Chapter 108

Chapter 108

Early in the morning, the kitchen was alive with the clatter of pots and pans. The little robotic butler, its electronic display showing a 0.0 expression, diligently worked with its nimble magnetic hands. With a crisp clink of a plate being set down, Eve fastened the last button of her military training uniform top. She looked up just in time to see the small robot place a freshly made sandwich before her.

The bread on both sides was perfectly toasted, generously filled with tender, juicy fried sausages, crisp fresh lettuce, and golden, crispy fried eggs. The harmonious blend of red, green, yellow, and white created an excellent visual appeal. Beside it sat a brightly colored glass of freshly squeezed juice, exuding a sweet aroma.

Though the robot’s cylindrical body was incapable of expressive gestures, Eve inexplicably sensed a proud, chest-out demeanor from it: "Breakfast, please enjoy."

"Thank you, thank you," Eve said politely, pulling the plate closer while complimenting, "This looks absolutely amazing—if you ever get unfortunately expelled from the First Empire Academy, I’ll definitely recommend you for a position at the Medici family’s estate."

Of course, the robot couldn’t comprehend her words. A "?" slowly appeared on its screen-face before it whirred away to its next household task.

The morning air was fresh, and bright sunlight streamed in through the window. In this vibrant scene, Eve took a bite of the crispy sandwich, her clear blue eyes unfocused, gazing into mid-air.

Yesterday, she had finally received the identity chip for "Lu Qing," along with a detailed resume.

Perhaps deeming a black market background undesirable, the Oliver Family had meticulously re-packaged her identity. She was now presented as having been born into a subsidiary family of the Olivers, taken in for training due to exceptional talent, and apprenticed to a Five-Star Grand Alchemist. She lived a reclusive and mysterious life. Since Eve had indeed attended last year’s New Year’s Honor Ball, the resume held considerable credibility.

As for other basic personal information, including height, weight, and blood type, the data was hardly different from Eve’s own. Upon her return to the Medici family, her true identity was self-evident. The fact that Eve’s Spiritual State was the Luna Butterfly was no secret among the top echelons of the four great families. Considering this, "Lu Qing’s" Spiritual State was also listed as a butterfly-mimicry Spiritual State, aiding Eve’s disguise.

The chip had already been registered with the school upon delivery. The Oliver Family’s influence in academia and the education sector ran deep, making such administrative matters effortless for them.

As soon as she slotted the chip into her terminal, Eve steeled herself and requested three days’ leave from the Medical Department. The Department Chief selection hadn’t begun yet, so Luo Wenqing, still the current Chief, quickly approved her leave request. However, he kindly reminded her:

"Military training leave can only be granted for up to three days~ If absences exceed three days, it’s considered an automatic failure. Oh, and military training credits are mandatory. Students with failing records in mandatory credits cannot participate in elections for important student positions, including Department Chief."

Eve: "......"

College felt like a distant memory; she had almost forgotten the intricacies of military training. Wait, why could the Department Chief skip core classes so easily, but not a simple military training session?

Didn’t the rule-makers see how absurd this was?!

Her plan to alternate attendance between the two sides every other day was dead before it began. Fortunately, as luck would have it, after spending a day on the campus forum, Eve finally discovered a new way to skip military training: as long as one could defeat the instructor during training, all subsequent sessions could be skipped without affecting credits.

This wasn’t a closely guarded secret. Basically, every year at the start of the semester, instructors would announce this rule on the first day of training. However, so few students were actually capable of achieving it that everyone usually dismissed it as a joke.

The military training instructors at the First Empire Academy were lower-ranking officers from the military. Most of these officers were outstanding graduates who had recently joined the military but held lower positions due to their limited seniority. This did not, however, mean they lacked skill.

Those who wanted to skip training couldn’t defeat the instructors, and those who could defeat the instructors couldn’t be bothered skipping something as minor as military training. This was precisely why the rule had been largely unused for so long. However, those who successfully used this rule to skip training usually went on to become prominent figures in various fields, like the last person who skipped training...

Eve had limited interest in gossip that didn’t involve her, so after confirming the rule was feasible, she exited the forum without another thought, showing no desire to learn more about those shadowy predecessors whose names were shrouded in mystery.

