Adelheid 4: The Emperor of the Vuldar Empire

After Adelheid's first adventure outside of her room, she continued to explore and adventure in the upcoming days. By the time three months had passed, Adelheid could confidently say she knew the general layout of the palace. As for why she didn't know every nook and cranny, ‘Not my fault the palace is like a labyrinth with restricted areas.’

By then Adelheid had fully recovered her atrophied muscles from her three years of sleep, Healer Elune no longer accompanied her. It was a pity, as Adelheid had grown used to her grandmotherly presence. Nowadays, she was taking aura lessons per her requests. As it was the Middle Wind Month, meaning that spring had arrived, the temperature wasn't as cold anymore, and snow had stopped falling since it was the Early Wind Month when spring began.

She could have used the training grounds for the imperial knights, but Adelheid rejected it, knowing she could not stand the thought of so many people watching her struggle to run a few laps. Once she had finished her laps, Adelheid rested her hands on her knees in order to prevent herself from collapsing onto the ground as she caught her breath. She had just run over twenty laps, and her sweat-soaked clothes stuck to her skin.

Adelheid couldn't help but glance enviously at Matilda who, even after running fifty laps, was still full of energy. Since Adelheid had begun training, Matilda couldn't help but want to join too, and Adelheid agreed, seeing no reason to refuse.

Unlike Matilda, Sofia was content to stay in the shade and bring whatever Adelheid needed. She was a normal maid, not a knight aspirant, after all.

"Excellent, Your Highness. Your time has decreased. You're making good progress." The speaker was a female knight of average height with lightly tanned skin, honey-brown hair that reached her shoulders, and sharp brown eyes. Her name was Olga Muller, a knighted commoner and Adelheid's instructor provided by Second Prince Albrecht.

"Really?" Adelheid asked, having been too occupied to keep track of her time. "Has my aura increased?"

Olga held her chin and observed Adelheid, her eyes sharpening to a frightening degree. "Your aura has indeed increased, but the improvement isn't obvious."

In other words, her aura didn't increase much, if at all.

Adelheid sighed in dejection. “I have been doing the same thing for weeks now. How long before I can become an aura novice? Should I increase the training?”

“No, too much training is just as bad as too little,” Olga said. “The biggest thing preventing people from becoming an aura practitioner is building the foundation. You can’t be too impatient. The results will show itself, but you need time.”

“Well, there are no disadvantages training myself even if I do not become an aura practitioner. At least, I will not have to drink tonic thrice a day. At least I assume so,” Adelheid said. Speaking of which, no one told her when she could stop drinking that nasty brew. “Who would want to follow a weak-bodied imperial in the Vuldar Empire?’

Olga stayed silent at those words.

Seeing that Olga wasn’t speaking, Adelheid changed the topic. “Are there any other methods to activate my aura and become an aura novice besides training?”

“There’s no shortcut unless,” Olga turned towards Matilda who was still running laps. “You are born with a god gifted talent. In that case, you won’t need much, if any, training to use aura. Or you awaken aura when your life is in danger, but I wouldn’t recommend that. Most people who do that die. Usually, you have to have another aura user inject their aura into you when you accumulate enough aura into the body to become an aura novice. Then it becomes much easier, since you only need to control and increase your aura.”

"How much longer do you think it would take for me to build enough aura?" Adelheid asked, her breathing much calmer now. Adelheid stepped under the shade where Sofia handed her a glass of water mixed with citrus juice.

"Yer Highness will need a year to two before ya can become an aura novice," Olga said. After a moment, Olga turned toward Adelheid and comforted, "Don' worry, Yer Highness, most folks need two ta three years, so yer fasta dan dem."

Adelheid turned toward Olga with a strange look on her face. Olga immediately covered her mouth with a gloved hand upon realizing she had a slip of tongue.

After a small chuckle, Adelheid said, "You do not have to comfort me. Every day, I am eating good food and taking medicine, so I have a greater advantage than most people. If ordinary people were to eat the same as me, they would have probably become an aura practitioner already."

"I am simply not talented in aura," Adelheid said, a little down. "Hopefully, I will be more talented in magic. Otherwise, that would really be a disappointment."

