With Isodelle,
Four years have passed since my reincarnation as the Princess. I learnt that my nation, the Imperial Nascan Empire is a global superpower with an entire continent named after it.
I also learnt that except the city where I am born, the nation is sparse, no the entire world is sparse which I predicted given that only 15 million are there in the whole world some say. They put me into learning several stuff when I am just four years old saying that, "The Future Empress must gain knowledge of the world and the Greatness of the Empire".
These people in the castle are kind and knowledgable, though they were surprised by how quickly I grasped mathematics and science more. This world is very backward, medieval, lacking. I mean, I am a college graduate in the body of a four year old.
I also learnt that this empire has 4647 Baronies, 1781 Counties, 127 Dukedoms and 3 Kingdoms under it. I mean, HUGE! What sort of empire has three kingdoms as vassal states along with 127 duchies. Not to mention, these Dukes and Kingdoms have their own counts and barons. The Capital is itself a dukedom administered by the House Rochelli which was the first Dukedom for the entire empire and one who swore loyalty to the crown themselves without war or negotiations.
The capital is built on a huge crater. Common Folk say that the moons punished them for war and created this crater. Yeah, this world has a religion, the Mariyn Faith which worships the seven moons in the sky.
Astraea… for respect. Medea… for grace. Eris… for happiness. Merope… for kindness. Cthulhu… for freedom. Pandora… for hope. Dimer… for purity.
Though many don't worship all of them, there is a hierarchy. Nobles worship Astraea or Medea. Commoners usually worship Pandora.
During this time, I wasn't even allowed to go out of my room even due to my title "Holy Saint" which the Royal Mage said it boosted 75% of my stats making me average soldier level at just level 1. I heard from the House of Rochelli that Katarina, the future duchess was born and rumors of her antics just darting here and there restless. Seems normal for a three year old. Yeah, speaking of which, that god...he didn't reincarnate me with the others. Is he that clumsy? I need to search for them. It is my duty as their elder sister...but I must wait till I grow up because these people are so adamant in keeping me safe.
My staff, the one who takes care of me has solely been given to my father's former butler and my current butler, Sebastian who was switched to me. These days, I have simply been lazing around my room as the teachers are unable to teach me anything except for history and etiquette which I pushed the classes to afternoon for my convenience. Oh it was easy to change, just needed to coddle my mother up for her to convince my father. Easy.
"Hmm...boring...say Sebastian, when will I be allowed to go out?" I asked in my toddler body.
"You need to grow My Lady, Possibly when you turn ten" he said. I looked at him. He is clearly lying. Clearly, they are planning to keep me locked in this room and castle for as long as possible. I stood up from bed and went to my balcony where I saw the boundless city and gardens of the castle. "It is so pretty, this city is very nice and colourless even though its medieval and not modern like Tokyo". I can feel it within me. Children running around, Merchants carrying goods, nobles strolling the market, people talking, adventurers drinking in taverns. I looked at the garden. Then I saw them, no her.
Scars all over her body. A dulled sword. Coming into the palace escorted by guards. Is she some sort of adventurer for a royal quest? Oh! Interesting. Maybe I can break free with this. And she looks experienced like a seasoned fighter. Rumors in the castle spread as to why the Princess has no Personal Guard. Maybe I can recruit her to stop these rumors. First I must be known as to why she is here.
"Sebastian!" I called out.
"Yes my lady" he said diligent and noble.
"I am going out now!" I said as I ran out of the room.
"My Lady, No, Wait!" He called out to me as he followed. The Guards stationed outside my room was also out.
"My Lady, you shouldn't wander in the castle!" one soldier called out.
"I am going to the throne! Follow me!" I said looking behind to see the two guards and Sebastian in pursuit of me widening their eyes as I say "Throne".
I ran through the corridors. Even the maids seemed confused as to why the Princess was running in the corridors. I looked back. Tch, They seem closer to catch me. Even my full speed as a three year old isn't enough. Well then, "Light Magic: Boost!" I called out. My speed increased tenfold as I lost sight of Sebastian and the guards. I turned along the corridors. Two left and one right to the Throne Room.
I turned left, then again left and then right in the corridor. There was a huge door, I am correct. Three years of memorizing the castle worked. "Father!" I called out as I slammed the door open dignified and noble. The ministers stood up. That lady which I saw earlier also looked up while still bowing to the Emperor. The Emperor, my father was surprised seeing me.
"Isodelle Dear, what makes you come to the throne?" he asked looking at me.
"Well father, I seemed intrigued of the lady there" I said gesturing to the lady bowing at the Emperor.
"Ah, Isodelle, come here!" he called out. I moved forward just the guards and Sebastian reached the room panting slightly.
I moved and climbed the stairs to the Throne.
"Yes, Father, what do you need me for?" I asked.
"Well, I wonder why you have come out of your room when you are not supposed to" he said.
"Well, I came to recruit this lady!" I said. His eyes widened. Everyone looked at me in disbelief. Even the lady also looked that way.
"Why the sudden need when you rejected everyone in the past my dear?" he asked again.
