Volume 1 Chapter 111

Volume 1 + Chapter 111: Legal Amendments

“So, that’s roughly the idea. Your Majesty, do you understand?”

Eve set down her teacup. Compared to her calm and composed demeanor, even managing to steal a few sips of tea amidst teaching, the imperial Emperor looked utterly flustered.

He nervously stared at the dense derivation formulas in front of him, magical theory, the Crimson Witch conjecture, and all sorts of complex magical knowledge making him sweat profusely.

It was as if a college student were facing a final exam with no textbooks, no syllabus, no teacher to assist, and the questions were the hardest on the entire exam.

How could a high school student possibly solve college-level questions? How could they…?

“I suppose I’ll need to study this further… Miss Eve really is incredibly knowledgeable.”

The emperor chuckled softly, tinged with embarrassment. What came easily to Eve was nearly impossible for him.

As the ruler of a kingdom, to make no real progress under Eve’s careful guidance, only scratching the surface of comprehension… It was humbling, even shameful.

Yet this only confirmed Eve’s capability. Entrusting Alice to her care was undoubtedly the best decision he had ever made.

“It’s alright, I can explain it again.”

“No need to trouble yourself.”

The emperor stood, bowing slightly to Eve in apology.

“Miss Eve kindly offers to explain again, but I really don’t have the time to continue. Today I’ve gained much insight, and I look forward to discussing further with you next time.”

“State affairs demand much of me, so I must take my leave. Also, the matters you requested have already been handled, please rest assured.”

Having said this, the emperor turned and left, his pace hurried. It was evident he was genuinely pressed for time. As a ruler, the few moments he spent discussing matters with Eve had clearly been painstakingly carved out of his schedule.

Yet Eve couldn’t help but wonder, what exactly did he mean by “the matters you requested have been handled”?

Had she requested anything?

It seemed not.

Eve thought carefully. Surely, she hadn’t made any demands of the royal family herself, any requests would have been about Alice, like forbidding her from touching Eve’s legs, wearing revealing clothing, throwing tantrums, or sneaking kisses.

Other than that… nothing else.

“Miss Eve, shall I brew you another pot of tea?”

Anlu, noticing Eve’s empty cup and the worried expression on her face, thought perhaps she hadn’t had enough tea.

Rarely did Miss Eve enjoy the tea Anlu prepared, so she could not be careless.

“No, thank you. It’s about time, I should be going.”

Unconsciously, it was nearly noon. She had originally planned to return early, but this matter had completely delayed her.

She wondered whether Leah, Zizi, and Pipim could manage their breakfast on their own.

“You’re leaving?”

Anlu looked at Eve, her eyes showing a hint of reluctance.

She hadn’t even had the chance to speak with Miss Eve properly, nor had she thanked her for helping with her burn.

When would they meet again?

A figure like Miss Eve… it would probably be difficult even for Anlu to meet her again.

Thinking this, Anlu’s expression darkened slightly, tinged with melancholy.

Yet she forced a smile, not because of her grandfather’s instructions or family duty, but because she genuinely enjoyed being in Eve’s presence.

That inexplicable, fluttering feeling made her heart race. She couldn’t even meet Eve’s eyes for fear her feelings would be revealed.

“I’ll see you out. You’re welcome to visit again.”

Anlu spoke quietly and politely. In truth, she knew Eve would likely never return.

After all, the Reynolds family offered little of interest, and even the extended stay today had only been to provide a quiet space for Eve and the emperor to discuss matters.

It had nothing to do with the Reynolds family, it was merely convenience of proximity.

“Very well.”

Eve nodded calmly. Her response left Anlu feeling a twinge of disappointment.

She couldn’t help but glance up at Eve, thinking… if only she could keep her by her side forever.

Forever… by my side.

……

“Time to eat.”

In a dim dungeon, the Reynolds family’s young heir, battered and bloodied, slumped against the damp, heavy door, letting out pitiful wails.

To save his life, the imperial tribunal had exerted considerable effort, though their methods were crude.

His life was spared, but the pain and punishment he deserved remained undiminished.

He might even endure more pain due to the rough handling.

“How am I supposed to eat?”

The young heir slowly lifted his head. At this point, he could hardly move, let alone eat.

The meal brought by the jailer, stale black bread and a lump of black mush, possibly crushed beans or corn gruel looked almost impossible to swallow.

“That’s not our concern. Besides, your case has been decided. Disturbing the Peace, two years.”

“What? Just two years?”

The young heir was shocked and agitated. He tried desperately to stand, but his weak body allowed him only a few wriggling movements before collapsing like a helpless larva.

“Disturbing the Peace? Where is that in imperial law? I want to see my father! I want to see my grandfather! My grandfather helped draft the imperial statutes. If he finds out you fabricated a law, you’re finished!”

The jailer yawned lazily, unmoved by the heir’s outburst.

“See for yourself.”

He tossed a newspaper. The front page boldly proclaimed: “Imperial Law Amended: New Statutes Added…”

The first and most prominent article? The “Disturbing the Peace” law, precisely what Eve had mentioned.

The other statutes seemed filler, insignificant, and probably unnecessary.

The speed and precision with which the empire enacted this new law, was it done solely to accommodate Eve?

The Reynolds heir froze, utterly stunned. His wriggling stopped entirely.

This Eve… what kind of influence does she wield?

To amend imperial law required the approval of the empire’s three great powers, more than half the ministers, and at least three to four weeks for formal enactment.

Yet this time… it had happened with astonishing speed…