Yesterday at dawn, the southern region of the empire had experienced rainfall for several days, but the capital with the imperial palace remained unscathed. The sky was as blue as the day before, with no signs of gathering storm clouds.

Clearly, the foul weather hadn’t extended its reach here.

“Eat just one. It won’t upset your stomach, but overeating could be detrimental to your health.”

As I enjoyed my meal in the balcony under the morning sun, I offered Poppy a large chocolate cookie as a substitute for food.

“What was that?”

Pretending not to understand wouldn’t do. I stared at Poppy with a sullen face before shaking my head.

“Your Highness, fortunately, the rain that fell in the southern region was not torrential.”

Next, I filled my stomach with potato salad and soup while receiving the report.

“However, due to the continuous rain, a few low-lying villages have been affected. The roads have become extremely muddy and slippery, making it difficult for carriages to pass and causing several injuries.”

As time passed and I grew to a certain extent, Miranda and Hailey ceased their roles as nannies.

Instead, both vowed to serve by my side until their dying day as loyal retainers.

Of course, I didn’t make a fuss about it. They would publicly act as my personal attendants, but that meant they carried additional responsibilities behind the scenes.

Since their roles had become more important, I compensated Jeff and Hecate adequately to ensure they were not just driven by passion. Henceforth, I received carefully selected news every morning.

Honestly, do I need to know every little detail pouring out from across the empire? Initially, my subordinates filtered out the news.

“Is that so? Then there’s a limit to what the local lords can handle.”

After taking a few sips of tea, I quietly set down my cup and crossed my arms. The matter wasn’t something to take lightly, and thoughts of my previous life as an emperor became more serious.

“They’ll contact us soon since it’s too much for their resources.”

Based on memories of my past life, even though the southern nobles would probably handle the situation, how would that reflect on the royal family’s reputation?

Ignoring the situation would just result in rumors that the royal family neglects its people.

‘Jeff and Hecate are not fools; they’ll handle it well.’

It was on my nerves due to old habits from my life as a worker bee, but I had no formal role in state affairs, so I stepped back.

After all, if I, with my mere 10-year-old body, started issuing commands as the heir to the throne, would the nobles unquestioningly follow? Someone would resist.

More than anything, I had sensed a strange atmosphere from long ago.

This was purely because there were those who were discontented with a female succeeding the throne despite precedent. I would have liked to seize them and beat them, but they had never openly shown their discontent, so I held back.

“I may not yet participate in state affairs, but I am interested. Let me know how it was handled during dinner.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ah, just thinking about it gives me a headache.

Afterward, I focused on my meal again. As soon as I lightly filled my stomach, I resumed my bath and headed to the dressing room. It was to wear new clothes and accessories that had arrived last night.

“Ta-da! These clothes are too cute!”

“Your Highness, you’re perfect, so this dress will also look fantastic on you!”

It seemed that Jeff’s high spirits were contagious.

“Indeed. Well done.”

Had it been Ronowe or Beris, I might have felt differently, but I found such flattery distasteful and skin-crawling, so I reacted indifferently as usual.

‘Does it feel more special because it matches my eye color? They’ve certainly included a fair amount of pearls.’
Dressing in a manner befitting royalty was important, so the expense was justified. However, when I casually mentioned wanting less lace, it seems the message got through.

“Good thing it’s not Crustel.”

I chuckled inwardly and brushed my flowing hair behind my ears.

“Shall we begin, Your Highness?”

“Yes.”

Miranda and Hailey quickly brought over a footstool. Even though I had grown taller, I was still shorter than the maids, requiring a stool.

‘I’ll be wearing suits once I’m old enough to learn horseback riding.’

Finding the dress both comfortable and cumbersome, I raised my arms and surrendered myself to the maids’ touch.

“Your Highness, please close your eyes for a moment.”

Shortly after.

The skin treatment involved hydrating and revitalizing the skin with a herbal salve to protect it from the sun’s heat. My hair, now much longer, was tied up high in a single braid.

“No classes scheduled for this morning?”

Exiting the room, I twirled the ends of my hair around my finger.

“Yes, Your Highness. The children from the Fleur and Vladimir families are visiting this afternoon, so the morning is yours to do as you wish.”

Hailey, who was nearest, answered first.

“Good. Need to conserve energy before meeting them.”

I chattered as I headed for the nearby library.