Zosia: Quick Transmigration System
Chapter 100 - 98- Arc 3

Zosia buttoned her shirt as she put on her clothes.

Since, she would be going to the army, she would not be wearing only gown, she needs to wear an inner trouser.

She had done some while staying with Uncle Adrian and had been using them, so it wasn't strange for her to wear.

"Princess.... Are you really going to the army?" Grace asked cautiously, her eyes filled with dread.

She had heard a lot of things about the army and she just couldn't imagine the Princess going there.

To her, it was no different than sending the Princess to exile.

She had watched the Princess for the past 3 years and noticed that the Princess always kept to herself.

Despite people saying that she is pampered by the Emperor, she has not seen anything like that.

To her, pampering is to indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness. But that was not the same with the Princess. The Emperor practically dictates everything the Princess should do and hates it when she refuses.

Sometimes she felt that the Princess seemed more like a bird in a gilded cage, longing for freedom. Grace's concern grew with each passing moment.

Zosia sighed, adjusting her belt. "Yes, Grace. I must go. It's my duty, and it's the only way to prove myself. Don't worry, I will be fine," she reassured with a smile.

Even though the Emperor, Karl and Uncle Adrian knew her capabilities, she still needs achievements that will completely shut people's mouth once it's time for her to ascend the throne.

Grace's eyes brimmed with tears. "But Princess, the army is no place for someone like you. It's dangerous, and the soldiers… they are ruthless and smelly and filled with men. What if something happens to you?"

Zosia's lips curled up softly, "Do you think I am that weak? You shouldn't worry about me. I have experienced more things than you could think of."

Grace bit her lip, struggling to find words. She could tell that the Princess wasn't lying just from some of the scars she had seen on her body.

The Princess is the most diligent and most hardworking person she has ever known. She has never seen her throwing a tantrum though the princess has her occasional mood swings but those were still normal unlike some princesses that she heard about from other maids.

She noticed that apart from other miscellaneous things, she was the only one serving the Princess and she felt like her job was much easier than her pay.

Sometimes she wondered why she was the only one. She had once asked the princess and her reply left her stunned.

"I wanted no one at first, if not for the Emperor asking me to take at least one."

Thinking about how the princess treated her, she opened her mouth. "Princess, I will follow you."

Zosia chuckled at the girl's declaration. Walking up to her, she brought out a dagger.

"Do you see how sharp it is. On the battlefield, swords have no eyes."

Grace gulped in trepidation but her eyes were filled with determination. She wants to be beside the Princess and protect the Princess.

Zosia felt that Grace's emotions were strange today and couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you are not ovulating and feeling a rush of emotions to make you say this?"

Grace shook her head. "Princess, you don't have to worry, I would not regret it."

Zosia used analyze on her and seeing that her loyalty was just way of the charts, she scratched her head awkwardly. She decided to take Grace with her.

"Alright." Zosia walked up to her drawer, bringing out another set of clothes. "Put on this." She ordered as she handed the clothes to Grace.

"Princess I can't wear your clothes. I don't dare." Grace immediately responded.

"Did I ask you? I ordered you to. Wear it before I come back." Zosia said and left.

************

Bang!

Another teacup suffered the same fate as the rest on the floor, including the expensive vases.

"What does he mean by this?" Amelia growled in anger. Her eyes were practically about to spit fires.

Pacing around the room, she felt furious at the decision Aaron had made.

Anyone could piece things together as far as the person was not a fool to understand that the Emperor was training Zosia to be the heir to the throne.

She couldn't allow it. From Zosia's words yesterday, she could tell that the probability of Aaron being aware of her infidelity is already high.

"But, when did he know? How did they know?" She thought inwardly.

She had made sure to clear all traces and hide whatever she was doing, even his family doesn't know about it.

She had counted on Aaron's indifference to her movements, his preoccupation with the Empire affairs, and his trust in her. But now, everything was unraveling.

"No, I cannot let this stand," she whispered fiercely. "I must act, and swiftly."

Amelia's thoughts raced as she tried to devise a plan. She needed to undermine Zosia's position in the Emperor's eyes and create a situation where Aaron would have no choice but to discard her. But how?

An idea struck her like a bolt of lightning. She needed an ally, someone within the palace who could execute her plans discreetly. But she remembered the Emperor dealing with many of his concubines.

