Martia and the next Emperor had become friends during the time I was away. It was a surprise, and I was frightened by that, at first.
However, it couldn't have been bad.
I just didn't like that Martia could be involved with the Palace affairs and troubles, but she was smart. She would understand sooner or later.
In my first life, she had known first-hand how wicked the court could be, so she didn't need me to explain. With some luck, she would have understood this time too.
The easy way she called his majesty by name was unsettling, but she hadn't met him like an Emperor. Not even like a Prince. He was just an illegitimate son at that time.
Their friendship seemed to be helping both of them, so I didn't interfere. All I did was talk with Malholm and try to teach some sense to that little boy.
