive information that forced the chief advisor into collaboration."
"That might be true, but I suspect this happened at a later point. Perhaps he becomes corrupted in the future, but as of now, he seems untarnished."
"It's possible, since it happened 20 years later. Don't tell me we have to wait for a long time for him to commit a crime" I pouted thinking about it.
"That's the only way to go, after all I can't do much even as the 2nd prince as long as I don't have proof."
The chief advisor is a member of the parliament and also the head of the state advisory board, while the 2nd prince is still only a 12 years old boy. Even as a prince, he can't do much because of his age.
After talking for a while he asked me "By the way, I saw you casting attack magic, isn't it risky to cast magic of such kind when you are this young"
"I know of the risk of mana deficiency, I'm just familiarizing myself with other elements. Do you know that in my previous life you forbid me from learning attack magics, claiming it was too perilous. Telling me that you would take care of all the dangers while I just need to enjoy a carefree life. Because of it, I became a greenhouse flower who couldn't survive the storm when exposed outside" I grumbled with a pout.
Apologizing, Alex said, "Sorry, did I do that? Well, it does sound like me. I only want to protect you from harm and ensure you lead a life free from battles," accompanied by a warm smile.
Understanding his love and overprotection, I reflected on how much I had been spoiled due to it. As the thoughts crossed my mind, he suddenly mentioned, "By the way, imperial mother just returned a while ago."
"She's finally back from the charity event? I exclaimed.
Our Imperial mother, Elenora Evergreen, the 1st consort of the Eldoria Empire, had been away for two years. Not in terms of my current body's experience, but in the amalgamation of my past life. I hadn't seen her since waking up in this body. I learned that she had been on a charitable mission to a disaster-stricken area. Now, she is finally back.
"Yes, she's back. She's going to join us for lunch. I think it's already close to lunchtime. Let's head back to your residence," Alex suggested.
I nodded in agreement, and we made our way back to my residence.
…
A servant informed us of the Imperial consortf's presence as soon as we reached my residence.
Hearing that, I hurriedly freshened up and changed my dress with the help of the maids.
It was already lunch time by then.
As I quickly entered the personal dining area of my residence, I saw her sitting on the dining table, talking with my Brother. Imperial consort Elenora Evergreen exuded an air of regality that complemented her silver hair, which cascaded down gracefully. Her emerald-green eyes held a depth of wisdom acquired through navigating the intricacies of courtly life. The elegant attire she wore accentuated her stature, marking her as 1st consort of the Eldoria Empire.
A genuine smile graced her lips as she noticed my entrance. Despite the grandeur surrounding her, there was warmth in her gaze—a motherly affection that transcended the formalities of courtly engagements.
I approached with a mixture of excitement and respect. "Mother," I greeted as I joined them at the table. She turned her attention towards me, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
"Elena, my dear," she acknowledged, and I felt a surge of warmth at the endearment. The maids promptly served the meal, and we engaged in lively conversation.
"Where have you been? I didn't see you when I arrived here, It's already lunch time."
"Ah… I was just walking around the garden since I don't have any lessons today," I quickly gave an excuse, unable to disclose that I was practicing magic.
"Oh, talking about it, I heard that you stopped attending the afternoon lessons. Why's that?" As she inquired about it, I felt a twinge of panic inside.
"I…" As I was thinking about what to say, a voice rang from beside me.
"She was having trouble keeping up with the lesson and felt overwhelmed. So she told me that she'd like to study on her own for a while. Isn't it, Elena?" My brother asked with a smile, winking at me.
"A-yes, yes. I feel that I can understand better by studying on my own. I'd like to go at my own pace," I hurriedly followed up with my brother's story.
"Hmm, if you'd like that, then it's alright. You can take your time; not everyone is good at studying in a class. Sometimes it's good to think about your lessons while at it."
I sighed in relief. It seemed like she believed my story.
To shift the focus away from myself, I asked about her travels.
"So, mother, how was your journey to the disaster-stricken zones? What happened there?"
"Ah, it was terrible! It happened in the county of Aquaridge known for its vast rivers and marine products. For weeks, the county had been battered by incessant rainfall. What initially seemed like a blessing for the farmers soon turned into a curse. The rain became relentless, turning into a deluge that caused rivers to swell and burst their banks. It was the worst for Stream City, which is surrounded by rivers on three sides. The people there lost their houses, and the fields got washed clean. There's a sign of famine in the near future." Mother's eyes darkened with concern as she recounted the devastation.
"Oh no! What's going to happen to those homeless people now?" I was genuinely surprised since I don't remember this event. First of all, I don't recall my childhood that well, and the carefree me of that time didn't pay much attention to state affairs.
"Don't worry, dear. We distributed relief supplies and helped them migrate to the surrounding cities. It's going to be hard, but your grandfather, the duke, is overseeing the situation." She reassured me without delving into the complicated details. I knew the actual situation was much worse.
