Chapter 163: 99. Elizabeth’s Change
After seeing off Prince Losang and his entourage, Saint Nali University returned to its usual quietness, after all, it was still vacation time.
The officials from the New Party hurriedly greeted Princess Elizabeth before leaving, appearing to have other matters to attend to.
A large number of Royal Soldiers also left Saint Nali University under the princess’s command, but at the school gate, the light golden carriage remained in place, with two armed soldiers constantly guarding it.
This also indicated that Elizabeth had not left.
“Is this your usual office? The building of the Magic Academy seems too shabby compared to those of other colleges.”
Nearby the Magic Academy office, Elizabeth walked ahead, first glancing at the faculty mailbox in front of the office, then entering Fisher’s office. Looking at this not-so-spacious office, she teased.
In the quiet office building of the Magic Academy, there were only Elizabeth and Fisher, without the usual soldiers surrounding her for protection, as she had dismissed them all; Roger and Selina were busy dating and couldn’t possibly be here.
Fisher was about to pour a cup of coffee for Elizabeth but found that there was only his own cup here.
He thought about going to get a new cup from somewhere else, but Elizabeth caught on to his thoughts and smiled slightly, pointing at the cup in Fisher’s hand and saying,
“I can drink from your cup too, do you mind?”
“Not at all.”
Fisher was slightly taken aback, looking at the smiling Elizabeth dressed in royal officer attire. Without much hesitation, he poured the ground coffee into the extraction filter and began making hand-brewed coffee.
“The view here is nice, and I can also see the scenery of the outskirts of Saint Nali. I don’t need too much space unless there are really too many problematic students.”
“If you took a position at the Royal Academy, Teacher Damien would want to arrange an entire building for you.”
“I’m already quite satisfied with this office. Please enjoy.”
A cup of coffee with three-quarters of a spoonful of sugar and a small cup of milk was placed in front of Elizabeth.
Fisher still remembered the habit Elizabeth had of drinking coffee when they were both studying at the Royal Academy. Back then, they often went to the library to read in the mornings, and whoever arrived first would brew coffee for the other. Thus, they remembered each other’s coffee preferences.
“Thank you. By the way, could you help me untie this hair knot? This outfit is really not friendly for a lady.”
“Sure.”
It was already well into autumn, and although her military attire was custom-made, it definitely didn’t conform to Elizabeth’s usual dressing habits for appearances and seriousness. Not to mention the complex hairstyle tied in several loops at the back of her head, she had no idea how that group of etiquette ladies managed to tie such a style.
She first unbuttoned one or two buttons of her clothing to breathe, but the hair at the back needed Fisher’s help.
Fisher looked at Elizabeth’s smiling face, she was so young, seemingly unchanged from her nineteen-year-old self while studying at the Royal Academy, still so elegant and gentle.
He slowly moved behind her, watching her sip her own brewed coffee, and then he reached out to loosen her neatly styled hair.
Fisher’s movements were gentle, not pulling Elizabeth’s hair painfully, as he slowly began to take apart the royal family’s complex hairstyle.
“Thank you for your concern in your letter. Luckily I had your reminder, otherwise, I might have caught a cold.”
Feeling Fisher’s gentle touch, akin to a massage, Elizabeth didn’t turn around but playfully said,
“By the way, you suspected that the attackers on the Shivali delegation were from the Pink Pavilion. I specifically investigated a bit when I returned yesterday and found that both the results from the Secret Bureau and the police indicated that it was the Sorceress Research Society that committed the crime. They are already considering how to eradicate the members of the society within the country.”
The Secret Bureau was Nali’s official espionage and intelligence organization, staffed entirely with specially trained multipurpose agents, tasked with handling serious threats to national security.
Fisher did not expect her to get to the specifics so quickly upon her return. He continued to arrange Elizabeth’s hair and told her about the transaction he made with Carlo, reiterating the layout within the magic to give her a clearer understanding of the matter.
In conclusion, Fisher summarized,
“The people from the Pink Pavilion are not simple; they could not merely be engaged in the entertainment industry. Such an intricate arrangement must have other motives behind it.”
“Yes, indeed. However, apart from being involved in dealings with the New Party recently, the Pink Pavilion doesn’t seem to have any clear connection with this matter. I need more leads or evidence before I can report this to my brother or father.”
Elizabeth’s golden hair was now completely let down, flowing down to her waist like a soft fragrance, she resumed her graceful demeanor.
She gently raised a hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, turning to say,
“I believe I might have a potentially useful lead soon. Once I gather more information, I will contact you. Thank you for your help.”
Fisher thought of Anna; she was from the Pink Pavilion but let go of Ling Jiu, who had been caught with great difficulty, and had set a meeting with him next Wednesday. He wondered what her intentions were.
