A Royal Commission

“Continue.”

Huh? Ziyao was a little stunned, realizing she had nothing more to say.

“You speak well. One day, Aiya will stand upon the continent’s stage, and at that time, she will face attacks from all directions.” The Empress’s voice was exceptionally low. “I do not wish to see my daughter suffer even the slightest harm.”

“Edward and Elena—they are both excellent children, and I can confidently allow them to venture out. But Aiya is different; I knew from the very beginning that she could never become a person like her father.”

“Hah, prophecies. Those astrologers, eager to stir up chaos, truly have their ways.”

Just like Ziyao, the Empress had never truly believed that Prophecy. She knew her youngest daughter far too well. Aiya was absolutely not the material to become a monarch. Yet, while she knew this, others remained oblivious.

“However, there is one thing I’ve been meaning to ask you.” Gritting her teeth, Ziyao posed a question that had puzzled her for a long time. “From my observations, although Aiya’s health is poor, it shouldn’t be so bad as to require me to specifically formulate potions for her, should it?”

While Aiya’s health was indeed poor, it was not as dire as Elena had initially described when she first sought Ziyao’s help.

“Furthermore, the Royal Family should have several Seven-Star alchemists, correct? If not, the Alchemists’ Guild headquarters is also in the Imperial Capital; why not hire alchemists from there?”

This question had bothered Ziyao for a long time. She had even asked Raphael and Ailin, but they had only smiled in response. Now, finally, someone who could provide an answer stood before her.

“Miss Ziyao, with your intelligence, you must have guessed something already, haven’t you?”

As expected… Although the Empress did not answer directly, Ziyao still received the information she sought. It seemed Aiya’s health was not so poor as to genuinely require a Seven-Star alchemist. Moreover, it appeared both the Emperor and the Empress were deliberately concealing Aiya’s true physical condition. Even Elena had been kept in the dark.

“A weak little princess is always less of a threat than a vibrant one,” Ziyao murmured.

“Yes. If we truly wished to cure Aiya, it would be quite simple.” The Empress stated calmly. “The Royal Family can certainly afford the price for a few potions.”

This implied that the Emperor and Empress were intentionally delaying Aiya’s recovery.

“Your Majesty and the Emperor… your protection of Aiya is truly excessive.”

To ensure Aiya entered the enemy’s sights as slowly as possible, her parents had truly gone to great lengths.

“However, it can no longer be concealed.” The Empress took over the conversation. “Therefore, after this incident concludes, we will begin Aiya’s full recovery. At that time, we may still require your assistance, Miss Ziyao.”

“It’s fine; this is my duty.” Ziyao had been invited to the Imperial Capital precisely to treat Aiya’s health; it was her responsibility.

Cure her health? Aiya, who had been “offline” for a while, suddenly reconnected.

Cure her health → Ziyao completes the mission → Ziyao leaves me.

Oh no!

Aiya grew anxious. She had just made a good friend, and she didn’t want Ziyao to leave her so soon. And so, the little girl squirmed restlessly in her mother’s arms.

“Oh, it seems Aiya has a different opinion.” A faint smile flickered in the Empress’s eyes.

“Indeed, I didn’t expect Aiya to have her own thoughts on this matter,” Ziyao replied with a smile.

“Then, I shall ask on Aiya’s behalf: Miss Ziyao, what are your plans after completing this task?”

Plans? Ziyao stroked her smooth chin, pondering. It seemed she had nothing much to do. There were still no clues regarding the gender-changing potion, and matters of the gods were completely out of reach. As for her strength, it couldn’t be significantly improved all at once. It seemed that after curing Aiya’s health, she would have nothing left to do.

“I… it seems I truly have nothing specific to do,” Ziyao answered. “Perhaps I’ll return to that small town and continue researching potions.”

Indeed, she is a child just as lost. The Empress saw a shadow of Aiya in the white-haired girl. As a Sage, Ziyao currently lacked direction. There truly were no words to describe it.

“If you don’t mind, I do have a private commission.” The Empress picked up Aiya from her lap. “Would you be willing to look after Aiya?”

Huh?!

What did she mean, ‘look after Aiya’? Didn’t Aiya already have more than enough people caring for her?

“Um, I feel I might not be very good at looking after people.”

“No, no, Ziyao, you misunderstand. After this Blossom Festival concludes, it’s time for Aiya to see the outside world.” The Empress stood up and presented Aiya to Ziyao. “So, I hope that at that time, you can accompany Aiya.”

No, what kind of development is this? Ziyao felt her mind spinning. Why did Aiya need her company to see the world? She had only known Aiya for a few days! Did the Empress trust her that much? And aren’t you going to ask Aiya’s opinion? Alright, judging by Aiya’s shy expression, she probably won’t object.

“But, Raphael and Ailin’s strength isn’t bad, and aren’t there several high-level professionals constantly protecting Aiya?”

“Raphael is a good child, but the Church isn’t always reliable.” The Empress gently placed Aiya directly into Ziyao’s arms. “Therefore, when Aiya goes out, Reno and I will find an excuse to keep her from them. As for those few guards, they are men, after all, and cannot provide close-quarters protection for Aiya’s safety.”

“As for Ailin, her skills are not proficient enough.”

Saying that would make Ailin cry!

“Moreover, as an assassin, Ailin lacks in defensive capabilities. If you could accompany her, then unless a Shadow Assassin of my level personally made a move, you would absolutely buy those few enough time to react.”

Emmm… actually, Ziyao wanted to refuse. But feeling the warmth in her arms and seeing the little girl’s expectant gaze, Ziyao admitted that her heart softened.

“I… fine, I will go with her.” Ziyao nodded.

“That’s wonderful!” Before the Empress could even react, Aiya cheered excitedly. She wouldn’t have to be separated from Ziyao.

Is she really that happy? Ziyao was perplexed. But soon, her attention was drawn to a scroll the Empress produced. Overwhelming water magic, that oppressive feeling—Ziyao seemed to guess what it was.

“A Forbidden Spell?”

“Yes. Reno asked me to bring this to you as a token of gratitude for your help during this incident.” The Empress revealed a genuine smile. “That girl Elena probably didn’t give you any compensation, did she?”

Aiya has grown up so much… I wonder when these two little girls will realize their feelings. I truly look forward to it. Watching the blush on Aiya’s face, the Empress felt a surge of anticipation. Her youngest daughter was developing feelings so early. She wondered when Aiya would bring the white-haired girl by her side home.

The Empress, after all, was a very open-minded person.