I’d been so focused on taking notes that I jumped when someone tapped me on the shoulder. A quick check with my senses for qi showed it was nothing to be alarmed about, so I just brushed them off. “Don’t interrupt me. Later, we’re almost finished.”

“Shouldn’t you introduce this intrepid young man, Princess?” the orange-furred great ape said.

I blinked and set down my pen. Sighing, I glanced at Al, who’d retreated a few steps. Not that I could really blame him, the great spirit beast was three meters tall and in the equivalent of the sixth stage.

“Alaster, this is Ho-ri-krór, the Thousand Lights Ape. Elder, may I introduce Prince Leri Alaster, my little brother, the rascal.”

The two of them bowed to each other, deeply and with solemn faces. Then they exchanged polite greetings that I didn’t pay attention to because I could at least finish my sentence.

“I hate having incomplete data,” I complained to no one in particular. “And we were almost done, too.”

“I apologize for the disturbance, Elder Sister. Uh … what were you doing?”

“A semi-structured interview,” I explained, proudly holding up the two pages of paper I’d used as a reference. “I developed it myself. So far, it’s worked pretty well. Although I might need to make some adjustments, but for now I must keep to the same method, obviously.”

Al glanced around, skepticism written on his face. “So, you’ve been ‘interviewing’ all these spirit beasts?”

I looked around as well, smiling. We stood in a large courtyard that Mother had graciously provided for my experiments. Some spirit beasts lay around sunning themselves, like a great white cat with blue wings who’d been a little difficult, or a harpy-like woman with ice on her limbs that turned out surprisingly cheerful. Some had transformed into their human forms and wandered off into the palace. Some had just wandered off anyway. I wasn’t worried, though the guards might get a workout.

“Well, I haven’t done this with everyone yet,” I admitted. “But I have conducted other studies. Well, tests, at least. Not like I can publish a research paper and get peer-reviewed. Or get any meaningful feedback and input, really. But at least there’s some literature on the topic.”

Al looked at the stack of books on the table. “I see.”

“The rest are in my spatial ring.” I glanced down at the qi-infused gray ring on my right hand. The runes would have been too small to make out for a normal person. I’d finally taken this ‘treasure’ from my vault when I realized I needed to prepare for my research.

“There are a number of things they don’t cover, though,” I continued. “They make assumptions, miss things that wouldn’t occur to someone from here. And Cognitive Science isn’t a thing here, sadly. So I just do what I can with simple methods that work without computers.”

Al bent down to pick up a sign. “Why are there colors written on here? And why are they colored wrong?”

“Oh, the Stroop test.” I sighed. “That one gave me a lot of grief. Try to say the words' colors out loud, it’s harder than you’d think. Even if if the letters are in red, if there’s ‘blue’ written there, your impulse will be to say ‘blue’. So your executive functions are needed and they’ll probably activate your anterior cingulate cortex, which I can’t measure here …” I trailed off and cleared my throat. “Anyway. It’s a test.”

“If this Ho-ri-krór may ask, Princess Inaris, why did it give you grief? I thought the test was quite interesting and went well.”

I scratched at my cheek. “Well, differences in color perception. Normal animals, at least those who aren’t primates, are actually color-blind. Basically, they can’t see red. That apparently gets adjusted for most spirit beasts, but not all, and when it happens is pretty variable. So it’s been a pain to figure out and my sample might just be too biased anyway.”

Al carefully put the sign down and wiped his hands. “I think I understood most of that. And this is why Mother put out a call for volunteers and spends so many resources? Because you want to conduct strange tests with them?”

I frowned. “Hey, it’s for science. Understanding how cognition develops and works, and differences between humans and other sapients, could have so many benefits. Least of all facilitating cross-species understanding.”

Al snorted. “If you say so. I still figured you would have asked for a more useful reward.”

Oh, damn. Is Mother just helping me as a reward for reaching the fourth stage so quickly?

Al had explained how we got stuff. Overall, we received pretty much the same amount of resources as a scion from a powerful noble family. Anything mundane would just be procured by servants. For more expensive and valuable things, like ‘medicinal pills’ to help cultivation, there was a sort of budget. Anything really worth it had to be approved by Mother. Basically, it encouraged us to work hard to earn rewards. Actually a good system. I think I’d do the same in her place. You’d want your kids to be provided for and want for nothing, and keep up with others, but at the same time they can’t just have everything handed to them.

I looked down at my spatial ring again. It was quite high-quality and had been such a reward. I could have gotten some awesome weapon for my recent achievements. Oh, well. This is worth it.