The two settled into a silence, waiting for the second trainee to finish.Seeing Matilda finish her laps and running towards them, Adelheid couldn't help but ask, "What rank is Matilda at?"

"Hm? Oh. Miss Avery is an aura disciple," Olga said. There was a hint of admiration as she gazed at the girl eleven years younger than her.

"Is that amazing?" Adelheid asked.

"It's really amazing. I'm only an aura journeyman, and I've only recently entered this rank. Should I say, as expected of the legendary knight's daughter?" Olga said as envy that couldn't be hidden leaked out from her tone.

Adelheid didn't have time to reply as Matilda had arrived in front of the group, full of exuberance. "Princess!"

Matilda wasn't in her maid uniform, as training in such clothing would have been cumbersome. Instead, she wore a simplified version of the female knight's uniform, much like the outfit Adelheid had first worn when she witnessed the spar between Griselda and Gerrald. It was like a sneak preview for the flaxen-haired maid. Perhaps that’s why she was always full of energy when wearing it.

"Do you need to take a break?" Adelheid asked as she saw the sweat-covered knight aspirant.

Matilda shook her head and pumped her fist together. "No need, let's begin the next phase of training as soon as possible, Your Highness!"

Adelheid sighed and felt like a middle-aged man in comparison to the amber-eyed girl. "At least drink some water. It's important to keep yourself hydrated."

"Hydrated? What does that mean, Your Highness?" Matilda asked, tilting her head as she accepted a drink from Sofia.

"It means to drink water. If you do not drink and sweat too much, you'll begin to get lightheaded. You might even faint, so hydration is essential," Adelheid said, sighing at Matilda's lack of knowledge.

"Really? I didn't know. Did you know, Sir Olga?" Matilda asked the female knight.

Olga shook her head, much to Adelheid's shock. ‘Keeping yourself hydrated is common sense, is it not?’

"As expected of Your Highness, you're so knowledgeable!" Matilda praised, her eyes shining with admiration as she looked at Adelheid.

"A- anyways, we should begin practicing our swordsmanship, should we not?" Adelheid asked, diverting her eyes from Matilda's heated gaze. It felt strange being complimented for what she considered to be common knowledge.

As her sword continuously sliced through the air, Adelheid felt sweat drip down her forehead as she practiced her sword swings. She had already stopped counting after her thousandth strike. Her swings paused as she glanced to the side where Matilda was swinging her sword through different forms. Unlike Adelheid's downward swings, Matilda's swings were incredibly sharp as if she was slicing through solid objects.

In comparison...

‘Are we both using the same blunted swords?’ Adelheid wondered as she observed the iron sword in hand. ‘Mine sounds like I'm still swinging a bludgeon.’

It was only two weeks ago that Adelheid had managed to upgrade from swinging a wooden sword to a metal one, though its edge was dulled for safety reasons. Even then, Adelheid wondered how anyone could trust a child of seven years of age with an iron sword. Granted, she was anything but an average child.

"Um… Princess..."

Adelheid turned her head towards Olga who showed a hesitant expression. No doubt afraid of sounding like she was ordering a member of the imperial family around. "My apologies, I got lost in thought. Matilda is very far ahead of me, is she not?"

"Miss Avery is the daughter of Sir Avery, after all. It's only natural that she inherited her father's talent in swordsmanship. It’s really enviable," Olga said.

Adelheid shrugged and returned to practicing her basic swordsmanship with a break sprinkled here and there. After a hundred swings or so, Olga would tell Adelheid to change her swings. During the last hour of training, Adelheid practiced all thirteen sword movements.

‘Draw’ Adelheid pulled her sword out of the sheath and into an upward chop.

‘After chop is pierce!’ Adelheid pulled the sword back and stabbed forward.

‘To death the maximum, twist and pull back so that the sword scrapes the wound!’ Adelheid pulled the sword back all the while turning her wrist.

Adelheid imagined more enemies rushing toward her so she slashed the sword horizontally at their feets for a sweep. ‘It is unlikely that a mere sweep will deal with all of them so I have intercept them.’

