The first Empress overturned the world

A few years later

On the training ground, General Edosa watched as his two grandsons trained. Their abilities were average at best. He felt a headache coming on as he wondered why his ancestors had not blessed him. With their current skills, his grandsons were no different from ordinary soldiers. How could they possibly lead? In fact, there were many soldiers with better skills despite less training.

He turned away, deciding to leave and not continue watching. He resolved to live long enough to maintain the family's prestige.

Just as he turned, he noticed a figure hiding and swinging a wooden sword. The person seemed to have good control, so he walked quietly over and was shocked to find that the figure looked just like his first grandson, Efosa—except it was a girl.

He should have been angry that his granddaughter was acting like a boy, but her skills captivated him. As a swordsman, he could see that this granddaughter understood his teachings better than his two grandsons combined.

"Why is she a girl?" General Edosa muttered in frustration. The family lacked a talented heir, and the one blessed with talent was a woman.

---

Iyare, unaware that her grandfather was watching, continued to train. Over the years, she had learned to sneak away and avoid her mother's eyes. She had secretly absorbed all her brothers' lessons and practiced in private. Ironically, her mother's punishments had helped her grow stronger.

Over the next few weeks, General Edosa paid attention to his granddaughter. The more he observed, the more he felt like the most unfortunate man alive. Iyare was incredibly skilled, yet she was only a girl, destined to be married off.

"General, your grandsons will turn fifteen soon. It's time to set a date for the competition to choose an heir," his right-hand man reminded him as he sat in his chambers deep in thought.

"What's so special about them? Neither is outstanding," General Edosa replied, feeling defeated.

"General, while they aren't exceptional, they are hardworking. Especially Efosa—he is resilient and intelligent. Though he isn't the best swordsman, he has other strengths," the man offered.

General Edosa shook his head. Perhaps he would agree if he hadn't seen Iyare. Despite her daily chores—cooking, fetching water, and washing clothes—she trained relentlessly. She outshone her brothers, who focused only on studying.

"General, they are still children. Don't stress too much. With proper guidance, they won't disappoint you," the man said.

"Announce the competition. It will take place in fourteen days. Let them prepare," General Edosa finally decided. He felt it didn't matter; neither grandson met his expectations.

After dismissing his subordinate, he went to watch Iyare train in her secret spot. "Why isn't she a boy?" he lamented. As he watched, an idea began to form in his mind. What if she took her brother's place?

"No, no," he muttered, shaking the thought away. But the idea refused to leave him, keeping him awake all night. By morning, he made a decision.

---

He summoned his first wife, Uye, and her son, Osaze. When Osaze arrived, the general gestured for him to sit.

Shortly after, Uye arrived. "My husband, you sent for me?" she said, kneeling.

"Uye, get up and sit," Edosa said. Despite their estranged relationship, she still managed the household efficiently.

"Father, what is the matter?" Osaze asked, noticing his father deep in thought.

"It's about the future of our family," General Edosa said, pausing. He looked at his wife and son, both eager yet cautious.

"Efosa is slow," he continued. The mother and son stiffened at his words.

"Uye, I understand it's hard for you to watch another woman's son become heir. But this is about our family's future. We can't be stubborn," Edosa said.

"Father, my son is not worse than Osagie! Are you changing your mind about the competition?" Osaze asked. He could not believe that his father was about to go back on his words again. Back then, Osaro should have lost his title as an heir because of a mistake but his father compromised and pushed it to the next generation. After his wife gave birth to the first grandson he changed his mind and asked that the child grow up and fight for the position.

"No. The competition will proceed, but Efosa's chances of winning are slim," Edosa clarified.

Osaze did not feel comforted by his father's words. He felt that the man was only looking for another opportunity to create a chance for his brother.

"My husband, I will listen to your guidance," Uye said after a pause. Married to him for nearly forty years, she knew he had a reason for speaking this way. If he did not have other thoughts, he would have allowed the competition to proceed as planned.

"Follow me," Edosa said, rising.

Uye and Osaze followed him silently. The moonlight illuminated their path as they walked past the training ground and into the woods. Osaze was puzzled, wondering where they were headed.

They stopped at a clearing. Edosa pointed ahead.

Osaze saw a figure moving gracefully in the shadows. The girl's movements were sharp and controlled.

"Who is this girl?" Osaze whispered, impressed.

"Your daughter," Edosa replied.

Osaze was stunned. He had never paid much attention to her before, but now he recognized her.

"Why is she doing such shameful things? Her mother has failed to raise her. Who will marry her?" Uye said, disappointed.

"What benefit would her marriage bring us? If you want your grandson to succeed, she is the key," Edosa said.

"Husband..."

"Father..."

The two spoke in unison, confused.

"What if we make her your grandson?" Edosa asked.

Osaze and Uye were startled.

"She and Efosa look alike. If she can pose as him when necessary..." General Edosa explained.

"This..." The mother and son looked reluctant. What the General was suggesting has never been heard of.

Edosa was not angry at their reaction after all he also did not like the idea when he first thought of it. It's took him a whole day to make a decision. So he patiently laid out his plan. Uye and Osaze listen and felt that it was a good solution that worked in their favor

Iyare would train as Efosa's body double to secure the family's legacy.