I leaned back a little in the chair, grateful they’d at least put a cushion on it. And that I didn’t have to look up to people, since they were all kneeling or bowing if they approached, or further down the room.

I was holding court. Maybe not officially, but it certainly felt like it. While we’d arrived yesterday, I’d take today to deal with the political stuff and get to know the local nobles and such. Hopefully, that would let me get to work in relative peace later.

“At least we’re not in the throne room,” Lei muttered, shifting his weight where he stood not far from me. His voice was quiet enough that few people would hear him.

I glanced at him, then back at the room. It was a quite spacious sitting room, decorated with beautiful tapestries and pictures and filled with not quite as aesthetically pleasing people. At least to my eyes. They probably wore the height of fashion here, even if I didn’t know how a bastard child of platform boots and sandals was supposed to work out.

I hadn’t known that Blue Valley City’s imperial palace had a throne room, but on second thought, that was obvious. This palace housed some of the city government, but it was also kept ready in case the Empress showed up. Or her family, I supposed. Since the city was one of the most important in the south, that probably made sense. It was an old building, but well maintained, and the imperial suite they’d given me made my actual quarters in the Imperial Palace look shabby. I’d heard grandmother appreciated humility, but shit, my perspective is screwed up.

I put on a smile and turned toward the mayor hovering nearby, beckoning him to come. Inwardly, I mused that if any trait of mine caused me to question whether Mother’s bargain worked, it was my lack of extroversion. Though, maybe they just didn’t have much to work with if they wanted to have other traits. I’m pretty sure she’s an introvert, too, just hiding it well.

I shook my head a little, dismissing those thoughts, and focused on the man who was now bowing towards me. The Lord Mayor of Blue Valley City was a hereditary position, sort of. The Empress could dismiss the current one and appoint a new one, and that had happened a few times over the years. Still, the office was usually held by an old aristocratic family. As these things usually went.

“I don’t see General Wei, Mayor,” I mentioned. “Would you happen to know his whereabouts? I was under the impression he’d stayed in the south.”

He bowed his head. “Your Highness, the esteemed general is currently on a tour of the border, near the tenth border fort. He will most likely complete his tour before returning to the city, though we have of course made him aware of your coming.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “There’s no rush. I’ll be glad to hear what he has to report.”

I shifted my weight as he backed away, and looked back at the people filling the room. Most of them were engaged in conversation over drinks. They still looked in my direction a lot. Later, I should get up and make the rounds. I recognized some of them from the meetings during the war, and others from pictures, but some faces I couldn’t place.

I turned and took the glass of juice a servant was offering. Slightly delayed, but that was to be expected. After my poisoning, they’d instituted the rule that everything I was to eat or drink had to be tested by a taster, who would usually be a randomly chosen guard or servant. Ideally someone with similar cultivation to myself. I found that annoying, but hard to argue against. At least the juice was great, fruity and only a little sweet. I felt it ease the tension in my qi channels a little. Probably some expensive qi-infused fruit.

Then my gaze caught on a noble strolling closer from the throng. Unlike the others, he didn’t show much hesitation, clearly headed for me. Of course, I recognized Zun Chao from the war. I hid a sigh, but gestured at him. I might not particularly like the man, but he had contributed a lot during the war, so I shouldn’t snub him.

My guards, placed throughout the room but close to my seat, straightened up. Zun gave a wide berth to the one closest to him as he approached, but kept his gaze on me.

Once he was close enough, he bowed. “Your Highness. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

I forced a smile. “Lord Zun, please raise your head. I am pleased to see you again, as well. I hope things are going well for your clan after the war?”

“Never better,” he answered with an air of satisfaction.

“I admit I had expected you to return to your clan’s holdings further north,” I said. “Surely the disruptions the war caused have been felt there as well, if not as strongly.”

He shrugged a little. “They have, of course, but it is nothing my people could not deal with. I had intended to return sooner, but found this city offered a lot of opportunities.”

