Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty

Uriel, the holy and valiant "angel" of the Ares Empire, caused a breach in Crystal Sky and a partial shutdown of the defense system of Yu Du Star on his first day summoned by Baisha.

Upon learning the reason behind Uriel's sudden "madness," Cecil Ronin glanced at Baisha with a speechless expression and decided that she should bear the cost of repairing Crystal Sky.

Baisha tried to protest: "Why me—"

"I can't possibly hold Uriel responsible for this. After all, he is the empire's 'angel' and deserves basic respect," Cecil Ronin said indifferently. "Besides, he doesn't have any money... but you do."

"He is now your guardian. According to the rules, you are responsible for all his expenses, including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation."

The Emperor leaned close to Baisha and whispered, "Maintaining an 'angel' should theoretically be simpler than a living person. But it all depends on your commands to him. His glory will be your glory, but if he causes trouble, you're responsible for the aftermath."

Baisha: "..."

Baisha glanced at Uriel standing beside her.

The young man stood silently, his gaze at Baisha calm and gentle, as if he had just stepped out of an exquisitely beautiful oil painting.

Beautiful indeed, but with a formidable impact. Handle with care.

Thus, Uriel remained in Baisha's sleeping quarters, and the devilish training plan arranged by Han Chang for Baisha officially began.

Han Chang was somewhat dissatisfied with the Emperor eliminating almost all arts-related courses. He believed that these courses symbolized not just art but also encapsulated the current state of the empire's culture and societal needs, which could enhance the crown prince's sensitivity to politics and the nation.

But Baisha proved to Han Chang through her actions that she was a student who excelled only in certain subjects.

In courses like mathematics, physics, and mechanics, her progress was rapid, as described by her instructors: "Her Highness possesses a talent we've seldom seen in our lifetimes. Most importantly, she has a strong desire to learn and an unwavering passion. She's unafraid of difficulties, undaunted by complexity, and possesses a true spirit of inquiry."

However, when it came to the political and economic courses taught by Han Chang, Baisha's performance was... average at best. Though she managed to pass the assignments, that was about it. Talent and passion, Han Chang doubted those instructors were even talking about the same person.

"Please do your best, Your Highness," Han Chang said after class one day, packing his teaching materials. His expression was mild, but his gaze at Baisha revealed his dissatisfaction, "I can feel that you're not putting your heart into these lessons. You could shorten this phase of the course if you tried harder. Why are you dragging it out?"

Baisha thought to herself, 'Do you think I'm a fool? Even if I complete the basic content on the training schedule early, there are still advanced and higher-level courses waiting for me. With the endless learning, how can I ever catch up to an expert like Han Chang? And the goals he sets for me have no limits - I'm like a donkey chasing a carrot on a stick, never getting a day's rest.'

Baisha managed a weak smile and pointed to the faint dark circles under her eyes: "Actually, I've been working really hard. Look, I even got dark circles."

On Yu Du Star, there were top-tier beauty machines and professional services, but Baisha had no time to avail them.

Her day began at seven in the morning, jumping from one course to another. She had a solid foundation in mechanics, and the Empire's research directions, differing from the Federation's, almost overwhelmed her. Supposedly her free time started after eight in the evening, but she, as if not busy enough, got a lot of data on mech designs from her uncle - now she might as well forget about sleep.

Even with the robust physical constitution of the Imperial people, after two weeks of this regimen, Baisha still felt an undeniable sense of fatigue, and her eyes slowly started to resemble those of a panda.

Han Chang paused slightly, aware of how much effort Baisha was putting into other subjects. But in his view, the development of the Ares Empire to its current state wasn't solely due to strength. The Ronin family had produced excellent politicians over generations. He even tried to guide Baisha, emphasizing that the most important quality for a crown prince wasn't leading from the front, but knowing how to delegate.

Considering Baisha's spirit was not the Xuan Bird but a Silver-throated Tit - as long as she had excellent leadership skills, even if she was slightly lacking in martial prowess, it wouldn't hinder her rule. No, Han Chang thought, his idea wasn't just to compensate for weaknesses - from Baisha's situation, she seemed more suited to be a well-rounded, reassuring emperor, which would strengthen public support for her.

But clearly, Baisha didn't think so.

Han Chang: "I just hope you can have more confidence in yourself. Don't avoid these courses; you can be the perfect heir."

"Your Excellency, please do not pressure Her Highness," Uriel spoke up.

