Chapter 84. Limits.
*Wan. The Palace of the Fire Lord.*
After an enjoyable time on the Coal Islands, we returned to the capital and our daily routines. Azula and Zuko left for their respective Academies, where they would spend most of their time studying.
I found myself with more free time than ever, which I fully intended to use. My task was to investigate nearly every high-ranking official in the Fire Nation, to find those who genuinely cared for their people and possessed the necessary skills in their fields.
The challenge was that much of this information couldn't be uncovered immediately. Almost all of them led secretive lives. Some were already under the influence of their vices, serving the Fire Sages, while others I'd call ultra-nationalists. After so many wars, they believed their nation would rule the entire world. With my future policy of rapprochement, they would only hinder progress.
So, I gathered bits of information, piecing them together with what I'd learned from Old Jiang and Pinadao, trying to identify those who fit my criteria.
I also spent time with Ursa, who missed her children deeply. She returned to her usual pastime of reading in the Palace library, where we had our small rendezvous. Occasionally, we managed something more exciting, but opportunities were limited. After all, the library had its staff, and officials often visited in search of information.
"One more minute, and we're done for today," I said to Ursa, who was drenched in sweat after holding a plank position for two minutes.
"Ugh, okay," she groaned, occasionally cursing the day she'd asked her lover to train her.
I, however, enjoyed the sight of Ursa's toned figure, accentuated by her athletic attire.
Once a week, the children visited, sharing stories of their week away from home.
"I don't see the point of this etiquette class. I already know it well," Azula complained about what she considered useless subjects. "I'd rather spend more time mastering fire!"