Looking at herself in the mirror, Jania’s expression briefly faltered.

These days were the most carefree she had ever experienced—no worries about her emperor brother finding tasks for her, no concerns about the empire’s third-rate tabloids fabricating scandals about her, nothing.

She just needed to enjoy herself. The Federation people weren’t as interested in her as she’d thought, which at first made her a little disappointed.

Someone who had lived under the spotlight her whole life would find it hard to adjust to suddenly being out of it, but her mindset shifted just in time. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Delicious food, beautiful scenery, new experiences—all made her days fulfilling. Lynch’s presence made them even fuller.

The carefree days were ending. Once back in Gephra, she would have to arm herself again and become the somewhat rebellious imperial princess people expected.

She wiped on makeup. The Federation’s cosmetics felt more comfortable than Gephra’s, with better functions and scents.

This was the subtle difference between the two countries. Federation capitalists targeted women, promoting cosmetics and related products under the guise of empowerment. These had become many beauty lovers’ top choice.

Everyone wanted a pretty face. Before, they didn’t know how; now, capitalists told them how.

“I’ll miss you, Lynch.” She applied some moisturizer. According to the magazines she read, moisturizing before bed was vital, especially for women in their thirties. Without it, aging would accelerate.

She looked at Lynch’s reflection through the mirror.

Lynch lay on the bed watching TV. Noticing the woman staring at herself in the mirror, he quickly looked away. “I’m going with you to Gephra.”

Jania was surprised. She turned to Lynch, “Is it because of me?”

“Because I’m being ennobled,” Lynch answered honestly.

It wasn’t romantic, but over time Lynch had realized Jania wasn’t as naïve as people thought. She was much wiser.

She was good at hiding her true self, so any small show of sentiment made Lynch feel awkward.

Both were old foxes; neither could fool the other.

“I thought you were coming back with me because of me!” She smiled, applying synthetic chemicals to her face.

At first, she was reluctant to get close to this young man, but now she felt attached.

Witty, humorous, handsome—sometimes Lynch was a bit sharp-tongued, but mostly he could cheer her up.

The more so, the more Jania realized he was someone she couldn’t control. This time was different.

“That works too!” Lynch smiled in reply.

Jania didn’t mind his honesty; she found it amusing and laughed.

“Tell me about the ennoblement process. I don’t want to mess it up…”

The next day, Lynch woke early. Today was Katherine’s first day of internship. She had arrived in Eminence a week ago.

Mr. Truman’s recommendation letter helped a lot. The president didn’t hesitate to approve Katherine’s name.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Lynch’s donation of ten million. This wasn’t a money-for-favors deal; the president genuinely believed ordinary girls deserved more opportunities.

Having a candidate from an ordinary family brought the president more public support.

He also said he’d consider giving more ordinary youths chances to engage with the nation’s core and learn how this great country operates.

Even his critics admitted he did well on this matter.

Before, presidential interns mostly came from prestigious political families, wealthy capitalists, or local conglomerates.

People didn’t pay much attention; it was just a fast track for the rich and powerful’s children, unrelated to ordinary people.

But this time was different. Tracy, head of York State’s Women’s Rights Association, was the first to support Katherine, and York State local TV reported on her family.

Her mother did part-time work from home, made textiles sold to Lynch’s company, earning some craft fees.

Her father worked as a warehouse clerk, doing manual labor eleven hours a day with an hour and a half break, earning only three hundred a month.

Katherine was a hardworking public university student.

She had gone from barely keeping up to being praised by classmates, teachers, and professors.

The media interviewed not only her family but also neighbors, colleagues, and classmates.

No one could find fault because Lynch had given Katherine’s family no special treatment. They still lived in a dilapidated house and worked hard for their salary.

Before these reports, her father’s coworkers didn’t even know the quiet, obedient warehouse clerk who often worked overtime was Lynch’s ex-girlfriend’s father.

Full exposure, no favoritism, no flaws found.

The media didn’t avoid Katherine and Lynch’s past relationship, even highlighting their romance and breakup.

The report said Lynch gave her the chance to study to thank her for support during his startup and to close their past chapter.

People didn’t see Lynch negatively for this; they thought he was more human than the capitalists they knew.

The report also explained the intern selection process. The Federation’s efficient, clean, transparent system ensured no cheating.

From over ten thousand applications nationwide, after rounds of screening, a shortlist was made and the president made the final selections.

Each candidate was outstanding. Without knowing who was who, the president simply checked names based on references. Katherine was lucky to be chosen.

The whole society was moved by her effort and luck. Even before starting work, she had a nickname—the Shining Girl.

Today was Katherine’s first official day on the job.

After passing the Safety Committee’s review and completing basic job training, starting from 9 a.m. today, she would begin an internship lasting at least three months and no more than a year.

She felt a bit nervous.

This was Katherine’s feeling as she stood outside the presidential office dressed plainly, wearing an intern badge that read: Presidential Office Intern: Katherine.

Beside her were eleven other young men and women, all smiling brightly, ready to greet the staff today.

It was a ceremony, a process for the presidential office staff to once again confirm their faces and names.

Lynch arrived before 9. Katherine’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

After a brief exchange of looks, she refocused on the task ahead.

The busy staff mostly already knew them. Some passed without expression, others smiled kindly.

Regardless of public opinion about this batch of interns, every staff member knew none of them were easy to mess with.

At exactly 9 a.m., work began. The twelve interns turned and entered the presidential office, each assigned their tasks and immediately immersed in their busy schedules.

Lynch straightened his clothes, stepped toward the presidential office, and pulled out his ID.

As a special advisor to the Safety Committee, the guard at the presidential office gate glanced at him and let him through without hesitation.

They initially checked him for dangerous items, but he visited so often and frequently entered the president’s office that, being a Safety Committee member himself, he had been granted an exemption from inspection.

Just inside, he heard Mr. Truman’s voice behind him: “I thought you wouldn’t come.”

Lynch paused in the lobby and watched as Truman calmly put on his own ID while passing the outer security line.

“They said you two broke up on TV…” Truman joked.

The media reported that, but Truman never truly believed it.

If Lynch had no connection with Katherine, Truman wouldn’t have bothered writing a recommendation letter for a stranger.

A letter that could guarantee access to the presidential office could fetch over two million privately—rare and highly sought after.

Even though Lynch didn’t pay that price, he owed Truman a huge favor worth at least several million.

“People get sentimental,” Lynch replied with a smile.

They joked as they walked into the presidential office. Soon, Lynch saw a nervous Katherine carrying a stack of documents pass by.

“Hey, bring me a cup of coffee later!” he called out, laughing.