Chapter 181
Shasei’s eyes sparkled as she asked. Siren stroked her daughter’s cheek before opening her lips to speak.
“The date for our departure to Idoros has finally been set.”
“…!”
“You’ve only ever heard about Idoros. Now that you’ve grown quite a bit, I thought it was time for you to see it for yourselves.”
“A trip!”
The one who shouted “A trip!” was Seimin. His simple, unrestrained joy was beyond adorable. But it was hardly the demeanor of a ruler.
Shasei, on the other hand, seemed to understand immediately what going to Idoros truly meant. She said nothing, merely clenched her fists in silent resolve.
“In exactly one month, we’ll be leaving. It’ll be the first time you’ll step outside the South, where you’ve lived since birth.”
“Alright.”
Shasei answered calmly, straightening her posture and holding herself with poise. Lifting her chin, she adjusted her stance, an air of arrogance flickering in her gaze.
It was almost uncanny how much she resembled Yasamin.
Her demeanor, her gestures, her tone of speech—even the strength in her eyes.
She had an instinctive understanding of what power was and how to wield it.
Sharp, resolute, and perceptive.
And yet, she possessed the generosity to embrace others.
Her sense of possession and attachment to what was hers was extraordinary…
“She’s just like Yasamin.”
Though Siren had given birth to her, she often found herself astonished by the striking resemblance, enough to make her tongue click in disbelief.
Of course, it wasn’t a bad surprise—it was a pleasant one.
“Mom, does Idoros have lots of tasty food? What about friends? Can I play with my friends there?”
Meanwhile, Seimin’s questions were innocent and pure.
Without Shasei, he would surely be crushed under the weight of the fierce noble children.
Fortunately, with Shasei by his side, that would never happen.
“Of course, you can play with your friends. I’ll be selecting a few children who could be good companions for you. You’ll spend time with them, and if you like them, you can bring them back to the South with you.”
“Wow!”
“Shasei, I’ll also assign a few girls to serve as your ladies-in-waiting. But among them, one might end up becoming a true friend. A lady-in-waiting can also become a trusted subordinate.”
“Yes, Mother. I understand. You mean I should find someone like Sir Eltan or Lady Ananta.”
Eltan, Yasamin’s closest confidant.
Ananta, Siren’s own right hand.
The twins had been taught to respect them both.
Even though their statuses were low, and they were mere ordinary humans, they were never to be disregarded.
Outside, Eltan acted in Yasamin’s stead, and Ananta stood in for Siren.
Shasei understood perfectly that she needed to find someone capable of doing the same for her.
“That’s right. But, Shasei, what did I tell you is the most important thing?”
“The heart, before usefulness or purpose.”
“Exactly. The heart always comes first. That is Seimin’s most beautiful gift. Never forget that. Otherwise, you will become a monster.”
The two children would learn from each other and grow.
Because their talents were so vastly different.
Siren was greatly looking forward to seeing what kind of adults they would become as they grew.
“Mom, then will Dad be with us the whole time?”
“He will.”
Yasamin would be leaving for Idoros first thing tomorrow.
She needed to confirm the completion of the castle and break the will of the nobles.
It would likely create quite an atmosphere of fear.
The mere fact that she wasn’t there would already put them in a foul mood.
Siren knew well just how much of a tyrant Yasamin could be when she wasn’t around.
Only in her presence did Yasamin restrain herself—but in a way, that was preferable. That way, the nobles would eagerly anticipate the arrival of the queen and her children, which would naturally turn into a warm welcome and goodwill.
Yasamin was surely calculating all of this.
Probably about half of it.
The other half would simply be her wreaking havoc out of genuine irritation.
“What did I tell you about Idoros’ climate?”
“It’s always cooler than the South!”
“That’s right. So, we’ll have new clothes made in the Idorosian style. I’ve already called in a tailor, so get your measurements taken. You’ll each choose the fabric for two of your outfits yourselves after touching and assessing the materials.”
“Yes, Mother!”
“Shasei, you need to help Seimin. Understood?”
Recognizing the weight, texture, and quality of silk and understanding how they should be used was also a part of proper education.
Expensive didn’t always mean good, and cheap didn’t always mean bad.
That was the foundation of a noble’s discerning eye.
Siren had already taught them this multiple times.
It wasn’t necessarily Siren’s knowledge but rather Aquafuran’s sensibilities that she had passed on. Regardless, the lesson remained the same.
“Your Majesty, the Outer City Security Captain has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Just as the children were leaving, the captain of the Outer City Security entered.
Positions like this had not existed in the past. It was something Siren had newly established while restructuring the South.
Naturally, the area around the castle was now the most prosperous in the South.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.