Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Five

Cecil Ronin felt it was time for Bai Sha to attend a military academy.

By this time, only two months had passed since Han Chang's three-month remedial plan for Bai Sha.

But she had almost completed all the basic courses, including economics and political science taught by Han Chang himself.

Since his argument with Uriel, Han Chang hadn't changed his mindset but had indeed refined his teaching approach. Initially, he didn't want Bai Sha to follow his childhood path of slowly reading classic texts and gradually building a knowledge framework. Realizing this approach was too tedious and unsuited for rapid learning, he reflected and adopted a more straightforward and engaging teaching method, focusing on crucial and interesting topics. Bai Sha progressed much faster, and last week, Han Chang reluctantly approved her "graduation" from his tutelage.

Bai Sha anticipated attending military school soon but was surprised by Cecil Ronin's abrupt suggestion.

"You now have two choices," Cecil Ronin said, discarding his weapon and lightly dusting off his palms, his ice-blue eyes calmly observing Bai Sha. "Will you enroll in school as a prince or as a member of the royal family?"

Bai Sha: "...Is there any specific implication in this?"

"If you accept the title from your mother, you become my legal heir, as per the Empire's Inheritance Law," Cecil Ronin stated indifferently.

Of course, the Inheritance Law isn't absolute. Only by securing the position of Crown Prince can one be the undisputed heir to the throne.

But Bai Sha fell silent.

She was still undecided about ascending to that 'supreme position.'

"I won't deceive you. I entered school as the second in line for the throne. Those years, I was under intense 'public scrutiny.' Many sought to follow me, but many also aimed to defeat me," Cecil Ronin said, arms crossed, eyebrows slightly raised, "Your situation is different. You weren't raised in the Empire and plan to study three disciplines simultaneously. The busyness of your campus life is foreseeable. Without the determination for succession, the title of prince will only bring you more trouble."

Bai Sha, dumbfounded: "Weren't you always keen on me becoming the Crown Prince?"

"You are the only bloodline of the next generation of the Ronin family. Training you as the Crown Prince is to ensure the continuation of the Ronin family and is the choice I must make as an emperor without an heir."

Cecil Ronin's gaze softened, a rare show of warmth softening his usually cold and proud features.

"...But as your uncle, I respect your choice. Rather than making you some great emperor, I'd rather you be yourself."

She is the only remaining descendant of his sister, Xipes.

As an emperor without an heir, he should be the one bearing the pressure. He can't transfer his responsibilities onto his niece, sacrificing her happiness for his 'retirement life.'

Bai Sha paused, then lowered her gaze to the ground, her toe fidgeting with the floor, teeth gently biting her tongue, and said: "I still want to be a mecha pilot."

Bai Sha might be able to accept herself as a mecha pilot inclined to violence, but that didn't mean she could be a good emperor.

Honestly, if she had been born on Youdu Star, surrounded by the love of her mother and uncle, even if she wasn't raised as the Crown Prince, she would have felt it her duty to step in when needed.

But her life's early years were spent on Lanslo Star.

Now, she just wanted a simpler life, to achieve her original goal: to become the best mecha pilot.

"…I understand," sighed Cecil Ronin, hesitating for a moment before awkwardly reaching out to pat Bai Sha's head, "Let's set aside the issue of the heir for now. Go to school with peace of mind. Everyone knows your name is Bai Sha Ronin, but they don't know you're the daughter of the Grand Princess, nor that I'm your uncle. Be careful, and don't reveal yourself too soon."

Bai Sha looked at Cecil Ronin's face: "Don't you think hiding my identity is more like trying to hide something but making it more conspicuous? With our faces, anyone could tell we're related."

The Emperor stared at Bai Sha's face for a while, falling into a speechless stupor.

How could they, uncle and niece, look so alike?

Eventually, Bai Sha came up with a solution, finding items that could conceal someone's facial features. For instance, hair dye that changes hair color — this hair dye was long-lasting and strong, with very natural effects. She dyed her hair black and wore contact lenses, making the person in the mirror only bear a facial resemblance to Cecil Ronin. With Bai Sha's different demeanor and gender, it was hard to directly link them at first glance.

Bai Sha arrived at the reception hall of the sleeping quarters, sporting a new hairstyle.

Uriel sat upright on the sofa, surrounded by many of Bai Sha's cats, their tails erect as they wandered around him, rubbing against his feet in a pleasing manner. Some cats roamed over his head and shoulders, lounging in various poses, as if he were a giant cat tree.

