I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

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Sephilia Yuliseus Kaindel von Orserk.

As the only princess of the Empire, her life was dull.

No matter what she did, she quickly grew bored, and no matter what she learned, it soon became trivial.

Even when people ate delicious food, she felt no particular excitement.

When she saw beautiful natural scenery, there was no change in her emotions.

No matter what she did, the princess found no enjoyment.

“I heard there’s a renowned storyteller. How about we call him?”

In response, the palace maids tried to resolve the princess’s long-standing ennui.

They invited various storytellers to entertain her.

They even brought in jesters to perform in front of the princess.

At one point, they even fetched the most handsome man in the Empire to show off his beautiful face.

When the princess became an adult, they even procured inappropriate books for her.

The maids adored their lovely-faced princess, who held a sense of responsibility.

Yet, ultimately, all their efforts ended in failure.

It was a miracle just to make her smile; the princess felt no excitement at all.

“Ugh! Onee-chan!!”

However, there was one person who could bring joy to such a princess.

The Great Mage Elena.

Even with the princess, who sat on a high throne, showing her boredom to the world, she turned into a naive girl the moment she saw Elena.

With a rush, she jumped down from her seat and dashed into Elena’s embrace.

Like a puppy meeting its owner, she displayed her delight with her whole body.

“Onee-chan! Why have you been so scarce lately? I thought I’d lose my voice waiting for you!”

“Hehe… You little spoiled brat. I’ve been a bit busy lately.”

“Tch. Next time, take me with you.”

“You too, eh? You were the one whining about being busy last time.”

“Aagh… That’s true, but… Sigh. I really don’t want to. Why is so much work piling up on me?!”

Sephilia expressed her frustration with an annoyed tone.

Elena smiled contentedly as she looked at the princess.

Gently tugging at her puffed-up cheeks, she advised her.

“If you’re to rule the Empire, you must work diligently~~~ Princess.”

“Ugh! I really hate that part.”

“Hehe. Shall we go have lunch?”

“….Yeah.”

For a whole week without Elena, her expression had been blank, but the moment she appeared, the princess expressed various emotions.

This was because Elena was a special presence.

No matter how hard she looked, even with her heightened perception…

She could not see into Elena’s mind.

The essence of everything in the world, the essence of every human, lay bare to her view…

But only Elena was beyond her reach.

Because of this, she felt a strong attraction to the impenetrable Elena, became increasingly captivated, and now desperately hoped.

Please, let Elena be the one whom her perception does not reach.

Like those trivial humans, she wished her thoughts and feelings could remain unreadable.

“Mmm! This place is delicious! The tempura is just perfect.”

“Hehe. It is good.”

Above all, being next to Elena felt like her powers were slightly restrained.

At the moment she looked at food, from the ingredients to the components, she would automatically know.

But being beside Elena, she could enjoy the meal in its hazy appearance.

Thus, the world, which felt trivial and fake, seemed real when she was with Elena.

Colors bloomed in her formerly monochromatic life, and her emotionless face was infused with feelings.

She couldn’t imagine a life without Elena.

“But, um… Were you with Count Fix again this time?”

Recently, however, there had been another person who caught her attention.

That name was Edgar Fix.

At first, he had been merely a fascinating oddity, but as time passed, she found herself thinking of him more often.

Most importantly, until her visit to the Elf Kingdom, she had been able to pierce through his thoughts to some degree with her perception, but since returning, she could no longer read his thoughts or emotions.

While he had never been easy to read, this was the first time someone was entirely impenetrable since Elena.

“Count Fix? Ah, you mean Edgar. Well, yes, we were together. I brought him along just in case of unexpected events, but we just did research. The Grand Duke’s kids handled everything well.”

…The Grand Duke’s kids.

The princess picked up her fork with a hint of irritation.

She stabbed the steak and raised her knife to roughly cut the meat.

Gulping down bites of meat, she thought of Edgar and the Grand Duke’s children, who were chatting cheerfully together.

Why did their kind and harmonious figures annoy her so much?

“How presumptuous. It’s as if I don’t exist at all, despite having given them several chances.”

When she thought of Edgar and the Grand Duke’s children, she was aware of why she felt so irritated.

The truth was she knew clearly.

Despite her superior status, beauty, and personality (as she thought of herself)…

Edgar Fix only showed interest in the Grand Duke’s children.

Even though she had expressed interest in him first.

“I introduced him to the Academy at my sister’s request. I supported him financially. I laid out the policies that enabled the construction of the Dreadnought Ship. I assisted him in every way possible so he could grow. Yet he shows no reaction to my goodwill?”

The more she thought about it, the more infuriated she became.

Of course, by supporting Edgar, the royal family also filled the national treasury and elevated the Empire’s status far beyond comparison.

But that was a public matter.

