A long table was laid with afternoon tea and pastries that Selina had carefully prepared. From the setup, Xiliya knew Selina had serious business to discuss.
“It’s like this, Miss Xiliya. A reply from the Roland Royal Family arrived this morning.”
Selina produced a letter, its fire-sealed wax stamp bearing the royal emblem standing out prominently.
Xiliya grew serious at once. Camberlan City was far from the capital, yet the royal reply had come so quickly, showing how much importance the Roland Royal Family placed on the matter.
“The letter addresses the handling of the Camberlan Family. Read it yourself, Miss Xiliya.”
Selina smiled warmly and pulled out the specific letter for Xiliya, handing it over.
Xiliya raised an eyebrow in surprise, for this was a letter personally written to her by the current Queen of Roland.
In her previous life, Xiliya had never had the chance to interact with someone of the Queen of Roland’s stature. After being driven out of the Camberlan Family, she had seen herself as an ordinary person… though ordinary people didn’t suffer as she had.
Xiliya read the letter carefully. The Queen of Roland first expressed the royal family’s gratitude on behalf of the crown, thanking her not only for rooting out such a major threat to the empire but also for protecting Selina.
As for the arrangements for the Camberlan Family, collusion with the enemy was a grave crime. By law, the family’s assets would be entirely confiscated, and their noble seats revoked.
However, after reviewing Selina’s report to the capital, the tribunal had deliberated and unanimously agreed that the entire affair was Masha’s personal actions, unrelated to the Camberlan Family. Combined with Xiliya’s merits, the empire decided not to impose any further penalties on the Camberlan Family.
Xiliya understood. The tribunal’s deliberation was just an excuse. The royals were showing both grace and authority, giving the Camberlan Family a reprieve.
“Thank you for the royal family’s leniency toward the Camberlan Family.” Xiliya’s attitude was respectful.
“But there’s one more thing. Her Majesty the Queen hopes to speak with you through me; it’s not written in the letter.”
Xiliya grew alert. A face-to-face talk meant this matter was more important than what was in the letter. What could be more crucial than the resolution for the Camberlan Family?
“It’s this: After assessment, the royals believe your suspicions about the Beastmen Clan are accurate. The Northern Beastmen may indeed be plotting a war.”
Xiliya shrugged. Though this was an inevitable fact to her as a reborn soul, she had only presented it as personal conjecture in her report.
“So the royals plan to station an imperial army unit in Camberlan City, with an accompanying imperial officer taking over city management…”
Xiliya had her guesses. The royals still didn’t fully trust her and planned to sideline her this way?
“Of course, the imperial army is only temporarily managing the city. The real authority as City Lord remains in your hands, Miss Xiliya.”
Selina quickly added, “The thing is, the royals greatly admire your magical talent. Her Majesty doesn’t want to waste talent and wishes to send you to the Imperial Capital Magic Academy.”
“During your studies, the imperial army will manage the city on your behalf.”
Xiliya raised an eyebrow. She hadn’t expected such a good opportunity. Before she could even bring it up, Selina had already extended the olive branch.
But thinking about it, it made sense. Xiliya wasn’t boasting; based on her performance that night cooperating with Ximo to deal with the Beastman Priest, Selina saw her as a young genius, and that wasn’t an overstatement.
This was the perfect choice for Xiliya. The Imperial Capital Magic Academy was Roland Empire’s top institution, gathering the finest mages, geniuses, and scholars from human nations.
Though in her previous life she had ended up homeless, enduring much hardship with no chance to experience the academy’s rich academic atmosphere, this life she could make up for it.
Moreover, Xiliya wanted to enter the Imperial Capital Magic Academy to make up for certain regrets from her previous life.
Selina handed over an invitation from the Imperial Capital Magic Academy, but Xiliya didn’t take it immediately.
“It’s like this, Lady Selina. I’m deeply grateful for the royals’ kindness, but I have one request. I want Ximo to come with me to the Imperial Capital Magic Academy…”
“No need to worry, Miss Xiliya. The Imperial Capital Magic Academy has spots for attendants.”
Xiliya knew, of course, that the academy allowed attendants. Many nobles brought their personal servants to accompany them, proving that attendants differed from regular students.
The academy’s entrance exams for regular students were extremely demanding. Without noble birth, ordinary people had almost no chance of entering.
Even among nobles, not just any minor house qualified. Though the Camberlan Family had declined, it was an old border noble house with centuries of roots, plus the uniqueness of border garrison duty, securing such a spot.
But these hurdles were for ordinary people. Hearing Xiliya’s request, Selina didn’t even furrow her brow. She could decide such a minor matter without consulting the royals.
“Of course, no problem. Miss Ximo’s strength would more than qualify her for enrollment anyway.” Selina agreed readily.
Thus, Xiliya revealed a satisfied smile. Though it followed her previous life’s path, this time everything was won by her own efforts.
Of course, Ximo’s help was indispensable.
…
While Xiliya conversed with Selina, Ximo was secretly hiding alone in the rear garden, talking to the System.
The reason for such secrecy was that the first volume’s plot had nearly concluded, and Ximo wanted to see if she could summon the customer service rep named “System.”
Finding a secluded spot was also convenient… In a bit, she would give her a good beating.
But unexpectedly, the System only responded with its usual cold, mechanical voice.
[The task reward “Enhanced Magic Talent” has been settled for you, dear. Congratulations, dear! Additionally, issuing the final task for the Camberlan Family plot.]
There was still a task? Ximo was stunned. She had thought the plot of the original work’s first volume had already wrapped up here.
[As the eldest miss of the Camberlan Family who was driven out of the house, the only thing you still cared about here was your mother, Xiwei Camberlan.]
[Before being driven out of the Camberlan Family, you resolved to find your mother’s most important relic and take it with you.]
[Please complete the plot task “Retrieve Mother’s Blue Jasmine Earrings (Incomplete)”. Warm reminder: Failure of this task will result in punishment.]
Ha? Ximo was dumbfounded. For an instant, she even suspected the System was deliberately making things difficult for her.
