If there was one thing that could be said about the gnomes in political matters, Janis had learned, it was that they knew their way around paperwork and bureaucracy.

  It was to be expected; they had, for a long time, had an arguably much more complicated and centralized government than Cernlia or Nerlia. Their organization in factions probably needed a lot of it as well. While some of the people in the Empire were still struggling with the standards and expectations that came with what Regina had introduced, Janis didn’t see any problems among the gnomes. Treaties, contracts, funding application forms, written regulations, or whatever else, the gnomes she was working with or saw now seemed much more at ease handling them where new Imperial citizens might have had minor nervous breakdowns.

  Therefore, while she wouldn’t have expected it a few months ago, Janis found herself almost smiling as she went through the forms and various assorted paperwork submitted by and about the gnomish soldiers who were currently the focus of her attention. Not that she actually felt happy to be doing this, of course, it was still boring. She kept thinking someone else could be handling this.

  Unfortunately, while being Imperial crown princess was better than a dream — she wouldn’t have come up with something like this even in her wildest dreams a few years ago, anyway — it did bring a lot of work with it. It would be petty to complain about it, though, so Janis limited her complaints to occasional grumbles in the privacy of her thoughts.

  After the end of the war, she’d been relieved, and hoped she would be able to get back to focusing on and advancing her magic. While those hopes hadn’t quite been dashed, she had much less time for it than she’d have liked. Regina, the Hive and the Empire still needed her support, and so Janis had gone back to the Gnomish Confederation for most of the previous months. She’d also discovered there was much to do for a commander like her even in peace time. Especially when they were finally getting somewhere with creating a cohesive Imperial military force.

  After a while, she was finally done, so she stacked the papers for someone else to take away and then walked out of her temporary office. She’d only been out of the Gnomish Confederation for less than a day, but the difference was obvious. The doors were taller, for one. The building whose hallway she now walked down was in Cera, a converted trade hall turned barracks and military base, but it had been almost completely revamped. Still, it was easy enough to navigate and after only a minute, Janis found herself on a first floor balcony looking down at some soldiers in the inner yard.

  The soldiers were drilling and putting on a good show, but that wasn’t why she was watching. The reason for her interest would quickly be obvious, because she wasn’t the only one looking at them. A group of gnomish soldiers had been dispersed in the crowd of the other soldiers, some clustering together in the front. The soldiers were all currently testing their skills and abilities, presumably involving some Class Skills that didn’t have long cooldowns. Their coordination at getting to train without getting in each other’s way was impressive. The display was more diverse than it would have been with some units or outfits; since they all had their own Skills, fitting them into the same mold was only possible up to a degree.

  Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for all of them to notice her. The captain barked something and the soldiers lined up quickly, standing at attention and saluting at another order. Janis smiled and returned the salute. “At ease,” she said, raising her voice slightly to ensure they all heard it. “Do not let me disturb you. As you were.”

  “Yes, Your Imperial Highness,” the captain replied, bowing his head. “You heard her, get back to work!”

  They returned to their training, but Janis knew that it wouldn’t be the same. They were aware they were being watched by a superior now, and would be trying to show off or be extra careful, depending. She still kept watching for a bit longer.

  The gnomes here weren’t part of their own army, at least not officially. Some — most — of them were on loan or on permanent or extended leave from the gnomish military. They had joined the Imperial army separately. It was what some time of negotiations had arrived at as a compromise. The gnomish military would be more closely integrated with the Imperial one as well, but it would stay an independent force, at least nominally, at least for now. Until they officially joined the Empire. In the meantime, as citizens of the Empire’s protectorate, gnomes were permitted to enlist in the Imperial military. Previous experience and ranks were taken into consideration. That allowed what were basically transfers. Just with more paperwork, or at least she hoped it would be less otherwise, thus the forms.

  Janis hadn’t disliked her stay in the Gnomish Confederation, but she was glad to be back, and overseeing the integration of the first gnomish soldiers wasn’t a bad mission to focus on for now.

  Still, there were other things she should give a bit of her attention as well, since she was in Cera now. Janis kept watching for a bit, trying to gauge how well integrated the gnomish soldiers were in the unit. It was still early days and there was clearly some tension and uncertainty, but she didn’t see any outright hostility. It might be pointless to just watch them this openly trying to find it, though. She shook her head to herself and turned, deciding she might as well ask other people about their impressions later. Instead, she turned to leave the building.

  “Going back to the palace now, my princess?” her great-uncle asked as he fell in step beside her, hands clasped behind his back.

  Janis glanced at him. Sir Richard had been assigned to her for a bit now, and while things had initially been awkward, she was glad to have some of her family with her. He’d settled into a role somewhere between advisor and guard, able and willing to speak informally with her because of their relation, but still proper. He was also a decorated and experienced knight and commander, so she would hardly ignore him, anyway.

