Volume 1 Chapter 86

Volume 1 + Chapter 86: Royal Tutor Eve

If Chancelianne hadn’t been about to be late, Eve probably wouldn’t have left the bathroom for a long while.

The little maid had already called three times from outside, and only then did Chancelianne finally put on her bathrobe and leave the bathroom.

In the end, she hadn’t properly finished her bath, merely soaking a little in the tub before stopping.

For the Empress, who enjoyed bathing, this must have been a loss.

However, Eve seemed to notice that the Empress, who had gone out first, was in a rather good mood…?

After all that commotion, Eve’s clothes were soaked over a large area. Especially the black stockings beneath her pencil skirt, which had been saturated with steam and stuck uncomfortably to her body, leaving her feeling damp and uneasy.

But this was the Royal Palace, and she had no spare socks. Taking them off would look improper…

She had no choice but to endure it for now. Fortunately, although Eve felt uncomfortable, the black stockings still looked normal from the outside.

Stepping out of the bathroom, leaving the slightly stuffy environment behind, the fresh air outside, carrying a faint fragrance, made her feel much more relaxed.

The bathroom had been unpleasant, and Eve wasn’t sure whether it was the high temperature or her own nervousness that caused it.

She figured it was probably the latter… after all, she had actually touched the Empress. This was only after meeting a few times—she dared not imagine what would happen if they became more familiar over a year or more!

“How is it?”

“Very smooth.”

Her mind a complete blur, Eve blurted out an answer instinctively, but immediately realized something was wrong…

“Hmm?”

“No! Not that—I mean, no problem. You can rest assured about the dress, leave it to me.”

Eve hurriedly corrected herself, but her attempt at concealment came off as overly forced.

At that moment, Eve truly wished she could sink into a crack in the ground…

She silently prayed the Empress wouldn’t mind, otherwise, the two words “very smooth” could have condemned her.

“Miss Eve is really interesting. Today is tight on time, so let’s arrange another meeting next time. Then we can have a proper talk about educating children. I’ve always been curious—how did you manage to raise Leah to be so outstanding?”

“Let’s go. Alice is still waiting for us.”

Chancelianne didn’t mind Eve’s impolite remark, on the contrary, she gently patted her shoulder, looking forward to the next private meeting with her.

But in Eve’s ears, the words filtered through her nervous, blank mind as just a few keywords…

“She said I’m interesting? She wants to meet me again? And discuss children with me…”

So direct?

Eve was dumbfounded and wanted to clarify, but Chancelianne had already walked far ahead.

With no other choice, Eve quickly followed.

Before she could speak, Chancelianne took over the conversation.

“I have some matters to attend to later, so I can only observe for thirty minutes. I’ve also informed His Majesty about this. If he has time, he’ll come to watch as well.”

Chancelianne glanced at Eve and continued, “I hope you perform well. If you earn His Majesty’s approval, Miss Eve, you can essentially be considered a member of the Royal family.”

“If Alice can smoothly graduate from the Church Academy in the future, it will be thanks in no small part to Miss Eve.”

Eve didn’t take in a single word of what Chancelianne said. She only caught one key point…

The Emperor himself would watch her teach Alice.

“How is that possible?”

Eve blurted instinctively, which made Chancelianne freeze for a moment. The half-step she had taken in her slender heels instinctively drew back.

“What’s the matter?”

“N-nothing. I just mean… Alice and I are so close, and we’re friends, how could I accept such benefits?”

Hearing Eve’s words, Chancelianne smiled instinctively. Her smile was like a spring breeze, capable of making one forget all worries, and Eve was completely immersed.

The Royal standard of excellence, indeed!

“Benefits should still be given, after all, I cannot take advantage of you for nothing. But hearing you say that reassures me—I believe you will teach Alice well. Don’t be formal, from now on, my daughter Alice is your daughter.”

Eve didn’t know whether the Empress was simply carefree or intentional—can generations really be counted like that?

After all, they now even shared a daughter?

Then Alice would essentially be… a mother-defying girl?

But that wasn’t the main concern. What worried Eve most was the Emperor’s observation. Even though he might only watch if he had time, Eve could not take that risk.

It wasn’t that Eve lacked skill or feared losing imperial recognition, she had absolute confidence in her magical abilities.

She worried the Emperor would recognize her—the fiery red witch sentenced to hanging two years ago.

After all, Eve had mentioned before that there were people in this country capable of seeing through her disguise.

Although very few… reality liked to play tricks.

And the few who could recognize her included the current Emperor.

If her identity as a witch was discovered, her life would be utterly over…

“Let’s go, Alice must be getting anxious.”

