Even though the Imperial Capital wasn’t as vast as some of the mega-cities back on Earth, like Seoul, New York, or Tokyo, traversing from one end to the other still required quite some time by carriage or train.

Of course, this city wasn’t a true "megalopolis" like those modern capitals. With technology and living standards still at early 20th-century levels, population growth had surged compared to medieval times, but that didn’t mean everyone here was living to the age of seventy.

The official census estimated the Empire’s population at just over 110 million. Considering the countless illegitimate children and orphans born and abandoned in the industrial zones, the actual population was likely a bit higher.

In the Imperial Capital, the population had just begun to densely concentrate, reaching over seven million. For this world, it was an overwhelming metropolis, though compared to the mega-cities I’d known, it still seemed somewhat lacking.

Nevertheless, a city of seven million people was by no means small. Perhaps it wasn’t as large as Seoul, but outside of Seoul, there was hardly any other city in Korea with such a population.

Due to a rather peculiar law known as the “Appropriate Machinery Act,” steam-powered vehicles were practically non-existent in the Capital, leaving carriages as our only option. Moving at a mere 10 kilometers per hour, a city of this size felt, by modern standards, significantly larger than it was.

Thankfully, the journey from the Academy to the Grace Estate wasn’t too far.

Though I’d only come to the entrance once as a child, it still left an impression.

In an era when smoke from factories symbolized industrialization and steam from locomotives represented modernization, it was rare to see a place in the heart of the Capital proudly maintain a lush green lawn.

It wasn’t exactly what you’d call "quaint." It was just that, with such a large piece of land, most people would expect it to be put to other uses. Nobles might not go so far as to build factories in their front yards, but they typically used land for extensive gardens rather than simple lawns.

Moreover, for an "estate," there weren’t many guards around. Unlike the Winterfield, Northwood, and Crowfield estates, where heavily armed guards kept a constant watch around the noble residences, this estate was guarded by only two people at the entrance.

The guards’ attire wasn’t much different from that of city patrol officers, save for the fact that they carried swords at their waists.

They wore dark uniforms with buttons in a single row, belts of fine leather, and trousers paired with polished shoes—very similar to early 20th-century British police uniforms, except their coats were black instead of blue, perhaps to distinguish them from regular city officers. They lacked the iconic hats, though.

Their appearance, with the dark colors and weapons, could have intimidated passersby, but their expressions were calm and relaxed, which softened their presence. Frankly, they looked approachable enough that I’d consider asking them for directions if I were lost.

“Welcome, young master. And young lady.”

“It’s been a while!” Claire beamed, waving her hand enthusiastically. She received only a cursory check—a mere inquiry about any weapons she might be carrying—and the guards smiled warmly at her greeting.

Even though they were armed, they looked more like genial uncles smiling at their niece than intimidating sentries.

Given Claire’s warm familiarity with the guards, they were likely close retainers of the Grace family rather than simple hires. Even though retainers are technically employees, loyalty often went beyond monetary ties.

“Have you been well?” Claire asked.

Leo, seated across from her and able to see through the same window, chimed in as well. “It’s good to see you both.”

“Of course, young master,” replied the older guard with a grin. “And have you been well yourself?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

The older guard chuckled, adding, “The Baron has been concerned that you’re perhaps a bit ‘too well.’”

“...What?”

“For instance, that you might have lost some muscle and gained a bit of weight…”

The younger guard examined Leo carefully, causing him to protest.

“No, I’ve been training diligently!”

“Well, that’s for the Baron to decide, don’t you think?”

The way they interacted with Leo seemed slightly different than with Claire.

Maybe it was because Claire was a young woman, and Leo, as the heir, bore a different set of responsibilities. In this society, it was often considered ungentlemanly for a man to bicker or challenge a woman directly.

Moreover, Leo was the next head of the family. He would carry the responsibility for the Grace family until his dying days.

As for Claire… one day, she would marry into another noble family. Although she’d still be linked to the Grace family by blood, her name would change to that of her husband’s house, and she’d no longer be a member of the Grace family.

For this reason, they likely allowed Claire more freedom. As long as she upheld basic etiquette befitting her noble status, that was enough.

After a bit more lighthearted banter, a bell rang from a speaker-like device by the main gate.

The younger guard went over to the speaker and listened briefly before returning with a smile.

“The Baron and Baroness of Grace are honored to welcome the two princesses to their estate.”

Then, with a graceful motion, both guards drew their swords and presented them in salute, holding the blades upright in front of their faces with one hand behind their backs. The stance was so perfectly executed it looked like it belonged on the cover of a military manual.

“On behalf of the Imperial family, we thank you for the welcome,” Alice replied from within the carriage, showing as much respect as she could given the space constraints.

The guards lowered their swords and returned them to their sheaths.

“Then, we hope you enjoy a pleasant and fulfilling time here at Grace Estate.”

---

“Simple” does not always equate to “impoverished.”

Noble estates are typically adorned with extravagant decorations—gardens with vibrant flowers, lavish fountains, and even labyrinths on occasion.

But, as mentioned before, Grace Estate wasn’t decorated in such an opulent manner.

Maintaining such a pristine lawn isn’t easy. Not a single blade of grass was out of place, and there were no patches of bare or yellowed spots.

The buildings on the estate followed the same aesthetic. While they lacked the elaborate, antiquated decorations common to other noble estates, the buildings here seemed to have been built with modern techniques, perhaps even reminiscent of 20th-century New York rather than European castles.

The buildings, with their clean, restrained lines, gave the estate more of a "facility" feel than a traditional noble’s estate. It reminded me of an old, prestigious university.

“It is an honor to welcome the princesses to our estate,” greeted Baron Edward Grace, standing in front of the main entrance.

He didn’t look much different from how I remembered seeing him ten years ago. Not that I’d gotten a clear look back then, but I could see some resemblance to Leo in his blue hair and eyes. Claire, despite not sharing blood, had seamlessly integrated into this family, perhaps due to her similar hair color and eye shade. Anyone unaware of her background would assume she was a true blood relative.

Baron Grace bowed with noble decorum, and his wife, standing slightly behind him, followed suit, giving a polite curtsey. She, too, had blue hair, though hers had a softer, emerald-tinged hue in the sunlight.

“We’re here as friends of Claire and Leo, so there’s no need to be overly formal,” Alice said calmly, and I nodded in agreement.

Not that I bowed or inclined my head, of course.

Titles and status truly do complicate personal interactions, don’t they?