  “Not yet, I still have a stop planned in the city,” she answered.

  He nodded, clearly taking a good guess at what she meant.

  Fortunately, Janis was able to get away with a lot less in the way of protection here than back in the Gnomish Confederation, where people had usually insisted on a full guard complement if she went out into the streets. But this was their capital. Uncle Rich was a perfectly capable guard, so she didn’t need anyone else. She could have easily taken a few Swarm Drones along, of course, but Janis would prefer to be less conspicuous.

  Although, she realized as they went, that was apparently a futile hope. She wouldn’t have thought she was that distinctive, but maybe she was underestimating it again. Her hair wasn’t entirely human in color — as she’d let it grow out enough, the tips became even more fiery to the point she genuinely wondered if it was more than aesthetic — and her eyes, while not as immediately obvious, weren’t either. Janis was also dressed well, not quite up to a day in court, but the half-cape she’d chosen to finalize her outfit was admittedly a bit dramatic. She still liked it. Being accompanied by a knight, even if he wasn’t wearing his full armor, didn’t help. Either way, it was obvious people noticed, reacting when they checked out her System designation, and once enough of them paid attention, everyone else’s attention would be drawn too.

  At least the attention wasn’t actually bothersome. They weren’t accosted or blocked; on the contrary, people were eager to clear space around her, parting the normal crowds and even pressing themselves against walls on occasion.

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  All of them stared, but it wasn’t hostile or negative. Janis managed to smile at them and dared a wave, and the resulting noise was nothing but excited. People called out her title and a surprising number of them added well wishes and blessings, wishing her a long life, for the gods to keep her, and more creative blessings she hadn’t heard before. Janis smiled again and waved back, occasionally returning a short thank-you.

  “We should have taken a full guard detail,” her uncle muttered.

  “Don’t be silly, that’s not necessary,” Janis returned, even though it probably would have made the trip easier. “These people love me.” She heard the wonder in her voice, and shook her head a little at herself. “They really love me,” she repeated more quietly.

  “Of course, you’re their crown princess.”

  Janis gave him a sideways glance. “That’s hardly a guarantee of anything. Didn’t you tell me how people tried throwing rotten fruit at the old king once?”

  Key word being ‘tried’. He’d responded harshly and quickly. Janis was sure he never would have gone without a full guard detail.

  Her uncle only made a dismissive grumbling sound. “Your reputation is so much better than his, my princess. I am not sure even the Empress herself would get this enthusiasm. You didn’t hear that from me.”

  “Why not?” Janis asked as she grinned at the crowd again, but started walking a bit faster. “Her reforms are improving their lives, that’s the entire point.”

  “True, but it can be hard to connect the effects in their lives with her efforts, I suppose,” Richard murmured. “And she has been sitting behind palace walls. You led an army, and your men mostly only have good things to say about you. The people love a victor.”

  “Really?” she mused. “Are the people that shallow?”

  “Shallow?” He paused, giving her a more serious look. “Janis, you won a war for them. The people appreciate it. Don’t dismiss it. Your Imperial Highness.”

  “Sorry,” she muttered, chastened. “I didn’t mean it like that.” She sighed, then forced another smile. At least they were getting to a less thickly populated part of the city now and the crowds were thinning out.

  Eventually, she managed to duck into a side alley and block their view with her uncle’s bulk. She adjusted her cape, tucked her hair into her jacket, even if it looked a bit worse this way, and titled her head down as they quickly crossed several streets. It wasn’t very far now, and she’d managed to avoid most people’s attention here.

  The mansion they eventually reached was a bit smaller than the others nearby, there was no need for more space, and the walls had recently been painted anew. It still didn’t feel familiar to Janis, but she liked its look and atmosphere. She passed through the gate, then looked around, her magical senses giving her a better view of the layout and beings containing mana within. Instead of entering the building directly, she went a bit to the side, Richard following after her, to find the person she’d been looking for in a partly covered courtyard bordered by the main house and a side annex.

  “You’re the aunt of a princess now. You don’t have to do your own laundry.”

  Aunt Marian startled, almost dropping the basket she’d just picked up. She set it aside carelessly and turned. “Janis! I didn’t see you there. Oh, and Sir Richard. Welcome.”

  Janis nodded and took a step closer, peering critically at the line hanging across the courtyard, filled with sheets and shirts. She didn’t know if it mattered that it wasn’t really visible from the street.

  “Are the servants I’ve hired not doing enough?” she asked. “Tell me, I can chastise them or get more workers.”

  “They’re fine,” Marian replied promptly, “don’t you dare dismiss them. We’ve just gotten used to each other. Besides, I know you’re paying them quite generously.”

  “I want you to be well taken care of,” Janis shrugged dismissively.

