Chapter 24 The Fourth Imperial Princess

Chapter 24 The Fourth Imperial Princess

Rattle, rattle.

Five days later.

Kraush, too, today, as always, looked up from the diligently trotting horses.

And thats when the walls of the Empire began to loom into view.

Were almost there.

Indeed.

Reacting to the merchant womans comment, Kraush raised his hand to shield his eyes from the blinding sunshine.

The capital of the Empire was located at a latitude similar to Starlons Hadenhartz.

As a result, the closer they got to the imperial capital, the colder the air became.

Even so, we still have quite a distance before reaching the capital of the Empire itself.

But it was important to acknowledge they had at least entered the Empire.

Whew, tomorrows the end of this year already. Luckily, Ill be spending New Years with some company.

Guess that means youll be with drug addicts.

Did you know? They say sex under the influence of drug species is out of this world.

Ill be 14 years old tomorrow. Its sexual harassment of a minor.

Ah, but you know, nobles are debauched, so they do it all young.

What on earth goes on inside her head?

True to the rough life shes led, she would often make bold and unruly remarks.

Ah, perhaps youre not familiar with this sort of thing, Lord Balheim. What do you say? Should your sister enlighten you as a New Years treat? Since its your first time, we can do it without protection.

I think slicing that mouth of yours might also be a fine option.

Ah, are you worried that I might end up taking a Balheim lords baby with me in the future? Hehe, just give me one manor, and Ill overlook everything.

Kraush decided it was best to keep silent.

I think Ill report you for sexual harassment before drug dealing.

Kakak, come to think of it, I havent tried that route yet! Shall we go soon?

Perhaps because she could see the end of their journey, the merchant woman was driving the carriage with excitement.

Thanks to her, they quickly approached the walls of the Empire.

Stay inside for now.

There was nothing good about being caught by an Imperial broker while bringing a kid.

So, Kraush opened the barred door and flopped down among the sleeping drug-erosion creatures.

After a short while, the sound of the merchant woman gabbing with someone could be heard, and the cart jolted as it moved again.

Several hours passed like this.

As Kraush waited quietly, the carriage eventually came to a halt.

The blackout curtain was drawn open shortly after, and the sound of the barred door opening reached his ears.

Ta-da, were here!

She announced with a sense of pride.

As Kraush walked out, his eyes fell upon the inns and streets of the Empire.

Judging by the proximity to the walls, it seemed to be a city near the border wall.

Looks like he had entered safely.

Thanks for your efforts.

Heh, you even saved us from that band of thieves on the way. It was nothing. Are you leaving right away?

Thats the plan.

He intended to find another carriage and head straight for the capital.

Witnessing Kraush prepared to depart, the merchant woman wore a look of regret.

Nevertheless, it seemed she had grown somewhat attached after their 15-day journey together.

My name is Kraush Balheim.

So, Kraush revealed his own name to her.

At the sound of his name, the merchant womans eyes widened, then shortly after, she beamed with a bright smile.

Im Lara!

Farewell.

If you ever feel lonely when youre all grown up, come and find me! Kraush sir will always be welcome!

Indulging in such remarks till the end.

Still, there might come a day when fate would bring them back together.

Kraush waved to her and moved on.

Its been a long time, Empire.

Meanwhile, Crimson Garden perched upon Kraushs shoulder.

Didnt you plant quite a few seeds in the Empire?

One is prepping for the academy, and another is in the royal palace. Im not too familiar with these border areas, though.

Did this creature have seeds in the academy too?

Hu-hu, by the time you arrive, shell be your senior.

After all, if one were to enroll now, theyd be a year ahead of him.

So who is it?

Wouldnt searching for them be part of the fun later on?

With that, she soared up into the sky.

Really, shes a being with a penchant for amusement.

I have one year ahead.

Kraush lifted his gaze towards the sky.

Maybe because it was winter, the sky felt incredibly high.

Its not far now.

Thanks to that, the tournament was more successful than ever.

Ahem, truly a lot have gathered. There are plenty of interesting folks.

Just then, a voice as clear as crystal beads rang out.

There was a doll-like girl with hair as blue as the sea.

