Estella is interested in anything regarding Celestia's proposal as long as she hasn't experienced it before.
"Sure, I've always wanted to see the Canon Law School. I've already visited the Knight Academy." Estella found the guided tours where everyone wore disguises and followed protocol rather boring.
"How did it feel?"
"Restrictive and oppressive, but it looked quite capable in terms of battle. How are things in the Canon Law School now? Will there be any notable performances in this Glory Battle?" When it came to serious matters, Estella was quite insightful.
Though state affairs were primarily handled by her father and elder brother, whenever there was a chance to meet or discuss things over family dinners, they still talked about state affairs. Estella understood that governing a country could be done easily, but doing it well was extremely difficult. Deep down, she respected her father and brother.
Of course, a family always has one or two who hold things back.
"Want the truth?" Celestia laughed.
"Of course, otherwise, why would we be good friends? I think it's not just because I'm a princess, right?"
"Maybe, maybe I'm just trying to cozy up to you to gain power and success."
Estella smiled gently, "Do you have some misunderstanding about cozying up?"
Celestia couldn't help but laugh as well, "Honestly, whether in terms of top-level or average level, the Canon Law School can't compare to the Knight Academy. Not to brag, but the Saint Grace Canon Law School stands out in the Canon Law School, but compared to our eight Knight Academies, there is still a significant gap."
"Oh, so all these years of effort haven't yielded results?" Estella frowned slightly, knowing that her father and teacher had high hopes for the Canon Law School.
"Of course there are results, and outstanding ones at that. Mostly made up of civilians, the Canon Law School, which started on a poor foundation, now dares to compare itself with the best Knight Academy, which was unimaginable before. Actually, from the perspective of an experiment, it has proved the necessity of the Canon Law School; there is a lot of brilliant talent among ordinary people but they lack conditions and opportunities. If this part is expanded, it will provide the kingdom with the most talent at the least cost," Celestia said, "And these people are loyal only to the King."
On this aspect, both stopped short, as the longstanding Moncalleta Kingdom thrived with many deeply rooted factions that could even sway the king.
"Policy implementation needs results, especially those that can persuade others to agree, so Father can continue to promote and take control," Estella said.
"Exactly, so the performances in the Glory Battle are essential. There are lots of random factors in the team contest, so it's not impossible to achieve good results. I'd like to introduce my cousin Simmons to you this afternoon properly, he's a representative figure from the Canon Law School. Maybe, we can break into the top eight this time," Celestia laughed.
"Simmons, one of the Eight Lords, brother is really looking forward to it."
In fact, the preparations for the Glory Battle have already begun under the full responsibility of her brother. The strength comparison between the Canon Law School and the Knight Academy has reached a certain level. Although the battlefield is a complex factor in determining victory, miracles are rare, and many Canon Law Schools are showing confidence. It's not arrogance or weakness, but merely because they haven't seen higher peaks.
Hearing Simmons has secured a place in the Crown Prince's team, Celestia felt reassured like she had taken a calming pill, confirming suspicions through Estella. The George Family had bet a lot at least there's a ripple, but impressions aside, results are the real foundation.
The carriage arrived at Lirong Inn, and the bustling environment here was entirely different from what Celestia had imagined. Densely packed crowds, noisy chatter, and the eclectic attire were focused on practicality for work. The smell of sweat mixed with the aroma of food—yes, it was breakfast time.
With the decline in lunch and dinner sales, the Dragon Mother, with her capitalist flair, started breakfast immediately. Her rice bowl dish with meat scraps offered both meat and vegetables and was more filling, proving much more cost-effective than beef soup and bread, especially for dock workers.
Such flavors couldn't stir Estella, but the variety of people and lively environment did move her. The appearances of Celestia and Estella drew attention; the nun and the non-nun mattered little to these people. However, young girls were always eye-catching wherever they went. Arthur, with his adorable look paired with a nun-like outfit, offered a pure yet reserved charm. Celestia's appearance screamed rebellious aristocratic young lady with her uncommon short hair.
Estella and Celestia found a spot at the periphery, and Dragon Mother—who had been snacking on seeds—quickly noticed them and came over. Despite the Hedan Daily reporting that several of the organ harvesters—real and copycats—had been captured and sentenced to fire punishment, Dragon Mother remained cautious in her ventures. Not all predators had been completely curbed yet, and danger still lurked.
Upon spotting Celestia and Estella, she hurried to them, her eyes shining knowingly—definitely noble young ladies, all big clients. She had to attend to them personally.
She motioned for the dazed Dalivin to clean the table, "I've already cleaned it, Dragon Mother."
"Idiot, clean it again. Can't you see they're noble ladies and not like those rough men," Dragon Mother barked, then smiled warmly at Estella and Celestia, "What would you ladies like to eat today? We have Moncalleta's exclusive Palace Chicken here, the best in Dao Yuan."
Both Celestia and Estella laughed, "You're Dragon Mother, right? I've heard Simmons mention your unmatched charm."
"Oh my, Master Simmons! He does make one blush with words—eagle-like men have good taste. And you are?" Dragon Mother's brightly red lips parted, revealing pearly whites—definitely her most striking feature—not showing embarrassment at all.
Celestia wouldn't know yet, but once they left, Dragon Mother would yell loud enough for the whole inn to hear Master Simmons acknowledged her unmatched charm.
"I'm Celestia George, his cousin, and this is my friend. Just bring out your best,"
"Alright, Miss George, just hold on. I'll have the chef carefully prepare it!" Dragon Mother replied even happier.
"Dragon Mother, I heard someone else invented this dish. Can he make it?" Celestia inquired.
Dragon Mother paused, "It's unfortunate, ladies. Young Master Li Xin went out early today. Not to keep it from you, Li Xin has quite the extraordinary background and mystery. He not only cooks but is also a writer, and his work is publishing today—yes, the Hex Bird Report weekly."
"Really, can you get me a copy?" Celestia was taken aback; Li Xin writes books?
She truly couldn't believe it; he didn't look like an artist at all.
"Please wait, here we are just a bunch of rough folks… alright, Dalivin, not you, you're just foolish, right? Quickly run and get a copy for Miss George!" Dragon Mother kicked Dalivin.
Then she looked at the two with a smile, "Dalivin is a painter who travels Dao Yuan Continent, and these artistic types love to stay close to life. His painting skills are exceptional, just lacking recognition from prominent figures."
"I've heard from Simmons there are hidden talents here. A skilled magician, and isn't there a handsome mercenary?"
"We have a magician, but he's away today. The mercenary, frankly, is ordinary; it's a life of danger manning knife-edges—a body riddled with scars," Dragon Mother replied.
Celestia smiled and nodded while Dragon Mother went to prepare the dishes, casting a hawkish glance around the many patrons, "All of you keep it well behaved! Don't disturb the guests during their meal!"
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