Her sword shifted in front of her as if to block an incoming attack. ‘To block the blow, I will use both my hands to support the sword. To attack again, the enemy will pull back their weapon, and that’s my chance.

Adelheid pierced her forward again, but there was no power behind it, a tap. However, even if it was a feint, the enemy will be wary and obstruct their moment, allowing Adelheid to lift her sword.

‘And then cleave!’ Adelheld used both hands to hold the handle for a fully invested attack. ‘And that is all thirteen movements except for the sheath.’

“Your Highness, that was only twelve of the thirteen. You forgot the break,’ Olga said. “In addition, you’re taking too much time to ponder about your next move. Only when you ingrain the thirteen basic sword movements into your body and use them fluidly will you be able to learn the empire’s Imperial Style Swordsmanship.

Adelheid frowned but nodded. She closed her eyes as the scene of Griselda duking it out with Gerrald still appeared in her mind. When she opened them again, her eyes resembled drawn steel. Her right hand held the sheathed sword as she prepared to demonstrate all thirteen sword movements again.

When Adelheid finished exercise for the day, she watched Matilda. Due to the older girl’s superior physique, she could train for longer, not to mention her innate talent allowed her to progress far faster than her peers.

‘It's fine. After all, magic should be my area of expertise. It is not like I'm jealous of Matilda being so talented in the sword,’ Adelheid thought. Perhaps, due to the pressure, she had always excelled in academics and sports in her previous life on Earth.

Each of Matilda's strikes seemed to contain a terrifying heaviness incompatible with those skinny arms.

“Where did you learn your sword style from? It does not look like the Imperial StyleSwordsmanship Sir Olga uses.” Adelheid asked out of curiosity.

“Oh, my father taught me. It's Auftrag Style Swordsmanship.” Matilda said while putting her chest. “Father said it was created by the Avery Family’s ancestor, a half-elf like Your Highness. Though, it slowly changed since most of the practitioners are human and not all of us can be light on our feet like elves.”

“Can you cover your sword like Sir Griselda and Sir Gerrald?”

“I wish. I have to become an aura journeyman to do that, I’m only an aura disciple now.” Matilda said. “But I can’t wait to learn aura sword.”

Adelheid turned towards the only knight among them. Olga didn’t reply and drew her sword instead. Instantly, a white aura covered her steel sword.

“It looks different than my father’s.”

“Different sword styles have different methods of using sword aura,” Olga said. “The aura user’s personality also influences the aura sword too, but not much. I’ve been told mine is sharper than most, probably because I’ve always needed to cut through my obstacles or else I would die.”

Having satisfied her curiosity, Adelheid expelled all miscellaneous thoughts and resumed her training. She was already untalented, so she could not afford to slack off, especially with her weak body. When the sun started to dip after reaching the highest point, Adelheid ceased her training and returned to the palace to refresh herself by taking a bath and changing into fresh clothing.

Adelheid was rather pleased with the new underwear. Unlike the baggy nightgown, the briefs and cotton shirt were far more comfortable. The briefs were sewn with a sort of stretchy material that perfectly conformed to Adelheid's hips, while the shirt only reached her thighs and allowed for more movement. Not to mention it was made from cotton, so it was super comfortable, although she only changed into the cotton shirt before she slept.

After that, Adelheid drank the tonic, the coppery tang somewhat alleviating the bitter flavor. Then, she took lessons with the governess, Miss Saur, in Adelheid's study.

As a princess of the Vuldar Empire, Adelheid had to be well learned in all subjects and bear impeccable grace and etiquette. From the governess, a willowy woman wearing a white dress shirt, waistcoat, and pants, Adelheid learned of the numerous superpowers of Veles. It was not uncommon for women of power to wear pants in the Vuldar Empire, although it would be considered a faux pas in other nations.

The Holy Seraph Kingdom was the second oldest and most powerful of the superpowers. It worshiped all of the Six Pillar Gods except the Evil Demiurge, but the Holy Seraphina was most revered among the gods. Its government combined aspects of a monarchy and theocracy. Adelheid's aunt, Third Princess Louise von Vuldar, had married Prince Henry of Albion, the Holy Seraph Kingdom's prince.

