"… and with the help of the current Emperor, this place has become more prestigious than ever. The scholars'' learning has advanced significantly, and more students have graduated."


    Ett nodded, listening to Reas'' orientation.


    "What do you think about the emperor?"


    She curiously asked.


    "The emperor?"


    Reas asked back, an awkward smile laced her face.


    "I think he''s cold and rude."


    Ett tells her bluntly.


    "Ah shh! What if someone hears you?"


    "Isn''t it the truth?"


    If Ett wouldn''t be blunt and open like this, how would she know what she, as a subject, thinks of Guren?


    "He is also a tyrant who is arrogant and doesn''t meet his subject."


    Reas felt like a guillotine was just behind her back. Thankfully, they are near the exclusive resting room for the Frois daughter.


    No one is around, too. She quickly opened the door and ushered her to come in before locking it and finally facing Ett.


    "Young Lady, you shouldn''t say it like that. There are eyes and ears on the wall."


    "It is but the truth."


    "…"


    "Don''t you regard the same?"


    Right? Right? Come on, spill it! It''s fun seeing these people''s expressions. As much as she loves the palace, this place is more colourful. Let me have fun for a bit.


    "The Emperor is handsomely cute…"


    She coughed.


    "…"


    Yes, yes, he is. He is super duper handsomely cute! Ehem. Wait… "You''ve seen him?"


    "Ah? Ah! N-No, it was said by someone I know."


    "…"


    She''s definitely a failure when it comes to lying.


    Moreover, all were exclusive nobles who attended the banquet. She must be the daughter of whoever that aristocrat is. In short, one of them had the honour of seeing the Emperor, but she hid it. Either she''s humble or…


    "Then you must have experienced it first hand."


    Ett faked sympathy. Haha, with this mask, she can show more expression.


    "No. It''s not like that…."


    "It''s known."


    Tell me already! Gahhh.


    "Well, the emperor is not that bad."


    Oh?


    "You''re sucking up to him."


    "S-Suck…suck."


    Reas nearly fainted.


    As an Archduke''s daughter, even though she is adopted, this kind of blunt words and behaviour is unbecoming. Did the Archduke raise her this free, or did he have no time…?


    She sighed. "Young Miss, I am not deliberately flattering our Emperor. It is but the truth. Although he is cruel in his ways and rarely meets his subjects, it is normal as he is an Aidand emperor. He is quite admirable; although young, he can command and oversee the troops well. There were many improvements in his 2 years of sovereignty."


    "That''s all?"


    "That''s all?"


    Reas felt indignant but chose to stay calm.


    As much as she is young and noble, this girl is still too young; how could she understand the depth of what she said? "He is also impartial."


    "As long as you''re useful."


    Ett added.


    "… that''s true, though he has a reasonable point. The more you have talented people around you, the more it could improve the empire. He may be the tyrant, but it''s not to the point that we are all suffering. Besides, the recent event proves that he condones illicit trades."


    She was talking about the Beggar Street incident.


    "Aren''t slaves forbidden?"


    "That…" Reas can''t refute that.


    It has always been there every once a year when the festival comes. "It has always occurred since the beginning of the empire; it can''t be that easily removed. More so, it''s a way to keep the nobles.


    A slave can act as a spy and be useful in many ways. There is also a reasonable contract… oh my, I''ve talked too much. Forgive me."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Ett was quite impressed.


    Having slaves to act as a spy or training someone to be a spy and be an undercover slave…she did think about that.


    But doing so could add more sins to her CV. Sadly, "If only you were younger."


    She''s a potential bride for Guren, a person with a brain. Sadly, she seems to be in her early thirties.


    His fiancé would be proud to have an intellectual woman like her. She''s also a looker.


    But if the time comes, she won''t have a say. The plot twist occurs every now and then. It just took a different route on her part.


    "Younger?"


    Reas asked.


    "Nothing."


    "Then I''ll rest here."


    The good thing is that finding some positive thoughts about Guren is a positive response. Then let''s leave it like that for now.


    "Alright, Young Lady, then rest first. I''ll call you when it''s nearing the study."


    "Mmmm."


    Ett plopped down on the bed, quite exhausted from communicating with Reas.


    "Really, so tiring."


    Socialization was never her lovely moment.


    Aiya, not again. Changing dresses!


