A Frail Body Is Truly a Hindrance

Ellie going out with three people around her was actually nothing unusual.

On the contrary, for a noble young lady of her status to go out with only three people was what really surprised others.

Ellie rarely went out, and she did not dress in an especially flamboyant way.

Without any royal insignia, and with the maid beside her holding a parasol that covered most of her face, there were very few people on the street who could recognize her.

Moreover, she was currently in the central district of the imperial capital.

The people living around here were certainly those with influence and wealth, and each of them usually had quite a number of attendants following behind.

So Ellie’s appearance, bringing only one maid and two guards, was actually on the modest side.

Although she said she was just going out for a casual stroll, in reality, Ellie had a very clear goal.

She looked like the kind of young girl who had always stayed hidden inside the palace and was unfamiliar with the surrounding area.

But because the landmarks of this world had not changed much from her previous one, she was extremely familiar with the surroundings.

As someone who aimed to ascend the throne, how could she possibly not pay attention to every detail around the imperial capital.

Ellie lifted her head, her gaze passing over the tallest clock tower within her field of vision.

Although it was some distance away from the palace and stood in the civilian district, it was the place with the best view in the area.

Aside from being useful for reconnaissance, during festivals it was also the best spot to watch fireworks.

But for her…

With her current physical condition, she would probably collapse from exhaustion halfway up the tower.

No, not “probably.”

“Definitely.”

Ellie had already been walking around for a while.

Although going out for a walk was partly a cover, her true intention was to go straight to the Royal Knight Order.

However, since she was already out, and to fully confirm whether this place truly matched the world she once knew, she followed her memories and took a simple circuit around the streets.

To make her purpose seem less obvious, she even paused at clothing shops and dessert stores—places young girls would normally be interested in—just to make herself look like she was “seriously shopping.”

But later, when she stood on the street, breathing heavily, she began to reflect.

…This is really killing me.

Why do I have to pretend to be a bright, cheerful, well-behaved girl.

N-no, forget it.

This isn’t the same as my past life, where I could bark orders at servants.

Being a little friendlier also makes it easier to leave a good impression in others’ hearts and helps me solidify my influence within the palace.

But—huff… ha…

Heavens, just how weak is this body.

It’s only been a bit over half an hour of walking, right.

My feet hurt so much.

What on earth is the point of high heels.

Am I really so short that I need this kind of height-boosting contraption.

Ellie absentmindedly wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Before she had even rested, her legs were already starting to ache.

She had no idea how painful they would be when she woke up tomorrow.

She used to be someone who could stay busy all day without needing rest.

How had she reached the point where walking for half an hour was already too much.

Fortunately, even if her body was lacking, her willpower was still sufficient.

When she realized she wouldn’t be able to keep this up for much longer, she had already started heading toward the Royal Knight Order.

When she looked up, she could already see the roof of the knight order.

As long as she pushed herself for a few hundred more meters, she would reach her destination.

“Your Highness.

Are you alright.

Would you like to find a place to rest for a bit.”

The maid beside her noticed the sweat on Ellie’s face and looked worried.

She took out a handkerchief and politely wiped Ellie’s cheek.

“It’s fine.

I just saw a glittering building not far away and wanted to take a look.

Let’s go there.”

As Ellie spoke, she pointed toward the spire of the Royal Knight Order.

Since they were all organizations under royal jurisdiction, the palace, the Royal Knight Order, and the Central Church shared similar architectural styles.

The difference lay mainly in their elements.

The church looked more sacred, while the knight order looked more solemn.

“Ah, that’s the Royal Knight Order.

Are you interested in the knight order, Your Highness.”

“Mm.”

Ellie nodded.

“I was just thinking, the imperial capital is so large, and there are many places I’ve never been.

I’ll start with these more obvious landmarks.

I went to the church some time ago, so today I’ll go take a look at the knight order.”

As she said this, Ellie sighed softly.

“I just don’t know if the people in the knight order will welcome me.

If I suddenly show up, will they think I’m a bother.”

When Ellie said this, her face carried a hint of sadness and grievance.

She looked as if she were about to be turned away by those stern knights at any moment.

“How could that be, Your Highness.

You are the princess.

Everyone here likes you.

They will definitely welcome you warmly.”

The reason Ellie said those words was actually to prevent her maid from objecting to her going to the knight order.

In her previous life, because of the struggle between the two princes, the knight order had always been heavily guarded.

Back when she was the second prince, going there once had been harder than ascending to the heavens.

Now that she had the chance, she still needed to test the waters.

Judging from this, the knight order no longer seemed as forbidding as she remembered.

“If that’s the case, that would be wonderful.

I hope they won’t find me troublesome.”

“Of course not.

I’ll tell them you’re the princess, and they’ll definitely be very respectful.”

“No, no need for that.

That would make it seem like I’m trying to lord over them.

I know their vice-commander, so we can probably take a back door.

Don’t worry about me.

Once we reach the knight order, you can take the two guards behind us to rest.

I’ll find a place to catch up with the vice-commander.”

Ellie smiled as she said this.

The maid beside her clenched her fists in encouragement, cheering Ellie on and boosting her confidence.

After walking a bit longer, Ellie finally reached the gates of the knight order through sheer willpower.

She wasn’t quite gasping for breath, but her breathing was clearly audible.

The maid beside her had already begun to support her, holding onto Ellie’s arm.

Ellie lifted her head and looked at the tall building that looked no different from her memories.

The Royal Knight Order.

A place both familiar and unfamiliar.

She was familiar with every inch of it.

Just as the saying goes, “The one who knows you best is often your enemy.”

She might even know the internal layout of the knight order better than Solor did.

Yet it felt unfamiliar because she could actually come here now and walk in so easily.

“Excuse me.

May I ask if you need any assistance.”

The knight standing guard at the entrance noticed Ellie and her group walking straight toward the gate.

After giving a salute, he stepped forward to stop them.

“Hello, Sir Knight.”

Ellie responded politely and nodded to him.

“I have some acquaintance with Vice-Commander Furs, and I came today to catch up with him.”

“Vice-Commander.

My apologies.

May I ask your name so I can report it.”

“Ellie.”

Ellie smiled gently, barely maintaining her composed demeanor while still slightly out of breath.

“…😧”

Hearing this name—ordinary yet somehow special—the knight froze for a moment.

He had never seen the princess in person, but he had certainly heard her name.

Ellie Clea.

That was the name of the princess of this nation.

And that golden long hair, along with the pink eyes spoken of in rumors—

“Y-yes.

I will report immediately.

Please wait a moment.”

Since he had never seen her in person, the knight did not dare to let her through directly.

He instead turned and ran back inside the knight order.

Then, in less than twenty seconds, the gate opened wide for Ellie.

“Princess.

Please come in.”