The bond of “affection” that should flow between individuals had no existence when it came to Edgar.

If they had spent nearly four years growing together and pursuing mutual benefits…

Shouldn’t they have become close enough to share a meal from time to time?

Or perhaps were her noble status and beautiful appearance…

And her remarkable abilities making him feel distant?

If that were the case, she could overlook it cutely, but Edgar Fix, who resembled a cunning 1000-year-old fox, didn’t seem like he would think that way either.

—Gulp! Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!

Moreover, she recently heard he was dating the daughter of the failing Verdian family.

After checking, it turned out that only three years ago, he had taken in an unremarkable noble who ranked at the bottom of the Academy and whose looks were nothing special.

—Gulp! Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!

Ha.

What a ridiculous situation.

Of course, now, that “Miracle of Verdian,” Charlotte Verdian, is touted as an indispensable talent in the Empire.

But her own abilities and beauty do not fall short compared to that girl.

Besides, it was only a matter of never jumping into battle herself that no one knew.

The Orserk Family never loses to people.

With the power to pierce into the opponent’s mind and even stop time, one could never say they surpassed the Orserk Clan by might.

Of course, it didn’t apply to Elena and Edgar, who were exceptions to her abilities.

Still, when it came to sheer strength, she was already in the ranks of the strongest.

“Um… Sephilia? Is something wrong?”

At that moment.

Her thoughts scattered at Elena’s concerned voice.

The princess, startled, replied that nothing was wrong.

Elena, using her telekinesis, lifted the napkin to wipe the princess’s mouth.

“What were you thinking to eat steak so ferociously? You’ve got it all over your mouth. You klutz.”

“…”

As Elena wiped her mouth, the princess’s face turned red.

The princess enjoyed being cared for like this.

Since she lost her mother at birth and, before long, her father, who had once loved her, no longer showered her with affection.

“Um… but Sephilia. Actually, I think I’ll only have lunch and then have to go again.”

At that moment, the princess heard thunderous news in her ears.

It had been so long since she last met her sister.

And now, she was saying she’d eat this and leave.

“…Are you that busy? It’s been so long since we met like this…”

“Understand. Given the time, it’s critical. People’s lives are at stake.”

…

Of course, she knew.

A catastrophic disaster was looming over the world.

That the existence of humanity was in jeopardy to the extent that the entire nation had to be relocated.

Thus, Edgar Fix, her sister, and the Grand Duke’s children…

All were bustling to prepare for this era of upheaval.

Ultimately, the consensus that the only way to survive was to submit to the Empire, which Edgar Fix was guarding, led nations and organizations worldwide to desire to fall under the Empire’s domain.

She was busy handling all tasks related to that issue, leaving her with little time to breathe.

Everyone was busy, and in such times, being spoiled by her sister was an act she should restrain as a princess.

“…Fine. I can’t help it…”

So, the princess nodded with a heavy heart.

Gulping down steak that tasted like paper, she pretended everything was fine.

The once colorful world began to fade back into black and white.

“I’m sorry, Sephilia! Next time, let’s make time for a whole day of fun!”

“…Yeah.”

And so, her sister left.

The sparkle in the princess’s eyes dimmed swiftly.

Soon, she returned to her office.

“Your Highness, I have brought dinner.”

As she dealt with official business, it became evening before she knew it.

The princess glanced at the palace maid who had brought the meal and said in an indifferent tone.

“I’ll skip it. Take it away.”

“…B-but your face—”

“Take it away.”

As the princess’s eyes turned red, the maid trembled.

Eventually, the maid expressed her apologies and retreated.

The princess reviewed the piled-up documents again, stamping the ones that passed with the royal seal.

And for the ones that didn’t, she added her reasons before passing them to the clerk.

As she sorted through the documents, soon it would be time to meet with the state guests.

This was the time to personally meet foreign royalty or high-ranking officials visiting the Empire.

“I have the honor of meeting the princess of the Holy Empire. I am Imahall, the prince of the Asrhal Kingdom.”

Thus, the princess set her eyes on the prince introducing himself as Imahall.

He was quite a handsome fellow and quite capable, his gaze shining with confidence, yet…

To the princess, he seemed insignificant.

Because she could see through all his power and thoughts.

‘As expected, he’s a rather decent-looking lad.’

The prince was assessing her face and figure.

The corners of the princess’s mouth lifted in a smirk.

He, after all, was an authoritative and dominant noble.

Usually, those prideful royals, believing their capabilities are exceptional, have such haughty thoughts.

“…Imahall. I believe I’ve heard the name. The hero known as the pillar of Asrhal, correct?”

“Haha. It’s embarrassing, but I am called by such titles. Thank you for recognizing me.”

“As expected, one can feel the vigor of a real man. Please, have a seat.”

“Yes.”

With a formal gesture, Imahall sat down.