    Her travelling dress is too apparent. Well, it was her fault for the delay, though. No matter how active her mind is, this body can''t take such a toll.


    "Finally."


    A moment to sleep.


    ***


    Raes entered the guest chamber, where the Dean exclusively took his guests to rest. Now, it has become his own as the exclusive Dean''s resting chamber has been preoccupied by Ett.


    "Greetings! Oh this Young Lady Ettna is currently sleeping soundly in bed. Hoh, she looks rather exhausted."


    "Young Lady…"


    She seems to be in deep sleep. It''s such a sin to wake her up. Raes squatted, staring at herself. Somehow, she felt this young Lady was charming even though brunette hair is too familiar and typical in your eyes. Lady Etna stands out even just by strolling.


    "Young Lady, it''s time to wake up."


    Ett frowned before slowly opening her dazed eyes. "Oh."


    "Let me help you fix your hair a bit."


    "My garments?"


    "That''s alright. It''s understandable, as you just arrived a couple hours ago."


    "I see."


    "Here are some cookies you might like, Young Lady."


    "I miss french fries."


    She''s missed those kinds of calories.


    "French…frays?"


    "Mc Float."


    "Pardon?"


    "Spaghetti."


    Hey, maybe she can make one?


    "Cola."


    That excellent feeling when you took a gulp.


    "Forgive me, Young Miss, I am not knowledgeable about what you are saying."


    Never mind, she''s too lazy.


    "Nothing."


    You won''t understand the woes of an earthling for mundane foods and beverages.


    Ett took one cookie and nibbled it.


    After thirty minutes, her hair is nearly done. In just a few minutes, she''ll try how the test is run in this timeline.


    "Since you''ve chosen non-combative type, you''ll be in the Plum Gate."


    Is there a Sakura Gate?


    "Alright."


    Ett squinted her eyes faintly, seeing a carriage as soon as they stepped out and readily waiting for them.


    "Young Miss, you go in first."


    Reas offered her hand instead of the guard.


    "…"


    Not again.


    Ett stiffly entered the carriage. Hayst, she''ll just bear with it. She does have a dozen handkerchiefs left in her purse.


    Yes, everything will be alright.


    Endure. She must endure.


    As the academy is more expansive than expected, there are times when students take carriages inside the school to go to different buildings, depending on which they are scheduled or headed.


    It took them twenty minutes to arrive at the Plum Gate.


    All the time, Ett felt sick; thankfully, she held it in, reciting whatever phrases or quotes from the book she had read whenever she felt bile rushing up her throat.


    "We''re here…Young Lady. Uh, your complexion is not good. Are you alright?"


    Of course not. Haven''t you said my complexion is not good?


    "F-Fine. Fine."


    The Plum Gate''s entrance was filled with Cherry Blossoms, which was quite fantastical for a non-fantasy genre-themed story.


    "Do your best, Young Lady. I''ll wait for you."


    As Ett was guided inside by another person, other nobles were coming in, and each had a small crest on their chest, signifying their family.


    There were hundreds of students attending for the challenge per se. Just like when she was in her university years, this just seems to be upgraded.


    "Let''s wait for your fellow scholars, Ladies and Gents."


    Ett finally coughed on her handkerchief, wiping her lips and conspicuously putting it in her second purse, aka her trashcan.


    Ah, that was good.


    When I think of it, Lativ still has the responsibility to study.


    But now he''s staying in the palace and being taught by the butler about his future responsibilities. There may be an exception.


    "You alright?"


    A girl whispered next to her, big and bright ember eyes.


    "What?"


    "Uhm, I smelled blood a while ago, when you open your mouth. Did you vomit blood?"


    "…"


    Wow. Now that''s something. Looks like she''s sensitive to the stench of blood.


    Ey, she could be a physician or some forensic investigator.


    "It''s normal."


    But don''t bother me, please.


    "…"


    Ett continued observing her surroundings and every aristocratic noble''s sons and daughters. With their crest being seen, she could quickly identify each of them.


    Those without one were commoners applying to take the test, quite a number of them.


    Commoners were treated unequally as they always were; however, there was an established public library open to all, and once commoners who graduated from the academy were permitted by Guren to teach them how to read and write.


    The nobles opposed them only to be slapped with Guren''s words, "I don''t want my empire to be seen as useless and illiterate; that is the most dishonourable thing for this Empire."


