Agedia turned to face the rest of the group just before they entered the Legion keep.

“Ok, here we go. Now, tell me the rules again.”

Ateia and Taog frowned but nodded.

“Don’t agree to anything. Don’t directly refuse anything. Don’t talk to anyone if we can help it, especially not alone.”

Agedia nodded back.

“That’s right. Now, let’s do this.”

NSLICE-00P climbed aboard the small ship alongside Princess Caecila’s entourage, which carried them up to the larger airship above.

Once the door opened up, NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye began flickering rapidly.

The inside of the larger airship featured stone walls and floors, decorated with red carpets and golden chandeliers. And the data from the Dungeon Field Generator as well as her sensors indicated that the interior was not merely made to look like a stone hallway, but the whole interior was made of stone beyond an exterior metal shell.

“Query: This unit has observed stone materials with high weight in use in this craft. How does the craft achieve vertical flight in these conditions?”

Princess Caecila smiled.

“I am not privy to the details but I am told the airships make use of weight-reducing enchantments. This vessel is specially designed to transport high-ranking officials and the Imperial family, so they wanted to make it as similar to the Imperial palace as possible.”

NSLICE-00P again revised her assessment of the Empire’s technological achievements. Princess Caecila then led the group to an observation deck. It was a lounge like area featuring numerous couches, surrounded by windows to give a clear view of the ground below. Servants stood at the ready to attend to the passengers, with a double door leading to a large kitchen. Princess Caecila pointed out the amenities, as well as the hall to the private rooms for the group to rest in.

“Please, make yourselves at home and enjoy the flight.”

Shortly afterwards, the airship began to move. NSLICE-00P detected heavy mana signatures surrounding the ship, similar to the wind spells the Legion had once assaulted her with. The wind began wrapping around the ship and soon it shot forward through the air. NSLICE-00P tried to gather as much data on the ship’s mechanisms as she could, recording whatever fell within range of her Dungeon Field Generator.

Meanwhile, Ateia stood at the window with her eyes wide as they left Velusitum behind, while Taog and Estrith stood in the center of the room, as far away from the windows as possible. Agedia, was lounging on one of the couches as the servants brought her a cup and a plate full of food. The monsters were all resting and sleeping in the hangar, since NSLICE-00P deemed it too risky to deploy them on an Imperial vessel meant for transporting VIPs.

Princess Caecila walked over to NSLICE-00P. The armored soldier from before stood at a polite distance along with the pointy-eared girl, giving the two some privacy.

“I am told you helped save Turannia earlier? May I ask, is Governor Aemilia in good health?”

“Response: By this unit’s last record, Governor Aemilia was in optimal condition.”

Princess Caecila nodded.

“I am glad to hear that. She and I had our differences, but it pained me to hear she was left alone against that incursion. I am happy she survived, thank you for helping her.”

“Acknowledged.”

The pointy-eared woman handed Princess Caecila two drinks.

“May we get you anything, Miss NSLICE-00P?”

“Negative Response: This unit’s organic components are in optimal condition. The next organic refueling is scheduled in 23.81 hours.”

Princess Caecila frowned, but handed one of the drinks back to her assistant.

“I see. Well, just let us know if we can do anything to make things more comfortable for you.”If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

“Acknowledged.”

“But of course. Are you from Turannia, if I may ask?”

“Negative.”

Princess Caecila nodded at that.

“I see, where are you from, then? Another province?”

“Negative Response: This unit originates from outside the Empire. Location of origin is uncertain in reference to the Empire, though this unit is still investigating the exact relationship.”

Princess Caecila’s eyes widened.

“Oh my, you mean to say you are lost?”

“Affirmative Response: That statement is reasonably accurate.”

Princess Caecila’s face turned serious.

“Why don’t you tell me about your home, then? Perhaps we could assist you in finding it?”

“Response: Location of this unit’s origin point is a low priority objective save for its relevance to this unit’s primary directive. Locating the persons of interest is the ultimate objective and this unit would prefer assistance to be concentrated on that mission.”

Princess Caecila nodded.

“Yes, I could see that. A place is less important than the people there, after all. Perhaps you could tell me about who you’re looking for?”

“Affirmative.”

And so NSLICE-00P displayed the persons of interest for Princess Caecila, and described them for her. Princess Caecila hummed and rubbed her chin.

“Hm, none of them appear familiar to me, but we will see what we can find. Fulcinia, could you take note of these people for me?”

