“I thought politics was a very serious matter.”
“Politics itself is very serious, but some people are not — to the point that you would laugh out loud just by looking at them, Little Fox.”
‘Is it really that serious?’
Liuli thought.
‘Usually, shouldn’t those politicians be serious old men? Can someone really laugh just by looking at them?’
Noticing Liuli’s skeptical expression, Serveyia added, “Though you wouldn’t normally laugh, if someone keeps making strange and funny suggestions, you will think of their ridiculous proposals the moment you see them.”
“But how do people like that enter the highest decision-making levels? Didn’t the previous selections filter them out?”
“All I can say is that theory, exams, and practice are three different things. In fact, they don’t get many opportunities for practical tests anyway.”
Walking on the way back to Qingli Hall, they saw countless people returning home as the ball ended.
To be honest, a sense of loneliness rose in Liuli’s heart as she watched them.
The 2-day Academy Festival had slipped through her fingers.
She felt like she hadn’t truly experienced the atmosphere before it ended.
Looking back, what had she even done over these 2 days?
She had set up a so-called Maid Café and ended up so busy that she had no time to properly enjoy the festival.
And then, there was her confession to Serveyia.
Liuli looked at Serveyia.
In her formal dress, she possessed a completely different aura than when she wore her maid uniform.
Only at times like this did Liuli truly realize that the person before her was indeed a Princess.
“Little Fox, why are you staring at me so intently? Do you have another wish you want me to grant?”
Liuli blushed and shook her head.
She had no wishes that required Serveyia’s help.
Without material worries, job pressure, or even pressure from her parents to marry, Liuli felt she had never looked forward to the future as much as she did now.
“Serveyia, what do I need to do next?”
Now that the Academy Festival was over, magic studies would return to the schedule.
However, magic studies were just a daily task to Liuli.
With her long-term and daily tasks already clear, she needed a more specific goal — a more practical short-term goal.
“There isn’t much to do in the short term, but you will likely visit different races next. Before that, however, you should learn one or two moves for self-defense.”
“Visit?”
Liuli felt like it wasn’t the first time she had heard that word, but no one had explained what it meant or what she needed to do.
“Is that also one of a Princess’s duties?”
“Exactly. You should remember, the duty of the Princess of St. Laia is to connect the various races as a Symbol of Peace. Therefore, nothing shows your determination for peace better than a personal visit.”
“Do I have to visit every race?”
There were countless races on this continent, and thus countless nations.
If she had to visit every single one, when would she ever finish?
“Theoretically, yes. But this isn’t something you need to finish overnight. Just take it step by step.”
“The way you talk, Serveyia, it sounds like you’ve already made preparations.”
“Yes. The first stop is the Elf Race. With Principal Kaili and Aili accompanying us, there shouldn’t be any danger. This will also allow you to adapt to the visitation process.”
“Aren’t you coming with me, Serveyia?”
“How could I not? I’m your Close Maid. Of course I’ll be by your side for such an important occasion.”
“Then the way you said it made it sound like I’d have to face it all alone.”
“No, I just wanted you to know beforehand who your companions are.”
“Do Principal Kaili and Aili know each other?”
When they first met, Serveyia had brought up Principal Kaili’s name to get Aili to leave Liuli alone.
Now that they were going to the Elf Race accompanied by both of them, Liuli wouldn’t believe it if they weren’t related.
“They certainly do. Principal Kaili and Aili belong to the same large family. To some extent, Principal Kaili is a Clan Leader, while Aili is a junior in the clan. It’s only natural for Aili to feel a bit afraid, right?”
“Hmm… So, Serveyia, do you know Principal Kaili’s real age?”
Although Principal Kaili’s appearance looked to be 30 or 40 years old at most, Liuli knew that an Elf’s age couldn’t be judged by their appearance.
For long-lived races, 30 or 40 years might just be a blink of an eye.
“Hehe, maybe you can try asking her yourself next time.”
Serveyia didn’t answer directly, only giving a mysterious smile.
But that smile seemed to answer everything.
Since Serveyia put it that way, Liuli certainly wouldn’t have the courage to ask.
But speaking of age…
“Serveyia, am I considered a long-lived race now, too?”
As a Nine-tailed Celestial Fox, though Liuli didn’t know much about the race, any race that could serve as the Princess should be long-lived.
“Yes, Little Fox. The Nine-tailed Celestial Fox generally has a very long life. This is one reason why they are considered a symbol of good fortune.”
“Then… what about you, Serveyia?”
Liuli first thought of her parents.
Generally, the most painful thing for an immortal is undoubtedly seeing those around them pass away one by one and the sense of weariness that comes from the passage of time.
However, after thinking it over, although it felt a bit inappropriate to say, it was a certainty that her parents would pass away before her.
In other words, the blade of the longevity gap wouldn’t fall on her in that regard.
But among the people she knew now, the only one she might actually lose to fate was Serveyia.
“Generally speaking, after learning and mastering magic, a human’s lifespan can be extended. It’s just like those classic cultivation novel plots, so you don’t have to worry about me at all.”
Serveyia said not to worry, but could Liuli really just ignore it?
The weight of the longevity gap was more painful than she imagined.
Liuli truly couldn’t imagine the scene of Serveyia leaving before her.
Even if it was in the very distant future, Liuli didn’t dare to think about it.
“If you’re really worried, I think you’d be better off studying magic diligently. See if you can learn one or two spells that can increase lifespan. That might put your mind at ease.”
Serveyia’s words sounded like a joke.
Where would there be magic that could increase lifespan?
If such a simple life-extending magic really existed, the world would probably be in chaos.
However, Serveyia’s comfort did help.
At least it allowed her to shake off her current worries and stop fretting over imaginary troubles.
“Let’s not talk about age anymore. I’m a bit curious, what exactly does a Princess do during a visit?”
“In short, you show your face, say hello, and give a few speeches. Basically, you show your friendly side and let everyone know you are a Messenger of Peace.”
“Will people believe that so easily?”
“The races that are willing to invite you are generally those who are willing to believe — or rather, willing to accept a signal of peace. For those races, you just need to follow the procedures step by step.”
“What about the races that aren’t willing to invite me?”
“Little Fox, if the other party didn’t invite you, why would you rush to press your warm face against their cold backside?”