Chapter 5: The Nobility's Hobbies

Thanks to my birthday party, I got to meet a bunch of noble kids my age. Exciting, right? Yeah, not really—it mostly left me feeling like I'd eaten something weird and couldn't quite place what.And now, because the universe thinks I love socializing, I'm at yet another tea party. Today's venue? Duke Farhan's mansion. One of the empire's big dukes. No pressure.Even though I look six on the outside, I'm actually an adult inside, so I can kind of see through what's happening here. I'm definitely too young to fit in with her and her friends, yet she still went out of her way to invite me. And let's be real, it's not exactly a mystery why.Brother Calvin might not be the crowned prince, but he's still royal through and through. From what I've overheard from the maids, there's a group of nobles—the so-called aristocratic party—who think Calvin should take the throne instead of Brother Tristan. I don't fully understand all the noble politics and factions just yet, but one thing's clear: some people want to use my brothers and me as tools to climb the ladder of power. So yeah, I've got to tread carefully.The carriage finally stopped in front of the mansion, and I peeked out the window to see a row of servants lined up by the grand entrance, standing perfectly straight and formal. Among them was a young lady who looked about 13 or 14. She had shiny copper-brown hair that caught the light and green eyes that sparkled warmly as she smiled at me."Princess Anya, welcome to our humble home," Lady Heaven Farhan greeted with a graceful bow, her coppery hair catching the light. "I am Heaven Farhan, the eldest daughter of Duke Farhan.""Lady Heaven," I replied, curtsying just enough to be polite. "Thank you for your kind invitation. It is a pleasure to be here.""The pleasure is all ours, Your Highness," she said, her tone warm but carefully measured. "My family and I have been eagerly anticipating your visit.""And I must say," I added, keeping my smile composed, "your estate is truly impressive. It reflects the excellent taste and refinement of House Farhan."Her green eyes lit up, though her expression remained poised. "You are far too kind, Princess. My father will be delighted to hear such praise from one so esteemed."As we walked toward a cozy gazebo covered in blooming roses, I couldn't help but take in the peaceful charm of the garden. The air smelled sweet, and the sunlight slipping through the flowers gave everything a soft, warm glow.Inside the gazebo, four young ladies sat with an almost too-perfect grace, their elegant gowns shimmering softly in the sunlight. They looked to be around Lady Heaven's age, but the way they all turned to face us in unison sent a chill down my spine. Their sharp, calculating smiles reminded me of hyenas circling their prey, patient but ready to pounce."Welcome, Princess Anya," they chimed in unison, their voices flowing together like a well-rehearsed melody.As they started introducing themselves one by one, my brain decided to take a quick vacation. Their names and fancy titles all blurred together, like some overly complicated song I'd never learn the lyrics to. I knew I should be paying attention—good girls listen and all that—but honestly, it felt like trying to keep up with a tongue-twister nursery rhyme I'd just heard for the first time.The truth? I wasn't here to make besties or laugh over tea and cakes. This wasn't that kind of party—no running around playing tag or swapping goofy stories. Nope, this was all about showing respect. Duke Farhan's family was kind of a big deal—the richest and most powerful of the empire's four dukes. So yeah, I was here to nod, smile, and not mess it up.How was I even supposed to relate to them? Most of these girls were, like, 15. What 15-year-old in their right mind wants to hang out with a six-year-old? Spoiler alert: none. And their topics? Crushes, fancy dresses, and the drama of who wore it better. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there like, "So... anyone want to talk about dodging eviction or how to stretch a loaf of bread for a week?"I remember when I was 15, I was too busy trying to figure out how to survive because the orphanage was about to kick me out. Daydreaming about cute boys? Nope. My fantasies were more along the lines of "What if dinner had seconds?"When the endless introductions finally ended, I let out a tiny sigh of relief and took my seat.The table was covered in fancy treats—tiny cakes, glossy fruit tarts, and cookies shaped like flowers. There was also a teacup in front of everyone, but no one seemed to be touching their food. What a waste! I remembered being a kid back on Earth and diving into a pile of snacks at parties. These girls, though, just sat there looking like they were practicing to be statues.Still, I smiled politely and sampled a bit of everything. The sweets were delicious, but eating felt weird when no one else was doing it."Wow, Lady Heaven, your necklace is gorgeous!" one of the girls suddenly said, her voice filled with admiration. I looked up along with everyone else. Lady Heaven was wearing a