Megeru is not open to the idea, however.

But Nagisa is very excited to be working in the palace. The royal family even allow her to remain in school.

Crystal is as loving and compassionate as ever to her subjects.

And her children are happy and eager to meet other children in the kingdom.

Oh, woops. Looks like I forgot that I invited the Headmaster the last time I was on this lot.

Emperor Vu makes a mad dash to meet Headmaster BJ.

While Nagisa scrambles to prepare a breathe-taking dinner for the households very important guest.

Vu doesn't think he's making a good impression.

So it's up to Nagisa, on her very first day of working for her royal family, to impress not only the headmaster, but her sovereign.

I was freaking out while this was going on. Please don't burn the salmon. Why would you choose salmon? It's such an ambitious meal. Have you even cooked before?!

Ho my gosh! She did it! Wooo! Go Nagisa!

The headmaster is joined by the Empress and Princess Setsuna, both very charming company.

And after the delicious meal and such lovely company, BJ even accepts Nagisa into his establishment. On account of her fine cooking.

Empress Crystal is very pleased with the meal Nagisa prepared for her household and guest, and they have a nice little sit down and get to know each other.

Nagisa accidently lets it slip that she's very fond of the Merchant girl, Etsu. Sadly, Empress Crystal has to tell Nagisa that even though she loves Etsu, she must let her live her life.

Etsu has a duty to her family as the only child of only two merchant households. Her place in their community is very important. And Nagisa is allowed a small glimpse of what it is to be responsible for a community in it's first stages of development.

A responsibility that will one day soon pass to Megeru. That evening Megeru becomes a teenager.

And them hormones waste NO TIME!

He's always been a friendly and charming young man, but when he lays it on thick Xiao Sying forgets all about her trist with Ramir Patel.

Prince Megeru is brazen enough to take Xiao Sying's very first kiss for his own. But will his affection for her wane when he's older? When he realizes the weight his shoulders as sovereign will carry?

Both family's remain hopeful. Xiao Sying is of noble birth. Kevin Wan is in the same field as Emperor Lazlo, and this would give them a secure position as nobles.

Nagisa's cooking continues to impress the royal family.

She is allowed a day to invite her family over. She reconnects with them, is updated on their progress in the slums of the Silk Road, gives them what she's earned and is thankful for this gift from her employers.

Meanwhile, Empress Crystal visits Medicine Woman, Vivien Cho to catch up. And secretly get any news of a suspected sexual diversity from Cho's daughter, Etsu.

But Vivien can only offer her empress news of her assessments of the over all health of her domain.

Meanwhile, it's some twins birthdays.

Here's a snapshot of the other one's simultanious explosion into hormone-rife existence.

The royal family is blessed by the local Gypsy.

The family is again reassured that they're where they're supposed to be as a community.

And as Princess Setsuna begins exploring her pool of possible husbands her father has a choice to make.

Does his reign pass to his first born or his first son?

And would he hold others of his court to the same traditions?

Emperor Lazlo's rule would mean nothing without his Empress and all her deeds to ensure a healthy empire.

Princess Setsuna is a capable young woman, and comparable to Megeru.

But would Megeru resent his sister if she were to take their fathers crown?

And would her future husband allow her to rule their house and country?

Emperor Lazlo has never put much thought into his life up to this point, but as he and his court grow older, he's realizing he has a legacy to pass on.

What kind of country did he want that to be?

And which of his children had the fortitude, personality and morals to bring that empire into fruition?

He had a tough choice ahead of him. And until he made that choice he would pay close attention to his children and the children of his court.

While members of that court did everything they could to ensure a place close to the royal family.

It was clear who ran the Wan house. Patricia was a strong woman.

It was clear they had grown up in a strict household. And taught important values, values that would bolster the prestige of the empire.

While Lazlo's own children got more joy out of everyday life.

Anyways, I think I'll put off that decision for a few more chapters. Thanks for reading.