She was dressed in clothes made from expensive fabric.

Nevertheless, she was practically glued to the second-floor balcony, observing the registration hall on the first floor.

There are many intriguing children gathered. How utterly fascinating.

Sizelry Princess, please, mind your demeanor. If His Imperial Majesty sees you like this, hell foam at the mouth.

Eek, do not speak of father. Its as if I can already hear him shouting in my ear.

Berating her attendant, her true identity was none other than Sizelry Ephania, the Empires fourth princess.

The youngest in the Empire, she was fourteen this year.

Although young, the intelligence and spirit in her eyes were extraordinary.

After all, there was an obvious reason for that.

Despite her young age, she possessed a mind that rivaled the most brilliant in the Empire.

The story of her solving a mathematical conundrum at the age of seven, which made Empires mathematicians tear their hair out, was rather famous.

But there was one flaw in her.

Just like her age, she was incredibly mischievous.

Curious about everything and using her brilliant mind to dodge her attendants, she even managed to escape the imperial palace.

Because of this, those who esteemed her sharp intellect also shook their heads, deeming her unfit to be a candidate for the throne.

But that was what those without knowledge of her would think.

One of her attendants, who had been at her side since birth, Sera Betella, knew her inner thoughts well.

Shes performing mischief on purpose, wanting to avoid becoming a candidate for the throne.

She had a brilliant mind but was naturally frail in body.

If such a person were enmeshed in the Empires most vicious power struggles, her frail body would inevitably break down first.

Thus, she purposely behaved even more like a tomboy.

Employing her keen intellect in other areas to make sure no one could nominate her for the imperial candidacy.

Sera felt both pity for her and relief that she was clever.

She suited a life of freedom far more than being an empress.

Huhuhu, these delectable things. I shall pick each one myself and send them all to the Rahelrn Academy to become my prey!

The issue was that her tomboyish tendencies seemed to get stronger with each passing day.

Princess, where did you learn to laugh like that? Youll ruin that pretty face of yours.

Sera, a face is an effective tool to reveal ones emotions. I must say, I handle that tool quite excellently. If anything, I deserve praise, dont I?

I feel the urge to scold you.

How dare you, a mere attendant, scold me, the fourth princess? Fourteen years have been too soon for that.

Truly, she was a princess with a peculiar personality.

Eh? Oh, look over there!

Suddenly, Sizelry pointed to something between the railings, having spotted something amusing.

Reluctantly approaching, Sera saw a boy.

With half-closed eyes and a gloomy face.

And a crow in tow that evoked images of a warlock.

However, the sword at his hip made him seem like a swordsman at second glance.

Why does he reek of a villain? Hes just like the sworn enemy of the Empire, the Balheims!

Why would a Balheim be here? Although it does seem a bit suspicious.

When his eyes open, it felt like a significant incident was bound to happen.

Then, Sizelry, who had somehow risen from sitting on the floor, clicked her tongue.

Ah, Sera. Its wrong to have prejudices based on appearances.

Didnt you just say he smells like a villain, Princess?

Thats why I shall verify it myself.

What?

Caught by surprise for a moment, Sizelry suddenly leaped through the railings with her small frame.

Princess!

As Sera cried out without thinking, Sizelry slid down a groove attached to the front of the railing.

It was as if she was sliding down a slide.

While Sera was in shock, Sizelry landed on the ground in no time.

Now, potential villain. Reveal your identity to this princess.

With that, she passed through the crowd with a playful smile on her face.

It was during this moment, while she was making her way through the crowd, that Sizelry, who was small and frail, collided with the shoulder of a man who had suddenly appeared.

Ah!

As she stumbled, her legs tangled, and she was about to fall forward.

At the last moment, a protruding arm gently touched her stomach, preventing her fall.

Startled, Sizelry looked up, just in time to encounter the half-closed eyes of the boy she had been aiming for.

Such a tomboy.

Seeing Sizelry, the boy muttered curtly as he steadied her.

Be more careful.

Then he walked off into the crowd, paying her little heed.

Sizelry stood there, mouth agape, tilting her head.

Tomboy?

The fact that the boy spoke as if he knew her raised questions in her mind.