Zosia: Quick Transmigration System
Chapter 80 - 78- Arc 3

And that thing; is to survive.

Even if she had to give up her soul, she wants to survive.

Zosia finally understood why she only saw one task and what other side tasks there could have been.

She decided to fulfill them all.

Zosia was quite surprised seeing the ending part but she smiled anyway. It didn't matter how or why she could see it.

She understood that if she decided to do those tasks, they would not be included in her reward.

Zosia finally understood that most of those rewards were what the people she was counterattacking for could offer. That was why they were not substantial.

****

Slowly the maid helped her out of the bath tub, which brought her back to reality.

She held onto the maid and tried walking. Her steps were still shaky and her breathing had only just calmed down from how ragged it was before.

"Thank you." She muttered under her breath.

Debrah red eyes reddened even more and the tears she has been trying to hold back, spilled forth.

"Sob, sob, Princess don't thank me. Your humble servant couldn't even protect you."

"Sigh! There is nothing we can do now but strive to live." She said, her voice calm and soothing.

Had her body not been evidence of the poisoning, one might think she was comforting another person.

Debrah whimpered, unsure of what to say. Just like the princess said, it's best they look ahead, instead of crying over spilled milk.

********

Weeks passed by, and Zosia daily life came to a routine. Each day was either, trying to walk and do some minor vocal exercises or reading and eating.

Her meal consisted of mostly porridge and drugs and she was beginning to get tired of it. Now, just taking another look at the porridge makes her want to vomit.

She was actually healing faster than the time given, even her skin was returning to its former luster unlike the first day where she looked like a cracked clay pot.

Even the Chief Physician was surprised that he kept praising her will and lamenting that she wasn't a boy.

Zosia didn't mind and only smiled whenever he made such comments. Rather she focused her time on gathering information.

Even the analysis function that came with the chip that she had forgotten, came into use.

Her daily routine was disrupted by a sudden news.

"Princess, the Emperor finally avenged you!" Debrah exclaimed as she rushed into the room where she was learning how to sew from Evelyn.

"Huh?!" Zosia had an idea but she still made a confused face.

"Huff! Huff!" Debrah huffed and patted her chest to calm her rough breathing.

Putting her hands on her waist after she regained herself, she began narrating what she heard.

"I went to get the Princess drug as usual and while passing Wealth palace where Imperial Consort Ella resides, I overheard some maids saying that the Emperor offered her a silk and a poisoned wine. Either she chooses to commit suicide by hanging or by poison as her punishment for attempting to poison the princess."

"It's still just a rumor not something that has been confirmed. Do not rush to celebrate." Zosia said in a gentle and firm tone.

Even though she was aware that it was the truth, she didn't want them to start harbouring hopes about the Emperor.

In the original owner's memories, the Emperor care and attention was vastly different from the one received from a fatherly figure. But it was better than nothing for the original owner who had no choice to choose in the first place.

Thud!

Zosia suddenly heard two thuds and turned to look at Evelyn and Debrah, her eyes filled with question on what happened.

"We greet the great Sun!" She joined them to greet in unison upon realizing the presence of the Emperor.

"Mmm" The Emperor hummed in response flashing a fleeting glance towards Debrah.

Debrah shivered in her spot. She could only pray the Emperor ignores her.

"Greetings Emperor Father, to what do I owe your presence?" Zosia greeted again but this time around, her posture was much more formal and not rushed like before.

"Won't you offer your guest tea." The Emperor replied in response.

Zosia signaled Evelyn who stood up and arranged the table.

"I do not have tea only water in my humble abode. I hope the great Sun can forgive my lack of hospitality," Zosia said, bowing her head slightly.

The Emperor chuckled softly, a sound that seemed almost out of place given the severity of his presence. "Water will suffice," he said, his tone surprisingly mild. "I came to see how you were recovering. It seems you are making remarkable progress."

Zosia straightened, maintaining her composed demeanor. "I have been fortunate, Emperor Father. The Chief physician and the care from my maids have been invaluable."

Evelyn quickly served a glass of water, placing it on the low table before the Emperor. He took it, sipping lightly, his eyes never leaving Zosia. "And how do you find your daily routines? Are they satisfactory?"

"Yes, Emperor Father," Zosia replied. "Though I admit, I am eager to resume more active duties. I feel the need to learn more."

The Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, studying her. "Eagerness is commendable, but one must not rush. Your health is paramount."

Zosia nodded. "I understand, and I assure you, I will not overextend myself. However, I believe that staying engaged will aid my recovery."

The Emperor seemed to consider her words carefully. "Very well. I will see to it that you have some light duties to occupy your time. Nothing strenuous, but enough to keep your mind sharp."

Zosia bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Emperor Father."

"How do you see your courtyard?" He asked.

"It's okay." Zosia response, concise not conveying much.

"It will be refurbished and the teacher that I arranged for you will be staying with you, so it needs to be more spacious.

For now, you will be staying at the Wealth palace."

Zosoa frowned imperceptibly. It would be strange for a seven year old not to react to the sudden news.

Maritza suddenly rushed in. Seeing the Emperor present, she knelt and greeted.

The Emperor placed the glass back on the table, standing up with a fluid grace. "Rest well."

As he turned, his gaze stopped on Maritza then on Debrah.

"You can spend sometime educating them."

With that, he turned and left the room, his presence like a storm dissipating, leaving a calm but charged atmosphere in his wake. The door closed behind him, and Debrah let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"That was..." Debrah started but couldn't find the words.

"Unexpected?" Zosia finished for her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, it was. But it also means we must be more cautious. The Emperor's visit was not merely out of concern. There are deeper currents at play."

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "We must ensure we navigate these waters carefully. The court is no place for complacency."

Zosia continued, "Also you need to control yourselves. We are now being put in scrutiny, I wouldn't want any of your actions to harm me."

"We understand." They replied in unison. With Debrah and Maritza feeling a little bit guilty.

"But, Princess are we really going to go to the Wealth Palace, your reputation has been in tatters. I don't know who started spreading another round of rumour." Maritza said in a perturbed tone, her eyes revealing her distress.

"Oh, what are they saying?" Zosia asked calmly.

Seeing how calm Zosia was, Maritza felt more helpless. She wasn't sure if this was something she should be bothering a seven year old with.

"Sigh! Seeing how Princess is calm, it's stupid of me to bother and disrupt your mood." Maritza answered.

Evelyn and Debrah who had been waiting to hear what was being said, also sighed, feeling that they have been inconsiderate.

Zosia only raised an eyebrow, not bothering to say anything.

She has learnt not to get too close to someone, it would lead to a painful seperation.

Thinking of if she did not say anything and how they would feel, she could only mutter.

"It's okay. As far as our hands are clean, we will find a way to restore my reputation."

The days that followed saw Zosia taking on small tasks like embroidery. She also started to exercise like running and taking walks.

She thought she wouldn't have to move to the Wealth palace again but coming back from a run in her space, she was met with Imperial guards who were tasked to help her pack.

Evelyn, Maritza and Debrah had already packed everything and things were being moved.

"Princess, your hot water bath is ready. You need to come out for us to pack your clothes." Evelyn said from the opposite side of the door.

Anytime she enters the space, she always stays in her room and makes sure no one disturbs her while she is there.

Making a sound of acknowledgement, she opened the room door, allowing them to do their job while she goes into the bathroom to have her bath with Debrah being in charge of her clothes.

After dressing up, she, along with the maids from her secluded courtyard, entered the carriage arranged for her to go to the Wealth Palace.

Upon arriving at the Wealth Palace, she was met with a scene.