Unlike Han Chang's idealism, Uriel, who was always by Baisha's side, knew how hard she had been working. He had always wanted to persuade Baisha to rest more and couldn't bear to see Han Chang adding to her stress.

The young man with golden hair and blue eyes appeared distant and aloof, like a morning star hanging high in the clouds, cold and untouchable.

"You are Her Highness's Chief Steward. Ultimately, Her Highness is the sovereign, and you are the subject. Your role is to strategize and advise for Her Highness, but the ultimate goal is to fulfill Her Highness's wishes."

Although an angel primarily versed in combat, he surprisingly understood the principle of "sovereign and subject" - after all, an angel who had lived since the Silver Age. Just by exerting a slight pressure, he was enough to make Han Chang cautious.

But Han Chang was not ready to concede. He took off his glasses, his features sharp but not effete, and his dark blue eyes met Uriel's steadily: "I would also like this guardian to understand that the times have changed. The title of 'Chief Steward' represents more than just blind subservience to a monarch. Advising Her Highness is my duty, even if you are an 'angel' - You are currently just Her Highness's personal guardian and should not overstep your boundaries to dictate to me."

The two young men faced each other, outwardly composed and speaking evenly, yet the air was inexplicably tense.

Baisha: "..."

Baisha had to interrupt them: "Stop, both of you, no more arguing."

Baisha declared decisively: "Han Chang, let me be clear, I am not neglecting your lessons. It's just that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and I have mine."

Han Chang: "...Yes, Your Highness, I understand."

Han Chang nodded, gathered his teaching materials, and excused himself with graceful demeanor.

"And you, Uriel," Baisha turned her gaze to Uriel, "You need to adjust your thinking too. My subjects, including you, need to be themselves before they are my subordinates. I surely saw certain qualities in them that led me to recruit them into my ranks - It's normal for them not to always act according to my thoughts and views. We prioritize open and equal communication."

In fact, what Han Chang said just now was quite insightful.

In the early days of the Ares Empire, the position of "Chief Steward" was more akin to a personal assistant of the royal family. It was only after a certain emperor began to value his "Chief Steward" that the role evolved from a domestic to an absolutely political sphere.

Uriel probably didn't realize how prestigious the position of "Chief Steward" had become after promotion.

Even her most haughty uncle spoke softly and gently to Wei Li, and Baisha, following suit, showed considerable respect to her Chief Stewards.

Baisha explained a bit to Uriel, and seeing his somewhat puzzled expression, she knew she had guessed correctly.

"You really should get more acquainted with the current imperial culture," Baisha seriously suggested. "Most of my time is spent in the palace now, and it's very safe. You don't need to always hover around me. Go out, stroll around, or browse the star net, have some fun..."

Uriel's brows slightly drooped, and those sea-like blue eyes silently gazed at Baisha.

"Do you not want me to always follow you? ...Yes, I will heed your command."

Baisha: "..."

Hiss.

Even though Uriel didn't show any particularly hurt expression, why did she feel somewhat guilty—

He was the "angel" she personally brought out of Crystal Sky.

She was the first person to whom he responded to a summon.

Baisha suddenly felt a lump in her throat, took a gentle breath, then waved her hand: "I'm not annoyed by your proximity. I just think that, since you've awakened, you should also try to 'live'."

Uriel: "Like Michael?"

Baisha: "Michael, is he your companion?"

Uriel: "Yes. He enjoys responding to the royal summons. It is said that every time he leaves Crystal Sky, he is celebrated as an honored guest by the royalty, indulging in the royal cellar's finest wines until they run dry—because he never gets drunk."

Baisha: "..."

Whether Michael's motive was indulgence or deliberate mischief, that too was a way of living.

After a moment of hesitation, Uriel said, "But Michael has never truly been happy."

Baisha puzzled: "Why?"

"Michael tries to replicate human life. But he found that he is a failure," Uriel raised his head and spoke slowly, "Our personalities are derived from memories before becoming 'angels'. But the moment we became 'angels', our way of thinking changed irreversibly—our existence as 'angels' completely replaced our former selves. Even if our bioengineered bodies accurately mimic human senses, even if we deliberately revive past hobbies or familiar scenes, the us who once lived never truly come back to life."

They are machines, tools, remnants of the Silver Age, but decidedly not human.

"In this context, pursuing what humans call a 'genuine life experience' is not a source of joy for us."

