Chapter 12: I weaken my enemy, but she will be stronger than in her previous life?!
Eleanor flipped through Myrcella's textbooks; the parchment was written in the language of the neighboring country.
There are no conventional phonetic symbols in the Moonlit Continent.
However, since these countries are all located on the same landmass, their official languages share a lot in terms of grammar and vocabulary, making them relatively easy to learn.
The translation manual wasn't very interesting; she glanced at it and put it down.
Having served as a lord for over a decade and a queen for several decades in her previous life, she was fluent in the official languages and dialects of various countries.
Eleanor listened to the lecture while silently raising the corners of her mouth.
She recalled her past life when she went to inspect and give speeches in certain territories in place of Andra.
In a world where entertainment was generally lacking and education was not widespread, the linguistic arts and associated temple fairs, performances, and so on of later generations were simply a game-changer.
In this life, we can also try to hold some popular events in Norlanda to stimulate the spending enthusiasm of the nobles.
As Eleanor was still dreaming of getting a lot of money from the nobles to fund construction, the instructor on the podium suddenly changed his tone.
"Gentlemen, we all know what kind of request the city of Mihir has recently made to the king." She pulled a scroll of papyrus from behind her back and slapped it in front of her; the text on it resembled meeting minutes.
It was actually an analysis of examples from the imperial court.
Eleanor perked up immediately; she was very interested in what major events had occurred in Norlana during this time. Even if it wasn't needed this time, it could be put to good use next time.
The teacher didn't keep them in suspense and began to recite in a steady tone.
The gist of the matter is that the city of Mihir is facing a famine and hopes that King Norlana can grant an extension on this year's taxes and provide additional aid funds.
As for whether this funding was an interest-free loan or a gratuitous gift, the city lord didn't mention it, his respectful attitude clearly conveying the message "I want money."
After reading the script, the instructor tossed the copy aside, glanced at the three princesses, and asked expectantly, "What are your thoughts, Your Highnesses?"
First was Princess Dasha, who responded with a soft hum: "Hmm, Mihir City is our, um, valuable supporter. I agree to reduce taxes, as for that money... well, we can only give it to them."
Princess Ophelia smiled and said, "Sister is right." Then she lowered her head and continued to write and draw on the papyrus with her quill, sketching a graceful mermaid.
"Your Highness, what do you think?" The tutor's gaze toward Misella was noticeably more intense; after all, this was the Crown Prince.
The crown prince, on whom she had placed high hopes, scratched his ear and asked blankly, "Huh, what are you talking about?"
Eleanor quietly mouthed and gestured to her: Look ahead~ Look at the scrolls on the table.
Mysella said "Oh," and quickly replied, "I forgot to bring my assignment, but don't worry, tutor, I'll definitely bring it tomorrow!"
"....."
Everyone simultaneously wore constipated expressions, silently covering their faces; even Dasha slapped her face with a palm the size of a fan.
The tutor, being more experienced and knowledgeable, calmly reread the question.
Mysella crossed her arms and dangled her legs under the table, saying, "Oh, that's easy. There are lots of horses in Mihir City. Let's go there and buy some."
The mentor seemed to sense something particularly insightful in her answer and clasped his hands in satisfaction: "Very good. Mihir City is an important trade hub for our country. We need it to connect with our neighboring countries, Hetuya and Belai. At the same time, it also has the best horse farm in our country."
Upon hearing this, Eleanor's memories became clearer.
The city of Mihir borders Enlin to some extent, and for a while after she and Andra arrived in Enlin, they were worried that the city of Mihir might cause trouble behind their backs.
However, she vaguely remembered that Mihir had not betrayed Norlana.
After Andra led his army to repel Hetuya's attack, the lord of Mihir sent someone to respectfully express goodwill, indicating that he would definitely follow the banners of the little princess and Crown Prince Hetuya.
When Andra and Eleanor were officially married, Mihir and Enlin were naturally incorporated into Hetuya as part of their dowry, and everything was perfect.
Judging from her past life's trajectory, she didn't need to be wary of the city of Mihir. Because that city lord possessed great discernment, decisively choosing a true wise ruler amidst the chaos of war.
However, the key lies in—[Andra].
Eleanor unconsciously picked up a quill and drew lines on the draft paper.
Perhaps her influence from a past life played a part; the lord of Enlin—Princess Nolana—was indeed renowned for her virtue. But without Andra's earth-shattering sword, would that old fox have truly submitted obediently, surrendering the horse farm and trade routes without resistance?
The answer is naturally no.
So how can I gain the loyalty of the city of Mihir in this lifetime?
"Your Highness." Her tutor walked up to her at some point and gently tapped her ink-stained draft paper.
She looked at Eleanor with the eyes of someone coaxing a child, gently shaking her head, all the blame left unsaid.
"Mentor, I'm thinking—"
Eleanor instinctively looked up and said, "Isn't the location of Michael City dangerous? Not just its location, but also its status."
When Manhani saw the ten-year-old princess raise her head and speak seriously, her first reaction was to smile, and then she was taken aback.
She hesitated for several seconds before softly replying, "Don't worry, Wang will handle it." The tutor withdrew his hand as if burned and walked back to the podium.
Manhani's expression was somewhat unnatural.
She seemed to want to say something to the other princesses, but when her gaze fell on Eleanor, it was as if she had seen something inappropriate, and she tightly shut her mouth.