The Principality of Alvarius was ruled by Sovereign Prince Frey ljos Alf and Adelheid's uncle on her mother's side. Despite being the most ancient nation, rumored to have existed before the Holy Providence Era, not much was known, as the nation guarded its borders against outsiders. Adelheid wondered how her mother even came to marry her father with the principality's heavy isolationist policy. Their patron deity was the Fleeting Lyonis, Goddess of Wind.

The Beast Kingdom had the largest population of beastkin and, like the Vuldar Empire, primarily worshiped the War Iras, Goddess of Fire. Despite sharing the same patron deity, or because they shared the same patron deity, the empire and the Beast Kingdom got along like cats and dogs.

The Dragonic Dukedom was the smallest and weakest of the superpowers, but their ruling family claimed to be descendants of dragons. They did not worship any of the Six Pillar Gods. Instead, they prayed to the Divine Dragon Deity, a being said to have been born at the same time as the titans in myth. As a result, the Dragonic Dukedom suffered from external isolation.

The Libre Republic was the youngest nation, having risen in the past thirty years, formerly named the Versaillius Kingdom before a successful rebellion, the Free Revolution, destroyed it. The Libre Republic was ruled by the senate and their elected representatives. Even now, there was constant unrest within the nation. The former rulers of the nation, the remaining Karlings Royal Family, now resided in the Vuldar Empire.

Lastly, the Vuldar Empire, the second youngest of the superpowers which rose to prominence around two hundred years ago. As a young nation, it constantly waged war to expand its territory. Its most recent period of expansion ended ten years ago, but that was only due to the weakening of the aging emperor and death of the first prince.

These six nations comprised the six superpowers of Veles. Numerous smaller nations existed between the six superpowers and outside, but most of them were too weak and insignificant to be named and mapped. The majority would not even last a hundred years before being destroyed with some exceptions such as the Dwarven Nation, the Giant Nation, and Pravus Kingdom.

The Dwarven Nation consisted of numerous cities within the center of a mountain. Unlike the elves, they did not isolate themselves from the world, but the dark and humid environment proved difficult for other races to adapt to.

The Giant Nation was comprised of lands thrice the size of the Vuldar Empire, but it was closer to fragmentary lands ruled by different tribes of giants fighting for supremacy. As the race closest to the titans, giants hold other races in disdain and do not concern themselves with their 'insignificant' squabbles.

The Dark Kingdom Pravus, as the Holy Seraph Kingdom calls it, is separated from the rest of the six superpowers by the Avaritia Mountain Range, said to have been formed by one of Avaritia's bifurcated legs. Rather than a single kingdom, the Pravus Kingdom is a collection of nations ruled by the High King, the king of kings. All the nations of Pravus worshipped the Evil Demiruge and hold the rest of the Six Pillar Gods in disdain.

One other political power that had to be mentioned was the Island Nations, called so because they existed in the ocean west of the continent. The Island Nations were composed of different nations on archipelagos. The water countries had numerous exports which merchants would ferry for a hefty profit.

Still, the largest focus was on her home nation, the Vuldar Empire, which primarily consisted of numerous expansion wars. The origin of the empire began years ago as one of the insignificant nations known as the Vuldar Kingdom. It was only through the efforts of the first emperor, Emperor Ofnir von Vuldar, that the Vuldar Empire became the superpower that it was known as today.

Emperor Ofnir wasn't just a ruler that turned his tiny kingdom into the world's first empire but also a skilled knight and mage. His skill was so renowned that knights and mages today still venerated him. In fact, the empire had an elite knight order formed from the teachings of the first emperor. Skilled in both sword and magic, those knights were known as aether knights.

Griselda Ritter, who Adelheid had met before, was also considered an aether knight, but she wasn't part of the Aether Knight Order since only the emperor could form such an order and lead it.

Adelheid sighed when the lessons finally stopped. She wanted to stretch and loosen her stiff muscles, but that would result in the governess reprimanding her on her poor etiquette were she ever to catch word of it. Adelheid had a feeling that the governess was somehow more stern than usual.