She had been happy when he was dealing with them, feeling that he was fulfilling the wish he made to her when he was wooing her but thinking about it now, it was clearly him removing the weeds and using her as a target.

She couldn't do it herself, so she can only let Chrisen do it. It would be less suspicious and besides, if they found out her plan, they would likely do it but would cut her off once they are done.

The Emperor had drastically reduced her hands in the Palace and now she was feeling it. At first she hadn't bothered much since Chrisen was doing his own part on building connections outside for their child and most likely while the Emperor is doing his clean up, he may find things related to her, so she had cut them off.

"Get me an ink, grindstone, brush and paper." She ordered.

She needs to send a message quick and fast before Zosia leaves.

"Don't blame me for acting. Blame yourself for not knowing your place." She muttered, her eyes filled with hatred.

While she was making her plans, the person in question was already geared up to go.

"Are you taking her with you?" Aaron asked, his gaze landing on Grace that stood with her head raised high and her chest puffed out.

He noticed that the cloth material wasn't something a maid could afford, meaning, Zosia had given it to her.

"Seems like she is now accepting people into her heart." He thought Inwardly.

Aaron believed that he could confidently beat his chest and tell anyone who ask him how many people his daughter cares for.

Apart from him, Adrian, Karl, Kamal and those two veteran maids that he doesn't know what she did with them, Grace would be a new one.

They were so few and whenever he thought about it, his heart would ache, especially remembering that his daughter couldn't give birth. He didn't think she would want to marry either.

"Yes." Zosia responded concisely.

"Who would be taking care of your tea tree then?" Aaron asked. He didn't want such valuable tea tree to go to waste.

"I am taking it to the barracks." Aaron nodded at her response. He didn't care what she does with it, as far as he gets the tree leaves.

"I have informed General Solenneves. He would take care of you and meet him if you want to send any message to me."

"Yes Father. I would miss you. I should get going." Zosia bowed but her bow was cut short by the Emperor who drew her into a hug.

"Take care. I know you can take it but remember to tell me if something goes wrong."

Zosia lips curled up into a wicked smile. "I will."

Grace who was watching them from a distance, stood rooted to the ground with a confused look on her face.

"So, the Emperor really does care about the Princess." She muttered, feeling a burst of Joy in her heart.

She is very well aware of the rumors about the Princess, including how unloved she is by her own mother and being called a black star of doom.

Following the Princess into the carriage, she suppressed whatever thought she had.

**************

Zosia arrived at the training grounds just as the sun began its slow ascent over the horizon. The encampment was already bustling with activity. Soldiers moved with purpose, their armor clanking, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat, metal, and morning dew.

As she approached, a murmur spread through the ranks. Zosia, the Emperor's daughter, was not a figure they had expected to see here. Some soldiers cast curious glances, while others whispered among themselves. Zosia squared her shoulders, her gaze nonchalant and even lazy.

A tall man with a stern expression and grizzled hair stepped forward. His eyes narrowed as he took in Zosia's presence. He was Captain Yotaku, a veteran known for his strict discipline and no-nonsense attitude.

"Princess Zosia," Yotaku said, his voice laced with skepticism. "To what do we owe the honor of your presence?"

Zosia met his gaze steadily. "I'm here to join the army, Captain.... Yotaku." She said after reading the name sown on the uniform. "I wish to serve and prove myself."

Yotaku brows furrowed. He was tired of all these noble children being sent to the barracks as they would end up causing disruption. Luckily most of them don't last long and run away on their own. He felt that that would be the same thing with the Princess.

"With all due respect, Princess, the army is no place for royalty. Our conditions are harsh, and our training is rigorous. Are you prepared for that?"

"I am," Zosia replied firmly. "I understand the challenges, but I am not here to be treated as royalty. I am here to be a soldier, to fight and to lead."

Yotaku studied her for a long moment before turning to his second-in-command.

"Lieutenant Arlyn, show the Princess to the barracks. Ensure she has everything she needs."

As Zosia followed Arlyn, she could feel the weight of the soldiers' eyes on her. She knew she had to prove herself, not just to the captain and the soldiers, but to herself as well.

The barracks were a stark contrast to the palace. The wooden bunks were bare and the space was cramped. Zosia found an empty bunk and set her belongings down. Grace, who had insisted on accompanying her, looked around with wide eyes.