As if to divert my attention she continued on "I almost forgot, I met your grandfather there. You might not remember him, but he carried you when you were still a baby. He invited us to visit his place for a vacation especially telling me that he wants to see you"
"Really?" I was overjoyed to finally be able to go outside the Imperial Palace.
Looking at my excited face, she smiled "You must feel bored staying in the palace all day. Don't worry, we're going out in a week"
"Yay!" I showed a childish reaction to which my brother smiled and we quickly finished our lunch.
…
The days leading up to the planned excursion were filled with anticipation and preparation, and I found myself eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to finally venture outside the palace walls.
As I observed the knights making their final preparations for the journey and the carriages being loaded with travel supplies, a familiar voice sounded from behind me.
"Looks like you're really excited about the trip. Maybe I should have taken you outside earlier," my elder brother said with his signature smile as he approached me.
"Yes. I'm really glad to be able to finally go outside. There's really nothing for me to see in the palace. I literally stayed here for 25 years already. And furthermore, I finally have a chance to go look out for Adrian." As I reached this point, I became dejected.
"But I don't even know where to begin looking for him. He never mentioned his home, claiming to be an orphan without a fixed residence. The one he had was destroyed in a disaster," I added, feeling a pang of sadness.
Alex gently held me from behind smoothening my hair ""Don't worry, we'll find him. Since he became your personal guard, he'll likely be joining the military soon"
"I hope so," I said with a small smile, feeling a glimmer of hope.
Just then, a knight approached us and informed us that we were ready to depart. We spotted our Imperial mother waving to us from near the Imperial Carriage.
"We're coming," I called out, following my brother as he led the way.
As we set off on our journey, my thoughts turned to Adrian. 'Adrian, where are you?'
…
Meanwhile, in a distant forest
3rd person POV:
"Uncle Sam, hang on! We have to keep moving. Her highness helped us survive the worst of it already. We just need to push forward" I was moving along a forest road carrying an old man on my back.
"I won't make it. Leave me behind," uncle Sam coughed weakly, his voice strained with pain.
Grrrowl...
Menacing growls echoed through the forest, signaling the approach of dangerous creatures.
I hastily looked behind and saw the werewolf-like beasts catching up to us. Moonkin Prowler, These creatures are smaller cousins of werewolves, often found in forested areas. They have enhanced agility and night vision, making them adept at hunting in the moonlit darkness. They are more powerful at night but it's not night yet. But the shade of the forest trees made this place a bit dark, hindering my eyes but not the beasts.
"Just leave me be, you're just a little kid, you can't carry an old man like and escape" The old man forced himself off me.
"Uncle Sam" I looked behind.
"Hehe, what are you looking at me for? Just run. I might be an old frail injured person. But a retired knight is still a knight." He stood up and picked up a stick.
"But uncle Sam—"
"Run, Adrian. You must survive at all costs," the old man interrupted, his voice firm with resolve. "You said you would become an ace knight. You must fulfill that promise."
With that forcefully propelled me back faraway with a magic blast. It was powerful but gently carried me away.
I realized when I looked back, that I was already far away. That I couldn't save him. It's… It's all because I'm weak. I boasted a lot that I would become a knight more powerful than him, that I would protect the people with all my life. But I realized that it was all empty talk, I couldn't even protect a single person.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I ran away without looking back, too afraid to see what I didn't want to see.
Memories of uncle Sam appeared in my mind. The day I met him, how he talked about old times when he was still a knight. How I asked him to teach me swordsmanship.
I started crying as I ran away like a coward, He was just like a father to me.
…
3rd person POV: Old man Sam
Looking behind where Adrian ran away to, I chuckled bitterly "A foolish but kind child. He has a lot of potential in him too. It's regrettable that I couldn't teach him everything, but the manual where I wrote all of my lifetime experience would help him even if I couldn't guide him personally"
As I looked back at the Moonkin Prowlers now gathered near me, I grinned. The stick I was holding like a sword lit up with blue flames "Come you nasty beasts. I might be retired after injuring my leg, but today I will show you why my colleagues used to call me 'Blue Storm', Arghh"
As I swung the stick…..BOOM!!!
Blue Flames rose in the sky surrounding all the Moonkin Prowlers
'Adrian, you must escape to safety. You may doubt yourself now, but I have faith that you will become a great knight, far greater than I ever was'
...
Author's note: I only realized how bad my English skill was. English is not my first language but I never thought I was bad at it. But only now I realized that writing and reading are different.
I never stumbled much when reading other novels, but knowing the complex words and their meanings doesn't mean you mastered their use, the words are still not ingrained in your bones for you to use them naturally in appropriate places.
It was easy to write the 1st chapter. A bit hard for the 2nd chapter but still smooth. But dmn, it took me close to a week to write the 3rd chapter because of the small time plot holes, designing background character data, drawing a world map and numerous other things. But the biggest reason is me being occupied with reading another novel.
The plot hole of this chapter is: Adrian is of similar age to Elena which is 7 years old. If so, how can he, a little boy carry an old man and run?