"What time is it?" Adelheid asked. If the lesson was torturous for her, then it was even more torturous for her two maids. For hours, they just stood behind her without a peep.

Well, one of them did. The other somehow acquired the miraculous ability to sleep, standing straight with her eyes wide open. Adelheid didn't know whether she should be concerned or not.

"It's almost six, Your Highness," Sofia said.

Adelheid nodded. After dinner, she turned in for the night. Although the castle was lit up during the night, she had woken up early and expended both her mental and physical strength for the day.

“Excuse me?” Adelheid said.

“You will be granted an audience with the emperor.” Albrecht repeated.

“An audience? Why an audience?” Adelheid said. ‘I have not even met this so-called grandfather of mine. Now, you are telling me our first meeting will be in the throne hall with all the nobles of Midgard in attendance?’

“The governess reported that you have mastered the necessary etiquette to be presentable. Although she made a note that you need some polishing. While you take remedial classes, I will handle everything else including obtaining presentable clothes among the others. Luckily, we have a week to prepare” Albrecht said.

Without giving Adelheid much choice, she showed up for her lessons with Miss Sauer, her most hated person in the entire castle.

"Your Highness, hold your head up high, and do not lower your chin. A descendant of His Majesty must not lower their head to anyone else but the emperor.

"Keep your gaze forward, do not focus your attention elsewhere.

"Your footwork is impeccable, but there is only the faintest trace of grace. As a princess of the imperial family, Your Highness is lacking in bearing. Your Highness must not lower the prestige of the emperor!"

The lessons only ended the day before the audience. By that time, Adelheid had half a heart to have the governess murdered for all discipline she had undergone. It was also during this time that Adelheid discovered how much Emperor Wilheim was venerated within the empire. From Miss Sauer's words, Adelheid almost thought that the imperial family was only composed of the emperor and no one else because, in comparison to the emperor, none of the other imperials were worth mentioning.

After a few days, Adelheid swore an oath. ‘Once I have enough power, the first thing I am going to do is fire her.’

The lessons with the governess weren't the only things done in preparation for the audience with the emperor. During this time, the palace tailors worked nonstop to prepare Adelheid's new clothes.

On the day of the audience, Adelheid stood outside the giant gates leading to the throne room. Adelheid wasn't wearing the standard knight's uniform tailored to her size but something more regal. In all honesty, the silk shirt felt like sandpaper that scratched her skin, her leather boots felt too tight, and her new cape made her left side half a head shorter than her right.

The white dress shirt seemed to glow as if it was woven from moonlight. The high-waist pants had a glossy surface and weaved to Adelheid's body like a second skin with no excess space. The tips and heels of the boots were encased in golden metal.

The most striking addition had to be the half cape that covered Adelheid's left side, the color a striking red edged in gold with a black underside. On the red surface, the emblem of the Vuldar Empire, a mage sword circled by six swords around the hilt, was embroidered in gold.

Armed in her new attire, Adelheid felt more than ready to face the emperor in the throne room, at least on the surface. She nodded to the knights standing guard on each side of the gate, but the knights didn't return her gesture. Instead, they opened the gates, revealing the ruler and administrators of the Vuldar Empire.

The throne room was a grand hall large enough to fit a thousand people and tall enough to stack ten adult men on top of each other and still have space above their heads. A red carpet led from the entrance to the throne situated on a dais seven steps high. On the left of the grand throne was a smaller throne of similar design, placed slightly back but empty. On each side of the red carpet, standing on the bare floor, were about a hundred people of all types, ranging from young to old, male to female, various features and attires.

But what caught Adelheid's attention the most was the center of the throne room. The throne was tall, tall enough to still be seen even if an adult stood on it. The symbol of sovereignty was crafted from an unknown gray metal with the symbol of the empire sculpted onto it.

No, it was not the throne that caught Adelheid's attention but the man sitting on it. Or, to be more precise, the man and throne as one. The man wore a deep red uniform with golden embroideries, white gloves, black pants, leather boots, and a red half cape like Adelheid. It was surprisingly plain attire for the most powerful man in the empire.