Is it because they're afraid of discussing things that are too difficult? Or do they feel that—there's another big mouth in the classroom who's not suitable for discussing politics?
Eleanor sighed inwardly: Leaving aside her eldest sister, her second sister was utterly mediocre when she was alive, and as for Myrcella—she was only reliable when it came to fighting.
Damn it, how are we ever going to get better in Norlanda?!
The tutor skipped the previous question and began explaining to the three princesses the trade and connections between cities.
Most countries on the continent of Norlana and Moonstorm are still in a state of slavery.
Although they had feudal monarchs, each state contained many city-states. These city-states were nominally subordinate to the royal family, but in reality, their relationships were complex.
Therefore, to become a qualified king, one must first find ways to balance the delicate relationships between city-states in order to become the true king of kings.
Eleanor's thoughts drifted out the window, towards Andra.
Andra was a very qualified King of Kings.
Her method of breaking the deadlock was well-paced: first, she used marriage alliances to firmly secure control over the various noble families; then, she had the queen promote education and cultivate lower-level officials; finally, her children, of noble blood and strong abilities, grew up and replaced the mediocre nobles...
Crackling sound.
The quill pen fell to the ground, and Eleanor picked it up while glancing at the back of the classroom.
This classroom wasn't just for the few students in the first row; it also housed many of King Norlana's "other children" and noble companions.
Or... how about we team up with them to deal with Hetuya?
Eleanor scanned each person's face, carefully observing their appearance and the names above their heads.
Blue, green, blue, purple, blue, blue... Apart from the two princesses, the most outstanding people in the Nolana royal family are only blue, it's practically a talent drought.
The two in purple are the princesses' companions: Flora and Karin.
She mentally reviewed the two purple names, but couldn't recall them at all.
Perhaps these two individuals were not subsequently given important positions by Ophelia? Or perhaps they shone in areas she didn't care about, but in any case, they weren't famous generals and weren't needed for the time being.
"Sigh..." Who can I find to defeat Andra and Attila?
Eleanor sighed softly, and Sister Wang next to her suddenly stood up and shouted, "Teacher! My sister has a headache, I need to take her home to rest!"
Manhani smiled slightly: "Your Highness, please sit down first. Someone will escort the little princess back."
"Tch~~"
Myrcella rolled her eyes and sat back down, while Eleanor, under everyone's tolerant gaze, stood up, bowed, and slowly left the classroom.
There's really no need to stay here anymore; accompanying the older sisters to class won't solve anything.
"Your Highness..." Coral reached out her hand to the little princess with concern, only to find it empty.
Eleanor didn't notice the small movement and continued walking forward, her mind preoccupied.
You've become independent, Your Highness.
Coral looked somewhat disappointed, but quickly smiled and quickened her pace to catch up.
...
They walked back up to the Sky Garden where they had come from, and when they reached the middle of the long bridge, they heard the sound of swords clashing again.
Eleanor couldn't help but look down—
A flash of sword light parted the surrounding crowd, and Andra's hair pierced through the many figures, tracing a beautiful spiral after a clang.
She laughed silently during the battle, forcefully pushing off the ground with her right foot and spinning her waist and abdomen to produce a crisp clanging sound, her sword dance like rain in an instant.
"Whoosh—" The girls exclaimed in surprise and stopped, but the blades in their hands seemed to be attracted by a magnet, and they were all caught in the spiral and fell down.
"So strong." Coral put a hand on Eleanor's shoulder. Her eyes were completely mesmerized, and she uttered a heartfelt exclamation.
“Yes, she’s very strong.” Eleanor smiled wryly. She was so strong that I couldn’t avoid her no matter what. Anyone would have a terrible headache if they encountered such a nemesis.
Whether it was the sisters or Attila—or even the kings of various countries—they were like newborn lambs before Andra in the future, vainly hoping to break the giant wolf's claws with their fresh, tender flesh.
Swipe—
The silvery sword light ceased in the next swirling motion, and no one in the arena could continue fighting Andra.
The girl with long, golden-red hair sheathed her sword and nodded to those around her.
As she turned her body, she saw the princess on the long bridge and deliberately touched her lips with her finger, making a gesture that resembled a kiss.
Eleanor's lips instinctively curled up, then she quickly suppressed it.
Her face gradually flushed red, and even her breathing became rapid: the Andra from her past life overlapped with the girl in front of her. The blurred Andra walked towards her, while the real Andra remained in place.
Andra drew her sword again. This time, she didn't force those who had fallen to the ground to continue fighting. Instead, she walked to a corner of the training ground and began to practice her swordplay meticulously on the wooden figures.
"Your Highness Eleanor."
"Your Highness."
Manju and Thorns ran towards her, passing through the phantom of "Andra." They had just been away from the crowd, their arms and legs still bandaged.
Eleanor smiled at them. "You're back."
She was about to habitually ask the two sisters to return to their group when she suddenly paused.
Manzhu and Jingji, as the little princess's personal guards, had to stay by her side for at least eight hours every day.
In her past life, she loved to possess Andra, and their time together was filled with nothing but romance and poetry. Therefore, before heading to Enlin, Andra could only find time to practice at the training ground late at night.
So barring any unforeseen circumstances...
Eleanor swallowed hard, glancing at Andra, who was training intensely in the training field: Could she be stronger than she was in her previous life?!
A note from the author:
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