Hehehe, in this case my only excuse is that it's a fantasy world where people are naturally strong. And Adrian is the male lead, so he must be strong. RIght, right....
Chapter -4: Our world is made up of particles?
RIght now I'm inside a carriage traveling through the road, the final destination is the Grand Duchy of Saol at the far north of the Empire.
Talking about it, the Duchy of Saol shares a significant border area with Frostholm kingdom. It's the shield stopping the kingdom's advance.
True to its name, Saol serves as the lifeblood of the empire. Boasting the largest breadbasket in the realm, it is responsible for the bountiful harvests that sustain our people year-round.
And this is the main reason for the conflict with the Frosholm kingdom which lacks fertile lands.
"Your highness, may I enter?" Olivia's voice interrupts my thoughts.
"Please, come in," I respond, turning away from the window as Olivia enters.
"Your highness, lunch will be served shortly, and her highness Elenora requests your presence at the table," she informs me.
"Very well, I'll join her"
I closed the book I was reading and stood up from the table to follow her out.
This carriage doesn't resemble what it looks like from the outside. Despite looking like a normal carriage, the internal space is as big as a small house.
Beside a bedroom which I was in, there's also a dining room and a small living room.
While it may not befit nobles in traditional terms, the elven craftsmanship, enriched by their mastery of ancient ruins and magic of relativity, has transformed this carriage into a marvel of comfort and utility.
Unlike a standard storage bag, which cannot accommodate living beings, this carriage transcends such limitations, offering an expansive interior that far exceeds the confines of conventional travel. What more to expect from a vehicle?
I stepped out of my carriage with Olivia by my side and approached the carriage where my imperial mother sat. As we neared, I noticed my elder brother walking towards us from the opposite direction
"Lord brother" I greeted first
"Looks like mother arranged a family gathering again"
I agreed. Our mother always finds an opportunity to gather together for family bonding. She likes to keep the family together, that's why there's no family intrigue here, only genuine affection.
He led the way into the carriage, extending a hand to help me up with a warm smile, and we entered the room together.
Entering the living room, I find the imperial consort engrossed in a book. She looks up as we enter, offering a warm smile.
"Alex, Elena, come in and have a seat," she says, gesturing toward the sofas.
We settle across from her, a small table between us, and she sets her book aside.
"Did you sleep well? Are you finding the journey uncomfortable?" she inquired.
"No, I'm alright. The mobile manor is quite comfortable,"
I reassured her to not worry about me. The mobile manor is still luxurious compared to the house I lived in in my previous life.
"Don't worry, dear. We'll soon reach the town of Meesa, where you can enjoy some fresh air."
She smiled, her concern evident. Well yes, After all, I was a pampered princess who had never ventured beyond the palace walls, let alone embarked on a week-long journey.
As we were talking and laughing around, a maid entered the room
"Your highnesses, the food is ready"
"Let's go and have our lunch, talk can wait for later"
Mother suggested standing up from her seat
I nodded and was about to follow her out when I noticed the book she was reading.
"The Quantum Codex: Myths and Wonders of the Arcane?"
I read aloud the title wondering if it was a grimoire.
"Hmm? Oh that, it's a story book I was reading to pass the time, you can take the book if you are curious"
I agreed, besides being curious about the title, I also like reading story books. It's one of the only forms of entertainment in this world.
With that, we all entered the dining room.
…
As we entered the dining room of the carriage, the aroma of freshly cooked food greeted us, making my stomach growl in anticipation. The table was already set with an array of delicious dishes, and I couldn't help but marvel at how the chefs could arrange so many delicacies with the limited equipment inside the carriage.
Taking my seat at the table, I glanced around at my family. Alex was engrossed in conversation with our mother, discussing some matter that seemed important. I caught his eye and offered him a smile, silently acknowledging his presence.
A while later, their conversation slowed down as our mother focused on enjoying the meal. Despite her busy schedule, she always made time for us, and we appreciated her company.
After a period of silence Alex asked her "By the way, the one overseeing Meesa is baron Renee Roy under count Julia Serano right?"
"Yes, Baron Roy is an important vassal of count Serano, he's also a close relative of vice count Trevano"
I don't know what my brother meant by those questions, they seem to talk about politics again which I don't care about. it was a realm that held little interest for me. Instead I can leave everything to my brother. He could handle everything and was capable enough to address any concerns, leaving me with little to worry about.
However, my attention was piqued soon when mother continued
"Town of Meesa is part of Aquaridge county, so it's close to Stream city. Majority of the residents of Stream city scattered around the whole county with most probably going to the county capital, which means we'll probably encounter some refuges there"
Hearing this, a pang of concern gripped me. I knew all too well that unlike what imperial mother said previously, people won't treat the refugees kindly. They would likely see them as burdens, leading to conflicts and clashes between the residents and the refugees.
"Don't worry dear, I promised to handle it before didn't I? You needn't to be concerned, just enjoy the trp"
"Yes, don't let your young body be weigh by such worries, just enjoy yourself"
As if they heard my thoughts, imperial mother assured me with Alex following along. I guess it's true, at my age I can do little to help the people. I still need to rely on them even after regression.
