"Have you heard of the latest news?"
"The Empire will colonize the country of Corveau," I responded and President nodded. "Corveau is a country known for its rich oil deposits. It wouldn't be surprising to hear that private organizations and even countries are eyeing Corveau as the world's treasure. Once the country will be under the sovereignity of the Imperial Emperor, the Empire is finally controlling thirds of the world and the economy will surely increase drastically."
"Hitting two birds with one stone, huh? But then, Corveau is also known for its military forces. They even allied with the Dandiel which resulted for the Imperial Army to withdraw."
"Tactical withdrawal. The strategy used by Corveau in the First Corveau-Vanimelde War seemed to be more than effective as they managed to outdo exactly one million forces of the empire with only fifty thousand soldiers. I also agree with the decision of the Emperor in retreating the military forces. Although humiliating, it prevented the sixty percent of the Imperial Army to die in that war.
"Now that the flag of war has been raised once again, Dandiel will surely support the Corveau for the second time. If the Emperor really wants to obtain that country that supplies oil and gas to the seventry-four percent of the world, Your Majesty should refer to the Battle of the Fools, chapter sixteen. Commencing the war using the same old strategy will result to loss and the empire will suffer from the great damage economically. In shorter terms, the soldiers will be deployed to die."
President chuckled and sipped her tea. "Maybe you should attend the Military Academy, Azariella."
"I won't."
"Hmm? But, why? Your intellect will surely be beneficial for the Empire."
"It's not like I'm unconfident. But, attending the Military Academy will risk my loved ones' lives. And, I don't really have a knack in matters like this. All I want is to help people."
"And, that is my best-est of my best friend, Lu!" Kee exclaimed and pulled the seat beside me. "Good morning, Lu! And, you too, President."
President glared at Kee for his unenthusiastic greeting. "Huh? You want me to punch you, Fridman?"
Kee ignored President and smiled at me. "You and this other woman here are surely tackling about the colonization news. To tell you, my dearest Lu, you shouldn't attend Military Academy."
"Oi --"
"I understand that my dearest Lu is intellectually superior than all of us. However, her physical capabilities suck, for real. Running a lap burns her out. What more if she ran minimum of five laps, and not to mention, it's not a smooth terrain? In addition, there have been cases of abuse in the Military Academy and I don't want Lu to be their prey. Lu's a fine lady. Therefore..."
I sighed and sipped on my tea. "I will never be part of the military." They all stopped, so I smiled. "As opposed to what I showed this recent war, I never like being part of the military command unit. All I want to do is to be a great service to the people. Of course, I am part of an aristocratic family, so security issues are expected. But then, if I would be asked to risk my loved ones, then I would rather kill myself."
"If that's what Lu said," Ke commented, breaking the silence, and patted my head. He faced everyone and clapped twice to call for their attention. "All right! I know my dearest Lu is so enchanting inside and out, so I would be jealous if all of you will keep on staring at her. The other woman here should be saying something."
"I wanna wrap my arm on your neck a little bit tight, Fridman. Okay, let's get straight to our business. I called the whole Student Council here to buy things we need for the upcoming Open Academy Festival. By Osphila next week, the preparations will officially commence. That being said, we have a month to get ready."
A month? That is ten days more than last year. I have a feeling that something will occur at the day of the festival.
And so, after enjoying our breakfast in a café, we all went around the Capital by our feet, both strolling around and doing what we need to do. Yes, we are in the Capital city, not in Whitewood. Actually, President and I went here together using their family car.
We've been walking under the clouds for... an hour and twenty-six minutes. And so, since some of us are already tired, President decided to stop at a famous restaurant so we can rest while waiting for our lunch. It's not a five-star resto for everyone to be comfortable. Just a casual resto with a relaxing ambience and picture-worthy interior.
I looked outside the glass and observed the people around. We are in the bustling business center of the Capital, so enormous high-rise buildings are really the scenery. People are also scattered around and most of them are wearing corporate attires which is a must-wear when one is working in a company.
Once a worker was seen not wearing a corporate attire, he would be easily identified as a maintenance worker, more likely known as contractual worker. They are also not allowed to wear one, as "it would create tension for the regular workers and may affect their corporate performance", they say.
This means of clothing may seem simple for the other countries, but this creates a border separating the degree holders and the underprivileged workers. As the Empress Consort once noted, our clothes must be in accordance with our socioeconomic status. If you're a nobility, you must be wearing expensive, fine clothes. However, if you belong in the low class, then you are restricted to wear rags.
I am not voicing out my opinion about it, but I am against it. It is completely and undeniably discriminating.
People should have a free will on what they want to wear. If a man belongs to the middle class have saved money from his income to buy an expensive clothing that he wishes to have for so long, then he should be allowed to buy one. It is his money. He worked hard to have it. And so, it might be his reward to himself for his hardwork and determination.
"You seem to be in deep thoughts, Vice President." I quickly diverted to President and she grinned. "The lunch's already served."
