“But even after the investigation, nothing came out.”

“Back then, some things could be concealed, but there are things that cannot be hidden now. Eventually, things that must be revealed.”

The extensive investigation into the Crown Princess was conducted during the reign of Emperor Rehul.

And since the sole witness and person to testify had closed their lips, all investigations were faltering. Looking back now, it seemed like the emperor himself had no intention of investigating it.

“As if someone who wanted to quickly conclude the case.”

For some reason, the disappearance of the Crown Princess was quickly buried. The only one who found it strange was Lianadro, and he alone seemed to be looking for her.

“So, now I have to help.”

The emperor himself gave me a hint, shouting like it was highly related to him. I couldn’t just stand by quietly.

“An orphanage.”

I nodded as I looked at Karitos, who was stroking his own chin.

Because that was the starting point of everything.

“Back then, it was a different caretaker, but now it’s you. Surely you can find something strange. Karitos, only you can do it.”

“Ah…!”

“Knowing the story about the Crown Princess means that Karitos is also interested in that matter.”

When I laughed like a child, Karitos, who had been laughing along, quickly stiffened his expression. Watching his abrupt change, my head shook involuntarily, as if he shouldn’t make an expression like a child.

“I understand. I’ll investigate that matter. I’ll contact you if I hear any good news.”

“Please do.”

“But… do you think Empress Mama believes that the Crown Princess is alive? Wasn’t a body presumed to be the Crown Princess found some time ago? Of course, it was badly damaged…”

“You can decorate it however you want.”

Most people didn’t think it was the Crown Princess’s body. So, instead of saying that the Crown Princess had died, people said she had gone missing.

“It’s a death that no one admits. And isn’t it strange? As soon as Emperor sent out an investigation, the body appeared right away.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Anyway, please.”

Now it’s time to finish everything. Karitos gathering information would be the first step to continuing the future.

I didn’t mention the story about the letter sent by the emperor. Since Karitos’s eyes were already sparkling. He seemed eager to find out about this immediately.

“Karitos is also interesting, isn’t he?”

“I originally like this kind of thing. I guess I love the cool me solving unresolved cases.”

“Really… Karitos is amusing.”

It seemed like an excess of self-consciousness, but I didn’t find that appearance inherently unpleasant. It just felt pure.

“Thank you for understanding.”
For a moment, there was silence between us. The sight of children running around was visible. During our busy time, Chelty had Melodin, a maid, take care of the rabbits.

Chelty seemed to notice that I found Melodin’s actions uncomfortable.

Thanks to Chelty, Melodin could only work at the Separate Palace when he was around, and the tasks themselves turned into taking care of rabbits. As a result, the rabbits were chubby and well-fed.

The children seemed to be in a joyful and excited state, just being around the rabbits, laughing and playing among themselves.

“Empress Mama, the last time you said something big to me…”

While my attention was momentarily taken by the children, Karitos quietly spoke.

It was so quiet that I wondered if he was watching the children too, but he was looking at me.

Somehow, Karitos seemed to lack energy.

“Ah, I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have said that…”

“No, after hearing that story, I had various thoughts. And it gave me a chance to reflect on myself.”

I silently looked at him. Karitos’s voice was trembling slightly, as if he was quite nervous.

Due to that, tension built up in me as well. He opened his mouth after a considerable amount of time had passed since then, taking a deep breath.

“I used to hate being called childish. Even if I received a little such treatment, I would make a fuss as if something terrible had happened.”

“Really?”

“But now, I don’t know if I’ve changed a bit, but I don’t think being treated like a child is so bad. Because being treated like a child made me realize that I’ve become more mature. I don’t really know, but… that’s how I feel.”

There were times when Karitos seemed more childlike than the children he brought, and there were times when he was overflowing with mischief like a child.

Then, there were times when he seemed more mature. So, when he said that, I worried that he might feel offended, but he was already an adult.

“Maybe it’s time to accept it. There are times when you just can’t accept advice and counsel. Hearing such stories can make you angry and all.”

When Noah left the world for the first time, I was like that.

I couldn’t do anything, didn’t listen to others’ advice and counsel. I just thought what I thought was right. I thought I was a worthless human being, not worth living.