Chapter 35
The capital of the Bistid Empire housed the most prestigious academy on the continent—Bistid Academy. Renowned for attracting talents from all across the land, it was the Empire’s only educational institution that bore the imperial name.
Count Godia, the academy’s headmaster, had been reading a letter when he was interrupted by a visitor.
“Headmaster, a letter has arrived from Count Jintheron of the Imperial Palace.”
“Count Jintheron? The Emperor’s aide? Why would he be writing to me?”
“It was sent as an urgent message. You should take a look.”
Count Godia, looking puzzled, took the letter and opened it. As he read, his expression grew increasingly troubled.
The secretary who handed over the letter asked curiously,
“He’s asking us to find a tutor for the Princess’s studies in imperial leadership.”
“Ah, perhaps it’s because of what happened at the assembly yesterday.”
“Hmm. I just returned to the capital today, so I haven’t heard the details. Were you at the assembly?”
“Yes. I did see the Princess…”
“How was she? It’s just the two of us here—speak frankly.”
The secretary scratched his chin, hesitating whether to speak his mind.
“Honestly… she seemed like a grave concern for the Empire’s future. It’s understandable if she’s unfamiliar with royal etiquette, but she showed no sense of respect for others, nor any signs of proper education.”
“That bad?”
“Her disposition also seems far from ordinary. Even if we do find a tutor, educating her won’t be easy.”
Godia let out a low sigh and reread the letter in his hand.
Count Jintheron was known for his calm and composed demeanor, so it was strange that he would write such a hasty, almost desperate, letter. What unsettled him more was that there wasn’t a single word describing the Princess herself.
The only request was to find a reliable tutor for her as soon as possible.
The last line of the letter, which repeated the need for someone discreet, only added to the unease.
“This is very strange. What you said doesn’t match what I read in the other letters about the Princess.”
“Pardon?”
Count Godia put down Jintheron’s letter and picked up another—from Marquis Tristan, which he had been reading earlier.
Tristan’s letter described a completely different impression of the Princess, suggesting that Godia meet her in person and see beyond the rumors.
“Did Marquis Tristan also request a tutor for the Princess?”
“Yes. He wanted me to meet her myself and recommend someone suitable.”
“Strange. Yesterday, the Marquis didn’t seem to hold her in high regard.”
“Exactly. That suggests there’s more to the story.”
Godia then glanced at another letter pushed aside in the corner—from Duke Evia.
That one was full of praise for the Princess, to the point of losing all objectivity, so Godia had excluded it altogether. Even though the Duke was a longtime friend, Godia couldn’t understand why he was so fervent in his support of her.
Still, a request from someone as reputable as Marquis Tristan couldn’t be ignored.
“I’ll have to meet her myself.”
***
“What in the world…!”
Enche, having rushed over after hearing exaggerated rumors, gasped at the sight of Kartia’s injured hand and staggered, pressing a hand to her forehead.
“How could such a beautiful hand get hurt…!”
Tears welled in Enche’s eyes as Fabia clung to her and handed her a handkerchief.
“Her Highness grabbed the edge of a sword! His Majesty was furious—it was reckless!”
“My goodness! She’s right, Your Highness, that was far too reckless!”
“And then she got up on a chair in a dress and started moving around! I had to throw myself in front of her just so no one saw her petticoat!”
“Oh heavens! Oh my god…!”
Fabia continued tattling to Enche in a rapid-fire rant, and Kartia had to endure a whole round of scolding from her as well.
Since Enche seemed to take her side, Fabia, energized, began spilling every last detail, leaving Enche reeling in shock.
Kartia considered mentioning that this was nothing compared to what the twins had done—but she couldn’t speak with their eager little eyes staring up at her from beside her.
“Your Highness, let me feed you. Don’t use your hands.”
“You like cookies, right? I’ll dip them in milk for you.”
With food constantly being pushed into her mouth, Kartia had no chance to speak.
The twins, trying to appear well-mannered in front of Enche, were using awkward formal language and completely taking control of Kartia’s every move.