…
We finished our lunch soon after that and now I'm back in my carriage reading the book I took from imperial mother.
"How interesting" I spoke aloud in amazement.
The Quantum Codex: Myths and Wonders of the Arcane
Despite her highness dismissing it as mere fiction, the book held a wealth of intriguing ideas.
[ The tale follows a young man named Neils Bohr, who, though physically frail, sought a means to navigate the turbulent era in which he lived. Determined to become a mage for self-preservation, he encountered a cruel twist of fate when he discovered his lack of affinity for any magical attribute. Despite initial disappointment, Neils persevered, delving into the realm of no attribute magic, also known as lifestyle magic.
However, as is widely known, lifestyle magic lacks the combat prowess of other forms, rendering it unsuitable for battle. While practical in numerous everyday situations, it offers little appeal to those seeking magical prowess.
Yet, Neils remained undeterred, convinced that a path to power awaited him. Setting forth on a journey, he sought counsel from various practitioners of lifestyle magic, from humble servants to esteemed scholars, in hopes of unlocking its battle potential. Yet, each encounter left him disheartened, with all affirming that lifestyle magic was intended solely to ease life's burdens, hence its name.]
'Intriguing,' I mused, wondering how Neils would uncover his path to power. Would it follow the typical fantasy tropes, involving divine intervention or hidden talents? Or perhaps there was a more unique twist in store?
Continuing to delve into the text, I uncovered Neils's continued quest.
[ Neils's search for enlightenment led him to an encounter in a forest, where he stumbled upon a peculiar figure who shared his pursuit of destiny.
In a surprising turn, the stranger, a weathered middle-aged man, echoed Neils's sentiments, declaring his own quest to discover the path fate had laid before him.
Engaging in conversation, Neils soon learned that his newfound companion, Max Planck, shared a similar plight. Once a warrior, Max had been forced to abandon his martial pursuits due to injury, turning to magic as a means of continuation.
Despite lacking natural magical talent, both Neils and Max pressed forward with unwavering determination.
Max, self-proclaimed master of theoretical magic, revealed his profound insights into the nature of magic itself. He posited that all magical attributes shared a common foundation, with their distinctions merely constructs of human invention.
According to Max, magic was an inherently individualistic force, and magical affinities were merely reflections of one's potential within specific magical domains.
With a knowing smile, Max suggested that the very concept of magical attributes was a construct of human classification, leaving open the possibility of uncharted magical domains where individuals might possess untapped potential.]
'Remarkable,' I reflected, captivated by the logical elegance of Max's theory. Indeed, who could say what undiscovered magical realms lay beyond the confines of conventional wisdom? This book truly encouraged thinking beyond the established norms – perhaps that was why imperial mother was reading it.
[ Max then presented Neils with a book containing the discoveries of his research, suggesting that it might illuminate the path Neils sought. He also provided Neils with directions on where to find him if ever needed.
Parting ways with Max, Neils sought refuge for the night. There, he delved into the pages of the book with fervor, studying its contents until the first light of dawn broke.
As day turned to night and back again, Neils remained immersed in his study, his mind consumed by the revelations contained within. The book unveiled a form of magic known as spiritual magic or the magic of willpower, a concept Max had discovered in his quest to unravel the fundamental nature of magic itself.
Max's research report unveiled a world composed of infinitesimal particles, each capable of assuming different states depending on the circumstances. When magic was cast, these particles shifted to conform to the caster's will while retaining their core existence.
{ The particles are evidently the primary force behind the power of magic. Yet, a lingering question persists: are conventional magic spells the sole means of manipulating these particles, or do alternative methods exist?
I am inclined to believe in the existence of numerous pathways for particle manipulation. As long as we can induce the desired reactions and formations, achieving results similar to conventional magic should be possible.
A small breakthrough was made during my experimentation, as I successfully resonated with the particles surrounding me. While seemingly insignificant, this achievement serves as a validation of the underlying theory.
However, my progress has hit a stumbling block due to an unexpected revelation. Despite conducting tests to confirm the particles' properties, I have encountered inconsistent results. This has led me to a deeper investigation.
Upon observing the tests until their completion, I made a startling discovery: maintaining focus until the end resulted in consistent outcomes. Yet, if I shifted my attention prematurely, the results became random. This begs the question: do the particles possess a form of consciousness, influencing their behavior based on observation? } ]
'I didn't quite understand what Max was talking about but this book sure is full of innovative ideas. Our world is made up of particles? What are particles, can I see them?'
As I was musing on this and about to check the objects around me, I heard a knock on the door
"Your highness, are you asleep?"
I was startled at Olivia's sudden voice, making my response a bit slow.
"Ah! N-no. I'm awake. Please come in"
Olivia gently entered the room, closing the door behind her.
"I apologize, Your Highness. I thought you were asleep since it was so quiet, and I knocked earlier without getting any response"
"You knocked before? I must have been engrossed in the book and didn't hear it. Oh, it's already dark outside."
