6: Tradition

"TELL me your name, Apothecary." Nesca asked after his diagnosis.

"My name is Bram. I'm a senior apothecary in the imperial palace." The old demon introduced himself.

"What prompted you to pay a sudden visit? Was it because you were so sure that I died?" Nesca inquired dangerously.

Bram averted his gaze. "Forgive me, Princess. I'm just following an order. My rank is low, I cannot question such a task."

He clutched his medicine bag and opened it. The faint scent of herbs filled the small cabin as Bram carefully arranged several bottles on the wooden table.

The old demon apothecary moved slowly, his wrinkled hands slightly trembled as he organized the medicinal ingredients he had brought. 

While Nesca kept stretching her arms as the system's voice echoed silently in her mind.

[Daily Quest: Complete 300 squats.]

[Reward: +5 Vitality, +3 Strength.]

"And here we go again…" her face looked determined. 

Although her body was still far from being strong, but compared to when she had first awakened the other night, she no longer felt like she would collapse at any moment.

Bram watched her with curious eyes.

"Princess Nesca, you truly intend to continue this strange training?"

Nesca stopped her movement and wiped the sweat from her face. 

"What is strange about exercising?" She exhaled to calm her burning heartbeat. 

"Demons cultivate to refine their magic, or consume treasures, if not using magical artifacts," Bram replied. "I have never seen a princess spend hours doing meaningless movements."

Nesca grinned. "It is only meaningless to those who do not understand its value. But for the likes of me, who were born weak, and could not wield magic, these movements are one of my ways to survive."

'And to shed some weight,' she wanted to add.

Bram shook his head. "You speak differently compared to the noble ladies in the capital."

Nesca scoffed. She knew how to behave like a lady. She was even trained to act regal at all times since it was her fate to become a queen when she was still alive as Sera.

But now, she didn't care about etiquette. She'd rather train than waste her time on such a trivial matter. She was not trying to impress anyone, unlike before.

Perhaps Bram noticed her peculiarities. Yet he was not in position to question her.

"Anyway, your body is recovering faster than expected. The disease that plagued you seems to have weakened."

"Oh? That is good news." Her face beamed. Too bad, she couldn't disclose about the system. 

"More than good news, Princess." Bram genuinely looked happy for her. "It is a miracle."

Nesca silently thanked the system. Its mysterious power had brought her back to life. Even though it's a little harsh, her vitality's improvement was extremely rapid.

Bram sat down and poured himself a cup of tea with Agni's assistance. "However, there is something you should know, Princess."

It quickly gained her attention. "What is it?"

"At the moment, the palace has become extremely busy. And now that you recovered, I guess you'd be back to the palace sooner or later."

Nesca raised her brow. "What's new? The palace is always busy. I don't think I'll go back anytime soon."

"This time, it's different. The preparations have begun for the Centum."

The line in her forehead deepened as it sounded unfamiliar.

"Centum?"

Bram nodded. "It is a celebration that occurs once every three hundred years. You're too young, that's why you're unaware. And you didn't get formal study to know the palace traditions and history."

"Tell me about it then," she urged.

"During this event, the Supreme Emperor opens the gates of the Black Palace and allows tributes from every territory to enter."

Nesca's eyes were filled with curiosity. "Tributes?"

Bram hesitated before answering. "Well, virgin beauties from across the empire, even the entire continent of Helvaris."

The room was suddenly silent that everyone could hear the chirping of the insects outside.

Nesca's expression changed as she chuckled. "Eh? They offer themselves to the Supreme Emperor?"

'Isn't that prostitution with a fancy name?' She humored herself in silence.

"Not exactly," Bram explained. "The empire sees it as an honor. Those chosen may receive his favor, they'll gain infinite power, and will be granted a higher status."

Nesca nodded. "So they willingly participate in that ruckus?"

Bram gave a complicated expression. "Mostly, they do. It's a highly anticipated event in the Empire. Although, others may be pressured by their families. Becoming favored by the Supreme Emperor can change an entire clan's destiny. Mind you, even the neighboring countries are sending tributes as well—Elves, beastfolks, dwarves, and even humans."

Nesca understood. "Ah, power. It's the same in every corner of Helvaris. Everything in this world seemed to revolve around power and greed. I'm not surprised."

"I'm afraid, you're right, Princess. The Supreme Emperor is like a living god, he's the most powerful being on the continent."

"And when will this Centum happen?"

"Three full moons from now."

Nesca looked outside again and made a mental count since the Demon Realm had a different calendar system.

Three months.

"Well, best of luck to them."

Bram studied her expression. "Princess, as a member of the royal family, you may receive an invitation."

Nesca hardly shook her head. "Impossible, they banished me here, remember? And even if I receive an invitation, obviously, I will refuse."

The old apothecary stared at her, stunned. "You will refuse?"

"Yes. It's none of my concern, Bram."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why? I have no interest in attending a celebration where you fight for someone else's attention."

'I learned my lesson the hard way in my last life…' she thought. 

Bram was silent.

She continued. "My priority is becoming stronger."

A determined spark appeared in her purple eyes.

"I almost died because I was weak. I will not allow that to happen again."

'Not again in this second lifetime.'

Bram looked at her for a long moment. "Well, I think that will be the best decision. The imperial court is filled with schemes. Every noble family will send their representatives. Every demon there will have an agenda. It's chaotic!"

Nesca shrugged. "That's why I have no intention of involving myself."

"But I'm afraid that sometimes, trouble finds those who do not seek it. I pray you'd thrive here, Princess." Bram said, full of wisdom.

Nesca ignored his warning and returned to her training.

"Don't worry, I will deal with it when it arrives."

Bram watched her perform another squat and shook his head as he studied Nesca, who seemed to talk alone after she distanced herself from him.

"This Cloud Forest may be a prison to you, but it could be a sanctuary for someone who only wants peace." Bram was smiling as he was amazed by Nesca's weird movements.

"How could I explain to the palace that the funeral is canceled?" Bram whispered and let out a sigh of exasperation.