Such a large procession quickly stirred up commotion within the Royal City.
The news that the Second Princess and the First Princess were headed to Ushi City spread like waves…
But for many, it was just a piece of news and nothing more.
At the same time, another rumor related to this matter proved far more interesting.
It was said that the First Princess Hill Yu had gone to the Emperor Rubas in the palace, requesting that extra soldiers be assigned to Willis as protection during these turbulent times.
Yet Emperor Rubas had refused.
“Apparently, the Emperor’s exact words were that if the First Princess is going out, she can arrange two thousand soldiers from Monsell’s barracks as her escort.”
Within the imperial gardens, such gossip always circulated among the idle women.
“But as for Willis, the Second Princess who has her own domain, the Emperor said that the escort soldiers should be prepared by herself, not always have the Empire pave the way for her.”
The woman giggled as she spoke to another lady beside her, “Looks like the Second Princess isn’t very favored by the Emperor!”
“That’s putting it lightly. It’s almost like she was adopted. You think maybe the Second Princess isn’t the Emperor’s biological daughter?”
“Shh! You fool, how dare you say such things? Even if there’s no one from the Church of Judicature here, if this gets out, we’ll both be in trouble!”
“Elder sister is right… But without enough guards, and with recent assassination attempts happening one after another, do you think the Second Princess would still dare to leave?”
“Who knows! I heard the Emperor meant that if Willis, as an Imperial Princess and lord, can’t even protect herself, then she shouldn’t travel—better to stay inside the Royal City…”
“Tsk tsk tsk… No matter what, it’s only natural for a lord to go back and check on her domain, right?”
“Well, then she’ll just have to grit her teeth and go… Haha, sister, you wanna bet if the Second Princess dares to go?”
“Wasn’t it said that the carriage formation is already prepared? With her temper, that Princess would definitely still go.”
“Then let’s bet on whether she gets attacked again…”
“Sister, you just said the walls have ears, how can you say that… I bet she won’t get attacked. If it happened too often, the assassins would be caught, unless they’re fools.”
“Oh really? Hehe, then I bet the Second Princess will be ambushed again.”
“Wagers?”
***
For a time, all sorts of gossip leaked out from the Royal City.
Many outsiders waited eagerly for the drama to unfold, but clearly, our Imperial Princess appeared quite relaxed at this moment.
“Willis!”
Seeing Willis still leisurely reading at her desk, Hill Yu couldn’t help but grow angry.
“What’s wrong, Elder Sister?”
Willis asked. “Didn’t you eat enough lunch? I can have the kitchen make more.”
“Go to hell!”
Hill Yu smacked her on the head. “I’m asking, what are you thinking?”
“What?”
“Your plan…”
“Oh, that. Don’t worry, Elder Sister, I’ll be fine.” Willis smiled.
“Are you sure?”
Hill Yu snorted coldly. “You think just because you’re an Apprentice Mage you can be carefree?”
“I never said that.” Willis looked innocent.
Who in this world would dare claim invincibility?
Even those who reach the pinnacle of Magic cannot withstand the erosion of time and the heavens.
Even gods said to be immortal must one day fall.
“Alright, Your Highness, don’t be upset.”
At that moment, Annie Donald, who had been quietly silent beside them, suddenly spoke up.
She smiled and said, “Compared to Willis, aren’t the rest of us also in danger? When the time comes, I will protect you properly…”
Now, Annie Donald was dressed simply, with no deliberate makeup.
A clear, pleated chiffon dress wrapped around her slender figure, giving her a youthful beauty quite different from Hill Yu’s usual armor-clad, imposing appearance.
Even the simplest clothes looked better than that armor.
The young girl gently tucked her hair behind her ear, filling the room with vitality and warmth like sunshine.
Together with Ophelia Egbert, who stood respectfully nearby yet full of resentment in her eyes, they formed a striking scene that made Willis very satisfied with her reading.
With a beauty by her side and the scent of books filling the air, it was truly the perfect time to study.
Hearing Annie’s promise, Hill Yu turned to thank her, though her heart felt otherwise.
A delicate lady like Annie, if something happened, would probably faint without even casting a spell.
Hill Yu had seen many students like this over the years.
Just then, a maid entered respectfully, “Your Highness, everything is ready.”
“Hmm, good. Where is Guard Knight Victoria?”
Willis put down her book and asked.
“Lady Victoria has not returned yet.”
“Understood, we won’t wait for her. Let’s go!”
Willis patted Ophelia’s rear twice. The latter’s eyes blazed with fury and her whole body trembled.
But Willis and Hill Yu had already left the room, leaving Ophelia alone with a silent, resentful glare.
“Willis, one day, I will repay the humiliation you have given me a thousandfold, ten thousandfold! Mark my words!”
Vowing her revenge with venom, Ophelia then grabbed a prepared backpack and carefully packed the books Willis had requested from the desk.
Afterward, she returned to her room to gather clothes and some small items.
By the time she came out, Willis was already standing before the luxurious Princess Carriage.
At the grand and opulent gate, the maids of the Caoque Imperial Palace stood respectfully together, bidding their mistress a temporary farewell.
Seeing Ophelia emerge, Willis snorted in dissatisfaction, “What took you so long, dawdling?”
“You!”
Instantly, Ophelia’s anger flared again, and she even wanted to throw the backpack in Willis’s face.
Most of what was inside belonged to Willis; Ophelia only had a few clothes and cosmetics.
“Enough. Let’s go. You’ll take that carriage.”
Willis pointed to another carriage behind—the one usually used by noblewomen. Though still luxurious, it paled in comparison to Willis’s exclusive ride.
Without reason, a surge of greater anger and grievance rose in Ophelia’s heart.
Her eyes reddened as she snorted coldly, “Fine, this carriage it is. I don’t care to ride with you anyway!”
“What did you say?”
“I…” Ophelia hesitated, then lowered her head unwillingly under Willis’s aggressive, displeased gaze.
“I mean, as the mistress commands.”
“Mm, get on.”
Willis turned and stepped onto the carriage footrest, entering inside.
To Ophelia’s surprise, in that brief glance, she noticed there was no one else in Willis’s carriage?!
Where was the First Princess Hill Yu?
And that fox spirit Annie Donald, whom Willis somehow brought along?
Why were they nowhere to be seen?
With some suspicion, Ophelia climbed into her own carriage, fuming.
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