“Right away, Your Highness.”

The pointy-eared woman left to retrieve a recording core. Princess Caecila then turned and looked out the window.

“If I may ask, what is your opinion on the Empire, Miss NSLICE-00P? It is rare to meet someone from outside its borders.”

“Requesting Clarification: This unit has no overall opinion and requires additional parameters to conduct an analysis. Please state exact criteria on which to evaluate.”

Princess Caecila blinked a few times.

“Um, well…what do you think of the Empire’s relationship with its people? Do you think…we’re doing a good job of taking care of them?”

NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye began flickering, causing Princess Caecila to blink a few more times.

“Analysis: This unit lacks relevant data and protocols to judge overall socio-economic well-being, though general public health appears to be acceptable within larger Imperial territories. In terms of military efficiency, the Empire appears to possess sufficient hardware and tactics to handle observed opponents, and possesses material, technological, and organizational advantages on the neighboring factions this unit is aware of. However, loyalty and allocation of military forces appears suboptimal, and has left multiple threats unaddressed. This unit is not aware of the overall military situation of the Empire, however, so this analysis is not predicted to be conclusive.”

Princess Caecila paused for a moment before slowly nodding.

“Yes, I can see that. We keep wasting our forces on civil wars or ill-conceived invasions, spending our blood on vain ambition instead of protecting our people. I grieve for the people we leave in harm’s way as a result. And…I will admit that the Northern Court has not been the most effective of late. The Emperor is doing his best…but the Court has been split into factions, more interested in advancing their own agendas than the common good. Consul Hibernius used to keep them in line but…he has been distant of late, which I am ashamed to admit I may have played a role in.”

Princess Caecila then turned to face NSLICE-00P.

“Still, perhaps all is not lost. If a friend of Governor Aemilia were to grow notable in the Court, perhaps we might yet find a path to reconciliation.”

“Response: This unit lacks data and protocols to judge political situations or the probability of successful governance.”

Princess Caecila frowned for a moment, before nodding.

“I suppose…I do as well.”

Meanwhile Agedia was covering her mouth and trembling, trying to hold in her giggles.

“Oh Seero, you have no idea what you’re saying, do you? Well, she’s already an Amiciti Populi Elteni so I guess she can get away with it.”

Just then a shadow covered Agedia, blocking her light. She turned around and looked up to find the Minotaur woman standing over her with arms crossed. Agedia grinned and lifted out of her chair.

“Well well well, look who it is.”

The minotaur woman snorted and pulled her hand back. Agedia did likewise.

And then they clasped hands, gripping as hard as they could. Agedia winced as she grinned.

“It seems you’ve been working out, huh, Typheras?”

Typheras snorted again.

“More like you’ve gone soft, Agedia.”

"Me? What about you? Didn't expect you of all people to join up with the Exploratores, or the Imperial family, miss royal guard.”

Typheras shrugged.

“I like being able to bash heads outside of the Colosseum without getting arrested for it.”

Agedia nodded.

“Ah, that’s a good point.”

Typheras shook her head.

“Enough about me. Why are you coming back to Corvanus, Agedia?”

Agedia nodded her head towards Ateia and Taog.

“Those kids are friends of Tibbers, so I wasn’t about to let them waltz into the Court without a chaperone.”

Typheras nodded at that. Agedia looked her in the eye and frowned.

“So, you know, let your boss know hands off if you want to stay on my good side.”

Typheras narrowed her eyes.

“You know Caecila wouldn’t do anything like that, she’s a good girl. In fact, they should probably come under her wing if you're worried.”

Agedia sat back down and took a drink.

“As if. Can your little princess even protect anyone at this stage?”

Typheras heaved a sigh.

“Look…she’s definitely been in over her head, but she’s also one of the few actually trying to get the Court working. And now? Dobhar invading Turannia? A rebellion in Utrad? The Empire’s coming apart, Agedia. The Princess could really use a hand trying to hold it together. I could really use a hand.”

Agedia shook her head.

“You must be truly desperate to come to me.”

Typheras met her gaze.

“We are.”

Agedia heaved a sigh.

“Look, I’m just here to watch the kids. So I’m not going to put them right in the thick of it if I can help it, ok? If you want help, you’ll have to convince the shiny lass. Besides, she's the one here with real power.”

Typheras glanced over to NSLICE-00P and Caecila’s conversation and raised an eyebrow.

“Who is she, anyways?”

Agedia grinned.

“A one-woman army.”