Glancing out the window, I realized it was well past 8, and night had fallen.
"Yes, it's getting late. You should have your dinner before retiring for the night."
I nodded and followed her out of the room.
Chapter - 5: Freed from the prison, a world outside of the books
Time flew by quickly with me engrossed in reading the book. Mother continued to invite me and Alex to dine with her, but I often miss it if not for being reminded by Olivia.
This book is truly fascinating. I just forget about the world while reading it as if entering the world of the book myself and observing it from Niels point of view.
Neils getting inspired from Max's report and arriving in a town. Him buying a magnifying glass and enchanting it from a tinkerer to be able to magnify objects thousands of times over.
Him encountering difficulty at first but still succeeded at observing the world at microscopping level and seeing spherical structures arranged in a lattice-like formation.
Wow, is it really true that the world is made out of small particles? I can't help but to think about it. 'Should I also buy a tool to verify it?'
…
Third Person POV: Olivia
My mistress has changed. Initially a lively girl curious about the outside world, she is now totally locked up in her room. At first, I thought she was tired of the long journey and thus sleeping. But after checking it out, I realized she's busy reading a book.
Again, I thought she must be bored of the journey, that's why she's passing the time reading it.
But I was wrong again. She's just too absorbed reading it. From morning to night, she's just reading the book. Even her favorite mealtime with Her Highness goes unnoticed.
She brings the book even while eating and often observes things around her, from her own hand to the fork she's holding. What is she doing? I became a bit curious.
But as a servant, I shouldn't probe much into my liege's activities. Instead, I should just fulfill my duties.
However, I'm a bit concerned about her. She didn't just change during this recent journey; it started over a month ago.
A lively, cheerful girl always asking questions about this and that turned into a meek girl over the span of a few days.
Others might not have known, but as the personal head maid who oversaw her growing up, how can I miss it?
The spoiled little princess turned into a proper lady who's polite to everyone. And her etiquette is unmatched among her peers, even those older than her.
She also stopped going outside and even stopped attending lessons other than etiquette.
I was so shocked when I found her reading magic books and practicing them. Lord Alex must know something as he's the one providing those books to her.
Again, I must keep quiet and not probe much. As a servant, it's taboo to learn and disclose too much information about one's liege.
'Sigh, maybe I'm too old to understand her. Should I introduce my daughter to her? A child should have people of similar ages around them to lead a healthy life. I know I'm overstepping my bounds, but Her Highness is becoming too reclusive. Besides, there's hardly anyone trustworthy inside the palace. Thankfully, his highness Alex visits her everyday.'
Lost in my thoughts, a sudden noise startles me, and I turn to find His Highness Alex approaching.
…
3rd person POV: Alex
It's afternoon when I came to visit Elena as usual. Entering her carriage, I saw Olivia, Elena's head maid lost in her thoughts in the living room. I approached only for her to shudder and quickly turn over, clearly startled
"Your Grace," Olivia bowed nervously, "are you here for Her Highness?"
I nodded. A moment passed before inquiring "Is she sleeping?"
"No, Your Highness," Olivia replied hesitantly. "Her Highness is… deeply engrossed in her studies as usual."
I nodded and turned towards the bedroom. But stopped when I noticed Olivia standing there and hesitating, it seems she wants to tell me something.
"Is there something else you need to say?"
She paused for a while and opened her mouth after inhaling a deep breath.
"Your highness, it might be presumptuous of me to say it, but I think her highness is spending too much time alone locked up in her room. It's not just recent. Over the month, she locked herself up studying books after books. Now she's even skipping her meals. I'm worried about her physical and mental well being"
I paused and replied to her after softening my tone "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Olivia. I appreciate your concern for her well-being. Leave it to me, I know what to do"
Olivia looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. But I didn't wait for her response. The handle of Elena's door turned beneath my touch, opening with a soft click as I slipped inside.
…
As I entered the room quietly to check on my sister, I heard a shout that surprised me.
"So particles don't have a definite state, they are in a superposition state when unobserved and only take on a fixed formation when observed!"
'So it was about the book, for once I thought I entered at the wrong time. She seems much livelier than what I expected given what Olivia said.' I thought, sighing in relief.
As I approached, I saw Elena sprawled on her stomach on the bed, swinging her legs and muttering to herself. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she flipped a page
"Niels is amazing to come up with such a theory," she murmured. "But how does that make sense? If particles don't have a fixed position and they can be anything when unobserved, doesn't that mean the object's shapes can also be anything? Is my bed not a bed when I'm not in the room? Ah! I'm so confused."
Although I didn't understand what she was talking about, it was clear she was deeply engrossed in the book.
"Ahem ahem," I coughed to announce my presence.
"Ahh…!!!" She shrieked in a cute way, jumping up from the bed and rotating towards me.
"Lord brother, you almost scared me to death. Why didn't you knock on the door? Don't you know it's improper to enter a lady's room without knocking?" She scolded me while quickly fixing her dress.
