BBYW Vol. 4 Interlude 7 (WN)
by nellstewartThe Empire’s Red Rose 7
【POV: Rossellia Baal】
“Fwaah…no more…”
One of my newest subordinates, Raine Halphas, was currently experiencing a dizzy spell right before my eyes.
The hot water and heat in the bath had gotten to her head; my maids put a bathrobe on her and carried her to the sofa in my room.
I wonder how she was going to react, once she realized she was in the Empress’ private quarters, where only select people were allowed entry?
(She’s pretty, serious, with a touch of adorable goofiness…I bet Lord Dyngir would take an inkling to her. Oh dear…I’m thinking of him again. This isn’t good.)
My thoughts trailed in such a direction as I watched my maids fan Raine on the sofa.
(There’s no helping it, though. We might not have spent long time together, but the mark he left runs deep…)
I caressed my stomach.
I was completely smitten with Lord Dyngir. I wanted to see him, to run into his arms. Such desires of romance were constantly gnawing at my spirit.
If the child in my womb wasn’t his, I would have probably abandoned the throne, the empire, and ran off to the Kingdom of Lamperouge.
“Milady, are you really sure it was fine to speak about the child to Lady Halphas…?”
I was still lost in thought when one of my older maids approached me.
Returning to the reality before me, I nodded.
“Telling her about the secret was the best way to gain her trust, I think. The empire needs her talent too: the sooner we get her on our side, the better.”
I glanced at one of the essays on my desk.
A composition about the necessity of reform in the schooling system of the empire, it had been written by Raine Halphas before she started working in the palace.
Among the issues plaguing the empire’s education, one was the decline of the literacy rate.
Only the male children of some merchant and well-to-do families were taught to read, write and count. Other than them, only village elders and their heirs could. The literacy rate of the entire population was thus less than 20%.
On top of that, there were malicious merchants who took advantage of the masses’ inability to read, and tricked them into signing abusive contracts.
Raine’s essay delved into ways to change such a situation.
A “village school” should be built in every settlement, where children could learn basic reading and writing, at no cost.
Then — especially remarkable children would be picked, by recommendation of their own or by others, and could proceed to study in “high schools” built in larger towns.
Those who achieved exceptionally high results in these “high schools” were then allowed enrollment in “imperial schools”, built to form the functionaries of the future. After graduation, they would be allowed to serve at court.
Until now, there was an exam system in place to select court functionaries, but there was no structure to provide an education to future talent.
It might take an overwhelming amount of time before we could bring Raine’s system into reality. Once it was complete, however, it would become possible to reach all people with talent born throughout the empire, in turn bringing benefits to the future of the country itself.
“Most importantly, her education system gives a chance to all people, regardless of gender. The objective of a greater participation and standing of women in society is something I strive for too.”
As empress, I want to do everything I can to battle against the discrimination against women rooted within the empire.
A young and talented functionary like Raine Halphas would definitely be suitable as my right arm in order to achieve this goal.
“Besides…since there are already other people aware of my secret, it might be pointless to try hard to hide it at this point.”
“Sir Dagon…is it?”
The maid pronounced the name with a pained expression on her face.
A former subordinate of Grett Baal, second son of the former emperor and cause of the chaos and devastation that recently struck the empire. Even among nobles, he was one of the staunchest supporters of the empire’s misogynist traditions. He was definitely the last person I would have wanted to learn about the secret.
“Judging from his behavior during the meeting, he likely wants to use Lord Dyngir’s information as leverage for extortion…we have to do something about him, and quickly.”
Still in my bathrobe, I approached the table next to the window.
There was a large birdcage on it, where a majestic hawk was poking through walnuts with its beak, to eat the contents.
I opened the cage and tied the letter I had just written to the hawk’s leg.
“It’s time to work, dear. You know what to do, yes?”
“Kyooh…”
I rubbed the bird’s chin, and it responded with a pleased cry.
The hawk poked his face out of the cage, hopped out and spread its wings.
“Have a nice flight, and say hi to everyone for me.”
“Kyoooh!!”
The hawk soared in the sky and flew away, towards the setting sun. I watched it disappear into the distance, then closed the window.
“Got to strike the iron while it’s hot. And before the enemy escapes…”
“Milady…”
“This is all for the sake of this country…and for the sake of my child. Do not worry, I am not going to be affected by this much.”
I reassured the maid, who looked at me with apprehension, and sat down on the sofa again.
On the sofa on the other side of the table, Raine was still mumbling to herself, her face all red.
“Hwah…My Liege…your boobs…so big…”
“…what is she dreaming about, I wonder?”
Had it really been a wise choice, to share the secret with her?
Feeling a drop of anxiety in my heart, I sighed to myself.