/
“You can go wherever in the palace you want, Siervian. You won’t be in danger.”
“Okay…”
The bite-sized sandwich quickly disappeared, but before that, she was already full because of the macarons she ate and the milk she drank.
“Are you finished eating?”
“I’m full…”
“Even if you ate just that much.”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
The Emperor spoke as though he was interrogating Siervian, but she nodded bravely anyway. Perhaps his intention was only to ask. Then, he slowly stood up from the picnic mat.
“Let’s go. I’ll show you around.”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Thoughts: It’ll make you feel better.
Her father’s consideration was quite unbelievable to see. Anyway, this was a good thing. She happened to have something to do nearby.
‘It’s better this way, too, rather than going alone.’
In fact, this was something that she never thought was possible. She just thought that her father had come here to catch her doing something wrong.
However, thanks to him showing her around, her work today would be easy. It would have looked strange if a princess went near the gate alone, but no one would think something was amiss if she went with the Emperor.
‘I heard it’s definitely at the carriage port.’
The reason she reluctantly went to the south gate today was because of something accidentally she heard regarding the carriage port. She heard some servants say that there were things being sent out through the port today.
‘And the carriage port is near the south gate.’
This was also something that matched with what Karmen said.
Fortunately, she knew the area around the south gate. There was only one place where a space large enough could have that many carriages.
It was right behind the Lower Administration Building.
“Your Majesty.”
“I greet Your Imperial Majesty.”
As they walked further from the garden and closer to the building, the lower officials who encountered them hurriedly bowed their heads.
Siervian similarly lowered her head and pretended not to see the lower officials. She was burdened by the thought that she was inconveniencing them for no reason.
‘What if another strange rumor goes around?’
But she was comforted by the fact that nothing had happened yet. And if she did well, she might be able to prevent the first incident that permanently marked her as a wicked woman in her past life.
She needed to cheer up.
“Do your legs hurt?”
“It doesn’t huwt.”
“Mm.”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Siervian shook her head when she said it didn’t hurt. Whenever she answered well, her father’s favorability also increased.
But this time, the Emperor started speaking more.
“This is the Lower Administration Building. It’s where low-ranking officials in their respective departments work.”
“I undewstand.”
Maybe he’s trying to say that this wasn’t a place where she should have come. As her guard was raised a little, she clasped both her hands politely.
[ Hex ]
Favorability: +10
As expected, a polite answer did wonders.
“There are a total of twelve departments in the Empire. Among them, the most crowded place is the Magic Circle Administration. The Magic Circle…”
The Emperor went on to explain for a long time. There were some parts that Siervian knew, and some parts that she didn’t know as well.
One thing for certain was that his explanation was very detailed and organized. It wasn’t something that you’d say to a five-year-old child.
[ Hex ]
Thoughts: How could you say such boring things to our young Princess…!
As expected, it wasn’t only her who felt this way.
However, no one could dare tell the Emperor anything as he enthusiastically explained more.
“…Therefore, at the time the continent entered an era of peace, it became necessary to balance diplomatic relations as well. Got it, Siervian?”
“Yes!”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Actually, she couldn’t completely understand what he was saying. This was because during her education that started when she was eight years old, she wasn’t given complete Imperial lessons.
At present, the Erveldote Empire ruled over several kingdoms, thus diplomacy was also included in the Imperial education.
“Mm.”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
[ Hex ]
Thoughts: Our Princess hasn’t even started formal education yet, Your Majesty!
Even so, her father’s response was good because Siervian answered well. Hex was still astonished by the way the Emperor just dived into his long-winded explanation.
Siervian suddenly looked behind her because she was curious about Ellie, who had been following them calmly nearby.
[ Ellie ]
Thoughts: I wonder if there were any leftover macarons. The Princess likes them very much. If I can keep some in storage, Her Highness will be able to eat more.
Ellie, who looked calm, was worrying about Siervian’s meals. Should she ask for the leftovers?
‘Oh?’
Then suddenly, something caught Siervian’s eye.
They had already passed through the Lower Administration Building and walked closer to the south gate. They were now near the gate that would lead to the Imperial Capital. She had never come near this place before in her previous life.
Neiiigh.
And the horses were gathered here.
‘It’s here!’
If horses gathered here, then the carriage port must be near. Siervian lifted one hand to point towards the way she wanted to go.
“Horsie!”
“Yes, those are horses.”
At her words, the Emperor nodded stoically. But then he started heading towards the opposite direction.
“I wanna go there!”
Hex, who had already been following the Emperor, quickly intervened.
“Your Majesty, the horses seemed to have fascinated Her Highness! Let’s take a look over there.”
“The horses?”
It was clear through the Emperor’s tone that he couldn’t understand.
