The Crown Princess Sets Out
The fact that Estelle wasn't even preparing to head to the academy but was instead teaching someone in an imperial fiefdom—no matter how remote the territory—was bound to reach Iris the Crown Princess's ears in no time. It was a sign of just how meticulously she monitored her lands.
"So you're saying the saintess is definitely there?"
"Yes. We've confirmed she's staying in Der Viscounty without even bothering to hide her aura."
With the saintess lingering in the empire, it was inevitable that people would be assigned to keep tabs on her. Considering the long-standing bad blood between the Ermunt Empire and the Holy Empire, the peace treaty only kicked in with the academy's enrollment period. Until then, no one could fully trust the folks from the Holy Empire.
"Got it. I'll go see her myself, so you report to His Majesty."
"You're going personally, Your Highness?"
"Of course. She's someone important who's enrolling at the academy with me, after all. She deserves the proper welcome."
With that, the crown princess dismissed further talk and headed to her dressing room, trailed by several maids. It was her way of saying she was changing and preparing to depart—and that there was no more to discuss; just report to the emperor. Anyone who uttered another word here would face a bone-chilling glare.
Knowing her temperament all too well, and with the need to inform the emperor before her departure, the aide hurried off toward His Majesty.
"Your Highness, the saintess sneaking into imperial territory is practically like an illegal entry. I don't quite understand why you need to go yourself."
Iris shook her head at the words of Seo Jinhee, who attended her most closely.
"His Majesty is working harder than anyone to foster friendly ties with the Holy Empire, surface-level or not."
Seo Jinhee pondered this for a moment before nodding.
"Right. No matter what identity the saintess used to slip in, as long as she's not hiding some nefarious plot, His Majesty has no choice but to welcome her. So it makes sense for you to take the lead and handle it."
The report reaching the emperor was a given anyway. And whether outwardly or not, he wanted closer ties with the Holy Empire—and he wanted Iris to be the one to make it happen.
"Alright, let's head out."
"It's getting a bit chilly these days. Are you sure you're okay dressed like that?"
"I'm fine. Just grab a jacket for me."
For Iris, who hated the heat, packing a jacket for cooler moments was far more practical. Long-sleeved knits or long pants for the changing seasons only made her overheat indoors. That's why she stuck to her summer favorites: a form-fitting grayish-brown tank top that suited her ample chest without being too revealing, paired with white shorts accented by a brown belt. They showed off her figure without overexposing her—modest yet alluring.
"You really love that outfit."
"Yeah, it's my style. I think hiding a beautiful body like this is a sin."
She figured her biggest assets were her large breasts and her perfectly toned legs.
"But you don't exactly flaunt your chest everywhere."
"That'd be too tacky."
Seo Jinhee stared at Iris in disbelief—parading her legs was fine, but her chest was off-limits?—but said nothing more. Her position was too high for that. If she weren't the crown princess, it might've earned her a backlash from the public, Jinhee thought idly.
Knock knock.
"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence before you go to the saintess."
"Got it. Perfect timing—I'm ready. Let's go."
It was a bit of a hassle, but meeting the emperor before leaving the palace was mandatory. She'd already planned for it, so she set off without complaint.
"His Imperial Majesty, the emperor. Crown Princess Iris Lua Sa Ermunt has arrived."
"Already? You're quick for a rare visit. Let her in."
She'd intended to stop by from the start, and the servant had relayed it once she was fully dressed. Unlike her usual visits, this early arrival drew a low, hearty chuckle from the emperor.
Creeeak.
The massive doors swung open, revealing the emperor tidying his papers.
"I pay my respects to the Sun Emperor of the Empire."
"Ah, yes. Come in. Everyone except Iris, please leave us."
No one in the palace would dare eavesdrop on a conversation between the emperor and crown princess. Once they cleared out, the emperor's kindly face sharpened.
"Iris."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Find out exactly why the saintess came to the empire."
So that's what this was about—something beyond the surface peace. Iris sighed inwardly.
"Dad, I've got a question."
"Go ahead."
When alone, he didn't mind her calling him "Dad." He knew she never slacked on formality around others, even when he urged her to relax.
"The academy enrollment with the saintess, the peace treaty with the Holy Empire—it's all just for show, right?"
The emperor narrowed his eyes, trying to read her intent. She was his daughter, sharp as a tack and one he cherished, but sometimes her thoughts were a mystery. This was one of those times.
"I don't know why you're asking. What answer are you hoping for, Iris?"
Unable to gauge her aim, he deflected to hide his own. That confirmed it for her.
So it is just surface-level. Planning to weaken them and start a war? Or infiltrate slowly from within until they crumble?
But if the Ermunt emperor thought that way, the Holy Empire surely did too. They weren't fools.
In the end, war might break out again.
True peace treaties were illusions, it seemed, and the thought weighed on her heart. Did she like the saintess or the Holy Empire? Not really—the saintess was some weird woman with a loose mouth, and the Holy Empire was none of her business. But war's victims wouldn't stop there.
Our people would suffer.
She couldn't bear ordinary folk losing their daily lives to the whims of the powerful.
Fine. Time to build a real friendship with the saintess. If we're truly close, even the adults might have to reconsider.
She'd planned only superficial friendliness at first, but now she'd go all in. If fake peace led to war, genuine bonds between them could prevent it.
"No, Your Majesty must have your reasons. I'll make sure to uncover the saintess's intentions. With that, I'll take my leave."
She bowed deeply, and the emperor's face softened back to its kindly mask.
"Very well. Safe travels, Iris. I hope there are no issues."
"I'll handle everything smoothly. No need to worry."
Their eyes met briefly in the air before parting. Creeeak.
"Let's go, Jinhee."
"Yes, Your Highness."
It might look like a formal welcome for the saintess, but their party was just the two of them. Sneaking in implied motives, and minimizing the entourage showed they wouldn't provoke her. Of course, knights and mages for protection were unavoidable.
That saintess wandering alone is the weird one.
Iris wasn't some fragile princess needing constant guards, but traveling without any still seemed odd for the empire's second-highest noble. Even this semi-official escort with a handful of knights and mages wasn't fully standard.
"How far is it to Der Viscounty?"
"By your personal car, about three hours. By the dedicated airship His Majesty prepared, around one."
"...The airship's too conspicuous."
If they wanted to make a show, they'd have brought full escorts and maids.
"We'll take the car."
In the end, her choice had been obvious from the start.