Chapter 5: The Empress

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty.”

Now outside the palace, Bruce bowed towards the Empress, while Andrew gently rubbed the bump on his head after being karate-chopped by Bruce a little while earlier.

“It's nothing nano ja!”

The Empress flashed a confident smile, placing both hands on her hips.

“I really don't get Your Highness.”

Bruce sighed.

“Whatever do you mean?”

The Empress tilted her head slightly. It looked rather cute.

“Nothing, it's just that... I've met a lot of people in my life, but none are as… unique as Your Majesty.”

The Empress’ smile grew even wider.

“Of course! I alone united all of Tianluo! It's only natural that this is your first time meeting someone such as I!”

She placed a hand over her chest as she proudly declared this.

Yumiko, standing beside her, merely nodded and sighed.

As Bruce turned around, he glanced at the Empress one last time.

“Are you sure you need to go back?”

The Empress tilted her head.

“You know you can stay for a day or two, right?”

However, Bruce shook his head.

“No, I'm afraid not, Your Majesty. We have to report your responses with haste.”

Realizing that there was no way to convince them to stay, the Empress merely nodded.

“Very well. See you on the western continent then?”

Bruce nodded.

“See you soon, Your Majesty.”

And off the delegation went.

The Empress did not see them off.

The moment she heard Bruce's words, she had already turned her back and begun walking towards her palace.

“Yumiko.”

Yumiko walked alongside the Empress, matching her pace.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“I want to know everything about that man. That man called Andrew.”

Yumiko narrowed her eyes.

“As expected, he got on your nerves.”

The Empress merely let out a small giggle.

“Indeed he has! He threatened my sovereignty. I consider him a threat to Tianluo itself.”

Yumiko face-palmed.

“You're going too far, Your Highness.”

However, the Empress merely clicked her tongue before raising her index finger and wagging it from side to side.

“No such thing! Under this sky, I alone stand at the peak. Any other person who doubts my sovereignty... If it is not God, I shall not allow it!”

“Yes, yes. You are the best Empress in the world.”

Yumiko could only play along with the Empress’ whims.

“But still. Is investigating this man really that important?”

The Empress looked at Yumiko and nodded.

“Yup! Because I want to return the favor.”

She paused for a moment before continuing.

“He seems to have some dirt on me, so I'll gladly return that favor when we meet again.”

Yumiko began praying deep inside her heart for Andrew.

The last time Her Majesty had said those words, nothing good had ever come of it.

And so, the day continued.

After countless meetings with nobles and attending to various state affairs, the sun finally set, and the moon rose.

Standing on the wooden balcony, the Empress, Vanny, gazed at the lights of the stores and houses scattered below and far into the distance.

“Your Majesty, the night is cold.”

Yumiko approached Vanny with a warm blanket in her hands.

“I know nano ja.”

Vanny didn't even turn to look. Nor did she protest when Yumiko draped the blanket over her shoulders.

“Your Majesty...”

Yumiko looked at the girl standing before her.

Her mouth opened and closed, unsure of what to say next.

What do you really feel?

Are you just bored?

Is Tianluo no longer worthy of your attention?

Yumiko knew this girl better than anyone. After all, they had been childhood friends.

And yet, there were still moments like this when she truly couldn't understand what her dear Empress was thinking.

This girl, who always appeared so unbothered.

Her eyes remained fixed on her motherland, as though nothing else in the world could capture her attention.

“Hm? What is it? Don't cut your questions short. You know I hate that.”

Vanny turned towards Yumiko, who seemed to be lost in a daze as she watched her.

“No... I...”

Yumiko looked away, clearing her throat as she straightened her posture.

A posture befitting a lady-in-waiting.

“I just don't know why Your Majesty is doing this...”

Yumiko averted her gaze, while Vanny simply smiled and continued looking at the tiny lights scattered near and far.

“That's the question, isn't it? Why would the proud Empress of Tianluo go to the west to study and learn?”

Vanny leaned against the wooden railing.

“It's simple. I've said it before. But knowledge is just as important as power nano ja!”

She paused, then smiled

"Is that...really the reason? The same answer you gave the delegation team?"

Yumiko asked, a bit frustrated that she wont reveal anything more.

But Vanny never stopped smiling, she walked closer to Yumiko, going on her tiptoes to reach Yumiko's head.

Pat pat

"Don't worry too much nano ja"

Vanny winked

"It's cold, as you said. I'm heading back to my chambers. Rest well"

Vanny left just like that, waving her hand as she disappeared.

Meanwhile Yumiko stared at the night sky, the moonlight grazed her face, making her black irises shimmer.

The empress, she's a frustrating girl

Yumiko couldn't help but laugh,

Whatever the empress is doing. There must be a reason.

She just wishes that, as her long time friend and servant. To at least have her in on the secret.