She quickly finished her breakfast, wiped her mouth, and headed out.

Under the sunlight, a gleam of silver-white shone on her tightly bound wrist—a foldable mask. When fully retracted, it was a metal plate the size of the back of her hand, strapped around her wrist twice to pass for a wrist guard.

As for which department’s military training to skip—Medical or Mecha—Eve didn’t hesitate. She brazenly decided to skip the Medical Department’s. Although the instructors’ abilities were roughly similar, as a non-combat support field, the Medical Department’s instructors were likely a notch below the Mecha Department’s, or at least the training intensity would be lower.

...Alright, the main reason was that "Lu Qing" was a fake identity, and Eve wanted to minimize its use unless absolutely necessary. Plus, wearing the mask for too long made her face feel uncomfortable.

"Hey!"

As she stepped out of the courtyard, she bumped into Jessica, who was just pushing the door open. The sight of Eve immediately ignited a surge of anger in Jessica, compelling her to blurt out.

Eve turned at the sound, her steps never faltering, and waved casually. "Oh, it’s Jessica. Good morning."

Good morning? Yeah, right! How could this woman, who had mocked her just two days ago, so naturally wish her a good morning?

And she didn’t even use a respectful title—she addressed a member of the royal family by name directly!

Jessica instantly puffed up like an angry blowfish, her green cat-like eyes wide with rage as she glared at Eve and shouted, "You’re not allowed to leave!"

"?" What is this troublesome kid up to now? Eve paused and turned to look at her. "What is it?"

"Are you going to the training ground?" Jessica retorted without answering.

The Military Academy’s six departments didn’t have large numbers, so the school grouped every three departments to share a training ground. Unfortunately, the Medical and Mecha Departments weren’t in the same group.

So Eve said, "No."

"You’re lying," Jessica immediately erupted in anger, ignoring her roommate calling out "Princess" from behind. She leaped down from the three-step-high porch, her dark red hair swaying momentarily before she darted to the courtyard gate. "You’re already in your military training uniform."

"I changed into it before receiving a message. Sorry, but sudden urgent tasks from superiors are something us poor workers often encounter. I’m pretty annoyed about it too."

The words were false, but the frustration held a hint of genuine feeling. Eve didn’t know why Jessica had exploded again, nor did she care. She placed a hand on Jessica’s shoulder, studying her thoughtfully. "But since I ran into you, could you do me a favor?"

The red-haired girl glared at her indignantly. "What favor?"

"Help me request temporary leave from the instructor. I’ll go tomorrow," Eve pressed her shoulder lightly and blinked easily. "Thanks."

She seemed certain Jessica would help, so after casually making the request, she turned to leave.

"Hey, I haven’t agreed to help you yet?" Jessica called out loudly behind her.

"Please, Your Highness. It’s too late to request leave now, and I don’t want to be marked absent," Eve shouted without looking back, fiddling with the foldable mask on her wrist. "I don’t know anyone else in the Mecha Department—I’ve only spoken to you. Just help me this once."

I don’t know anyone else—I’ve only spoken to you.

These words acted like a calming anchor, freezing Jessica on the spot. The little princess’s face flushed and paled alternately. Rationally, she knew Eve was just buttering her up, and doing a perfunctory job of it at that—acting like a couple of conversations constituted a connection. But emotionally, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat pleased.

—After all, this was "Eve of the Medici family," a famously sharp figure in the upper circles of the capital planet, like a cold, sharp star.

Besides, she was also very beautiful.

"......" After a moment, Jessica muttered under her breath like a grumble, "It’s just asking for leave. Why play the pity card?"

"Princess!"

The little follower who had been gathering Jessica’s water bottle and other items finally rushed out from inside. "Why did you dash out like that? Those steps are three levels high—what if you sprain your noble foot?"

"Enough, I’m not that fragile," Facing her follower, Jessica regained her haughty demeanor, chin held high as she said proudly, "Why are you so slow? Let’s go. We’re going to be the first ones at the training ground."

The follower inwardly lamented but didn’t dare speak up, thinking, You didn’t lift a finger to prepare, of course it’s easy for you to talk. And there’s still an hour until training starts. What’s the point of going so early just to stand around foolishly and be the first to arrive?!