    So cool. Big like Guren.


    Even commoners now know how to read and write, and if they are ambitious enough, they can only self-study in the Public Library and make their own efforts to rise in status.


    Of course, the nobles still are muttering under their breath, but the rise of commoners who are quite intellectual is booming in this empire. Nothing else matters as long as they help with Guren''s rule.


    Loyalty ++++.


    "Oh my, are you the daughter of Archduke Froiz?!"


    "See? This is the crest of the Archduke!"


    "I admire the Archduke."


    Yadda yadda yadda.


    Ett was naturally treating people coldly, so she ignored them.


    "Tsh. Rude."


    "It''s because she''s the Archduke''s daughter."


    "Is she really?"


    And there it goes, the opposite effect of not pleasing these brats. Really, it''s such a predictable plot.


    Clap. Clap. Clap.


    "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, it is time to start. You have about one hour to finish these questions."


    ***


    "A person will come to your resting place after three hours. That will be an invitation to tell me what class you belong to. For those who didn''t pass, there will also be a letter to be delivered."


    It was understandable what kind of letter that would be even if it was not uttered.


    Finally, done.


    It''s so-so, but it must have been hard seeing most of the future scholars or students taking so long.


    Ett walked, fully conscious of all the stares she got. She''s a walking gold mine in the eyes of these people, ready to be exploited.


    "Young Miss!"


    Even Reas is surrounded by nobles after recognizing she is with her.


    "Let''s go."


    Ett entered the carriage, not sparing them a glance.


    "Ah…"


    Raes twitched her lips, apologizing to the noble parents surrounding her. Appalled by her behaviour.


    "Ah, please do not let it trouble you. Lady Ettna''s demeanour is such even towards me. It is a case of like father, like daughter. Hohoh."


    "Indeed, but still…"


    "Well, the Archduke does have that kind of disposition."


    "Here I was, pondering the identity of the young lady. Yet, I have heard she is adopted? Might there be some other revelation? Oh my!"


    They discussed it among themselves.


    "Verily, she is also notably fatigued and somewhat enfeebled. Forsooth, she recently enjoyed a fleeting repose before engaging in the hardship. I trust this shall occasion you no undue distress."


    "Very well."


    "Very well, then. May the young Miss enjoy a most beneficial repose."


    "When the moment arrives, I trust my child shall be able to help her."


    "Hohoho…"


    "Haha…"


    "Indeed…"


    Clack.


    Raes finally locked the carriage door, waving with a fake smile to the nobles outside as the carriage started to depart.


    Sigh.


    Exhausting.


    "Do forgive me for the delay; I''ll quickly guide you to your chamber while you stay here."


    "Mhmmm."


    Whether she passes or not, she''ll stay here for a few days anyway.


    "Are you a teacher here?"


    Ett asked.


    "Indeed, but I am presently situated at Faras Gate."


    "Major students."


    "Yes."


    It is divided into three grades of learners.


    Minor, Major, and Superior are like Pre-School, Junior, and Senior. Minors are ages 5 to 10, Majors are 11-13, and Superiors are 14-16. All have advanced subjects that are beyond their age.


    Faras Gate belongs to Major Grade students.


    It''s not like she''ll last longer here to be detailed about this academy.


    If she''s the one who is her guide, it means she''s also a role model, and they depend on her as the face of the academy for necessary delegates and students.


    Che, she''s just here to face the wrath of moody aristocrats.


    Ett didn''t bother anymore and tried to rest. She''s been walking and working her brains out in a new environment unfamiliar to her for a long time.


    Yes, long time. Even when Ett sneaks out before, she would always return in haste.


    "Young Lady, we are already here."


    "Ngh."


    She didn''t rest at all. The seat was too stiff.


    She immediately stretched out of the carriage and pulled her body carefully.


    "Young Lady, take care. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."


    I won''t offer you a cup of tea, sorry.


    "Same."


    Reas waved a hand before closing the carriage.


    As she turned back, Ett felt she must have the wrong place. "Uh."


    It looks like a vacation house! This is not a chamber but a house! A bungalow.


    "Greetings, Your Ladyship."


    A lovely woman entered her sight. She was beautiful, with silver locks and filled with warm halo.


    Hic.


    No.


    Wait.


    Something is off about those eyes when they stare at her. Yes, even that disgusting smile.


    "Akan?"