"Well, compared to others, this lady seems strong and capable" I said.
"But unfortunately, my dear, she is a emissary from the County of Ovai and she is also-" he started.
"I don't think an emissary would have scars over her body and have a sword aswell. She would have come with an escort in a carriage but she didn't and came alone" I stopped him.
"What do you say? My Lady, I humbly request you to be my personal guard" I asked looking at her and bowing down. Everyone was shocked. "Please, Your Highness, raise your head. I am unworthy of the task you are asking to bestow upon me" she said startled. "Lady Aina, are you refusing a direct request from the Imperial Princess?" asked the Emperor. "Oh, Aina is your name? Well, Lady Aina, I would love to have you as my personal guard" I said. "But-But-I am inexperienced for the Holy Saint" she stuttered. She is still unsure? Well time to use Light Magic again. I glowed slightly, confusing everyone including my Father.
"Light Magic: Light Dimension" I murmured pulling myself and her to a seperate dimension. She looked visibly confused. "Your Highness, might I ask where are we?" she asked. "This is my Light Magic, Light Dimension. Ah! Don't worry, none can hear us" I said rubbing my head, then I turned serious. "Why are you hesitating to be my guard? You can have all the freedom you want" I said. "No, I am more than honored to serve you, Your Highness, but I deem myself incapable and unworthy of this task" she said bowing down. "Why do you think that?" I asked. "I am weak, these scars in my body are injuries from monsters I came across along the way here" she said. "Why are you acting like an emissary for the Count of Ovai? Shouldn't you be adventuring?" I asked. "Well, I am not allowed to..." she said quietly which I heard. Maybe I shouldn't delve much. "Well, you can adventure here as my guard" I said. "Wha-" she looked at me surprised.
"I am recruiting you for information only. You can freely adventure. Just gather information across the city and its problems. I can't actually go out of the castle due to my status as 'Holy Saint' but with an eye such as yourself outside I can connect to my people" I said.
"She is this smart at this age. She is not even five. Yet caring for the people. Perhaps..." Aina thought in her mind. She took her sword and placed in the ground.
"I, Aina swore eternal loyalty to you, Your Highness" she said.
I grinned. Easy. She will be the eyes in the city while I am in lockdown in the castle.
"How about open a Mercenary Company under my name?" I asked.
"Mercenary?..." she muttered confused.
"Basically, Sword for Errands. You can recruit as much people as you want" I said. "I see, then, if you wish Your Highness, I will open a Mercenary Company" she said.
"Perfect" I said as I cancelled Light Dimension. The Castle was frenzy. The Emissary and the Princess both disappeared suddenly. We suddenly returned infront of the Emperor and Ministers. "Isodelle, Dear! Where have you gone?" demanded Father. "No need to worry father, it was my Light Magic" I said. "See, I am unharmed" I said. "You made everyone fear for a minute. Please don't do this again" he asked. "Yes, Father" I said. The Ministers understood something then and there, "The Princess is the real power". Then Aina called out,
"Your Majesty, I have decided to serve Her Highness Princess Isodelle Von Nasca a her personal guard" she said. "Excellent. Leave the official letter from the Count to one of the ministers here. You are dismissed. You are officially under my daugther, Isodelle's command" the Emperor declared. "Yes Your Majesty" she said bowing down once again before leaving behind me. Outside the throne room, I turned to her. "You know what to do right?" I asked. "Yes Your Highness" she said. "Don't call me with titles, call me Isodelle, its fine!" I said. "But-" she started. "No buts, Isodelle" I said. "Yes...Lady Isodelle" she said. "Sebastian" I called to him. "Yes, My Lady" he said.
"Prepare 10 Gold Coins, now" I said. "As you wish my Lady" he said without asking anything. "Aina, your job is now! Move out!" I declared and she vanished in an instant. I knew it. She has power to this fast. She is now outside the castle. In just ten seconds too, impressive" I murmured. "Sorry Sebastian for my antics earlier" I said to him. "I follow wherever you go My Lady" he said. "Goodness, this old man must retire already, but what to do there is concept of Working Hours and Standards in this world"
Well atleast I have an ear outside. Then suddenly a voice called out to me. "Your Highness Princess Isodelle" I heard. I turned to see a man. "Who is this man?" I wondered. "Pleased to meet you...umm..." I said. "Duke Rochelli at your service" he said bowing. "Nice to meet you, Duke Rochelli" I said. "May I request your presence for a regard on a later date?" he asked. "Hmm...what is it?" I asked. "Well...you see my daughter has been sneaking out of the Estate no matter how many I have put and no one and not even myself know the reason how she manages to sneak out. That's why I am asking for your wisdom" he said. "Really? Well, I will come when I win over my Father. But till then you have to wait" I said. "Understood Your Highness" he bowed before returning to the Throne room.
Hmm...seems intriguing. Either the guards are sloppy or the girl is just so Hyperactive and excellent in sneaking quietly. Does kinda resemble someone I know who is like that, but I am not sure. I grinned
Interesting to say the least...