diamond necklace, and while it was pretty, it didn't seem like a big deal to me. I've seen shinier stuff in the palace. Not to sound spoiled or anything, but being a princess sort of makes you used to all the glitter.Still, the girls around the table looked like they were ready to faint from how amazing they thought it was. Compliments poured in, one after another, as if Lady Heaven was wearing the crown jewels. It was clear they were trying really hard to stay on her good side.I stayed quiet, nibbling on a cookie shaped like a butterfly. Lady Heaven noticed me watching and gave me a smile that was too perfect to feel real. I smiled back, but inside, I was already counting the minutes until I could leave."Thanks. It was a gift from Prince Calvin," Lady Heaven said coyly with a smile.Calvin? my brother? what a load of bull-"Oh, for the 2nd prince to give such a gift, you must be someone special to him," another girl commented."I don't know what Prince Calvin thinks, and I don't want to assume," she said, as she looks away while blushing.I just sat there, frozen, staring at her like she'd told me my Big Brother had turned into a unicorn. Romantic? Him? No way. I can't even picture it! That clueless kid who thinks "romance" is offering to share his snack with you? Please, he's about as romantic as a brick wall.The only thing he knows how to swing is a sword... and maybe his magic, but that's definitely not going to impress anyone on a date."So, Princess Anya, did Prince Calvin ever mention Lady Heaven?" one of the girls asked, practically vibrating with excitement, like she'd just discovered the secret to the universe or something.Did my brother really give a gift like that? No idea! I'm as confused as a cat in a dog park right now!"Brother and I haven't seen each other since my birthday party; he's been busy with his apprenticeship, so I wouldn't know," I replied."Oh, really?" the girl who asked said, her voice dropping a bit as she glanced over at Lady Heaven like she was trying to crack some sort of code.Lady Heaven flinched but quickly recovered, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes."I've heard that princesses like sweet treats, so I made sure to have a variety," Lady Heaven said, clearly trying to change the topic."Yeah," I muttered, stuffing a piece of cake in my mouth like it was my one true love. The room went dead silent after that.I couldn't help but watch as the four girls exchanged looks—like they were passing notes without the whole 'paper' thing. It was like a silent conversation, and I was pretty sure I wasn't invited."Oh, my mom got a new pet yesterday!" one of the girls blurted out.I ignored them and just kept eating."Oh? What is it this time?" another girl asked."It's a beastman! A rabbit folk," she said cheerfully."Really?! What color? I want to see! Mom never takes me to those auctions!" another girl exclaimed.I stopped eating and listened to their conversation. Suddenly, Heaven seemed to notice my reaction and spoke up."Are you familiar with the auctions, Princess?" Lady Heaven asked, her eyes practically twinkling with excitement."No, could you tell me what The Auction is?" I asked, genuinely curious."Well, I understand since you're still young, but I promise you'll love The Auction! There are so many cute animals there!" she said with a grin that was way too eager."Yeah! There are even sea folks at The Auction!" one of the girls piped up, looking like she was about to burst from excitement."My mom once bought a mermaid, but she died. Dad said maybe she was defective or something," another girl added, looking surprisingly sad as if it was just another Tuesday. The others quickly patted her back in a "there, there" kind of way.A mermaid? Beast men? Defective? Wait—hold up. Is this society so advanced that they're auctioning off mythical creatures as pets? Are we talking about robots or... real mermaids and beast men?Because, honestly, the only thing I could picture was some mad scientist's backyard full of half-finished mermaid prototypes that got tossed into the auction bin.As the conversation about "pets" took a turn into downright bizarre, I felt my brain short-circuiting. I made a mental note to ask Dad about The Auction house ASAP. I had so many questions, starting with, "Are we seriously auctioning off mythical creatures like they're on sale at a farmer's market?""Lady Heaven, I've been curious since I received the invitation; your name, Heaven, it's so beautiful. What does it mean?" That'e me trying to change the topic."Oh, I'm not entirely sure," she replied cheerfully. "It's a tradition in our family; every first-born daughter of the main line is named Heaven, and I happen to be Heaven Farhan the 25th."I simply nodded in response, silently resuming my meal. The other ladies offered compliments on her name and continued discussing it, but I chose not to engage further in the conversation.