In fact, it's more akin to torture.

Uriel looked at Baisha, his tone calm and gentle.

"So, even though the relationship between sovereign and subject has changed significantly as you mentioned, you don't have to be overly concerned about me, nor worry about my emotions. I am an 'angel,' here solely to fulfill your wishes. You only need to make full use of me."

The room fell silent for a moment.

Baisha remained quiet for a while, then spoke: "…Really, anything?"

Uriel pondered seriously for a moment, then, sensing an ominous premonition, quickly corrected himself: "Perhaps, some things are not possible." He was a bioengineered being, but he still had a personality and senses. Requests that were too shameful were beyond his capability.

Baisha sounded somewhat disappointed with an "Oh."

Uriel: "…"

"Actually, I just ordered a few new outfits for you, wanting you to change up your look, but I feared it might be 'forcing you to experience human life'," Baisha fretted, "You bioengineered beings are really complicated. One moment you say you have no demands, the next you don't want to be human—doesn't that sound like a lot of requirements?"

Uriel: "…"

"Alright, I won't insist on you actively experiencing the life of an ordinary person. Just consider it following my orders, and don't think too much about it, okay?" Baisha cajoled him like a child, "I'll have someone set up a star net account for you. Why don't you browse the star net? Think of it as expanding your information database."

This way he wouldn't always be around her, distracting her.

That evening, after finishing all her courses, Cecil Ronin came to have dinner with Baisha.

Now, with Cecil Ronin busy with state affairs and Baisha busy catching up on her studies, uncle and niece could only gather during dinner.

"How come what's-his-name isn't with you today?" the Emperor asked with a slight raise of his eyebrows, "He's been glued to your side these past few days."

"I sent Uriel to learn on the star net," Baisha poked at the food on her plate, "Uncle, you shouldn't be so hard on Uriel. I'm the one who paid for the Crystal Sky repairs, after all."

"Do you really think repairing Crystal Sky is that simple?" Cecil Ronin snorted coldly, "Even spending all of your allowance from the past decade wouldn't be enough."

Baisha's hand trembled slightly as she held her utensils, a pained expression on her face: "Please, don't rub salt in my wounds..."

Cecil Ronin: "I've covered the cost. Your allowance will continue as usual, so stop wearing that expression."

Baisha's face brightened in an instant, grinning: "Thank you, Uncle."

A hint of a smile played on Cecil Ronin's lips as he pretended to speak casually: "Also, your mech can be put on the agenda now. Given your current progress with the supplementary courses, it won't be long before you're ready for the military academy. Come with me tomorrow to the Imperial Mech Design Institute on Tian Shu Star. Share your ideas and requirements, and have a good discussion with the mech designers there."

Generally, designers need to understand the mech user's combat skills, habits, and preferences in detail to custom-make the most suitable mech.

The mech Cecil Ronin planned to gift Baisha wouldn't be extravagant enough to use the nation's resources, but it would utilize the best materials available in the empire.

As for choosing a mech designer... Baisha could pick one herself when the time comes.

Anyone holding the title of "Imperial Top-Tier Mech Designer" wouldn't find it hard to design a beginner-level mech for Baisha.

Upon hearing about the opportunity to closely interact with mech designers, Baisha asked, "Can I be involved in designing my mech?"

Cecil Ronin: "You want to participate in the design? As long as you dare to use it."

Baisha: "Uncle, are you underestimating me?"

Cecil Ronin: "Just a heads-up, many of those top-tier designers are eccentric. If you interfere too much, they might just walk away from the project."

"Mech designers should be reasonable," Baisha reasoned, not liking others to meddle in her work without cause. However, she was always open to suggestions from experts.

The Emperor: "Just be cautious on your own."

That night, Baisha reviewed all the mech design materials she could find, deeply ingraining the knowledge into her mind. At midnight, she went to bed, her dreams filled with constructing mechs.

The next day, Baisha woke up early and went to Cecil Ronin's palace to meet him.

Cecil Ronin didn't keep Baisha waiting and summoned a guard of about thirty people, saying to Baisha and Uriel, who stood behind her, "We'll travel light today. I've arranged with the Mech Design Institute. They know it's a private design for you, without public fanfare."

Baisha nodded, having intentionally not worn any passionflower-related accessories today, guessing the Emperor planned to take her out incognito.