Seeing Eve hesitate, Chancelianne urged her.

“Oh, alright, right away.”

Eve’s heart wavered, she even considered pretending to be unwell to escape.

But at this point, there was no turning back.

Failing the Royal family was not something an ordinary person could withstand.

With a nervous heart, Eve followed Chancelianne to Alice’s chambers. Today, Alice’s quarters were unusually lively, even the normally patrolling guards had more than doubled.

Possibly because they had advance notice that both the Emperor and Empress would be present.

Even in the Royal Palace, having these three major figures together was a remarkable event.

After all, matters of the Royal family were complex—even a meal could result in a ten-kilometer security lockdown.

“Mother, Miss Eve, we’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Alice was already at the door to greet them. Today she showed no hint of her usual wildness—very obedient.

Standing there elegantly, she genuinely looked somewhat like a princess should.

Why did Eve feel it was only “somewhat” and “a little”?

From the maid standing beside her, it was obvious Alice was pretending to be obedient because Chancelianne was present.

In such a situation, she might be scheming, so Eve had to stay away.

Otherwise, she might get grabbed—either her bun or her thigh.

“Alice, why are you so eager today?”

“Because I want to study well and bring honor to the Royal family.”

Alice obediently clung to her, her tone lightly coquettish.

“You’re unusually sensible today. It seems taking you to the Church Academy graduation yesterday was the right choice.”

Chancelianne said, glancing meaningfully at Eve.

“Shall we begin, Miss Eve? Let’s see how good your teaching is.”

“Mother, please lead the way, Miss Eve as well.”

Alice tried to get close to Eve but was cleverly bypassed to Chancelianne’s side.

Good, judging by where her mischievous little hand had been, she probably wanted to grab Eve’s thigh.

Eve’s stockings were still damp, if Alice grabbed them, misunderstandings could arise.

Eve couldn’t explain why her stockings were wet—if she did, it would cause even more confusion.

After all, she couldn’t exactly say it was from bathing with the Empress…

A chaotic triangle was forming!

“Previously, Miss Eve’s magical formula caught my interest. After researching, I found many insights.”

“Even applying it to machines can improve their efficiency by over ten percent while reducing magic consumption by twenty to thirty percent.”

Eve didn’t react much, after all, she had presented the formula only to thank Alice.

For her, this set of formulas was simple yet important.

As a Grand Witch, if she revealed all her knowledge, the Empire’s magical technology could advance thousands of years instantly.

Hence, she restrained herself. Every formula was precious.

A single mistake could make the Empire stronger than the witch herself. What value would she have then? Even the sky would fall…

The original Eve likely understood this better, so she had been more conservative, only suggesting improvements for education and the economy.

She never acted to directly increase the Empire’s production or combat power, especially in battle…

Human greed, even witches cannot control it. Eve understood this well, even having a virtuous daughter like Leah, she still yearned for Zhi Zhi’s white silk…

Ah, greed, truly a terrifying thing.

“We originally planned to award you the Empire’s Meritorious Medal, the highest honor.”

“But Alice said you prefer to stay low-profile. Even if awarded, you wouldn’t be happy, perhaps wouldn’t even accept it.”

“So we chose a more discreet approach.”

“I discussed this with His Majesty. If your teaching today earns the approval of our family, you will be appointed as Alice’s tutor.”

“When Alice inherits the Empire, you will be her most trusted aide, even the Empire’s National Tutor, enjoying a position just below the ruler.”

Chancelianne’s words interrupted Eve’s thoughts about Zhi Zhi’s white silk—no, human greed…

“From now on, please guide us, Miss Eve.”

Alice bowed deeply to Eve, but her eyes didn’t match her obedient actions.

Eve clearly saw her wink!

And being her aide? National Tutor? Ridiculous…

A National Tutor does work when there’s something to do and does nothing when idle.

Eve knew Alice too well. Cleverly, she pushed herself right into the trap.

After all, Alice was the Empire’s only princess, a fool could never become a princess.

For a moment, Eve wanted to escape this twisted Empire.

But where could she go? She knew the original Eve had helped people selflessly, leaving only a beautiful departing figure behind. Her entanglements with romance spanned more than one empire.

Outside were many girls, near-crazed with unrequited love—lolis, young ladies, mature women…

This Empire was relatively safe in comparison.

“Although still somewhat far off, rest assured, the rewards are generous. After we leave, this entire Empire will be yours.”

“Ah?”

Eve felt uneasy. This sounded like words from a newlywed’s wedding speech…

“Mother, let’s begin.”

Alice winked at Eve again.

Eve thought it unwise to lie, she might instead teach complex material no one would understand, like advanced mathematics…

She excelled at that.