--The tea party drew to a close, and now I found myself within the castle walls, making my way toward Father's study room. Four knights stood guard outside the door, their imposing presence momentarily giving me pause."I need to see Father," I announced to them, meeting their gaze. In unison, they bowed and dropped to their knees before me."Princess Anya, please wait a moment while I inform his majesty," one of the knights replied, straightening up with a smile that was barely hidden behind his helmet. He gave me a quick, amused glance, clearly trying not to laugh at how cute I looked trying to act all serious. After a couple of firm knocks, he disappeared into the room. Moments later, he returned, holding the door open for me with an exaggeratedly polite bow.As I stepped into the room, I spotted Father sitting at his big desk, completely buried in stacks of paperwork. I felt a tiny pang of guilt, like I should be helping him out, but my mind kept drifting back to what the ladies at the tea party had been talking about—the auction house. It was like a little nagging thought I couldn't shake, and I couldn't help but scrunch my nose as I wondered if this whole mythical creature auction thing was real. Poor Dad, though—he probably had no idea what kind of questions I was about to bombard him with!"Daddy, I heard about the auction house!" I blurted out the moment I stepped into his study, not bothering with formalities because I was way too worked up.Dad stopped writing, his pen hovering just above the paper, and looked at me with that familiar, soft smile."And what about it, little one?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of amusement, as though he couldn't help but find my urgency cute."What do you mean, 'what about it'? Daddy, they're selling people there! Like... like slavery!" I said, my chest tightening as I tried to make him understand how terrible it sounded. I must have looked so serious, but for a moment, Dad just stared at me, like he was seeing his little girl again. I suddenly felt small, in a way that was both comforting and, well, a little embarrassing.With a sigh, Dad pushed his chair back, stood up, and walked over to me. Before I could say another word, he scooped me up like I was still a toddler and carried me to the nearest sofa. He sat down, placing me on his lap as if I weighed nothing."Anya," he said gently, his tone serious but warm, his hand brushing my hair back, "you're too young to understand everything about this, but I want you to know something. Daddy is working to stop the auction house. It's not easy. Many nobles don't want it to change, and they're fighting against me."His words made my heart feel heavy, but I also felt a spark of hope."I'll help you stop it, Daddy!" I said, gripping his sleeve tightly.He chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile."We'll stop it together," he said, patting my head. "But first, you need to grow strong and wise. Learn all you can so you'll be ready to help Daddy when the time comes. Okay?"I nodded seriously, my lips curling into a determined smile."Okay, Daddy."In that moment, I realized something. Maybe it was because I still had memories from Earth, or maybe it was just who I was, but I didn't like seeing people suffer. And if I could do something to help—whether it was now or in the future—I wanted to.--Years have flown by, and now, at sixteen, I was finally facing my ultimate challenge: the final exam in my first weapon mastery course. It felt like I blinked and somehow ended up here, with a sword in my hand and a pile of stress in my brain. How did I go from being a kid who could barely hold a weapon to... well, this? Definitely not the plot twist I expected!"Anya, don't take on anything too big," Mom advised, adjusting and securing the leather armor Brother Cal had bought."And steer clear of smaller creatures too; they're quick! Just avoid them," Father cautioned, holding the helmet Brother Tristan had given me."Listen to Mom and Dad, just avoid unnecessary risks," Brother Tristan, as unhelpful as ever, chimed in."Don't worry, I'll be right beside you, Anya. No creature will come near you with me around," Brother Cal declared, brandishing his sword confidently.I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their endless worrying. It was kind of cute how they treated me like I was still a tiny kid, even though I was pretty sure I could handle a few monsters (with a little help, of course)."How am I supposed to complete the course if I don't even hunt?" I questioned, giving them my best "seriously?" look. I mean, how was I supposed to pass the course without, you know, actually doing the thing? Pretty sure just wearing the armor and holding a sword wasn't going to cut it."Well, you have a point. Let's talk to your master and sort this out once and for all," Dad suggested, casually placing the helmet on the table and marching towards the tent's entrance like he was about to storm into battle."DAD!" I yelped, my eyes going wide with panic. Was he serious?!"Kidding, kidding," Dad chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I know how much you've been looking forward to this." He plopped down on the sofa next to Tris like nothing happened.I let out a long sigh, reaching for the helmet."Just promise me you won't do anything to make my exam easier, especially