I'm just trying to survive, I shot back mentally. It's not about using anyone. It's about saving time and learning faster. I don't have the luxury of being naive.
The System screen flickered, the text changing slowly.
[ Yeah, we will see about that. ]
Tsk. I mentally swiped the screen away, annoyed.
Just then, Elena poured some more tea into my cup, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Big Sister," she started, leaning forward. "I have so many questions to ask you about your Dominion! What is the capital like? Do trees really sing?"
Crap.
I froze mid-sip. I am aware of exactly zero facts about my own kingdom.
I really, really need to find the Royal Library. Fast.
"Haha... well," I stalled, setting the cup down. "I have many questions for you too, Elena. You know, I approached you because you give off this... friendly, charming aura."
Liar, my brain whispered. I mean, not really. Before now she didn't give off that aura at all—she just threatened to decapitate me. I approached her because the System told me to.
Whatever. A white lie never hurt anyone.
Elena blinked, then her face flushed a bright pink. "I do? Hehe... We can be like real sisters and friends then!"
I smiled, masking my relief that she dropped the geography questions. "Yeah. I already see you as a good friend and a sister."
"Really!!" She beamed, practically vibrating in her chair. "Then... can I make a request?"
"Uh, yeah? Sure?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
She leaned across the table, her eyes locked on the side of my head.
"Can I... touch your ears?" she asked excitedly.
"Oh, sure. You can," I said, tucking a stray lock of silver hair behind my ear to give her better access. "But in return... do you mind accompanying me to the Royal Library?"
Yeah, it will be better to have a Princess with me.
I glanced at Kael. I mean, I do have him, but who knows what this guy will do if a librarian looks at me the wrong way? I'd rather not have him execute the staff for a late fee.
"Sure, sure! We can go right after!" Elena agreed instantly, her eyes glued to my ears.
"Then go ahead," I said, leaning forward slightly. "Touch them."
She approached me gently, almost reverently. She reached out and poked the pointed tip of my ear first, like she was testing if it was real.
Then, gaining confidence, she brushed her thumb over the long curve of the cartilage.
Twitch.
My ear flicked on its own.
"Ooh!" Elena gasped, her eyes lighting up.
She started rubbing both ears now, her fingers warm and rhythmic.
Oh... oh no.
A weird, incredibly sensitive tingle shot down my spine. It wasn't painful—it was... relaxing. Too relaxing. It felt like every muscle in my body turned to liquid.
My eyelids drooped, then closed completely on their own. My shoulders slumped.
What is this? I thought, my brain turning to mush. Is this an Elf thing? I feel like a cat getting scratched in the perfect spot.
....
After the surprisingly relaxing ear rub and bonding time, Elena rang a small silver bell. Maids swarmed in instantly, whisking her away behind a changing screen to trade her sweat-soaked cloths for proper princess attire.
When she emerged, she looked every bit the Royal Princess—silk, lace, and perfect posture.
We set off toward the Royal Library.
This time, I walked on my own, though Kaelen held my arm gently to steady me in my heels. Two maids trailed behind Elena.
As we moved through the open courtyard, I finally had a chance to really look around.
The long, manicured yards, the massive stone fountains spraying crystal-clear water, the statues of ancient heroes, the towering marble pillars...
Wow.
I let a little smile slip. I really have become a rich woman in this life, huh?
Power and money… not bad.
As we walked, enjoying the sun, I mentally pinged the interface.
System, I called out in my head. You said to "tame" Kaelen for the library encounter. Have I tamed him yet or not?
The blue screen flickered into existence, invisible to everyone else.
[ Not yet. ]
[ He is just protecting you out of duty and respect for your new position. ]
I frowned internally. Oh. I thought we clicked already. We had that whole moment in the arena...
[ You haven't. He is just an obedient guy. Don't confuse loyalty with devotion. ]
Never mind, I thought, a bit annoyed. I'll tame him eventually.
But who am I going to encounter in the library?
[ You will find out. ]
You are no help.
I mentally swiped the screen away.
Just then, movement caught my eye.
We were passing a wing of guest chambers, and a familiar figure was stepping out of a side room, carrying a stack of linens.
I stopped mid-walk.
"Elin!" I called out.
Elin spotted us and immediately rushed over, stopping just short to bow deeply.
"Glory to Your Highness, the Imperial Consort," she said, her voice breathless.
A heartbeat later, she turned slightly and bowed again. "Glory to Your Highness, Princess Elena."
"At ease," Elena said, waving her hand casually.
Elin lifted her head, looking miserable. "My apologies, Your Highness. I failed to accompany you this morning."
"It's okay," I said gently. "But where were you? I haven't seen you since Bath."
"I... I was getting scolded by my mother," she admitted, looking down at her shoes.
"For failing to be a proper handmaiden in the bath chamber this morning."
I blinked. "But you did a good job. Wait—" I frowned. "How does she even know what you did in there? The only people in that bath were me and the Empress's..."
I trailed off as the realization hit me.
Elena chimed in helpfully. "Don't you know, Big Sister? Elin's mother is the Head Handmaiden. She serves my Mother directly."
Elin looked at me and nodded confirming it.
Oh.
That makes sense.
I thought back to the woman. So one of those two elegant maids who left with Her Imperial Highness was Elin's mother?
Wow. I mentally rubbed my temples. Talk about a complicated web of relationships and jobs I have to solve. The Empress literally has a direct line to my personal maid.
"Ah... oh, okay. Well," I said, shaking off the thought for now. "Elin, if you don't mind, can you bring something to eat to the Royal Library? We are heading there now."
Elin's eyes widened, and she bowed so low her nose almost touched her knees.
"Please, just give me the order, Your Highness!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with intensity. "I will do it even if it costs me my life!"
I stared at her.
"Haha... it's just food, Elin," I said, offering an awkward smile. "Loosen up a little."
I guess she really got a harsh scolding from her mother, I thought as she scurried away. She looks like she's trying to redeem her entire bloodline by fetching me a sandwich.
Elena turned to her maids. "You won't be coming," she said. "Help Elin with the preparations."
...
We finally reached the Royal Library.
It was a massive, imposing structure, separated from the main palace building by a stone bridge. It looked less like a library and more like a fortress of knowledge, with towering stained-glass windows and heavy, ancient timber doors that looked like they sealed more often than used.
"Here we are," Elena said, stepping toward the entrance.
I followed her, admiring the intricate carvings on the stone archway.
But before I could even reach for the handle—
Hummmm.
A low, vibrating sound resonated through the soles of my heels.
"Huh?"
I looked down.
FLASH!
Beneath my feet, a complex, geometric pattern ignited in blinding white light. Runes spun wildly in a circle, locking me in place.
The air around me suddenly felt heavy, charged with static that made the hair on my arms stand up.
"What the heck?!" I yelped, freezing in place.
A magical spell circle? Here? Now?!