Magic formula research also required talent, like advanced math…

Anyone can abandon you, but magic formulas and math won’t—they are absolute.

“Alright, no need to wait for your father. Let’s start.”

Chancelianne nodded, and they entered a prepared room—a study built for Alice.

The space was vast, like a garden of books, even divided into three floors.

Filled with all kinds of books, even magical texts copied from the Royal Museum.

It was a complete library, theoretically a paradise for a good student.

Unfortunately… Alice was not a good student.

Only the manga and novel section saw regular activity, the rest was pristine, almost glaringly so.

“From now on, you will study here. This library contains all the world’s books, built at Alice’s request.”

“Unfortunately, this child is somewhat foolish, she spent a lot building this private library, yet has shown little progress. She needs Miss Eve’s guidance.”

Eve couldn’t help but feel speechless.

Didn’t the Empress have the slightest doubt about her precious daughter?

Her aim wasn’t truly books, clearly, she noticed the library collected everything—even comics and novels.

A glance revealed one novel left open—Blooming Lilies?

What was Alice reading in this dark corner?

This library was meticulous—everything collected, even small comics.

“I think it relates to the library’s layout. I suggest removing that section, books and all.”

“Oh… Miss Eve knows Feng Shui? That’s the most mysterious thing from the Eastern Continent…”

“Somewhat.”

It wasn’t really Feng Shui, anyone hiding here reading Blooming Lilies wouldn’t make progress. Not regressing was Alice’s magical talent.

“Alice, arrange it immediately, follow Miss Eve’s instructions.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Strangely, Alice didn’t resist. Even the open novel… she agreed obediently.

Everything went too smoothly, Eve felt uneasy.

“Then I will have Alice arrange it. Miss Eve, please begin.”

“Alright…”

Eve walked to the small blackboard and wrote out a set of magical formulas currently used in human society.

She altered one small symbol, and Chancelianne’s eyes widened.

Alice sat at her desk, frowning at the familiar yet unfamiliar formulas.

Chancelianne, who should have been observing, moved a chair next to Alice.

Eve hadn’t said anything, yet mother and daughter were stunned.

So there was such a method—traceable, but subtle… Chancelianne thought.

The thickness of her black stockings seemed higher than usual… Alice thought.

Brilliant formulas!

Brilliant outfit!

Their expressions were alike, but their thoughts completely different.

“Empress, His Majesty has arrived.”

“His Majesty?”

Hearing whispers from the little maid and Chancelianne, Eve’s heart jumped.

It had come. Eve tensed, wondering if she should pretend to go to the bathroom and escape.

But the footsteps grew nearer. If she tried, she would bump into the Emperor at the door.

This private library surely didn’t have a private bathroom?

“I’m not sure there exists someone worthy of entrusting my daughter to. How outstanding must they be?”

“How could such a person exist?”

Click.

The door opened. Eve first heard the sound, then saw a dignified middle-aged man enter.

His brows sharp, face serious, exuding authority… Eve looked no further, she had no interest in men.

He entered with an imposing air, clearly skeptical that a half-haired girl appearing suddenly could earn his wife and daughter’s trust.

But upon seeing Eve, he froze.

The room fell silent.

Eve dared not move, seeing his shocked expression—it was obvious… he had recognized her as the fiery red witch.

She instinctively lowered her head, palms sweaty.

Thump, thump, thump—the Emperor nearly ran to her.

“Please join our Royal family, Eve… Eve…”

“Eve.”

Chancelianne whispered softly.

“Miss Eve! No, National Tutor Eve…”

The Emperor reached out to shake her hand. Eve reflexively extended hers.

But seeing her pale, soft, artful hand, he shook his head and withdrew.

“Miss Eve is a lady. My hands are rough, they may hurt you. A handshake with a handkerchief would fail to show my sincerity.”

“Please accept my bow instead.”

He placed one hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.

Eve was bewildered—a monarch bowing to a commoner?

Such treatment even other monarchs would not offer.

“Seeing Alice taught by you, I feel hope again.”

He used honorifics? And… did he previously give up hope for his daughter, the Empire’s heir?

Eve noticed the Emperor had been staring not at her, but at the blackboard behind her.

Specifically, the formulas on it.

In the end, he hadn’t recognized her?

Eve was stunned. Had her two-year concealment sharpened her disguise skills?

Impossible. Improving magic is harder than losing weight, it’s not something done lying down.

Or had the Empire’s strength dropped a hundredfold while she remained the same?

Even more unlikely. As far as Eve knows, the Emperor came from a military background—someone who loved studying magic and refining martial skills above all else.