Bai Sha commented, "You seem quite popular with small animals."

Gently dispersing the cats from his body, Uriel looked up at Bai Sha and explained, "It's just a trait of my biochemistry. Theoretically, I shouldn't attract any special aversion from animals."

Changing the subject, Bai Sha asked Uriel, "Look at me, do I seem different from before?"

Uriel assessed seriously, "It's indeed a successful disguise." Although there were no significant changes in his facial features, his entire demeanor had become more reserved and quiet.

"Then it's settled," Bai Sha said, "Come on, let's go check on the mecha. I'll be going to school in a few days."

The two returned to the Tianshu Star.

Bai Sha was there for the final test drive. If everything went smoothly, her mecha would soon be officially manufactured.

Tai Shi Rong took her to the underground manufacturing facility of the Imperial Mecha Design Institute. In the manufacturing room S-103, several large and precise mechanical arms surrounded a mecha, while a group of researchers in white lab coats stood behind a control panel, with screens displaying various metrics of the mecha.

"Let's give it a try first," Tai Shi Rong suggested, ordering the removal of the mechanical arms and fixtures, "If anything feels off, we can adjust it anytime."

This was the first time Bai Sha saw her design blueprints materialized. The platinum-interlaced mecha stood on the test platform, tall and imposing, with a pair of unfolded silver wings on its back. The wings, sleek, cold, and sharp, could disperse and retract backward during transformation, forming a rhombic turret.

Unable to contain her smile, Bai Sha quickly climbed into the mecha's cockpit. The control panel glowed faintly before lighting up in front of her—

Energy unlocked.

Establishing a primary link...

Psychic link completed.

Synchronization rate: 99%.

Seeing the alarmingly high synchronization rate, Bai Sha began controlling the mecha through her psychic sensor, and indeed, its movements were agile and smooth.

Activating the boosters and steerers, the mecha sprang into action. It leaped up, its dazzling six wings extending abruptly behind it, like a divine miracle.

Bai Sha, controlling the mecha, gave Tai Shi Rong a thumbs-up, which Tai Shi Rong returned with a smile.

As for her weapon, the long spear named "Solitude," it lay quietly in a weapon case. Tai Shi Rong had the case brought over, and Bai Sha, operating the mecha, picked up Solitude, grasping the handle and swinging it in the air to get accustomed to its feel.

Half an hour later, Bai Sha emerged from the mecha's cockpit, confirming that there were no issues with it.

"That's good," nodded Tai Shi Rong. "However, some problems are only noticeable in actual combat. Anyway, our design institute will take care of this mecha's future maintenance and upgrades. You just need to bring it to us."

Tai Shi Rong fetched the acceptance contract for Bai Sha to sign. Meanwhile, the institute's researchers engraved the mecha's number and name on some crucial parts and joints. The number, "Liu Ting," mandated by the Empire, was followed by the mecha's name.

Bai Sha returned to Youdu Star with Liu Ting and Solitude.

About a week later, the Imperial Tianquan Military Academy officially started its new term.

Rushing against time, Bai Sha managed to meet all the conditions for school just before the term began. Any further delay, and she would have had to wait for the next academic year or join as a mid-term transfer.

Blending seamlessly into the group of freshmen was what motivated Bai Sha through these hectic days.

On the day of new student registration, Tianquan Military Academy was bustling with people.

The academy, a boarding school, usually saw students going home only during vacations. On the first day, parents were allowed to help their children move into the dormitories.

Due to the need to conceal her identity, Cecil Ronin's Broken Army couldn't accompany Bai Sha to Tianshu Star. Therefore, Uriel was the only one left by her side.

Bai Sha headed to the registration desk, where she received her student card and electronic key to the dormitory.

"Let's go to the dorm and settle in first, then we can attend the registration ceremony," Bai Sha suggested, looking at the map in her hand.

The academy's dormitories were categorized by level, ranging from basic four-person and two-person rooms to more luxurious single-person rooms. The most lavish accommodations were in the "Ping Sha," "Luo Yan," "Xiao Xiang," and "Yun Shui" districts, each featuring small villas, spaced apart, with three floors, private balconies, and small gardens, usually shared by two students.