“From now on, you can forget to address me as ‘Your Highness’ while we speak. Consider it payment for this favor; it’s just a matter of speaking. If you have any new information later, just let me know.”
Elizabeth turned back to continue sipping her coffee, lightening the mood with a joke.
Fisher sat across from her, seeing Elizabeth comfortably leaning on the sofa he had just occupied, surveying the scenery of Saint Nali University outside the window.
She looked relaxed yet elegant, complementing her beauty perfectly. Her slightly turned golden eyes met Fisher’s,
“You know, I often reminisce about our days in school together. Although we were not in the same college, it felt like we were classmates. You would read your magic and ethics books in front of me while I didn’t read as much as you. After finishing, I would quietly watch you read until you were done, and then we would leave together.”
“I also have a deep impression of that time.”
Fisher smiled slightly, recalling that Elizabeth would bring some royal-exclusive sweets for him to eat back then. He didn’t particularly like such sweet things, but he had to eat them due to her princess status. It was only after she realized he really didn’t like them that she started bringing different treats.
Now that things had settled down, he could recall the precious memories he shared with Elizabeth. She had been quite good to him.
But people often have asymmetric double standards; sometimes, even when others have done much good for you, once they do one small thing wrong, people easily forget their previous kindness and begin to resent them. This is evidently unfair to the one who made sacrifices.
That afternoon in front of the carriage, Elizabeth’s sad look seemed to truly imprint itself in Fisher’s heart. Though he had not felt much at that moment, as he reflected quietly later, memories of her youth at school swirled in his mind.
“By the way, aside from this matter, there’s something else I would like to discuss with you.”
Fisher asked, and Elizabeth crossed her legs, looking at him, waiting for him to continue.
Fisher roughly explained the task that Trandal had entrusted to him, without any embellishments. He neutrally described the expectations of the New Party and the benefits it could offer Elizabeth.
Elizabeth listened quietly, and after finishing, she did not answer immediately but instead smiled and said,
“It’s a bit embarrassing to say this, but even I am unclear about the relationship between my blood brother and me; is it good or bad? It’s strange that my father appointed me to defend the country with military power, yet made it seem like I am taking away something that originally belonged to him. However, the dealings with the New Party are optional for me; you know that even if things turn sour between me and Dexter, I won’t force myself to do anything against my will.”
“My brother’s intentions are straightforward; he probably wants something he can use to threaten the New Party, but he might not want it that badly either, considering his past ambiguous relationship with them. I could help with this, and I wouldn’t lose anything. Gaining a favor from the New Party would also allow me more freedom in my choices later.”
“But the question is, Fisher, do you want me to agree with the New Party?”
After saying that, she looked at Fisher and asked him.
If Elizabeth were given any chance for free choice, everyone knew what her free choice would be, including Fisher.
After a long moment of silence in response to Elizabeth’s question, Fisher finally said,
“I would prefer you to have the assurance of your freedom.”
Elizabeth seemed to have received the answer she wanted. She smiled at Fisher and then said,
“Since you say so, I will take your word for courage in being chosen. I understand the situation with the New Party now, and you can relay my intention to them; I will handle this matter entirely myself, and I hope they honor their promises in the end.”
As Elizabeth continued speaking, the office door was suddenly knocked on, and Fisher slightly paused. When the door opened, Jasmine appeared, looking like a small animal.
She still looked much the same as before, but after becoming familiar with Fisher, she seemed more natural.
However, now that she unexpectedly appeared at the door and saw Elizabeth sitting in front of Fisher, her demeanor gradually shifted from relaxed and cheerful to a shy little animal, ultimately closing the door somewhat and showing only half her face, which was quite cute.
“F-Fisher teacher.”
Elizabeth turned to see Jasmine attempting to hide a bag of items.
Jasmine initially hadn’t seen Elizabeth, looking at Fisher, and it took her a second or two to notice Elizabeth sitting in front of Fisher with a dangerous smile.
“Your Highness Elizabeth! I-I’m sorry, I just have a question for Teacher Fisher.”
Upon hearing this, Elizabeth’s expression turned somewhat cold, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of her clothing, indicating she was about to explode, yet she ultimately said nothing, merely taking an unenthusiastic sip of her coffee before looking elsewhere.
To be honest, this was much better than her previous attitude of being friendly in public but torturing people behind their backs.
Fisher was the first to break the stalemate, looking at the flustered Jasmine standing at the door and saying,
“You can ask me anything now.”
At the same time, he subtly indicated to Jasmine not to bring up the matter of finding Muxi for now, and to wait until later.
Even though Jasmine was a bit scared, whether it was encouragement or something else, she didn’t leave voluntarily and just stood at the door.