I hoped he wasn’t profiteering from the war too directly, but kept that thought to myself. “It is certainly an economic hub, and seems to deal well with some more recent changes in the Empire that promise to increase our prosperity,” I agreed.

Zun smiled as if amused at my words. “I imagine so. The recent expansion of the southern border fortifications is causing some movement here, certainly. As well as the increased recruitment of the army.”

“That is happening across the Empire,” I said casually.

“Well, I certainly hope it is going well,” Zun said, but this time he didn’t sound too sincere. Clearly still not a fan of the army or its leadership.

I made a noncommittal hum in response, not letting it faze me. From what I’d heard, the recruiting was going as well as could be expected.

“If the rumors are anything to go by, Your Highness is more interested in those changes for the Empire,” he continued, raising an eyebrow. “Especially when it comes to technology.”

I cocked my head a little, considering for a moment. But there was no point in not answering his probe. It was hardly a secret. “Yes, I am quite a fan of technology, and developing more and better ones,” I said, keeping my tone casual and pleasant. “It has the potential to improve the lives of many people in the Empire, not to mention put us firmly ahead of other countries.” He was probably the type to care about that.

Zun smoothed his expression. “Of course, Your Highness. Actually, there is someone I believe you might like to meet. Suaki is an acknowledged expert on formation arrays and their application to mechanical instruments, as well as general mundane engineering.” He turned and waved to someone in the crowd.

I stifled a sigh. I didn’t really want to have him push some political connection at me. But I did recognize the name from a few texts in the palace, so he probably was an acknowledged expert at least.

Suaki turned out to be a middle-aged man with short dark hair and a few wrinkles, wearing a relatively plain set of robes. But I could sense the qi of several small devices on him. He wore a pair of glasses that looked a little crude to my eyes but gave him a more academic air. I tamped down on my surprise. I could see runes inscribed on them, so they probably weren’t a vision aid, something cultivators were unlikely to need due to the qi ‘enhancing’ our bodies. He came closer, glancing at the guards and the people close to me, and knelt.

I let him wait a moment before I spoke. “Rise. Lord Zun has praised your skills with formations and engineering.”

Suaki stood but kept his head bowed. After waiting for a bit, probably to be sure I was expecting a response, he answered, “Luminous Princess, this one is gratified at the praise but would not dare to flatter himself in such a way.”

I tapped my fingers on the armrest. At least he didn’t seem arrogant. “What is your opinion of electrical technology?”

“It’s the future, or at least part of it,” he replied promptly. “I am only starting to truly understand the material, but it carries a few advantages compared to traditional work, in addition to several deficits.” He raised his head a little. “The telegraphs Your Highness has had built will have a large impact, especially for our army, but new electrical generators are a far more important matter.”

I couldn’t help but smile. I guess I really shouldn’t judge him for being an associate of Zun’s. That was a good answer.

I stood up. “Let’s take a stroll, Expert Suaki.”

He hesitated, his eyes darting to the other attendees. “Your Highness, I have several engagements, and I’m sure my lowly self could not offer someone like you anything of worth.”

“This won’t take long,” I said. It might, but I couldn’t just let him get away like that. Lucky I’m the princess and don’t need to take no for an answer. At least for something like this.

Suaki obviously schooled his expression, but bowed and fell into step after me as I started walking, a few guards accompanying me. Tenira joined us, as well. I noticed many of the gathered people look up, their eyes following us with interest, but pretended not to notice.

After a short corridor, we reached an inner courtyard with a garden. I asked Suaki a few questions as we strolled along, trying to gauge his expertise and opinions. It was easy to see he was far more knowledgeable than me about formations, although I knew enough to gauge his level. He also seemed interested in other forms of mechanisms or engineering, and not averse to new technologies.