"Ah haha, sorry to scare you. I didn't mean it, and I know it's wrong of me to enter without knocking... But Olivia is worried about you. She's saying that you stay locked up in your room for a long time and recently even started skipping your meals. That's why I decided to check up on you. Again, I'm sorry."
I paused, then continued after pinching her soft cheeks playfully, "Besides, what can my cute sister hide from me?"
Elena slapped my hands and looked away, still seeming a little angry.
Sigh, "Ok fine fine, I'm sorry. I'll never infringe your privacy, I'll always knock and confirm before entering okay? I was just worrying about you. Olivia is right, it's not healthy to lock yourself away for long. How about coming out for a walk, the carriage is currently parked for resting the horses. I'm waiting outside while you change your dress"
I coaxed my mentally 25 years old sister before going out of the room
…
Back to 1st person POV:
I heard the door click, it seems Alex went out of the room.
My face was flushed. I wasn't angry at him for entering the room without knocking. As he was just concerned about me.
I'm just embarrassed of him seeing my unladylike appearance. Even though he's my elder brother, I want to maintain my image in front of him.
After letting my face cool down, I called Olivia to help me change into a proper dress for an outing.
…
Exiting the carriage alongside Alex, I notice the changed scenery for the first time in days. Lost in my book, I hadn't paid much attention to our surroundings during our journey. Even the village we stopped by in the middle is only a blur in my memory.
Perhaps I really need to take a break from the book, another reason is the overwhelming knowledge I need to digest.
The carriages are parked beside a serene lake, nestled within a vast expanse of lush grassland. I remember the name from my past life memories. It's known as the Aquamarine Plains. A haven for wildlife, teeming with verdant foliage and sparkling bodies of water.
"Finally noticing the changed scenery? What does it feel like coming out of your self imposed prison?"
I couldn't answer and averted his gaze.
"I know that there's nothing much to do while on a journey, books are perhaps the only form of entertainment out there. But it seems you're overly engrossed reading it. Even imperial mother noticed your change since you didn't talk much with her these days. Quickly returning after finishing the meal."
I stayed silent with my head lowered, continuing to listen instead.
"I know you're worried about the future, thus wanting to improve fast. But I told you before, let me handle it.It's my fault for not noticing how isolated you've become,"
Alex admits, his expression softening. "From now on, I'll make sure we spend more time outdoors. Come, let's take a walk."
I followed him from behind, feeling a little guilty inside.
Alex looked behind and stopped, perhaps noticing my tense face.
He sent me a gentle gaze saying "It's ok, there's nothing wrong about you becoming too immersed in the book, perhaps it's the fault of the book being too interesting. What is it about anyway"
Despite him asking the question casually, I couldn't hold myself from sharing it.
"It's a very fascinating story with profound knowledge. The protagonist of the story Neils doesn't have any talent for magic, same with Max. But they found a novel way to solve it. Do you know that our world is made out of tiny particles? And…"
Okay, it seems I became too excited explaining it to him, for I found Alex stopping me 5 minutes later.
Hands up, he said sweating "Okay okay, you can tell me later. You read books too much, now enjoy the nature. Do you know Aquamarine plains is a land full of natural beauty. There's many plans and animals you should see…"
I didn't hear what he was saying anymore. As I realized what I've done.
I couldn't look at him for the rest of the journey.
I embarrassed myself and ruined my image again. \(>///<)/
How can I act like a 25 year old lady again? It seems this young body is affecting my mentality.
,,,
The rest of the journey was all about sightseeing. There were many kinds of animals from small to big, the knights guarded the place by surrounding us from far away, so no dangerous animals appeared though.
But I saw many cute and fluffy animals. And couldn't hold myself back from letting my childish self out,
I just don't care anymore. My quiet elegant lady image is already ruined anyway.
I chased down an Alpaca, can't believe there would be some here as they mostly live in mountainous terrain.
There were also horned rabbits which were so cute, but Alex didn't let me approach as they were dangerous magic beasts. Unlike Alpacas who were also magic beasts but gentle in nature.
There was more but our sightseeing ended shortly after the knight commander informed us that the carriages were ready to move.
So we returned quickly. I was so reluctant to part with the puffkin I finally caught after lots of chasing. It's a miniature fennec fox with exceptionally fluffy tails that resemble giant cotton balls.
It's so cute that I wanted to bring it with me, but Alex didn't listen no matter how much I asked for it.
Hmph, I'll not talk with him anymore.
…
Next morning:
I woke up early today, the sun just rising outside. But then I heard a gentle knock along with Olivia's voice asking me softly "Your highness, are you awake"
Remembering Alex's words yesterday, I felt a little guilty but also warm. Despite me waking up so early, Olivia is already awake. Ready to address all of my needs anytime.
"Yes, I'm awake, you can come inside"
Olivia entered the room and helped me change my dress.
"Your highness,do you want to have your breakfast early?"