If Jasmine had acted according to her usual personality, she’d have run away as soon as she saw Elizabeth’s unfriendly face.
But seeing Elizabeth’s declaration of dominance made Jasmine somewhat displeased. From Isabel, she had learned of the gossip between her sister and Fisher, and she knew there was still some distance between them.
Since there was distance, it clearly meant they weren’t together, right?
She didn’t understand this fully, but she felt uneasy about leaving after a while.
“I-I’m sorry, I’ll come back to ask Teacher Fisher later.”
In the end, fear and unease overwhelmed Jasmine. She hesitantly glanced at Elizabeth and Fisher, then after a slight bow, she ran towards the door, leaving Fisher momentarily speechless.
With the door temporarily closed, Fisher was not surprised by the reactions of the two ladies.
Jasmine was just too timid, completely contrasting with the destructive force she had in her battle form, like a humanoid steam engine.
It was likely that her gentle nature and her ability to grant life complemented each other; granting life required kindness and caution, leading her to be like a shy little child.
As for Elizabeth, there was no need to mention. Her original personality was quite terrifying, and Fisher was even worried that she might secretly retaliate against Jasmine.
Now, as it stood, Elizabeth could change the pleasant atmosphere into a hostile one in an instant.
Fisher glanced at the still cold-faced Elizabeth. Without changing his own expression, he took the empty coffee cup in front of her and said,
“I’ll pour you another cup.”
Elizabeth said nothing, her expression still displeased.
Fisher didn’t mind her attitude. He boiled some water, poured coffee grounds, and just as he was about to add sugar, Elizabeth’s voice suddenly came from behind him,
“I’m sorry, I realize she’s just your student; I shouldn’t hold it against her.”
Fisher paused slightly while pouring sugar, and after a second, he continued adding milk and hot water. Once it was brewed, he stirred the coffee and placed it back in front of her.
“Enjoy.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath, looking at the brewed coffee. She said to Fisher,
“I start to feel a bit irritable every time I see other women around you. Honestly, there was a time when I thought about locking you up in the Golden Palace for a lifetime so that you wouldn’t go around charming those damned women. That thought peaked during the year I graduated; I could hardly wait to tear those fools’ faces off.”
Fisher quietly listened to Elizabeth’s thoughts, and she ended up laughing at herself as she spoke.
After a moment, she lifted Fisher’s cup of coffee to take a sip, took a breath, and smiled at Fisher,
“Getting upset over that young female student isn’t something a princess should do. Please apologize to her under my name afterward; I won’t see her again, to avoid you know.”
“I understand.”
Fisher looked at Elizabeth sitting in front of him. They were now in his office, and it felt like he had invited a student who had been fighting in school to come for some guidance.
Fisher understood Elizabeth very well. He observed as she set down the half-full coffee cup in front of her and smiled, asking,
“Can’t finish it?”
“Ah, I’ve seldom had coffee since leaving school. Isabel always thinks it’s bad for my health; she can’t sleep after having it at night. You can finish it for me.”
Holding onto his principle of not wasting, Fisher took the remaining half cup of coffee. Elizabeth’s coffee was a bit too sweet for his taste, but it was fine to try occasionally.
As he drank, he invited Elizabeth,
“Do you want to stay for dinner tonight?”
Elizabeth stood up, seemingly pleased with Fisher’s invitation, but she shook her head and said,
“Let’s save this dinner invitation for next time; I still need to go back and check on father. His health has really been poor lately, and I brought some herbs from out of town for him.”
“Alright.”
Elizabeth stood up, fixed her golden hair, and then fastened the buttons on her clothing, but she did not intend to tie up that complicated hairstyle again.
It seemed strange for her to have long hair in military attire.
“If anyone discovers that Princess Elizabeth appears in public looking like this, it would be disastrous.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
Elizabeth joked with a smile, and Fisher followed her words and agreed to her request. In fact, there was no one else in the school at this time, and even if someone saw them, they wouldn’t dare to make a fuss.
She merely wanted Fisher to accompany her a little way, that was all.
“I’ve noted your invitation for dinner today; don’t forget. After this, I won’t be leaving Saint Nali anymore, so you can’t escape this meal.”
“The Black Mamba Palace is a bit much; I can’t afford it.”
“Do I eat that much?”
“I can eat a lot.”
This conversation continued until she reached her carriage.
Elizabeth had undergone quite a change, which was evident to Fisher, although it seemed difficult.
“Let me know of any news; you know how to contact me.”
“I know.”
“That’s good.”
She smiled slightly, glancing at Fisher standing in front of the carriage before pulling down the curtain of the carriage and instructing the driver to return to the Golden Palace.
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(The End)