The emperor's face was nothing impressive either. His aged face showed traces of his past handsomeness, and he was fit, as evident by his well-built stature. His gray hair was well-groomed and, coupled with his well-trimmed beard and mustache, gave him a sixty percent similarity to Prince Albrecht. Nothing about the emperor's physical features stood out among the crowd in the throne room except those sword-colored eyes of his.

One glance was enough to make anyone, be it the lowest slave to the noblest official, surrender. There were no exceptions, including Adelheid. Adelheid had to use all her willpower to not prostrate herself then and there under the absolute force exuding from the man on the throne. As Adelheid's gaze continued to lock with the emperor's, her heartbeat quickened and a rosy color began to emerge on her cheeks. She did not know how long this would have continued had it not been for the bellman's voice breaking her out of her state.

"Announcing Her Highness, Princess Adelheid von Vuldar! Daughter of Second Prince Albrecht, Seventh Princess of the Vuldar Empire!"

Taking her cue and wary of gazing into the emperor's authoritative eyes once more, Adelheid walked towards the throne. Her gait was graceful and her steps fluid, the picture of an immaculate imperial with years of experience greater than her current age.

It was a journey that did not last longer than a few minutes at most, yet it felt as if years had passed. As Adelheid strode on the red carpet, she could feel the inquisitive stares of the nobles and officials judging if she was worthy or not. She could even detect traces of ill-will within some gazes.

Emperor Wilheim lowered his eyes as he observed the elf halfling. She had black hair that neither her parents nor grandparents possessed and the peerless features originating from her elven heritage. Turning his attention away from his granddaughter, he observed the nobles and officials.

The officials and nobles all observed Adelheid as if they wanted to peel off her skin and dissect her, yet she showed no nervousness. Directing his attention away from the nobles and officials, Emperor Wilheim glanced at his son, Albrecht, to see the pride in those steel-gray eyes but no affection.

Before returning his gaze to the center of attention, the emperor observed his other grandchildren present, the imperials sired by his late son, Friedrich. The elder twin, Fourth Princess Antonia von Vuldar, and younger twin, Fifth Prince Alexander von Vuldar, standing a fair distance away from Albrecht.

Antonia possessed the characteristic steel-colored eyes of the imperial family. She had long and curled golden locks and wore an elegant magenta-colored dress that conformed to her developed body. Antonia had a trace of a smile upon her lips, but her hand clenching the folding fan was white. Her eyes never left Adelheid.

In contrast, Alexander von Vuldar had his head slowly lowered, hiding his cerulean eyes under his blond hair. He wore a navy blue coat with gems as buttons, and peaking out was his cravat. Unlike Antonia, Emperor Wilheim could not get a read on the fifth prince.

After what seemed to be an eternity, Adelheid stood ten steps away from the throne. The rosy color on her cheeks had long died down, but her heartbeat only quickened. There was a sense of affection, of yearning that was budding within her heart. With each second passed, so too did the emotion bubbling within.

After a moment of silence, the emperor opened his mouth.

"Kneel."

The voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it seemed to reverberate throughout the room. The word was filled with power, one that did not allow anyone to disobey.

Adelheid obeyed.

She moved her left arm back with a flourish, causing her cape to flutter slightly. Simultaneously, she kneeled onto her right knee and placed her right fist over her heart. Her vulnerable nape was clear to the emperor's eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Her movements were elegant and graceful, an action that some adults could not perform as perfectly as her. The emperor rose from his seat, standing at an impressive one hundred and eighty-five centimelers. At this action, the silence in the throne room became deathly still, as if time had stopped. All occupants of the room focused their ears as if that would make the emperor speak faster.

"I proclaim Adelheid von Vuldar, Seventh Princess of the Vuldar Empire, third heir to the Vuldarian Imperial Throne."

It was as if a soundless explosion had gone off. Not just sound, but all movement ceased after that proclamation. All the nobles and officials felt their hearts stop after hearing those words— every heart except one.

Adelheid's heartbeat only quickened. In Adelheid's mind, the image of her still adolescent form sitting upon that grand throne commanding the obedience of all present flashed.

At that moment, Adelheid carved an oath into her heart.