  That much was true, whatever problems she’d had with her aunt in the past. Besides, it wasn’t like she was spending her own money. Technically. Janis didn’t actually draw a salary or anything. But Regina was perfectly happy to pay for things like her family’s living expenses, which included hiring domestic staff, for people with means. And Janis figured that, if nothing else, she was doing enough work for the Empire to account for keeping a few people living comfortably.

  Her aunt sighed and rolled her eyes, though the gesture seemed a bit fonder than Janis would have expected. “It’s sweet of you to worry, my dear, but mistaken. I hardly have to do any work at all anymore. In fact, that would be my biggest problem. I don’t have any work to do.”

  Janis stared at her for a moment, then nodded. Maybe she wasn’t the only one who felt that a bit of distance had actually improved their relationship. Or maybe her growing up and the changing situation had removed some causes for friction. She certainly wouldn’t have thought about it like that a few years ago. But her aunt also hadn’t exactly called her ‘sweet’ often.

  "How about we head inside and talk over drinks?” she suggested. “I could do with a cup of tea.”

  They did, and Janis got the opportunity to see the servants they’d discussed in action. Once her aunt gave the order, clearly acting as matron of the house, they served tea pretty quickly. Janis thanked them with a smile and then settled into the chair in the smaller parlor of the house. Her uncle hesitated for a moment before taking another chair, but her aunt didn’t bother standing on ceremony even if her wayward niece was now a princess. That would have been too weird, anyway.

  On some level, she always felt like a ten-year-old who’d come back bruised and dirty from playing with the other village children with her aunt. It was amusing to see that hadn’t changed.

  “So, you’re bored?” she ventured after taking a sip of tea. Herbs mixed with something imported.

  “Am I ever,” Aunt Marian sighed. “I appreciate that you brought me here, niece — at last — but I am used to the satisfaction of a hard day’s work. Sitting around all day is enough to almost make me wish I’d become an adventurer myself.”

  Janis ducked her head a bit. She should have probably taken her aunt here earlier, but she’d wanted for things to settle first and she’d been rather distracted by fighting the war. At least Forest’s Haunt had improved a lot and she’d still made sure her aunt had money, so it wasn’t like she’d entirely neglected caring for her. And it had been a few months now. “Would you rather have stayed?” she asked. Though she could’ve just told me that. “Or go back?”

  Her aunt regarded her silently for a second. “No,” she said finally. “It wasn’t the same … Princess. Everyone knew you, obviously, and who I was. I even got a few visitors, knights and such, who probably thought they could get something out of it regarding you. You should’ve seen their faces.” She smiled slightly, then shrugged. “I’m sure you have it worse than I do, when it comes to people treating you differently. I was hardly opposed to a new start. So no, I’d rather not go back.”

  Janis nodded. “I could make some introductions,” she said hesitantly. “At court, with people of import. There are quite a few functions and engagements you’d be invited to, I’m sure. Although, not to be rude, but hiring a tutor first might be best if you wanted to make the best impression.”

  Her aunt smiled sardonically. “Afraid your country bumpkin of an aunt would embarrass you in front of your subjects, Your Highness? And here I thought I managed to teach you manners.”

  “That’s not what I meant —“

  She shook her head and raised a hand, cutting off Janis’ protest. “It’s fine. You’re not entirely wrong to worry, Janis. But as it happens, I did learn some manners. And I’ve been having regular chats with a helpful gentleman regarding the subject, so there’s no need to arrange for an additional tutor.”

  Janis blinked. “Oh.“ Does that mean what I think it does? Is she being careless, or —

  “I mean a tutor I’m compensating with some of that money you send, dear, don’t be foolish.” Marian smiled, taking some of the sting out of the familiar chiding tone. Janis had the impression she was enjoying her reaction. “Now drink your tea, don’t be rude.”

  “I’m a princess now, you can’t boss me around anymore,” Janis muttered sulkily.

  Richard coughed, clearly hiding a chuckle. Janis sent him a dark look as she gulped down the rest of her cup.

  “Unfortunately, that seems to be true,” her aunt sighed. “So now I have to ask you instead. I want a position, Janis. Something to make myself useful, and I’m sure you need someone you trust. Head of your household would suit.”

  “I don’t really have a household,” Janis pointed out. Regina’s court and royal family wasn’t the most traditional, but she was sure she would have noticed if she was supposed to set up her own. She suspected she was part of Regina’s household for those who categorized such things.

  Marian flicked her hand dismissively. “I’m sure we can work something out.”

  Janis sighed, resisting the urge to rub her temples. She could just hear her aunt’s comment if she did. Instead, she leaned back in her chair. “Let me have some time to consider it,” she temporized.

  A lot of time, perhaps. And a few people to talk to if she decided to do it. They could probably find something better for Aunt Marian, where everyone would be happy, right?