The day after Martina learned the true identity of Sophian, she, Roland, and Sylvan were once again off work and had breakfast together. Since the cafeteria in the government official’s dormitory was especially crowded in the mornings, they had their meal later than usual.
“I can’t believe you don’t know what the Second Prince looks like…” Sylvan said with a frown after hearing about yesterday’s events, causing Martina to appear downcast.
“I can’t argue with that… As an official, I should have made it a priority to see portraits of the royal family. But… where can I even find those portraits? I did find the Emperor’s portrait at the commoners’ library, but I haven’t seen any others,” Martina said with a puzzled look.
At her question, Roland and Sylvan widened their eyes in surprise.
“Wait, does that mean commoners don’t have a way to see the royal family?”
“Now that you mention it, I’ve only ever seen portraits at my family’s house.”
“Yes, and I don’t even know exactly what work the royal family does…”
In this country, the royal family is protected by the fact that they are not widely seen in public. If their faces were known by too many people, the risk of assassination would rise. As a result, it’s a custom that only the king’s face is shown to the public. Therefore, there is practically no way for commoners to see portraits of any other royals.
“Since we’re taught about the royal family from a young age, I didn’t realize there were people who didn’t know them. We should add it to the manual as something to teach when commoners join the ranks of officials.”
“I’d appreciate that. It would really help.”
“And Martina should learn too. I think the royal family’s portraits are in the palace library, so you should start by looking there.”
Martina nodded in agreement with Roland’s words. Just as they were finishing up their conversation, the door to the cafeteria suddenly slammed open.
Martina casually glanced over and saw Nadia enter, looking slightly flustered.
“I’m so glad you’re here! I was worried I wouldn’t find you…”
“What’s going on?”
“The Emperor’s letter has arrived for all three of you. You’re all requested for an audience with His Majesty this afternoon. Several other officials, including me, have also been called.”
The three of them exchanged serious looks.
“This has to be about the upcoming expedition.”
“It seems like they’ve decided on the next steps. With so many officials being called, there will likely be a lot of administrative work to do.”
“Either way, let’s eat quickly and prepare. When meeting the Emperor, we must be fully presentable. Martina, make sure you tame that frizzy hair with some hair oil.”
Sylvan, noticing Martina’s hair, pointed it out. Martina opened her mouth while pressing her palm against her head.
“I don’t have any hair oil…”
“Seriously… Fine, I’ll lend you mine. But only this once! You’re in an important position, so you should at least have the right grooming tools.”
Sylvan’s slightly stern words made Martina straighten up in a hurry and nod, understanding that they were said out of kindness. She smiled faintly in response.
“I’ll get ready right away.”
“Martina, I’ll take you shopping next holiday. I’m worried you might end up buying some low-quality stuff on your own.”
“That’s true… Thank you, Nadia. I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course. Once you’re all ready, head to the Department of Administration. The department head said we should go together.”
“Got it. Thanks for letting us know.”
After Nadia waved and left, the three quickly finished their breakfast and began preparing for the afternoon. They changed into their official uniforms, putting on their cloaks and brooches.
Once that was done, they gathered in the cafeteria. Normally, they would finish their preparations in their rooms, but since Martina didn’t have any tools, they had to do everything there.
“Martina, start by combing your hair with this,” Sylvan said, handing her a well-worn wooden comb. The oil soaked into the comb had the effect of making her hair smoother with just a few strokes.
“Thank you,” Martina said, gently combing her hair, surprised by the smoothness and shine it now had.
“This is amazing!”
“Every noble, regardless of gender, uses something like this.”
Sylvan gave Martina a disbelieving look at her astonishment over the comb.
“You’re so capable, yet you don’t know some basic things.”
“Anything that wasn’t in the books I’ve read, I don’t know. And even if I have the knowledge, without experience, it’s hard to understand things deeply.”
Hearing this, Roland nodded thoughtfully, then looked at the other tools on the table.
“Yeah, these kinds of tools aren’t really old enough to be written about in books, so it makes sense you wouldn’t find them in there.”
“Exactly. My biggest weakness is probably knowledge of recent trends.”
“Then stop reading books all the time and ask Nadia about the trends. She knows them best.”
Martina nodded seriously at Sylvan’s words.
“You’re right. I thought it wasn’t important to me, but I’ll ask her next time.”
“Good. Now, next, take a little bit of this oil in your palm and work it into your hair.”
“Understood.”
The three of them quickly finished their preparations and packed up their things before heading to the Department of Administration. After reviewing the letter, they had an early lunch before heading to the audience with the Emperor.