"Yes, I want to spend more time with imperial mother. I realized my mistakes. Sorry for making you worry about me"
"It's okay your highness, it's my foremost duty to ensure your well being." Olivia reassures me with a warm smile." Besides, you do not need to rush as we're already near Meesa. We'll reach soon after your breakfast"
"Really? We're already here? Isn't it fast?" I remark, a hint of disbelief coloring my tone
With a gentle laugh, Olivia nods. "Yes, it's been over a week. You've been so engrossed in your studies that time has flown by unnoticed."
I headed out of the room and quickly had my breakfast, excited to visit the town of Meesa.
Chapter - 6: Arriving at Meesa
Olivia's words were true. We reached Meesa soon after finishing my breakfast.
Imperial brother visited me with the aim of waking me up, but hehe, I was already awake.
"So my hermit, do you want to come out of your seclusion and explore the town with me?" He asked me that in a dramatic way.
And I obviously answered yes while giving his chest a gentle punch.
As the grand carriages approached the town of Meesa, the bustling commoner's gate came into view. we, however, wouldn't be experiencing the usual hustle and bustle of entry. As part of the imperial family, our arrival had been pre-arranged. A contingent of Meesan guards emerged from a smaller, intricately carved gate, signaling the carriages to follow. All the while people from the main gate were looking at us. They were whispering with each other but I couldn't listen much because of the distance between the two gates.
But some fragmented words still reached my ears or more like I inferred what they meant.
Words like "Imperial Family crest, Lunaris, Imperial knights" They were probably curious about our presence. But I didn't pay much attention to that. Instead I was curious about the town. While I had visited Meesa in my previous life, my memories were fading, influenced by my new existence.
I looked through the window and saw a sprawl of activity beyond the massive stone walls. Merchants hawking their wares, children chasing each other through the dusty streets, and a constant stream of people flowed through the grand gate. But on the periphery of my vision, just beyond the reach of the town walls, I spotted a cluster of mismatched tents. A plume of smoke rose from a central point, suggesting a communal fire.
"Lord brother, what's those tents outside the town wal…" I paused, realizing those are the tents of the supposed refugees residing in the town.
"Yes, those tents are the temporary residence area for refugees, no need to dwell much about the refugees, imperial mother already talked with your grandfather, the duchy is working on it
"But I remember, Stream City had a population of 15,000," I interjected. "And other areas were also affected by the heavy rain as well. How can they accommodate so many refugees?"
"For now, food is not an issue," he assured me. "The Grand Duchy of Saol is the empire's primary food source and maintains surplus reserves for emergencies like this. However, we may face challenges such as housing shortages, unemployment, injuries, diseases, loss of status, trauma, and discrimination."
As I was feeling disheartened by the scale of the crisis, he continued
"But don't forget, magic exists in this world. Our grandfather himself is a great mage who built the Arcanum Sage tower where a great number of mages studies. Support mages from the tower are aiding in reconstruction efforts.
"In addition," he added, "The imperial family has dispatched priests to cleanse the area of disease and provide healing to the injured. We've also allocated resources for welfare and assistance to the homeless. So rest assured. The empire still cares for the poor."
"Really" I asked happily.
"Really, really. Also, not all of the 15k people need to seek refuge. Some of the structures are still usable after clearing the water."
I was genuinely feeling happy about the situation, not noticing his contemplating face.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed against the cobblestones as our carriage rolled through the imposing gate of Meesa. A hush fell over the bustling marketplace as onlookers recognized the imperial crest emblazoned on the side. Heads turned, a mixture of curiosity and cautious respect flickering in their eyes.
We peered out the windows, catching glimpses of the town, both vibrant and subdued. Colorful banners, some frayed and weather-beaten, advertised wares and services. The air held a mix of enticing spice aromas and a faint undercurrent of dampness, a lingering reminder of the recent heavy rains.
A sense of tension hung in the air, a counterpoint to the usual bustling energy. Refugees from the devastated Stream City mingled with the townspeople, their faces etched with worry. This wasn't just a bustling town, it was a place shouldering the weight of recent hardship.
I leaned closer to Alex, a question forming on my lips. "This feels… different than I expected," I whispered, my earlier excitement tempered by the palpable tension.
He offered a reassuring smile. "Indeed, Elena," he murmured back. "This town has faced a difficult time. Let's observe and learn more about the situation here."
With that, the carriage rolled to a gentle stop, the hushed whispers intensifying around us. Stepping out at the town center where Baron Roy was waiting with other officials, we were no longer anonymous observers, but symbols of the Empire arriving in a time of need. Our visit to Meesa, albeit brief, would offer a glimpse into the struggles and resilience of this remarkable town.
…
Third person POV: ?
I was watching the scenery outside the refugee camp. The town was still bustling amidst the stifling atmosphere in the camp. Merchants carrying wares and travelers with weary faces streamed through the town gate. Different from the depressing refugee camp full of cries of the injured.
Though it's much better after the priests sent by the emperor came.
The atmosphere suddenly changed as I was musing in my head. With one glance, I saw a platoon of knights surrounding a convoy made out of several carriages. The 3 in the middle seems special.