you, Brother Cal," I warned, narrowing my eyes at him as he lounged with Dad and Tris like he wasn't about to cause some major chaos."I'll try my best," he replied with that grin that told me he was definitely up to no good."And if you do, I'll never forgive you," I added, intensifying my glare to make sure he got the memo.He just laughed. Great."Anyway, don't get hurt, okay? And don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it," Mom said, cupping my face in her hands like I was still five years old.I nodded, trying not to laugh at how squished my face was."Good," she said, finally releasing me."Ugh, I can't believe how much you've grown," Dad sighed, looking at me all fond and nostalgic."She really was so tiny," Mom added, holding her hands apart like I was a speck of dust back in the day."I think Anya's growing backward," Tris said, looking all serious, which made everyone stop and stare at him."You know it too, right? Anya was a genius and a prodigy when she was younger because of her quick learning and mature demeanor. But look at her now, pouting like a little kid," Tris pointed out, waving his hand toward me."Hey!" I protested, my pout somehow getting worse."Haha, I prefer it this way. At least I know no arrogant prince is going to try and steal her away just yet," Dad joked, chuckling with a huge grin."Hey!" I protested again, but they all just laughed like it was the best thing since sliced bread. Great, now I was officially the family joke.We reached the eastern edge of the empire, where the dense forest stretched out along the border. This was the place where my test was supposed to take place. Master Eva—my aunt, Mom's sister, and a former magician-turned-knight—gave me a task: I needed to hunt five different types of monsters or animals. If I failed? A month of brutal training with no breaks. Needless to say, I was determined to pass.Master Eva wasn't your typical noblewoman. When she was young, she almost got engaged to some random noble for political reasons, but she totally rebelled and left home. She became an adventurer, traveling around, fighting monsters, and getting better at everything she did. Eventually, she got so good that she was promoted to knight, making her the first female knight of the empire.She didn't just become a knight—she made a name for herself. She was known for her incredible sword skills, and she had a sharp mind that helped her outsmart even the toughest enemies. Master Eva was one of those people who didn't let anyone tell her what she could or couldn't do. She proved herself again and again, taking on dangerous missions, leading the charge, and coming back with all sorts of valuable intel and treasures for the empire. People would talk about her stories for ages, and everyone respected her, no matter their gender.But what really made Eva stand out was how many women she inspired. She paved the way for female knights in the empire, showing everyone that women didn't just have to sit around and marry for political gain—they could pick up swords, fight, and lead just like the men. So many women followed in her footsteps, joining the royal knights and breaking through the barriers that used to hold them back. Eva didn't just change the way people saw women in the empire; she made it possible for others to do the same.She was a true legend—brave, strong, and always defying the odds. That's why I admired her so much. She wasn't just a knight; she was someone who changed the world around her. And I wanted to be just like her."Don't worry, Anya. You've got the talent, and I know you have the potential," Master Eva said, her hand warm and reassuring on my shoulder. Her voice was calm but firm, the kind of confidence that made you feel like you could conquer anything. "Now, show me what you've learned."I nodded, my heart racing a little. Her words made me feel better, but I still couldn't shake the nerves. The thick forest ahead looked so vast, so wild, and I knew there were monsters lurking out there—things I had never faced before. But if Master Eva believed in me, then maybe I could do this too.Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward into the dense woods. The air was cool and damp, filled with the earthy scent of moss and pine. The trees towered above me, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. I had to focus. I had to remember everything she'd taught me during our training: how to stay calm, how to read the signs of the forest, how to strike with precision.Behind me, I could feel Brother Calvin's presence—he was always right there, like a shadow, ready to back me up if anything went wrong. As I moved deeper into the forest, the sounds of the outside world began to fade away, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. I had to stay alert. I could sense the creatures hiding in the shadows, watching, waiting. I was no longer just a little princess—I was a hunter now, ready to prove myself.With Brother Calvin by my side, we pushed forward into the heart of the forest, each step taking me closer to the challenge, closer to becoming the warrior I dreamed of being.