The Evil Empress Adores Me

Eight years later.

To the Crown Prince.

Are you in good health?

Ive been studying hard lately.

Im learning literature, the etiquette for a lady, musical instruments, and ballroom dance. Sometimes the Empress dowager and the Empress teach me directly when they have the time.

Isnt it amazing?

However, I want to learn something I can use anywhere.

Then anyone who sees me will know Im a lady whos going to debut in the social world.

Honestly, no one will always be in a banquet hall for the rest of their life.

So, its all about learning as much as possible.

As the days get colder and colder, I keep thinking about you.

The north must be freezing compared to here, right?

No matter what happens, take care of your health first, okay?

Have a nice day.

With affection, from Charlize.

***

Dear Charlize.

Youve been studying hard lately?

Thats great.

By the way, with the time you spend studying, doesnt any of it go to practicing handwriting?

Needing your letter to be decrypted like a ciphertext so that its readable is a bit too much of an ask, isnt it?

Anyways, like you said its pretty cold here.

Still, everyones nice to me, so I dont think theres much you have to fret about.

Since coming down here, I can see how hard things have been so far in the North.

But Margrave Antes has done a great job of defending it.

Oh, I met a girl my age today.

Says her name is Sienna Antes, the only daughter of Margrave Antes.

Im told she handles bows very well.

They say shes already dealt with mountain animals several times.

Isnt that great?

Just so you know, Im heading to the Kier plains tomorrow for the first time.

Im a little nervous but Im confident Ill do well.

Stay well until we meet again.

Ill send another letter soon.

Damian.

***

To the Crown Prince.

Oh my God, what happened on your expedition to the Kier plains?

You didnt get injured, did you?

You are outstanding in martial arts so that gives me relief.

Still, be careful.

Im sure you havent forgotten your promise to return unharmed.

And.Im glad Lady Antes is with you there.

I heard that Lady Antes is a very beautiful and intelligent woman.

Since you two are about the same age, I think itd be nice if you got along with her.

Do you think the two of you will ever get married?

If you do tie the knot, your Highness will have a family.

Oh, speaking of family, that reminds me.

At the crown palace, Meow.oops. Meow is the name I randomly picked out for the cat near the crown palace.

Anyway, Meow gave birth to a litter of kittens.

There are three of them and in my eyes, the yellow kitten that resembles her mother is simply the cutest!

Im glad that Meow has a family now. Isnt it swell?

But I dont think Ive seen Daddy cat, I wonder where he is?

Oh, Ive been up for too long.

I should head to bed now.

Sweet dreams, your Highness.

With affection, from Charlize.

P.S.

Some people might not be able to write well!

Youre calling my writing ciphertext?

Your Highness, are you implying that youre better at writing?

Youll see! Ill meet a man who writes better than you!

***

Dear Charlize.

Charlize, how are you?

Its been some time since Ive come back from the Kier plains, so Im a little late in replying.

It was my first time seeing beasts, basically theyre large and dangerous.

The way they look.I cant find the words to describe it.

They look crazy.

Six legs, eyes on the back of its head.

I know my explanation is probably confusing you more than clarifying, but its true.

Still, I feel like Im helping out in my own way, Im happy, to say the least.

By the way, why do you care so much about the Sienna Antes?

I dont like how a third of your letter was about her.

The only girl Ill get along with is you.

How about showing a little more interest in me, instead of talking about Sienna?

Or let me know more about how youre doing.

Cats are cute, of course, but I want to hear more about you.

Please keep that part in mind for the future.

Oh, also.

Arent you sending too few letters?

I hope to get letters at least three times a week from now on.

It may be a lot but even if its three, you can write one every two or three days, right?

If you happen to be really busy then just let this slide.

I have to go on another mission tomorrow, so thatll cut down the number of letters.

Good night. Happy dreaming.

Damian.

P.S.

Youre going to meet a man who can write better than me?

Well, you do know its next to impossible to find such a man?

Because Im going to continue practicing my handwriting.