"Those are…!" I didn't have a good look at the insignia because of the distance. But I saw the horses pulling the carriages.
'So it's the supposed Imperial family members they were talking about' I thought in my head.
No need to look at the crest. The Lunarises were the proof of their identities. It's not just any noble beasts, it's a sacred beast!. No other family besides the imperial family has so many Lunarises. Lunaris on their own is a rare almost extinct creature because of the strict requirement of upbringing plus the rare resources they require.
Just then, a heavy voice came from behind me.
"Hey you, what are you doing there? The imperial consort is already here, get in your position. Lord Baron asked for us to be present there when the imperial family arrives."
I turned to see a skinny, middle-aged man accompanied by children of varying ages. "Me?" I replied, shaking my head. "I'm not going to stand there and lie about the situation. The baron isn't helping us, so why should we speak favorably of him? You can go, but count me out."
Uncle Sam said, a knight must not lie to their liege. They also should not allow sins to happen near them, while I can't oppose what's happening here, at least I can stay away from it without joining them.
"What did you say, you little punk?" the man retorted, delivering a punch that caught me off guard. I tried to block it, but my small stature left me vulnerable. "I was being nice by allowing you to join us. Lord Baron promised us food and money but you are denying my good will. Huh?"
Before I knew it, I was sprawled in the mud, subjected to a barrage of kicks that only worsened my already frail condition.
"Brother Guzman, have mercy, he's new in this area. He doesn't know the rules." I couldn't see but from the voice, I knew it was the recent acquaintance I met a day ago.
The man called Guzman didn't listen and gave a few more kicks. He spat on me and said "He already came here 3 days ago, he should have learned his lesson by now."
He went along and kicked some mud on me and laughed "At least his miserable looks would garner some pity" with that, he went away. Some of the kids looked towards me, hesitating, but their fears made them back off and leave with the man.
Only that acquaintance was left with me. He crouched down and pulled me up while dusting my clothes, saying "I told you, don't be so stubborn. The people here are not good. There's no camaraderie among us, only survival matters here. I admire your courage and sense of justice, but listen to me. He left you off because of me but my family doesn't have much influence after the fall of stream city." I knew he was being serious and caring, it made my heart warm. But I can't stop.
"Thank you Stein, but I can't stop my way of living. This is something I can't change" I smiled while blood was coming from my nose. A knight wouldn't lie, wouldn't be part of a charade. Even battered and bruised, I straightened my posture, a flicker of defiance in my eyes.
The 9 years old boy named Stein Brady smiled bitterly at me, not insisting anymore.
…
Back to 1st person POV:
As our Imperial Mother accompanied the Baron to attend to formalities and pleasantries, I fidgeted in my seat. Boredom gnawed at me like a persistent rat. The only sounds were the rustle of silks and the polite murmurs from the next room, laced with an undercurrent of tension that I couldn't quite decipher. Trapped in this stuffy atmosphere, I yearned for the vibrant chaos of the town marketplace. The aroma of spices and fresh bread, a memory from my past life, suddenly filled my imagination, further amplifying my desire for escape. Seizing the opportunity as a lull fell in the conversation, I leaned towards my brother.
"Lord brother, let's go visit the town," I urged, eager to escape the confines of the estate and experience the vibrancy of Meesa firsthand.
But he denied, "No, I need to stay here along with our mother."
Feeling a twinge of impatience and boredom from the political discussions, I persisted with a slight pout, "Why do you need to stay? Imperial mother is already here, which should be sufficient for a baron."
Despite understanding his reasoning, I couldn't contain my desire to explore further, especially after being cooped up in the carriage for so long.
"Try to understand. It's polite of me to stay for a while as an important heir of the empire, even if the host is the lowest ranked noble," he explained patiently.
But I couldn't suppress my longing for adventure and acted spoiled "So it's all just formalities? Can't you spare some time for your cute little younger sister? We've endured the long journey in the carriages, and you even prevented me from reading my book. I'm bored waiting here. Please, please, please come with me to visit the town."
I was very embarrassed to act like that as someone who's mentally 25 years old. But this fatal move of mine seems to have worked.
Raising both of his hands in surrender, he relented, "Okay, okay, okay, you win. But after a while. Let me greet the baron first and explain it to imperial mother."
He then went to our mother and whispered something to her, likely asking for a leave of absence, before politely greeting the baron.
Returning to me, he asked, "So, where do you want to go?" After a moment's thought, I made a suggestion.
"How about the market? I want to buy something," I proposed, eager to explore the bustling marketplace and indulge in some shopping.
He agreed, and we departed from the baron's mansion in the town center. Normally, one would have rested for some hours after such a long journey, but for us, the mobile manor served as a comfortable home away from home. Energized and excited, we set off, ready to immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of Meesa.
On the way to the carriages, however, a thought struck me, and I paused, turning to my lord brother with a request.
He listened to me and smiled nodding before we got into our separate carriages.