Having stolen a glance at the beautiful princess, Imahall, unaware she could read his thoughts, harbored ulterior motives.

‘I’d love to topple her someday and see the proud expression on her face as she gasps beneath me. Quite the exciting thought…’

“That is not going to happen.”

Yet, at the princess’s following words, Imahall’s expression hardened.

Startled, he returned her a stuttering response.

“…Y-yes?”

“…Hehe. No. Rather, you mentioned that the kingdom of Asrhal also wishes to be under the Empire.”

“…Ah. Yes, indeed.”

“So, what’s the catch? What conditions will you present to smoothly integrate into the Empire?”

Imahall cleared his throat and quickly gathered his thoughts.

He would simulate how the princess would respond based on what they might ask, preparing for all scenarios.

“First, please grant us the right to negotiate with Count Fix at the earliest.”

Thus, Imahall began the deal.

What benefits would be gained if the Asrhal Kingdom, with its strong military power and wealth, merged with the Empire, he claimed.

“That would be difficult.”

“That’s an absurd claim.”

“If you proceed like this, there’s no reason for the Empire to accept you.”

However, every demand that Imahall put forth was drowned out by the princess’s eloquent words.

There could be no debate between a princess who could read Imahall’s motives and thoughts and Imahall himself, who could not.

It was a one-sided suppression by the princess.

‘Despite how he looks, his manner of speaking is terribly rude. A mere girl, how can she—’

“Stop with those filthy thoughts right there.”

Thus, as Imahall, who had not managed to secure any of his demands, insulted the princess in his heart…

The princess instantly pulled her weapon out.

With her eyes turning bright red, she glared at Prince Imahall.

“Imahall. Have you never heard? You must not think carelessly before the Orserk royalty.”

“…W-what do you mean…?”

“Did you think you could desecrate me and walk away unscathed? To dare discuss national affairs with me while harboring such vile thoughts?”

“Wait, that’s not fair! What kind of diplomatic faux pas—! I was simply—”

“How did you know?”

“…Huh?”

“What, are you reading my mind or something?”

“…!!”

As the princess recited the inner thoughts of Prince Imahall to showcase her powers.

Finally, as the flustered prince stood up abruptly, the princess glared at him.

Her powers activated, and Prince Imahall was fully restrained.

“Sit.”

-Thud!

Under her influence, the prince lost all control over his body.

He looked at the princess with a frightened expression.

How the Orserk Clan reigned as the strongest tribe on the continent, Prince Imahall would thoroughly learn in this instance.

“You have two remaining choices. You can either be imprisoned in the dungeon, losing all the honors and status you’ve built through your disgrace of contempt against me. The other is to agree to all my requirements and submit to the Empire. Choose.”

The princess said this while sliding the prepared documents towards him.

All that was needed was his signature to complete the contract.

“Ah… Ahh… this… this is simply handing over the kingdom to the Empire…”

“Other nations that have submitted here have all agreed. There’s no need for you to demand anything; the Empire is already prepared to reciprocate what it receives.”

“…B-but…”

“Do you wish to select the first option? Very well. I shall seal your mana and toss you into the dungeon as a price for your contempt against me. Even without this negotiation, there are many ways to absorb the Asrhal Kingdom.”

With that, the princess snapped her fingers.

Instinctively, Prince Imahall got up and began to undress.

Of course, it was not of his own will but forcibly moved by her power.

“P-please, forgive me…!”

So, frightened by the princess’s intimidation, Prince Imahall immediately apologized and bent his will.

After following the princess’s instructions and signing the contract, he got dressed and exited the reception room.

The princess, slightly dizzy from using her powers, touched her forehead for a moment.

However, there were still state guests to attend to.

The piled-up tasks felt like a mountain.

“Your Highness the Princess.”

Then, at that moment.

A waiting court lady outside called for her.

She must be asking about whether to admit the waiting guest.

“Let him in—”

“Count Fix wishes to have a private audience with you, your Highness.”

As she was about to order him to be let in, she was caught off guard by the unexpected news.

Count Fix was looking for her?

“…Edgar Fix?”

“Yes. He says there’s something urgent to discuss… since you’re currently handling state affairs, we could do it later—”

“…No.”

“…?”

“Let him in. Also, I’ll conclude the reception for today and continue in the morning.”

“…Yes.”

With that, as the reception room door opened, Edgar Fix appeared.

The princess, who had found Edgar quite grating for not showing a glimpse of himself for some time, activated her powers immediately and commanded Edgar to apologize for his tardiness.

“Bowed as a form of apology, I’d like you to say you’re sorry now.”

“I have the honor of meeting Her Highness the Princess.”

But Edgar Fix merely greeted her with a tone that was annoying in its elegance.

Neither too much nor too little, merely an elegant gesture.

The princess’s heart started racing.