I was dying of embarrassment.

The shame of showing such an unbecoming state to a loyal servant I had raised in my previous life was unbearable.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes.”

Anyway, as the crisis was barely averted, Hecate stopped patting my back and returned to her original position.

‘I really thought I was going to die.’

For a moment, I saw Yurik waving his hand from afar and thought I was immediately going to the afterlife.

“Should I get you some water, just in case?”

Hecate was uneasy as I continued to cough even though my complexion had improved.

“It’s fine.”

As the choked-up sensation on the bridge of my nose disappeared, I heaved a sigh of relief, pounding my chest.

“Our princess is very composed. But if you need help, just say so.”

Only then did Hecate wear a light smile on her face.

“I wonder what dad is doing right now?”

“He’s probably working, no doubt.”

Isn’t it obvious what that kid is doing? I shrugged my shoulders.

“You think so? Mom says the image of dad sulking still haunts her.”

Hecate chuckled at this, making an odd comment about what if Jeff is still crying. It was akin to God suddenly changing his mind and deciding to give us a break.

“Impossible. If that were the case, the Imperial Palace would have already flooded.”

“Right?”

Moreover, that Jeff would have become an embarrassing Mongol who can’t even open his eyes. I shook my head at my own absurd imagination.

“You must be tired; rest your eyes until we reach the Fleur estate.”

“I’m not particularly tired. I’ll just enjoy the scenery.”

I turned my gaze out the window, listening to the carriage’s rumbling noise. Staring blankly at the fields appearing between the passing trees, I somehow thought of Yongyong.

‘I’ll have to find the rattle as soon as I return to the Imperial City.’

The rattle that helps restore my stamina whenever I hold it during fatigue.

I realized the power of Yongyong had been infused in that rattle when I found out that the miraculous stone, the last remnant of the kid that the maidservant picked up 7 years ago, had vanished without a trace.

‘It’s fascinating that the flash from the rattle was Yongyong’s power.’

But why did it seep into the rattle? I sigh, recalling how I searched the entire Bowellian Castle, thinking I had lost it during the spy incident.

‘Would have been better if he’d come back alive and became the protector deity of the empire.’

I pondered over whether he should’ve transferred his powers to something more useful now that he’s grown and can’t be carried around anymore.

‘No, he said he almost returned all his power to God, so it wouldn’t work.’

But what could one expect from a guy who barely managed to borrow a squirrel’s body? Not wanting to dwell on the past, I forcibly closed my eyes.

Thud, thud.

And after a few hours had passed?

‘These guys are a bit peculiar.’

I arrived at the Fleur estate, which was almost the same size as the Vladimir estate and uniquely surrounded by water on both sides of its walls.

Step, step.

“Princess.”

As expected, the one to greet me was Carlisle, who had grown significantly taller.

“It is an honor to serve you.”

“Indeed.”

I thought he had grown well, seeing how his arms and legs had lengthened and how he had acquired the skills of a knight.

“Your Highness, Your Majesty!”

“Welcome to the Fleur estate! We’ve been eagerly waiting for this day!”

After that, Beris and Ronowe greeted us warmly with broad smiles. The experience was quite emotional, considering the younger siblings who were once inarticulate now spoke so fluently.

In particular, Beris, who used to be very shy and always hid behind someone when meeting new people, was now formally greeting us as per etiquette. It made me realize how much time had actually passed.

“You’ve all grown so much. It feels like just yesterday you were tiny and adorable.”

Hecate also seemed to feel the passage of time, as she reminisced about the past before warmly welcoming the children.
“Key of the Western Lands, Fleur, it’s a pleasure to meet the little hawk and the light of the empire.”

“Yes, it’s been a while. It’s delightful to have a chance to converse like this.”

Duke Fleur, who appeared shortly after, was as fit as ever, and Beris seized the opportunity when Hecate and Duke Fleur momentarily paused their conversation.

“Mom, I want to show the princess around the mansion!”

“That’s a good idea.”

Ah, look at that mischievous expression. I inwardly thought, watching Beris, who no longer had chubby cheeks but could still make the same face.

He never lost his mischievous disposition, which was truly remarkable.

“Your Highness, you find it hard to move quickly, so don’t rush around.”

Meanwhile, Duke Fleur didn’t dismiss Beris’s suggestion and instead offered a point of caution before allowing him to go ahead.

“Princess, if you have time, I’ll show you where I practice my swordsmanship.”

After allowing Ronowe and Beris to proceed, I walked side by side with Carlisle, taking in our surroundings.