“I’ll have the carpet replaced with a new one.”

There was a bit of commotion, but it was a smooth morning. Harmon, with a smile, looked at the emperor’s face, hoping for today to be as peaceful and serene as any other day.
However, the moment she saw the emperor’s stern expression, she realized that something was wrong.

“Your Majesty, what is the matter?”

Harmon, sensing an unknown concern in the emperor, lowered his head anxiously.

However, the emperor shook his head slowly with a bewildered expression without saying a word.

“No, nothing. Just go out.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Grand Eunuch, thanking the gods for another peaceful morning, left the emperor’s chamber.

Stella, who had unfolded the book without much expectation, had been immobile for hours because the book turned out to be so interesting.

There were many plants she had never seen before, and there were also familiar ones. It was fascinating how each plant had such a different way of growing.

“Wow, is this how tomatoes are grown?”

From commonly eaten tomatoes and corn to other plants that were somewhat different but equally intriguing, the more she read, the more she wanted to try growing them.

While deeply engrossed in the book, four earth fairies had been circling Stella since a while ago.

On a usual day, they would have already gone into the ground or gone to the garden by now, but today, for some reason, they showed no intention of leaving Stella’s side.

“Why aren’t you going today?”

“Well, well, Lady Estel gave us a special mission.”

Esta replied, pretending to be important. Ark was busy munching on a piece of carrot pie that Stella had left in the room.
Othon was somewhat stricter compared to the other fairies, but whenever Ark spilled pie on the ground, Othon would tidy up, and Iber, the winter fairy, sat quietly in Stella’s room without uttering a word.

It seemed like she was avoiding eye contact. Although her drooping eyes suggested a very gentle temperament, it was difficult to make a definitive judgment since Stella hadn’t shared many conversations with her yet.

“What kind of task is it?”

Stella asked, examining each of the four fairies. It was both pitiful and cute to see the four creatures, small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, complaining about their duties.

“It’s to protect the noble pickaxe and its guardian, Stella.”

Ark, with carrot pie crumbs on his lips, raised his hand to his waist and extended his round belly.

It was cute even when they were showing off. Stella resisted the urge to press Ark’s belly with her finger and asked,

“Me? You guys?”

Understanding the pickaxe made sense, but it was hard to comprehend that they were protecting it.

Moreover, if someone had to fulfill the role of a guardian, it seemed more fitting for her than the earth fairies, regardless of whether it was based on size or strength.

“Yeah!”

However, the four fairies nodded as if it were obvious, firmly clutching their fists by Stella’s side and igniting their determination.

“So, are you going to sleep here from now on?”

“Of course!”
“It’s natural for a guardian knight to be by the side of the one they need to protect.”

His valiant response seemed quite fitting for a guardian knight. Stella couldn’t help but feel like teasing them.

“What if suddenly a scary person breaks into the room and tries to kill me?”

“What? Who would kill you!”

“That can’t happen. We’ll protect you no matter what it takes.”

“Don’t worry. Actions speak louder than words.”

While Ark and Esta responded enthusiastically, Othon answered calmly, speaking with a gentle tone. Now that Stella looked closely, Othon was the only one among the four with long hair.

“Othon, are you the only girl here?”

“Can’t you see? Beauty like mine stands out anywhere. That’s why it’s exhausting.”

Othon sighed deeply, stroking her well-kept hair. The other three made disgusted expressions at Othon’s comment, but Othon seemed unfazed.

She just looked at the other three with a disdainful expression, shaking her head as if dismissing them.

“Does Iber naturally talk less?”

Instead of answering, Iber slowly nodded. Her already gentle eyes seemed to round even more. Wearing white clothes, Iber looked cute like a snow fairy.

“Iber doesn’t talk much unless it’s necessary.”

“Really? You’re a very quiet friend.”

Summoning courage, Stella gently stroked Iber’s head with her fingertips.
Iber recoiled as if surprised, but soon smiled brightly as Stella continued to gently stroke her head with her own hands. It seemed that Iber really liked the touch Stella gave.

So adorable.

Seeing Iber, who was giggling, Stella smiled contentedly when someone outside softly knocked.

“Come in.”

“Princess, Darun and Bryn, who went to Conpayo, have returned.”

Upon hearing the awaited news, Stella quickly stood up from her seat.