Episode 4
After Eirin’s birthday banquet, spring returns once more.
Kaltus decides to have Eirin enroll in the Borut Empire’s international academy.
The entry date is moved one year earlier than originally planned.
That’s why Kaltus calls for Eirin — to talk about this change.
“Take your time to think. Also, about your academy enrollment date…”
As the topic she had been waiting for came up, Eirin tried to stay calm.
She was eager to say what she had prepared.
“I’d like to enter a year early. I found out that with extra payment, early admission is possible.”
Seven years ago, the Borut Empire created the world’s first international academy: Achillin Academy.
With excellent teachers and top-tier education, it became the most respected academy in the world.
The entrance exams were tough, but many children of high-ranking families from all over the world came to study there — mainly to build international connections.
Kaltus wanted that too, so he arranged for Eirin and Prince Tuail to join.
“If only that academy didn’t exist…”
Eirin gritted her teeth silently.
If she had never gone there, she wouldn’t have been hurt so badly.
“There are two gifts I want this year.”
She calmly gave a surprising answer.
“Please cancel my enrollment at the academy.”
“What are you saying?”
Kaltus’s face turned serious.
At the time, relations with the Mersen Empire were getting worse.
If war broke out, it would be safer for Eirin to be abroad.
So he wanted her enrolled quickly.
Despite his angered expression, Eirin stood firm.
“I don’t want to go to the academy.”
“But you already passed the entrance exam. Why now?”
Kaltus had invested a lot into getting Eirin accepted — hiring top teachers and spending a fortune.
“You worked so hard. Don’t you feel it’s a waste?”
“I’m okay with it.”
She had already learned most of the academy’s subjects.
Even if she couldn’t explain it all clearly, she could understand advanced books on her own.
She didn’t mind studying independently if needed.
“Besides, there was that recent kidnapping of the 2nd prince from the Celine Kingdom. I think the academy’s reputation will collapse soon.”
“That is concerning, but…”
“It showed that the academy’s security could be broken.”
After the prince’s kidnapping, the academy’s system began to crack.
Though the Borut Empire required elite guards for each student, the damage was done.
“What if someone with a grudge against our empire kidnaps me to threaten the royal family?”
Kaltus frowned at her chilling words.
“And sending tuition to Borut means sending our kingdom’s money abroad. That’s not good either.”
Her points made sense.
Back then, many simply followed the trend of sending children to the academy.
But now that she pointed it out, it did seem risky.
He had a strange feeling that her concerns could really come true.
“We can still find great teachers in our own kingdom. This academy craze will fade soon.”
In fact, by the time Eirin would have graduated, many talented students began returning to their home countries.
Eventually, countries like Celine banned their people from attending Achillin Academy.
Borut’s rapid growth made others wary.
Kaltus rubbed his chin and thought deeply.
“I understand what you’re saying.”
His eyes shifted.
Had it really been that long since he spent time with his daughter?
Her calm, logical attitude was surprising.
She used to be stubborn and emotional, but now…
“Very well.”
He was already unhappy about the tuition being sent to Borut.
Sending Eirin to a foreign country was also a worry.
And now that she didn’t even want to go — there was no reason to force her.
Still, he blinked slowly with a strange feeling.
“You said you wanted two things. What’s the second?”
“I want to do something.”
“You? A princess? What could you possibly not do?”
“I need your permission and support.”
As she said that, Eirin’s lips trembled.
She had thought she was calm, but now her whole body was tense.
She wasn’t sure if Kaltus would support her next request.
It was bold — especially for someone with little knowledge or experience.
“I want to make some donations.”
She pushed down her worries and clearly stated her wish.
“Donations? What for?”
He wondered if someone had influenced her to say that.
“I’ve become interested in clothing. I want to support some promising tailors and receive a share of their profits.”
Eirin rolled her eyes slightly, unsure whether to use the word that was coming to her mouth.
She knew how important word choice was.
Finally, she spoke with a determined voice:
“I’m thinking of starting something like… a business.”
Kaltus’s face twisted instantly.
“Business? Eirin, business isn’t something to take lightly.”
He was clearly troubled.
Eirin had no training in business or economics.
“I know.”
But Eirin had no intention of backing down.
Her resolve was firm — she had thought it through.
Her plan was to disguise a clothing business as a charity, using her knowledge of future events.
“As I said, it’s more like a sponsorship. I support them, and in return, I receive a portion of the profits.”
“So, what exactly do you want?”
“An assistant, an office, and a small investment.”
“An assistant and office?”
Suddenly, Kaltus slapped his knee as if he realized something.
Ah, she must’ve seen me working and wanted to do the same.
That made her look quite cute in his eyes.
“I’ve been reading books in the royal library. I want to study business more seriously.”
As her tension faded, she felt cold sweat run down her forehead.
She had expected him to yell at her — but he didn’t.
That alone was a relief.
“You went to the library for that?”
His voice was calm, but it made her more nervous somehow.
In truth, she had only gone there to sneak in romance novels — which now turned into business textbooks in her story.
“Yes,” she replied with a soft smile.
Eirin’s real plan was this:
She would support skilled tailors in exchange for a portion of their profit.
Then, in preparation for a future war, she would secretly invest those profits into building connections with global mercenaries.
By managing all the money herself, she could move funds in secret without records.
“If I hire an advisor, everything will run more smoothly.”
She avoided making it sound like a question — she needed to sound confident.
Only then would Kaltus take her seriously.
“Noble people doing business is still seen badly. And you, a princess, may face heavy criticism.”
“But father, it’s more like support than business. And I’ll be helping commoners, which will boost the royal family’s image.”
Her well-prepared words made Kaltus sigh deeply.
“Do you have a detailed plan?”
“Yes, of course.”
That was a good sign — he was willing to listen.
Eirin handed him a thick bundle of papers.
“Here’s my proposal.”
Kaltus looked through it, surprised at how detailed and professional it seemed.
She had clearly studied hard.
Her passionate effort melted his heart a bit.
“I understand your intentions.”
Even if the plan wasn’t perfect, it could still be a good learning experience.
He looked into Eirin’s eyes — eyes the same color as his own, like the sea.
But today, they looked even deeper and more mature than usual.
A strong, determined flame burned in them.
“I’ve already chosen some tailors I’d like to support.”
“Hmm…”
As Kaltus let out a long sigh, Eirin’s shoulders shook slightly.
To be continued.
