The palace in Rodh is not decorated with excessive luxury, as the empire was still struggling and recovering from war and financial strain. Yet, even in restraint, there remained an undeniable sense of splendour—an echo of its former glory that refused to fade.
In one of the holding room of the same palace, Lady Jadeite sat across from Ayumu, who appeared completely at ease. The young woman was enjoying the desserts placed before her, eating with such daintiness, such poise and natural grace, as though she had been raised within the highest courts of nobility.
Lady Jadeite observed her closely, her curiosity deepening. She could not help but wonder what this young lady had endured—missing for years, living on the run, alone in the world.
"Lady Ayumu," she finally spoke.
Ayumu looked up immediately.
"Oh, please don't call me 'lady'. I am just a common person."
"How can that be?" Jadeite replied firmly. "You come from a line of pure White Magis. Your father was Lord Eomer, and your grand-aunt was Lady Theana. You should know your status is not something to be taken lightly."
Ayumu's expression slowly dimmed. She gently set down her fork.
"That may be true… but I've never lived in the capital," she said quietly. "All this while, I lived in the forest with my mother. My father tried to keep me hidden you see."
Lady Jadeite's gaze softened at the sorrow in Ayumu's voice.
"I know your mother," she said.
Ayumu's eyes lifted slightly.
"You… know my mother?"
"Yes," Jadeite nodded. "I was only slightly older than you are now, but she helped me through one of the hardest periods of my life."
For a moment, Jadeite's thoughts drifted back.
The weight of the Larimar family, who is the highest of the Charoite tribe, had once been overwhelming—expectations crushing her from every direction. Perfection was demanded in everything she did. Her siblings were all brilliant in their own right, and as the youngest child, she had believed she would never measure up.
It was during one of her lowest moments when she had broken down alone in a building overlooking the forest, that she met Lady Miriam, Ayumu's mother.
She had been like a light in the darkness. Miriam offered her words of comfort, shared simple home-cooked food she carried with her, and spoke to her not as a failure, but as someone still capable of rising.
That moment had changed everything. It gave Jadeite the strength to endure, to push forward, and eventually achieve what she once thought impossible.
She owed much of who she was today to Lady Miriam.
"I am glad… that people still remember my mother," Ayumu said softly, though her expression carried a quiet sadness.
Before the moment could linger further, a knock came at the door.
"Oh, come in," Jadeite called.
Lord Elbus entered. Even in his age, he carried himself with the dignity of a seasoned judge. Instead of armor, he wore refined knightly garments and a sword resting at his left side.
"Why, isn't this the old uncle?" Jadeite teased lightly.
That immediately flustered him. "Stop that, Lady Jadeite… ahem." He cleared his throat, regaining his composure.
"I am Elbus, Head Judge of this Empire. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Ayumu." He gave a respectful bow.
Ayumu panicked slightly and stood up.
"Ah—no, no. I'm not a lady… I mean—" she quickly bowed as well. "I am Ayumu. Just Ayumu. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Elbus."
Elbus smiled faintly at her reaction. In a family filled with strong-willed and often boisterous men, he had always longed for a daughter—or perhaps, in a way, a granddaughter.
"Don't just stand there. Sit, Lord Elbus," Lady Jadeite said, gesturing to the seat.
As both Elbus and Ayumu sat down, a brief silence settled over the room.
Elbus adjusted his posture slightly, as though choosing his words with care. His expression remained composed, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that softened none of his authority.
"Lady Ayumu," he began, then paused for a moment.
The pause lingered—not uncomfortable, but deliberate—allowing her to meet his gaze fully.
"I must speak to you… and you must understand this clearly," he continued, his tone lowering slightly.
Another brief silence followed, heavier this time, as if the very air in the room had tightened.
"Your presence here," he said at last, more gravely, "will cause an uproar."
Ayumu's shoulders tensed slightly.
"Oh. I… I'm sorry."
"There is nothing for you to apologise for," Elbus replied firmly. "None of this is your fault. Those who wronged you and your bloodline are the ones who should answer for it."
Ayumu fidgeted, visibly flustered.
"Oh, old man, get to the point," Jadeite interjected impatiently.
Elbus shot her a sharp look. "Ahem. As I was saying… your safety is at risk. To ensure it, it has been decided that you will be appointed as Royal Advisor."
Ayumu blinked in surprise.
"But such a position cannot simply be granted," he continued. "After discussion, it has been agreed that you must first undergo an evaluation of your capabilities, conducted by the highest instructors of the Volance School and scholars from the Magis Department."
At that, Jadeite's expression hardened.
"You people… can't you see she is just a young girl who has only just returned after enduring hardship? Why must you—"
"I will do it."
Ayumu's voice was soft, but steady.
Both Elbus and Jadeite turned to her.
Her expression, though gentle, carried quiet determination. Her golden eyes shimmered with resolve, like embers refusing to die out.
"I will take the evaluation."
Elbus gave a small approving hum. "Hmph. Very well, young lady."
Then, more firmly, he added, "And Lady Jadeite will not be part of the examiners."
"What did you say?!" Jadeite exclaimed immediately.
"The examination must be conducted with full transparency and without bias," Elbus stated calmly.
Jadeite and Elbus began arguing almost instantly, their voices overlapping in disagreement.
Meanwhile, Ayumu simply sat there, watching quietly.
Strangely enough… she felt relieved.
She had anticipated resistance like this.
And more importantly—she was ready for whatever came next.
She is determined to become the Royal Advisor to her brother.
She is to walk the same path her father and great-aunt once did, and to carry forward their legacy.
To Ayumu, it is not merely a position or a title. It is a responsibility carved into her very existence. Through it, she intends to restore what was lost, to bring prosperity back to Epsos, and to breathe life once more into an empire still shadowed by the remnants of war.