"A-Ah, hmm, right." That must be an embarrassing moment.
While eating, we calculated our expenses for today in buying things we need for the upcomig festival which is eleven thousand vans. We just crossed out five of the thirteen things we need to buy, so after eating our lunch, we set off to continue.
As we arrived at a mall, President separated us into pairs. Kee immediately clung to my arm, making the two exchange glares. In the end, I paired with Vivi while Kee was in tears, mumbling that I betrayed him for pairing him up with President.
President tasked Vivi and me to buy high-quality fabrics. We need to buy a bunch of ones so it is the only thing she gave to us. Since President only have limited budget, we would be using our own money for the meantime.
"All right, let's go?" Vivi nodded to me and we quickly searched for a store here that was known for selling fine fabrics. She was the one searched for it.
Vivi's family is known for their famous Delaraux Tailoring Shop in Whitewood. Being part of a family working in the clothing industry, she has a great pair of eyes in selecting fabrics more than I could. I was just even staying behind her, letting her pick what she thinks is the best in terms of quality and price.
"Eight thousand vans," the cashier said.
Vivi was about to search for her wallet when I pulled out a twenty-thousand bill to the cashier. "I-I will pay for my part later."
"It's okay, Vivi. You were the one who selected the fabrics, after all."
"T-Then, thank you very much, Lady."
I smiled to her. "I'll be just outside for a bit. Call me if the packaging is already done." As she nodded to me, I left the store to visit a nearby open bookstore.
The bookstore have reading nook on the right and customers can also order drinks and pastries. I also view a counter and a customer pulled out a bill from his wallet, surely paying for a book.
"L-Lady Azariella..."
I faced Vivi and smiled, running to her so we can pick up the fabrics we ordered. "Oh, Vivi, I saw a bookstore nearby. Do you want to go there?" I chuckled as she averted her gaze, hiding her enthusiastic expression, and nodded. "Let's go?"
After thanking the cashier, we took the boxes and left the fabric store to go to the nearby bookstore. Vivi wore a wide smile as we stopped in front of it. I just smiled as she quickly became shy.
To make sure she can read comfortably, we rented a cubicle for ourselves and left the boxes there so we can choose books we want to read. I wonder if we could even use the space when it's convenient to read on the floor.
Of course, that was a joke. It's an embarrassing sight to see.
I stopped at the classic literature corner and quickly saw a guy wearing a navy blue hoodie and black jeans. He was facing the bookshelf, with his eyes nailed on a familiar book. Since the book was open wide, I can't just disturb him just to ask what he is reading or to level down to view the cover. All I know is it is familiar to me. More likely, I own one.
I pulled out a book from the third row of the same bookshelf and opened it. It was a recently internationally distributed novel from the country of Raskilnov, but this book is already published in the said country three decades ago. The viceroy of the country didn't elaborated the reason. All he announced is that the author keep on declining until he was persuaded now.
Which sounds entirely suspicious.
"The Tale of Naive Minds, huh?" I eyed the guy who was in the same corner as to me. "You have a great taste in books. Bria also loves to read that." That voice... "You must be the youngest child of Marquess of Whitewood."
My eyes quickly widened as I realized who was him, followed by the sound of the book I was holding fell on the floor. I quickly picked it up from the floor and bowed to him, avoiding his stare. "I-I apologize for my shamelessness, Your Highness. U-Uhm, if you may excuse me..." My trembling hands returned the book to its shelf and bowed again to him before leaving.
Vivi quickly eyed me as I entered our cubicle. "L-Lady, are you all right?"
I took a deep inhale and forced a smile, despite my head aching. "Y-Yeah, I'm completely all right."
"You seem to be not, Young Lady. Wait for me here. I'll get you a drink."
"Thank you, Vivi..."
At the End of Times. Right, it was the book At the End of Times that Prince Lugh was reading. I remember it. I may not be able to see the book cover, but I am sure that it was it. The chapter he was at... is the part where Dr. Ferdinand Taylor met his ex-lover at his conference to present the recent biological discovery he wrote who was now a journalist.
"Young Lady, here's your drink..."
"Thank you very much, Vivi." I accepted the plastic cup from her and sipped the iced tea using the straw. I took a deep inhale and met her eyes full of concern. "I'm fine now, Vivi. Please take your seat."
"Are you sure, Young Lady?" I nodded and she sat across me. "If there is anything you need, please tell it to me."
"Sure, I will." And she continued reading the book she left opened when she ordered a drink for me.
Yes, I was surprised to see Prince Lugh wearing casual clothes and he was even in a public place with no guards with him. However, it wasn't the reason why I had such reaction. It was a scene that popped all of a sudden in my mind. It was fuzzy, but I am surely it was night. Stars filled the sky, and his voice was all I hear, telling me information of the constellation Lyrids.
But, why do I have such memory? Who was the third prince in my life? And why am I even with him in the first place?