A Clumsy Person

Every time she attacked, Alice aimed straight for Black’s vital points—her eyes blazing with murderous intent.
Any decent fighter would’ve instinctively raised their blade to counter.

But Black? He couldn’t even react.
He didn’t even see her movements—just a pathetic, genuine weakling—not the kind a strong person could fake.

So, just before piercing him, Alice would suddenly release the force, sparing his life.

After several exchanges, Alice was certain:
Black wasn’t hiding strength.
He was truly a useless little pirate.

Could someone like this have broken into the empress’s chamber?

Alice didn’t think so.
But too many suspicious details forced her to doubt.

“Mary said you mysteriously vanished for three days. What’s your explanation?”

Since physical testing failed—she’d try words.

“Ahhaha, Your Highness, I can explain—but you can’t punish me after!”

Black had prepared an excuse long ago.

“Speak. No matter what, I won’t hold it against you.”

“Well… the housekeeper banned me from eating, right? I was starving—so I hid in the kitchen and stole food. If you don’t believe me, ask the kitchen staff if anything went missing these past few days.”

This wasn’t a complete lie—he had stolen food during those days.

Hearing this, Alice fell silent.
She knew Mary’s screeching carried far—knew Black had been forbidden from eating.

So… did this mean he had no suspicion?

Alice studied Black up and down—still feeling his build matched the masked man.

Could he be hiding it that deep?

Seeing no progress, Alice gave up—for now.

Just as she opened her mouth again, Karina entered—holding a letter.

“Princess Alice, the weekly dispatch from the capital has arrived.”

Alice nodded, took the envelope, and opened it—reading carefully in front of Black.

Without her saying, Black knew what it was.
These weekly letters were how the royal family stayed connected with the empire.

They recorded imperial affairs—more like a news bulletin than a personal letter.

Essential—since the core royals were at sea.
They needed to monitor the homeland.
Prevent any dragon-backed coups or rebellions.

Alice quickly scanned the content—let out a breath.
Mostly routine political news.
No emergencies.

Before opening each letter, she always prayed for nothing unusual.

Though the empire’s main forces guarded the capital, without the empress present, some nobles might grow bold.

So—peaceful days were best.

Thinking this, she continued reading.
Then—her expression shifted.
Her face twisted with bitter resentment.

Karina, seeing this, was about to ask—

When Alice’s sword flew from her hand—slamming into the training dummy with full Level 40 force—punching clean through!

Clearly, this strike carried rage.

“Your Highness! Did something happen in the empire?!”

Both Black and Karina jumped—shocked by her sudden violence.

“Nothing. Just my talented older sister breaking through to Level 61—becoming a Peak-Tier Swordsman.”

Alice clenched her teeth, fists tight—furious.

“I’m going to bathe!”

She turned and stormed off—clearly in a terrible mood.

The princess rarely loses her cool.

Black smirked internally.
You’ve bullied me enough. Now it’s your turn to suffer.

“The genius sister Your Highness mentioned—is that First Princess Afra?”

“Yes. Only she can make Princess Alice lose control.”

Karina sighed, watching Alice’s retreating figure—eyes filled with sorrow.

Having served Alice since childhood, she understood her deeply.

“Now that you’re Princess Alice’s only guard—I’ll tell you this.”

“Princess Alice is beautiful, noble, calm, decisive—the only flaw is her excessive pride.”

“This pride made her more isolated, more stubborn—until she had no friends. Not even other princes and princesses dared get close.”

Karina seemed lost in memory—slowly recounting Alice’s story.

“The First and Second Princesses were once inseparable. But when they began cultivating spirit energy—everything changed.”

“Princess Afra is the greatest sword prodigy of her generation. At just over twenty, she reached Level 61 Peak-Tier Swordsman—a height ordinary people can’t reach.”

“From childhood, Afra showed exceptional talent. Alice… was merely average.”

“They started training together—but Afra always surged ahead.”

“When Alice became a Level 5 Swordsman, Afra was already Level 20 Novice.”

“The imperial family values strength. Naturally, they favored Afra. Alice lived in her shadow.”

“In swordsmanship? Inferior to the superior First Princess. In charm? Inferior to the witty Third Princess. Alice was ignored by the royal family.”

“But that didn’t matter. What hurt Alice most—was that she gave everything.”

“She woke earlier than others, slept later.
Always training, studying sword manuals.
Despite this effort—her progress was minimal.”

“The gap with Afra grew wider—while Afra spent her days socializing, making friends!”

“Worse—her efforts earned no admiration.

Instead, princes, princesses, nobles—even servants—whispered that she was clumsy, wasting time for no results.”

“Over time… she became who she is now.
Once so lively…”

Perhaps too emotional—too eager to defend Alice—Karina spoke on and on, forgetting Black was still a suspect.