Without prior knowledge of whether she had a roommate, Bai Sha headed to the Luo Yan district with an open mind. Uriel followed, effortlessly carrying several large luggage pieces. Though the dorms were equipped with basic appliances, Bai Sha brought many new clothes to avoid shopping on Tianshu Star.

She still had some luggage yet to be delivered, like her custom-made toolbox and some books and study materials, which she planned to have shipped from Youdu Star after settling in.

"My dorm is in the Luo Yan area, fourth row, building nine..." Bai Sha looked up to see a white building with gleaming windows, "Is this the place?"

Bai Sha approached the door, used her electronic key to open the security door, and stepped inside to find an empty living room furnished with a sofa, dining table, and chairs. The furniture, simple and elegant in style, exuded a subtle quality.

It seemed no one had been here yet.

Bai Sha activated the house's smart system, opened the windows for ventilation, and checked every room's equipment and wiring. Meanwhile, Uriel, carrying her luggage, picked a south-facing room for her and started unpacking. By the time Bai Sha entered, Uriel had nearly finished arranging the bedroom.

Bai Sha remarked, "You're quite fast at this."

"But I must leave soon," Uriel's handsome brows furrowed slightly, "Tianquan Military Academy doesn't allow students to bring servants on campus."

Uriel was clearly too old to blend in as a student and being a teacher seemed odd as well. He was reluctant to abandon his duty to protect Bai Sha, yet he was helpless.

"This is Tianquan Military Academy, one of the safest places in the Empire. It's not as secure as Youdu Star, but it's not far from there. If anything happens, I can always call for help," Bai Sha reassured, patting Uriel's shoulder nonchalantly, "Just take care of the dozen cats back home for me."

Bai Sha now had considerable responsibilities—being the owner of a dozen cats. Though she didn't have to clean up after them herself, the top-tier care they enjoyed was all funded from her account. In other words, she was supporting the household.

Uriel, silent for a moment, his eyes like clear waters shimmering with faint confusion, wondered how he, an "angel," had ended up as a caretaker.

Sitting on the bed's edge, pressing the soft mattress, Bai Sha said to Uriel, "Go back to Youdu Star, don't worry about me."

Uriel nodded, "Yes. Call me anytime you need me."

When Uriel left, he used the door, even his movements to open and close it were gentle. This time he didn't sprout large wings to fly away—a sign he was gradually adapting to this era.

Ever since Bai Sha showed Uriel the bill for repairing the Crystal Heaven, he had been extra careful in his movements.

After the room's last occupant departed, Bai Sha noticed the sudden quietness.

...It had been a long time since she experienced the feeling of living alone.

After listening to the silence for a few minutes, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps downstairs, accompanied by the sound of a door closing and a soft "Ouch"—seemingly someone's exclamation of pain, the kind that happens when accidentally bumping into a wall.

Bai Sha blinked and left the bedroom to investigate, finding that her roommate had indeed arrived. She was a girl with black hair and chestnut eyes, dressed simply, not particularly tall, but with long limbs, suggesting agility.

Bai Sha watched her struggling to drag a large, tattered snake-skin bag, covered in dust, just like the bag itself.

"Help me," the girl coughed twice, "this thing is way too heavy..."

Bai Sha quickly extended a hand to assist her.

The contents of the snake-skin bag were indeed quite heavy. Bai Sha, curious, asked, "What exactly do you have in here?"

"Lots of miscellaneous stuff," the girl scratched her head, "I brought everything I could this time. Who knows when I’ll get to go home again..."

Bai Sha replied, "You can go home during the holidays."

The girl smiled wryly, her round, almond eyes crinkling, bright and lively, "Well, I’ve got to prepare as if I can’t go home. If I dare show up, my parents will surely give me a thorough scolding."

Bai Sha raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Why’s that?"

"Because I changed my college preference from Medicine to Tianquan Military Academy without telling them," the girl said cunningly, waving her hand somewhat wistfully, "I snuck out when my family wasn’t looking. I didn't bother much with packing, so my luggage is a bit messy, don't laugh, okay?"

"So, we're going to be roommates? Let’s exchange names. I’m Cen Yuehuai, and you are?"

Hearing this surname, Bai Sha felt it sounded familiar.

She asked, somewhat surprised, "You're from the Cen family? The Cen family of Tianshu Star?"

"Yeah, that Cen family. Sounds like a family born to practice medicine, right? I’m so tired of these stereotypes," sighed Cen Yuehuai.