“I think the most pressing problem about revamping the southern defenses with them lies in ensuring the communication lines can operate smoothly,” he said on the latest topic. “Telegraphs and whatever else Your Highness might have planned need a steady supply of electrical power. I imagine that some of them will be built near running water, and you may be able to connect a generator to a windmill. Those haven’t been built much for farming in the last centuries, but we’ve hardly forgotten how to do it.”

I sighed. “You’re quite right. With a few improvements, wind-powered generators are easily feasible. I would of course like a few more options.” But we simply didn’t have the ability to build photovoltaic cells yet.

“If it comes down to it, we could use those steam engines or something similar,” Tenira commented softly, probably following the same chain of thought.

“I’d rather not rely on that,” I murmured. “Let’s avoid burning coal or other material. Even beside the pollution issue, those resources have to come from somewhere.” I shrugged. “Going around cutting down the Empire’s forests would be a very bad idea. Those are often important for gathering resources. The spirit beasts and spirits there might not appreciate it, either.”

Tenira snorted. “You don’t say.”

“Anyway, Expert Suaki.” I turned back to our guest. “I’ve been quite impressed at your sharp mind and extensive knowledge.”

He bowed. “You honor me, Your Highness.”

I nodded. “I wonder if you might be interested in a project I wanted to start here in the city. I need capable people to help with our research and development. I will also be opening an institution dedicated to gathering and spreading knowledge, educating people. Not just those bound to serve a group’s interest, but anyone with the prerequisites, who are free to go and use that knowledge later. For the benefit of the Empire.”

He raised his eyebrows, surprise clear on his face. “That sounds quite unusual. Begging Your Highness’ pardon.”

I grinned. “Maybe so, but I have reason to think it will work quite well in gathering knowledge, fostering innovation and producing both new insights and technological advancement.”

He still looked hesitant. “Well, of course I feel honored, and I admit it does sound like an intriguing challenge.”

“We would also appreciate it if you could recommend others who might be interested,” I said. “I’m sure you’re familiar with experts and scholars here in the region, or even farther away.” Lei and Tenira were already looking for prospects, but personal knowledge might be valuable.

Suaki bowed his head. “Of course, Your Highness. With your permission, may I take some time to consider possible fellows, and perhaps wrap up my affairs?”

I nodded and gestured a dismissal. “Of course, I won’t keep you from your engagements. My people will contact you, and you’re welcome to contact my team, as well.”

He bowed deeply once again, then backed away, turning once he had reached the end of this section of the gardens. I watched him go for a moment.

Tenira shook her head. “I’m not sure how well this thing will turn out, Inaris. But at least he seems reasonable, and we should be able to find others.”

I glanced at her, wondering what she expected of this venture. She hadn’t said much. She just stood there, perfectly groomed, hands folded in front of her, her face and deep eyes hard to read. Then, realizing I’d stared a little too long, I wrenched my gaze away. I clenched my fists and took a deep breath, reminding myself I was being stupid.

“We don’t have much to lose. But for now, I should concentrate on the southern defenses.”

Tenira tilted her head, but I noticed she didn’t quite look at me. “Should we get back inside?”

I nodded, and we set off. This garden wasn’t particularly big, although it sported many different kinds of flowers and plants, some of them with discreetly placed placards explaining their origins. Once we got back, I’d make more of an effort to talk with the nobles and make some contacts.

“Oh, well,” I muttered, shaking my head at myself. “I’ve had worse birthdays.”

Tenira turned, raising an eyebrow. “It’s your birthday? I thought that wasn’t for a little while yet?”

“Well, maybe. A best I can figure out, I’m turning mentally twenty-three today.”

Tenira smiled softly. “Ah, from your other life, of course. Happy birthday, then.”

“Thanks. When’s yours?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, I lost track of the days. At least I have my usual one here.”

I nodded, falling silent at that. They’d probably make a big deal of mine, but it was just as well I didn’t really mark this one. We reached the doors into the building, and my guards fell in more closely around us. I straightened my robes and entered.