They traveled on a spaceship commonly used by nobles and wealthy merchants, departing from Yu Du Star and landing on Tian Shu Star via a transition station. Their ship, emerging from a special spaceport, seamlessly merged into the hovering traffic of Tian Shu Star, silent and unobtrusive.

Tian Shu Star was more magnificent than Baisha had imagined.

The style of Yu Du Star led Baisha to believe that the people of the empire preferred white, classical architecture. However, upon arriving at Tian Shu Star, she discovered it was quite different. Tian Shu Star resembled a bustling, busy international metropolis, with a diversity of people and things in various styles. It bore a striking resemblance to the Federal Empire's capital, with significant differences in transportation systems, urban layout, and the types of flying vehicles in the sky.

The inhabitants of Tian Shu Star all had spirit bodies.

Engaged in various occupations and heading to different destinations, their spirit bodies always remained by their side. In social interactions on the streets, the spirit bodies naturally became part of the conversation. For instance, within minutes of landing, Baisha had already heard people discussing their spirit bodies, like, "Your spirit body looks really lively today, it seems cuter than before."

"Chirp chirp chirp."

Xiao Bai Chiu sat obediently on Baisha's shoulder, its black eyes reflecting the countless hovering vehicles flying on aerial tracks.

Baisha extended her hand, allowing Xiao Bai Chiu to land on her palm.

About half an hour later, the guard indicated their arrival at the Imperial Mech Design Institute.

Cecil Ronin and Baisha disembarked the spaceship, greeted by a group of three to five people waiting at the landing pad.

"Your Majesty." The young man leading the group bowed to Cecil Ronin and then, noticing Baisha behind the Emperor, bowed again, "Your Highness."

Baisha, not yet officially titled, would normally be addressed by her royal family status. However, Cecil Ronin had hinted to the Mech Design Institute that the one coming for a mech design was the daughter of the Grand Princess, so they naturally did not dare to show any neglect and respectfully addressed her as "Your Highness."

The group entered the Mech Design Institute.

"Our team is fully prepared. We will definitely customize the most suitable mech for Your Highness."

Cecil Ronin, in the presence of others, always maintained the imperial dignity of an emperor, his face expressionless, giving neither approval nor disapproval. In contrast, Baisha, bearing a striking resemblance to him, clearly showed her excitement on her face, appearing much more approachable.

"Your Highness, next, I will take you to run some tests," said one of the institute's staff to Baisha. After speaking, he glanced cautiously towards Cecil Ronin, "Please, Your Majesty, wait in the reception room."

Cecil Ronin: "Go and return quickly."

Baisha: "Uncle, customizing a mech shouldn’t be rushed."

Cecil Ronin: "Then I'll wait here."

Baisha followed the young man out of the reception room, heading to the institute's internal elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Baisha noticed the young man visibly relax.

Baisha, slightly amused, asked: "Is my uncle really that frightening?"

The young man, startled, whose spirit animal was a badger lying quietly on his shoulder, nearly fell off after the shock.

"No," the young man said with a wry smile, "Your Highness, please don't tease me. After all, he is the Emperor of our empire."

Baisha glanced at Uriel standing beside her.

Today, Uriel had intentionally subdued his aura while accompanying Baisha to Tian Shu Star, looking like a regular, handsome, and elegant noble knight.

Reaching the ninth floor, the young man led Baisha and Uriel into a large room filled with instruments. He asked Baisha to lie in a machine resembling a holographic simulation chamber, then said, "Please cooperate with us for a basic physical and psychic power test. We also need to scan your entire body's nerve and muscle groups. This should take about 10 minutes. Once we have the report, I'll take you to meet some of our institute's top-tier mech designers."

Baisha retracted her spirit body and lay down in the machine.

After waiting for ten minutes, the machinery stopped operating.

Baisha climbed out of the scanning chamber, and the young man was still organizing the data. After finalizing everything, his gaze towards Baisha became slightly unfocused.

Baisha: "What's the matter, is there a problem with the test results?"

"No, not at all," the young man asserted firmly, his expression serious, "I'll take you to our designers immediately."

The data from the scan was... terrifying. If the person standing before him wasn't a member of the imperial family, the young man might have thought their institute's testing equipment was malfunctioning.

Initially, he thought this royal member, without the Xuan Bird spirit body, would only have ordinary strength and psychic power. But now...

The young man said excitedly, "You truly are the daughter of Princess Sipes – she once served as the empire's military commander. You will undoubtedly become one of the empire's strongest warriors, just like her!"