“True, but still…”
The Empire was a blend of main territories and surrounding provinces. The latter were still managed primarily by dispatched viceroys and local nobles. Nonetheless, large-scale issues involving either public works or provinces were reported to the capital.
Of course, the Empire’s capable officials usually dealt with such matters, so Lowellmina simply had to give her approval, but for a nation that ruled half the continent, that task alone meant endless paperwork.
“Honestly, everywhere I look, it’s work, work, work. ‘History’s First Empress’ is a glamorous title, but my to-do list is the same as ever.”
“Your Majesty may leave everything to the vassals if you wish.”
“That would give room for those vassals to take advantage of that power.”
“As Empress, that may be a useful way to test their trustworthiness.”
“…All expectations aside, I should think that would only increase my workload, so I’ll pass.”
“Very well.”
Lowellmina’s disgruntled attitude made Fyshe break into a tiny smile.
Despite her new role, Lowellmina never changes.
Lowellmina had overcome numerous challenges to become Empress just as she’d always dreamed. It was a joyous achievement, and she had every right to indulge herself. However, the Empress celebrated only briefly with her friends and followers before seeing to her duties. The image of Lowellmina quietly lifting the Empire back on its feet despite her fledgling authority was a fine example of her virtuous nature.
Yet even as her popularity rose, some still felt women had no place in politics and bemoaned the advent of a new dark age. Fyshe, however, believed the opposite. One sun had set on the Empire, only to be greeted by a new one named “Lowellmina.”
Of course, examples of wise, respectable politicians marred by corruption and depravity can be found in any era. Our budding Empress is full of promise, so I’ll do everything in my power to help her grow into a tall, upright tree. That is the duty of a vassal.
Fyshe had originally been an Earthworld ambassador, but Lowellmina hired her as an aide after a career setback. As a woman, Fyshe admired Lowellmina’s fiery ambition and undying patriotism, and the bond built between them made her a trusted confidant. Considering the outcome, it was safe to say Fyshe had taken a significant risk and won. The journey hadn’t been straightforward by any means, but she’d finally risen to head aide and was now the envy of every official.
Unfortunately, my ascension has brought countless nuisances.
Between letters from unknown relatives and sudden marriage proposals, Fyshe had to deal with it all as everyone tried to get their own piece of the pie. Still, this was nothing compared to those who plotted to push Fyshe out of the picture and gain Lowellmina’s trust. She would have to constantly defend her position while still supporting her mistress. When Fyshe considered how she would likely go down in history as the trusted retainer of history’s first Empress, she was beset by an overwhelming feeling. She had no intention of relinquishing her seat to anyone.
Honor and loyalty would be the two wheels of her cart. She would support Empress Lowellmina with these two guiding principles. That was what Fyshe had decided.
“What’s the matter, Fyshe?”
“It’s nothing,” she replied smoothly. “More importantly, if Your Majesty feels so overwhelmed, then let’s coordinate with Prime Minister Keskinel and try to lighten your workload.”
“Right!” Lowellmina exclaimed, her mood instantly brighter.
“However, please remember that all of your spare time has been set aside for diplomatic appointments.”
“Right…” Lowellmina’s expression soured. “Which means we’ll only break even…”
“I expect it will be some time before your schedule permits any leisure.”
Lowellmina let out a wail of protest. “Well, so be it. In any case, we have more important business than mere paperwork.”
“Yes, especially from today onward.”
“Exactly,” Lowellmina replied with a smile. “It’s time for a delightful conversation with our princely ally.”
Lowellmina’s ascension had an immense impact on the Empire, but needless to say, those waves rippled through foreign nations as well. The West, in particular, was highly conservative, and its politics were a male-dominated sphere. No one questioned this. Nonetheless, the new sovereign of one of the most powerful nations in the East was a woman. The West’s flustered males were surely scrambling to ascertain Lowellmina’s character, ideologies, politics, and what connections could be made.
Among these nations, there was one which remained unfazed by the Empress. The dragon of the north, the Kingdom of Natra.
“We exchanged formalities earlier, but allow me to congratulate you again on your coronation, Empress Lowellmina.”
“Hee-hee. Why, thank you, Prince Wein.”
Soft light streamed through the window of a room within the Imperial Palace while a young man addressed Lowellmina. He was Natra’s crown prince, Wein Salema Arbalest.
“I feel like it’s been ages since Your Majesty’s last visit to Natra.”
“Indeed. However, I believe I was only able to come this far because of the time we spent together, Prince Wein.”
Natra and the Empire had a surprisingly long history as allies, but their significant differences in national strength meant the two were never equals. Most of Natra’s neighbors once viewed it as a vassal state to the Empire. However, in the chaos following the Emperor’s sudden demise, Natra rose in power under Prince Wein’s command.
Lowellmina, who’d been Wein’s greatest supporter, had been left to fend for herself in the War for Succession. Despite her lack of public achievements, Wein recognized Lowellmina’s wisdom and offered aid. It seemed like a foolhardy venture since everyone else had always assumed one of the princes would become Emperor. Now that Lowellmina sat on the throne, it was clear his decision had been correct.
And so the relationship between Natra and the Empire entered a honeymoon phase. There wasn’t the slightest hint of darkness between the prince whose finesse had led his people to prosperity, and the young princess turned Empress. That was how it appeared to outsiders anyway. Those well-versed in politics knew it wasn’t so simple.
“…With all due respect, Your Majesty, there is something I wish to ask,” interjected a third voice, which echoed across the room.
“Oh my. What is it, Ninym?”
Ninym. The name Lowellmina spoke belonged to Wein’s aide. She had the distinctive white hair and red eyes of the Flahm.
“Exactly how long do you intend to hug me?” she asked wearily from between Empress Lowellmina’s arms.
“Come now, why the long face? We haven’t seen each other in forever.”
The two were so far apart on the social ladder that Ninym shouldn’t have even been allowed to speak to Lowellmina, let alone touch her. Regardless, Lowellmina clung to her like an oversized lapdog. It was no wonder since Lowellmina, Ninym, and Wein had spent their days at the military academy together and formed a bond far beyond rank.
However, that was a long time ago.
“Lowa, you are the rightful Empress now. Even if you are only playing around, please show some restraint,” Ninym said.
“Don’t worry, I trust everyone here. Even my guard,” the Empress replied.