But such words were absolutely not to be said in front of Jessica. She could only nod meekly. "Yes, yes, Your Highness is right. I’ll wake up even earlier tomorrow."

Jessica gave a dismissive "tch," letting the matter drop.

-

The Medical Department conducted their military training at the East Training Ground, alongside the Investigation Department and the Command Department. In contrast, the other three departments trained at the West Training Ground, directly opposite each other.

On her way, Eve unfolded her mask, hiding in a first-floor restroom of the teaching building to put it on before heading to the training ground.

The three departments had vastly different atmospheres. The Command Department, as the destined major for overachievers, had almost everyone arrived even though there was at least half an hour until training started. They stood in small groups within pre-marked areas, keeping distance between different cliques. Occasionally, when eyes met, they’d nod faintly in acknowledgment before immediately turning their backs to each other, acting aloof.

The Medical Department attendees were sparse. Probably having heard rumors on the campus forum about their department’s traditionally lax training, those who came early stood around chatting and laughing together. A few, likely having rushed out without breakfast, were sucking on packaged flavored nutrient drinks while listening to others talk.

The Investigation Department fell somewhere between the two. Not too many or too few had arrived, and relationships among classmates were neither close nor distant—just your average passing acquaintance, nothing noteworthy.

At that moment, as Eve ambled into the drill ground, thanks to the mysterious full-face mask she wore—some people's uniqueness shows in how they dress—many on the field immediately cast curious or wary glances in her direction.

Meanwhile, in the Command Department's territory.

Ludwig had been filling Alice in about the Department Chief when his gaze casually swept around. With just that one glance, his words seemed to be choked off by an invisible hand, and he couldn’t continue speaking.

His eyes held surprise, speculation, and doubt—a mix of complex emotions flickering in his bright green eyes.

Alice, who had been secretly grinding the green grass under her shoe tip while only half-paying attention to Ludwig’s rambling, paused her fidgeting as the person beside her suddenly fell silent.

As if guided by some unseen force pulling her, she instinctively looked to the right without bothering to question Ludwig’s odd behavior.

She saw a familiar figure at the entrance of the drill ground: a more slender figure than before, a casual posture, and a mask of an unfamiliar style that nonetheless made it instantly clear who it was.

She almost blurted out "Xiao Qing," but Ludwig suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"Wait a moment," he said, his eyes quickly scanning the drill ground before settling on a silver-haired young man surrounded by peers but standing far apart from them.

Seeing Cecil walk without hesitation toward the newcomer, Ludwig narrowed his eyes slightly, then patted Alice’s arm and released her. "Alright, let’s go."

Standing so close together, whatever Ludwig could see, Alice naturally saw as well. She glanced at Cecil, somewhat surprised. "Someone from the Medici family?"

"That’s Cecil," Ludwig replied. "It makes no difference. When she wears the mask, she’s Lu Qing."

"Why are you only arriving now? Almost everyone else is here," Eve’s path to the medical department was blocked by an acquaintance, who raised an eyebrow and spoke irritably about her mask. "And why are you still wearing that creepy mask?"

Thanks to that midnight ambush two years ago, Cecil had developed a genuine aversion to silver-white masks. "Take it off."

"Oh, young master Cecil, you actually remember Xiao Qing?"

Eve was about to brush Cecil off casually, but before she could speak, a cheerful female voice came from behind him.

At the same time, a hand rested on his shoulder—seemingly affectionate but actually holding Cecil firmly in place, preventing him from taking another step toward Eve.

Ludwig’s innocent, angelic face appeared beside Cecil’s neck. Being shorter, he had to reach up awkwardly, but his presence was no less intimidating as he smiled. "Good day. I didn’t expect to see you here."

His gaze lingered firmly on Eve before returning to Cecil, and he spoke with a polite but distant tone: "This is Lu Qing, a guest consultant of our Oliver Family. So the two of you... know each other from before?"

The tone was perfectly measured in its ambiguity—not only reflecting his own distant relationship with Cecil but also instantly framing Eve and Cecil as not close.

Behind her mask, Eve's eyebrow raised in interest, while Cecil irritably shook off Ludwig’s hand from his shoulder. "What’s it to you?"

