“Purchase this horse. Pay one hundred gold coins for it. Lieutenant Fluke, the checkbook.”

“Wait, just a minute!”

The owner, pale-faced, waved his hands frantically. Thinking of charging a little more than ten gold coins seemed reasonable, but the proposal of twenty times that amount left him speechless.

“Look, I mean, even though that’s the case, I can’t sell it for that amount! Five gold coins… no, ten. Yes, ten gold coins. That’s more expensive than a decent thoroughbred. It’s a fair price for me, and it saves money for you distinguished folks too. So─”

“Look here.”

The Duke spoke in a flat tone.

“Yes, yes.”

“If it’s unnecessary, we can change the check into cash and then just throw ninety coins on the street. Or go to a moneylender and sell my check for ten coins. If you don’t like one hundred gold coins, adjust it yourself, as royalty doesn’t haggle the price of goods in an undignified manner. Now, Lieutenant Fluke.”

The knight, seemingly empathizing with the owner, trembled as he handed over the checkbook. The Duke casually filled in the amount in the checkbook.

“I didn’t bring enough cash, so I have to pay by check. Since it’s inconvenient to leave the shop empty, I’ll send someone to collect the check later today. We’ll take the horse then, so just keep this one separately.”

The Duke’s small hand handed over the check for an absurd amount. The owner reached out with trembling hands to take the check.

“Shopping ended too early. Shall we go to a café?”

Despite having just spent one hundred gold coins, the Duke asked me in a calm voice.

“If that’s what Your Highness desires.”

I had something to ask the Duke anyway, so this worked out well.

I had impulsively chosen a rare horse, but the Duke had no reason to buy me a horse twenty times more expensive than the promised reward. There was nothing significant between the Duke and me.

So, I had to ask. What did I need to do to justify the extra ninety gold coins spent?

The Duke took me to a rather quaint café. Teenagers or those in their early twenties would have loved it, but to a three-year-old or a sixty-five-year-old, it was just a cute building.

“The Empress said it’s popular among the noble youth. She wanted to visit with the Emperor, but he’s been too busy… We can enjoy ourselves and take some popular items back with us.”

Taking a girl to a place the Empress wanted to visit with the Emperor. If he’s so thoughtless now, he’ll break many hearts when he’s older.

“Please, this way.”

The server, knowing we had a reservation, guided us inside. As expected, the café was filled with patrons of the age I had guessed.

I should have just suggested going back to the palace… I followed the server through the glances of others, my short legs working hard to keep up.

We arrived in a private room.

“It seemed better to have a room for our discussion.”

Though not intended for me, it was a relief. We were too young for this setting.

Ah, really. If only I were fifteen years older. At eighteen, I could’ve been a precocious genius. Then I could fit in anywhere.
But at three years old, no matter how hard I try, I just can’t blend in with adults.

In the palace, it was less noticeable, but stepping outside, I see how much my young age limits me. It’s not even an adult’s spot, and even in a place where young people come, I still attract attention.

“Would you like to order?”

“Pastry chef’s recommended menu, please. Two drinks, about three items from the menu. Oh, and there are guards and coachmen outside, so please bring the pastry chef’s recommended menu for them as well.”

“Yes, I understand.”

As I sat there feeling stuffy, the order was finished without even looking at the menu. In my previous life, I never visited such places in my youth, so I was curious about what they served.

But since the Duke was paying anyway, I didn’t fuss. They’d probably tell me the names of the dishes when they serve them.

Satisfied with that thought, I waited for the server to leave and then spoke.

“So, what do you want, Your Highness?”

The Duke, who had awkwardly propped his chin on the slightly tall table, smirked.

“I want the pastry chef’s recommended menu.”

I smiled warmly. If he wanted to play with words, I could oblige. It wasn’t too difficult.

“Should I sneak into the kitchen and eavesdrop? I’m small, so I won’t be noticed.”

“Hahaha.”

The high-pitched laughter of a child echoed in the room and then faded. I sat quietly, waiting for the laughter to die down and the Duke’s gaze to return to me.

When talking to someone of higher status, one must never rush them. Always match their pace.

“So, why did you suddenly think you had to do something?”

“Because.”

With nothing on the table but water, I focused on the glass and continued.

“I requested more than what was promised.”

Debts are best extended and repaid promptly. Anything left too long accrues interest. So, it’s wise to at least plan for repayment today.

“Ninety-five gold coins?”