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Thoughts: It would be too dangerous if she went closer to the horses, so it should be next time…
What’s dangerous about getting close to a horse? Perhaps he was thinking that Siervian would be surprised by their loud neighing.
In a hurry, she grabbed her father’s sleeve again.
Then, she looked up with an earnest gaze.
“I wanna see.”
“……”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
The Emperor was silent for a moment. Then, he quickly turned towards the stables and walked casually.
“Alright. You’re still young, so you must be curious about the horses.”
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Thoughts: As expected, my daughter is so smart. It’s clear that you’ve recognized the strategic value of horses.
No? It’s not like that?
“Look, Siervian. Our Empire’s horses are widely known to be of a good breed. Do you know why?”
“Nooo.”
“It’s because of the snow monsters. The breed we have here has improved over the decades to the point that they could move swiftly over snow and run through blizzards without falling ill.”
“I undewstand.”
And starting from there, the Emperor went on a full-scale explanation of the strategic value of the Empire’s horses.
It had already been twenty years since the last war on the continent. Nevertheless, Siervian had to listen to how important horses were during a war.
She listened for… a long time…
[ Hex ]
Thoughts: Your Majesty just needs to show the Princess the horses she’s fascinated with…
Siervian agreed with his words. But she had to wonder—why must the Chancellor be by her father’s side at all times?
Anyway, she still appreciated her father’s explanation because it was interesting.
The horse breed exclusive to the Empire had a rich mane and were wide-hooved. In Siervian’s previous life, she was amazed at how different horses from the southern region were, that’s why she was interested in her father’s explanation.
“Amazing!”
Unknowingly, she nodded enthusiastically as she listened to her father.
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
Thoughts: That’s my daughter.
After that, they could finally tour the stable.
Hex mentioned getting closer to the horses, but the Emperor didn’t allow it. For some reason, it felt strange for Siervian to see her father being so worried all the time.
‘I thought there would be something where the carriages were.’
Next to the stable was the carriage port. There were various types of carriages ranging from those that had the emblem of the Imperial family to small carts.
‘It really shouldn’t happen in this life.’
At this moment, Siervian felt a bit relieved, so she was quite relaxed.
She noticed a black envelope hidden near a particularly shabby cart, cleverly camouflaged in a place where adults wouldn’t be able to see unless they crouched down at about the same height as a child like her.
“That’s…”
She felt strange. She didn’t know what that envelope was, but she really wanted to see what was inside.
“Let’s leave now.”
“Over theeere.”
Her heart started pounding in urgency.
She tried to point towards the envelopes as calmly as possible while adding a reasonable explanation.
“Smelly!”
However, what popped out of her lips was a word that matched her body and not her mentality.
“Get rid of it right away.”
Then the Emperor pointed towards the direction of the envelope that she found.
The servants in charge of the stable were thrown into chaos at the Emperor’s strict order. One of them was so terrified that he was shaking while his head was down.
“How strange. That shouldn’t be something that would exude a stench,” the Emperor murmured.
After hearing this, Hex suddenly stepped forward, having an expression that was the most serious she had ever seen on him. He approached the servant who tried to hide the envelope.
“You there. Open it.”
“I-It is s-something that is not w-worthy of esteemed p-personages as y-yourselves s-should see…”
[ Ahim ]
Occupation: Stableman
Mood: Terrified
Thoughts: I’m in trouble. Huge trouble! If I get caught, I’ll die! I’m going to die!
The servant who was asked to step forward was also the one who had been nervous since earlier.
Siervian, who unconsciously read his status window, was shocked by his thoughts. Why was he so afraid to the point that he feared for his life?
“Open it immediately.”
With a skeptical look, Hex immediately sensed that something was suspicious.
The Emperor silently gestured towards the people behind him. Then, the knights approached from where they were hiding.
‘So there were escort knights around us.’
This was natural, but Siervian never thought about it. After all, there were practically no maids at the Princess’ Palace, let alone knights.
Rather, seeing swords and large armors suddenly scared her. It might be because she only had bad memories with knights.
‘What do I do, I’m suddenly scared…’
Her body started trembling as soon as she heard the metallic sound of armor clacking together. She was just like the shaking servant in front of Hex.
Then, the Emperor who was close to Siervian gently called out to her.
“Come here.”
Siervian hid behind her father, her face touching the hem of his clothes.
“You’re shy. Look here instead.”
It wasn’t even a hug, but instead an awkward stance. The Emperor didn’t seem to know how to hold his child. It was all so sudden, but surprisingly, Siervian managed to calm down.
“No, this is…?”
Hex, who finally opened an envelope, was startled. The contents were so unexpected.
The Emperor calmly observed the scene while he was with Siervian, and started reading the contents of the envelope.
“Food waste.”