After brushing Ludwig off, he immediately reached out to Eve. "Come with me."

But before his hand could reach her, Eve took a step back and smirked, "Sorry, young master Medici, are we familiar?"

"...What?" Cecil was taken aback, bewildered. "What’s with you today?"

A bad feeling crept over him. Having seen Eve day in and day out within the Medici family for a year and a half, he had almost forgotten what she was capable of.

With several big shots gathered together, they naturally attracted attention. Cecil, who usually enjoyed being the center of attention, now felt strangely uneasy under the scrutiny.

Shadows from that moonless night resurfaced. And in the midst of it all, Eve casually slapped palms with Alice and said cheerfully, "Long time no see."

Alice, who had been full of pent-up frustration, was instantly overwhelmed with joy and nostalgia at Eve’s familiar, affectionate greeting.

She suddenly threw herself into Eve’s arms, laughing, "Long time no see."

Eve chuckled, steadying her, while Ludwig grumbled beside them, "So immature."

"Where’s the immaturity? Our Alice is just being genuine. You’re the one who’s too stiff," Eve extended her free right hand toward him. "If you miss me that much, I can lend you an arm."

"...Why would I miss you?"

Ludwig scowled at her for a moment before reluctantly grabbing her offered right arm amid Alice’s laughter.

"Ha!" Alice laughed outright. "Fake!"

"Shut up!"

Same old, same old, Eve thought peacefully amid their bickering.

In the harmonious atmosphere of their reunion, Cecil felt an unfamiliar feeling of unease and loss of control.

—What did this mean?

Shouldn’t Eve have already cut all ties with the Oliver Family? Why was she acting so familiar?

His lips parted slightly, just as he was about to say something rash, someone urgently called out to him: "Brother!"

It was like a car screeching to a halt at the edge of a cliff. All his unspoken words vanished instantly. Cecil turned and saw Luo Lin frowning as she walked toward him, her expression stern. "Brother, let’s go back for now. The instructor is here."

Time had slipped by unnoticed, and it was already time for training to begin.

After forcibly pulling Cecil a few steps away, Luo Lin lowered her voice, her earlier concern replaced by an icy tone as she stared straight ahead. "You should keep your distance from her in public, whether she’s Eve of the Medicis or Lu Qing of the Olivers."

"......"

"Remember your current status—the heir of the Medici family," she added mockingly when Cecil remained silent. "The position you hold now wasn’t easily won. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Next time, there might not be someone as lenient as me to go easy on you."

After a long silence, Cecil finally said quietly, "I understand."

His uncharacteristic obedience surprised Luo Lin, who had been prepared for a retort, but she quickly dismissed it as the instructor blew the whistle, signaling assembly.

She gave Cecil’s arm a quick squeeze and returned to the medical department’s area.

Eve also patted the two kids hanging onto her, quickly explained the situation, and then returned to her place in the medical department’s formation.

The instructor looked very young, clearly a recent graduate who had joined the military not long ago. He gave the standard opening speech, then lazily added, "Our school has always had a rule during military training: if anyone can challenge and defeat the instructor during this period, they’ll be exempt from all remaining daily drills and receive full marks for participation."

"Though I doubt anyone in your year would want to try it, I still have to go through the motions and ask: is anyone willing to give it a shot?"

"Just to be clear, I’m also a graduate of the First Empire," the young instructor grinned brightly. "I was probably considered an outstanding graduate back then—after all, I held the position of Vice Chief in the Melee Department right up until graduation."

His words dampened everyone's enthusiasm, cooling off those who had been tempted.

For a moment, no one spoke. The instructor chuckled and blew his whistle, about to order them to reassemble and begin training, when suddenly a clear voice rang out from the ranks.

"There’s no penalty for failing, right, Instructor?" she asked.

The crowd instantly parted like the sea, and even without moving, the challenger was clearly visible, allowing the instructor to see exactly who was so audacious.

"I’d like to give it a try," said the speaker, a girl wearing a mask that made her look rather odd. Yet she carried herself with confidence, her dark eyes behind the mask sharp and confident. "But I’m curious—what kind of challenge is it?"

"Mecha piloting? Simulated combat? Or... hand-to-hand combat?"