They’d only just been released from their own house arrest, so they must have been desperate for attention.
Thinking she’d just let them have their way for today, Kartia simply ate whatever was offered.
“The one with chocolate too.”
“This one? Here you go, Your Highness. Say ahh—!”
Reclining on the couch while the twins fed her, even Enche’s scolding had run its course.
“You said you’re going to meet the delegation?”
“Yeah. That’s why I need to learn etiquette fast.”
Kartia figured that since the nobles would nitpick every little thing, she should at least master the basics. Enche had visited today to help with an express crash course.
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine, Your Highness. I wish we had more time, though.”
“It’s okay. I forget everything quickly anyway, so you’ll have to keep coming to teach me.”
Seeing how Enche looked sad that their time might be cut short, Kartia reassured her with a laugh, suggesting she not trust Kartia’s memory.
“Your Highness is truly warm-hearted.”
Enche smiled, and the twins echoed her sentiment as they hugged Kartia.
Trapped between the two of them, Kartia was practically smothered, but Enche just watched with a soft smile.
“It’s fine… As long as Enche’s happy.”
Whoever enjoyed the scene was all that mattered. Even if Kartia was on the verge of being crushed, the twins were content.
As they shared updates and talked about upcoming lessons, a maid entered.
“Count Godia has arrived.”
“Ah, the Academy headmaster?”
“Yes.”
She had originally intended to ignore his letter requesting a meeting—too bothersome—but then remembered she did need a tutor and accepted.
“Alright, I’ll go see him real quick.”
Not expecting to be stopped by the twins, Kartia stood to leave—only to get caught.
***
Count Godia, sipping tea in the drawing room, stood upon hearing the Princess had arrived—only to freeze in shock.
Two young boys with orange hair and eyes walked in, each carrying one of Kartia’s shoulders as they held her up.
Holding her hands and supporting her back, the sight was anything but ordinary.
“Ah, Count Godia. Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s just my hand that’s injured, not my legs.”
“Then… why enter like this?”
“Just… just blame it on me not learning proper etiquette yet…”
Kartia looked so weary that Count Godia had no choice but to let it slide.
The twins gently lowered her onto the sofa and dramatically fluffed the cushions behind her. They snatched the teapot from the maid and poured her tea themselves.
They checked the tea’s temperature and glared at the maid for making it too hot, then carefully arranged cookies into neat shapes and placed them before Kartia.
Faced with this bizarre spectacle, Count Godia was left speechless. Dark circles were forming under Kartia’s eyes.
“That’s enough, both of you. Go now. I need to talk to Count Godia.”
“But what if Count Godia tries to hurt Tia?”
“And what about her cookie schedule? She needs to eat them on time!”
Covering her face with her perfectly fine hand, Kartia growled,
“I’m telling you nicely. Get. Out.”
When she looked like she was genuinely angry, the twins exchanged a glance and bolted from the room.
Drained from dealing with them, Kartia suddenly felt like staying in the drawing room forever.
“So, why did you come…?”
She asked tiredly. Count Godia, unsure where to begin, got straight to the point.
“I heard you’re looking for a tutor in imperial studies.”
“Oh. So Dad pulled through for me.”
Now slightly more energetic, Kartia straightened up, prompting the Count to clear his throat and get serious.
“First, I’d like to hear your opinion. What kind of tutor would you prefer?”
“Well, obviously… a top-tier instructor from Daechi-dong.”
“Excuse me?”
“Ah, sorry. That slipped out. Thought I’d forgotten all that. Guess not.”
“Pardon?”
Waving it off, Kartia grew thoughtful.
What kind of teacher would suit her?
After a moment, she answered,
“He shouldn’t be too handsome. I’ll get distracted. His voice should be strong—I can’t fall asleep during lessons. He should use relevant examples and words that help me understand, have the discernment to gauge the student’s level, and adjust the pace based on my condition that day. No politics in class, and ideally, he should respect both sides of an argument… and also…”
Count Godia’s eyes were beginning to glaze over.