“This is worth more to me than any trinket,” I declared.

Al nodded. “Well, I can see how the chance to learn from elder spirit beasts is nothing to scoff at.”

I scratched my cheek again, looking back at my notes.

“Wait. You haven’t asked them about cultivation at all, have you?”

“I’ve been preoccupied,” I protested weakly. Why didn’t I even think of that? It sounds so self-evident now that he’s mentioned it.

“We do not share our secrets so easily, young ones,” the great ape rumbled. “The agreement was to help scholarly pursuits.”

Al bowed in apology, then he turned back to me. “Anyway, I suggest you take a break.”

I sighed. Honestly, I had been neglecting other concerns too much. “Alright,” I said. “It was a pleasure to work with you, Elder. Excuse us.”

Then I stuffed the rest of my things into the spatial ring — it was really handy … pun totally intended — and went with Al.

As soon as we left the courtyard, guards trailing behind, my little brother slapped me on the shoulder. “Seriously, Nari, don’t do things like that. Most of the spirit beasts will be gone soon anyway.”

I swatted his hand aside. I’d had a good variety of beasts, both those who gained intelligence as they grew in power and gained enlightenment and a few from races that were naturally intelligent. But none of them was that rare. I’d find new participants.

“Well, I suppose I’ve done enough for a first pass,” I allowed.

“People are getting worried, Nari. Ling Ta tried to talk to you a few times, but your guard blocked him. Did you even know that?”

Oh, that’s not good. “I suppose he’s concerned because I’ve been neglecting my cultivation practice?”

Al snorted. “More than neglecting. Have you even starting mastering your domain yet?”

I stopped and held out my hand. With an effort of will, a dark shadow sprinkled with a few stars shot out of it. It rushed forward and spread out until it enveloped a few square meters. It reached out to Al, a dark wave tousling his hair as it parted around him. Then I pulled it back in an instant later.

“Sure,” I said. “It’s not your typical domain. I don’t have the reach or strength of someone with a focused externalized domain, but mine will be really difficult to get rid of. And I can mix darkness and light pretty well. I appreciate the versatility.”

“Like this, everyone will see it coming a mile away, and it takes you too long to establish it.” Al shrugged. “But I guess it is a nice one.”

We started walking again. Instead of talking, I was busy mentally reviewing what I’d learned and what I’d need to do now. It was really about time to put some more practice in regarding cultivation and sparring, and I’d neglected my self-made study plan, too. I still needed to learn more about this world. Honestly, I’ve gotten a little side-tracked. I need to make sure that doesn’t happen again. I can't afford to lose momentum with my cultivation. I guess I need to be more aware of the planning fallacy, too.

Soon, we reached the main building complex. The paths sported more people, and the hallways after the entrance even more so. All of them made way and bowed to us. But the looks sent my way had changed. I wasn’t sure exactly what they expressed. But it probably has something to do with the powerful spirit beasts running around in the castle, duh. They must be wondering what I’m up to.

“Word of what you’ve been doing has leaked, Elder Sister,” Al commented quietly. “People have been … bewildered.”

“Oh, am I unnerving people? Sorry.” I hunched my shoulders a little.

He gave me an unimpressed look. “I’m taking you to Mother.”

“What?” I held up a hand at his look. “Not that I object, but why did she send you instead of someone else? Or just a message?”

“I went on my own. And I know she wants to talk to you.”

Well, maybe he was a good choice to pull me away from my work. A bit underhanded, trying to guilt-trip me for not seeing my brother. Not like I have room to complain, though.

The rest of the way, we walked in silence. I could tell Al was nervous. He walked quickly but without the usual bounce in his step, and his fingers toyed with his sleeves. Occasionally, he would glance at the people we passed and return their greetings with a nod, but not all of them.

I wasn’t any better. So far, Mother hadn’t taken me to task yet, but I had a feeling I was in for a reprimand. Maybe she’d take away her help with the spirit beasts or order me to focus on my cultivation. Maybe she’d even command me to start participating in politics, attending meetings or visiting the government departments. While I knew that would be reasonable, I didn’t want to.

After a few minutes, Alaster stopped in front of a door. He’d led me to the central part of the palace, where tapestries and statues adorned the hallways and even the doors bore gold leaf decorations. Aston and two other guards took up station beside it.

Before we could knock, Mother’s voice called from behind the door, “Inaris, come in. Alaster, I’ll overlook you skipping out on your lessons this time, but get back to them now.”

Alaster took a step back, grimacing. “Fine. Good luck, Nari.” With that, he turned and hurried away.