"Princess, this is... different," Grace said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"It is," Zosia agreed. "But we will adapt. You have to."

Grace gulped and nodded her head.

Zosia had yet to arrange herself and trouble came knocking on her door.

"Hey, Princess come out." A loud voice sounded, drawing the attention of other soldiers.

Zosia rolled her eyes, "It must be a planned one." Zosia concluded inwardly.

Walking out of the room, she was met with a young man dressed differently from the soldiers. He was dressed in blue.

"You are?" Zosia calmly asked her voice as airy as always.

"Hahaha... Princess introduce yourself first." He laughed and those following behind him laughed as well.

Zosia completely lost interest with them and was about to turn and go back when she was held back by him.

Zosia stared coldly at the hand touching her and strongly removed his hold on her hand.

"Speak what do you want?" Zosia asked coldly.

The young man's eyes flickered as he stared at the face with vine-like marks, he snorted.

"Don't act like you are a beauty with that monstrous face of yours."

Zosia eyes got colder as she stared at the idiot.

"Princess, you should know that we are in the barracks and there is no distinction between male and female, why don't we go bath together let's see if you are really a male." He words elicited laughter from those following him and from a few soldiers standing to watch.

From afar, Captain Yotaku watched the scene. Lieutenant Arlyn wanted to act but was stopped by Yotaku.

"Let's watch the Princess handle it, before you act."

Zosia chuckled at his words, her smile widening. Since no one was acting or saying anything. It means she could act.

Cracking her neck which made sounds that made the soldiers gulp and even the young man stopped smiling.

"If young noble decides to play, I don't mind playing with you throughout." She said, bringing out a dagger that wiped off the smile on their faces.

"I.. I was just joking with the Princess." He stuttered and turned to leave. He was just sent to test the Princess, he didn't want to get on her bad side either.

Unfortunately, others couldn't read the room and decided to take up from where he stopped.

"I don't mind playing with the princess." A young man dressed like the soldiers with his hair packed in a bun and dark blue eyes said.

"Okay. Been a while I stretched." Zosia said.

They left for the training field.

Arriving at the training field, Zosia tied her hair into a bun and then put on the mask she decided to wear while in the army.

The mask was a surprise to many people but it relieved them from seeing the Princess face.

The duel commenced, and the soldiers gathered around to watch. The air was tense with anticipation, as many were eager to see if the Princess could hold her own against a seasoned soldier.

The young soldier, smug and confident, took the first move. He lunged at Zosia, swinging his sword with a wide arc. Zosia sidestepped effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. She countered with a swift strike of her own, her dagger glinting in the morning light.

The soldier barely had time to react, stumbling back to avoid the blade. The onlookers murmured in surprise, not expecting such agility from the Princess.

Zosia pressed her advantage, her attacks relentless. She moved with the grace and speed of a dancer, each strike calculated to disarm and subdue her opponent. The soldier's confidence quickly waned, replaced by desperation as he struggled to keep up.

Within minutes, Zosia had the soldier on the ground, her dagger at his throat. She stared down at him, her eyes cold and unyielding. "Yield," she commanded.

The soldier, breathing heavily and thoroughly beaten, nodded. "I yield," he gasped.

Zosia stepped back, allowing him to stand. She turned to face the gathered soldiers, her expression unreadable behind the mask. "Let this be a lesson," she said, her voice carrying across the training grounds. "I am here to fight, to lead, and to prove myself. Anyone else who doubts my place here is welcome to challenge me."

Captain Yotaku watched with a mixture of surprise and grudging respect. It seemed the Princess was more formidable than he had given her credit for. He stepped forward, his voice booming. "Training begins now! Everyone to your stations!"

As the soldiers dispersed, Zosia returned to her bunk, Grace trailing behind her. "Princess, that was incredible," Grace said, her voice filled with awe.

Zosia shrugged, untying her hair and removing the mask. "It was necessary," she replied. "I need them to respect me, not as a Princess, but as a soldier."

Grace nodded, her admiration for Zosia growing. She realized that the Princess was more than just a noble; she was a warrior, determined and fierce. As they settled in, Grace made a silent vow to stand by Zosia's side, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

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We just resumed but we are already having test and I need to read so the release rate may drop but I still hope for your support in my absence.

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