They had just started chatting when Cen Yuehuai’s personal device suddenly lit up, indicating an incoming call. She quickly glanced at it and muttered softly, "Oh no, I forgot to turn off my device after getting off the starship!"

Without hesitation, she chose to turn off her device. Just as the screen dimmed, her stomach let out a loud growl—

"I'm starving," she said pitifully, clutching her stomach and looking at Bai Sha with hopeful, twinkling eyes, "Do we have anything to eat here?"

Bai Sha: "..."

Bai Sha: "Coincidentally, I just moved in today too and didn't bring any food."

Although their dormitory had a fridge and a kitchen, they couldn’t cook without ingredients. They didn’t even have instant food, otherwise, Bai Sha could have boiled some water to make instant rice or something.

Cen Yuehuai whimpered, collapsing weakly into a chair by the dining table, slumping over it, "Help, I'm really about to starve."

Bai Sha asked, "How long has it been since you last ate?"

Cen Yuehuai replied, "About a day. I bought my starship ticket in advance and didn't dare delay the journey to get here. I also didn't dare to order food using my device, fearing my parents and sister would be furiously waiting to bombard me with calls..."

What Cen Yuehuai didn’t dare to say was that after such a rebellious act, her family might have cut off her payment account. She wasn’t used to saving money, so she was really in a bind. "No, no, that’s not a good analogy, nor is it auspicious," she thought.

"Dear roommate, if I'm not mistaken, we'll be sharing this room, right?" Cen Yuehuai reached out to tug Bai Sha's sleeve, "Could you lend me some money to order a meal? I promise I'll pay you back in a few days."

"How much could a meal cost?" Bai Sha showed her the academy's food ordering system without hesitation, letting her choose, "Eat as much as you like, consider this meal on me."

"That's so generous!" exclaimed Cen Yuehuai, giving a thumbs-up, "I’m glad to have you as a friend."

Cen Yuehuai quickly placed her order and then retreated back to her chair, patting her stomach. Now that food was on the way, she felt relieved and began chatting with Bai Sha.

Cen Yuehuai asked, "By the way, classmate, what’s your name?"

"Bai Sha Ronin," Bai Sha pulled out a chair and sat face to face with her, "I haven't been to Tianshu Star much before, so as a local, you're more familiar with the area. I'll be counting on you to show me around."

Cen Yuehuai: "..."

Cen Yuehuai blinked, then her eyes widened, stammering out each word, "What did you say? Your surname is Ronin? Which noble family do you belong to? That's odd, I haven't heard of any noble families sending their members to Tianquan Military Academy this year..."

Cen Yuehuai suddenly fell silent, looking up at Bai Sha earnestly and cautiously asked, "Um, do you know someone named Cen Haiyun—"

Bai Sha paused, thinking it was as expected.

"Miss Cen Haiyun is my medical officer; we've met a few times," Bai Sha said without changing her expression.

"Your Highness!" Cen Yuehuai leaned back, almost falling off her chair.

"How are you related to Cen Haiyun? Sisters?" Bai Sha asked with interest, finding it an extremely rare coincidence to meet in such circumstances.

"Yes," Cen Yuehuai's forehead began to sweat, "She's my biological older sister, about twenty years my senior..."

Bai Sha was about to ask how Cen Yuehuai, given the Cen family's status on Tianshu Star, ended up in such a state. Cen Yuehuai's disheveled appearance made her seem like she had fled to Tianquan Military Academy. Fortunately, the Cen's reside on a nearby sub-star of Tianshu, just a two-hour starship journey away. If it had been farther, Cen Yuehuai might have been mistaken for a vagrant.

Unable to resist, Bai Sha asked, and Cen Yuehuai's face filled with helplessness and sorrow.

"Your Highness, it's a long story without a mother to tell it. In short, my family wanted me to follow in my sister’s footsteps and study at the medical college. I adamantly refused, determined to chase my dream at Tianquan Military Academy. They threatened to cut off my financial support, so I had to pretend to comply with their wishes and initially enrolled in the medical college. Then, at the last minute, I changed my enrollment to the military academy. The academy's reporting time was earlier than the medical college, so I had to flee home prematurely. You have no idea what I went through on my journey here..."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Cen Yuehuai sniffled, "Is that our food delivery?"

Bai Sha walked over to the door, pausing briefly, "It seems like your sister has arrived."