I opened the door without knocking and entered. The room beyond appeared to be a meeting room, dominated by a big table with several chairs. A few shelves and desks lined the walls, but no bodyguards this time. At the head of the table sat Mother, and beside her another woman in dark gray robes with a slightly lined face.

When I entered, I bowed deeply to Mother. She didn’t react, but the other woman greeted me by kowtowing on the plush carpet. The whole time, her serene expression didn’t change. I guessed she was in the fifth or sixth stage, but couldn’t tell for sure due to her skill in veiling her aura.

“Take a seat, Inaris,” Mother said. “It’s good to see you, now that you’ve shown your face again.”

I pulled out a chair. “Hello, Mother. I’m sorry if I was too reclusive.”

“This is the head of my personal intelligence service, Leri Kariva.” Mother gestured to the woman with one hand. “You should make sure to maintain a good relationship.”

I raised an eyebrow. I knew the Empire had an official intelligence service mostly attached to the foreign office. The Empress’ personal agents must be more focused on the palace and the nobles.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance again, Luminous Princess,” the spymaster — or spymistress? That sounds stupid — greeted me in a quiet voice.

“Likewise, I’m pleased to meet you, Cousin Kariva,” I replied. Since I didn’t know what world she would be from, it would be safer to stick to this world’s etiquette. “I’m sure we will work together well.” I scrutinized her quickly. On Earth, I’d put her in her forties, but here, she had to be at least two hundred. I’ll need to pay close attention to her. She might be the key to investigating the old note. Or a threat.

“Thank you, my lady. I will endeavor to be of use.”

We eyed each other for a while longer before Mother broke the tension by clearing her throat.

“I hope you at least gained something.”

“A lot. Spirit beasts are fascinating. Their cognition is remarkably similar to humans’, but there are differences, and their development really makes me wonder. There’s a lot more to be discovered, and I can’t wait to study them further …”

Mother raised a hand to stop me. “Inaris. We have to talk about your mad scientist tendencies.”

I chuckled. “Okay. Just don’t expect me to make you superweapons. If I’m a mad scientist, then I’m still a scientist, not a mad engineer. Real science doesn’t need to build things.”

Mother grinned. “Such a shame. There went my hidden agenda.”

We shared a laugh, but quickly sobered up. Kariva’s face was a mask, but I wondered if she was surprised to hear our banter. I’d be surprised if Mother let loose often.

“Anyway, Inaris,” Mother continued, fixing me with a hard stare. “I’m serious about this. You’re a princess, not a researcher.”

I nod in resignation. “I know. Let me guess, you think I’ve been neglecting my cultivation.”

“No. I think you’ve been hiding,” Mother corrected, tapping her hand on the table. “There’s only so much you can learn from books. You need to see the world and experience the culture, not shut yourself away in the library.”

I grimaced. “You have a point. I know books aren’t everything. But I don’t feel ready to really step into the old Inaris’ shoes, in the eyes of the world. I’m not even sure if I’m really her or not.”

“Well, you’d better change that quickly. I’m tired of waiting for you to grow a sense of adventure.”

Uh oh. That doesn’t sound good. “I’ll start going out into the city and attending a few gatherings.”

Mother snorted and motioned to her agent, who tossed a folder onto the table.

I leaned forward. A few sheafs of paper held together with a rough binding. The title was written in blocky script. “The Carmine Cloud Sect? What is this, a parody?”

“I’ve decided that a more cold-water approach is needed.”

My heart sank. “You’re sending me to a sect? How does that even work? I mean, I’m the Imperial Princess! What if I embarrass myself, and you?”

Mother smirked. “I suggest you don’t attempt to find out. And I’m perfectly aware of your status. You’ll be protected, and the sect will make special allowances. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce you to the world and culture in a somewhat controlled environment, while also teaching you about cultivation.”

I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. “Why can’t I just go on a tour of the Empire instead?”

“Enough whining. It’s decided.” Mother shrugged. “If you want, you can go on a tour later, but you need a challenge.”

“Alright, you heartless tyrant,” I muttered under my breath, aware that she could hear me.

“You’re pushing it, Nari.” Mother’s tone hardened. “Now, pay attention. Kariva and I have carefully considered which sect to put you in.”

Kariva cleared her throat and started her report. I opened the folder and browsed the information contained within while I listened. This had really come out of left field, but I forced myself to pay attention to her description of the sect and what they would do.

I hoped this wouldn’t take long. Still, a part of my was excited to see my first sect.