I clicked my tongue and observed as Beris and Ronoewe returned to unwrapping gifts, only to start rolling on the floor out of boredom.
It seems like it will take another three or four years for them to become useful.
Truthfully, who knows what hardships await us? Wouldn’t it be better to build some patience in advance?
Am I being too hard on them?
‘Should I consider myself lucky for having them?’
I turned my head, watching the maid trying to soothe the sulking children.
Sasha and Carlisle glanced briefly at Ronoewe and Beris, then quickly took care of the remaining gift boxes.
Amidst it all, Carlisle was startled by a toy box shaped like a snake’s tongue, which was amusing, but I pretended not to notice.
“Ugh…”
I decided to open a few more and leave the rest to the maid. I randomly grabbed a box, assuming it contained a sizable gift due to its bulk.
“Huh?”
Inside was an unexpected item— a leaf enveloped in an extraordinary golden aura.
“This is a leaf from the World Tree.”
The World Tree was an entity that had been erected in Eden before Dragon, and it had been my friend. It had always obeyed and listened to me and had been sad when I was expelled from Eden.
“Why is this here?”
Though the World Tree was rooted, it couldn’t leave Eden.
And although Eden existed in the mortal realm, it was distinct from the lands where the second race of humans took root.
Even if they existed on the same land, Eden and the new realm were qualitatively different, so I had assumed the World Tree would have been moved to the divine realm with the gods after I was expelled.
The fact that the World Tree’s leaf had been gifted implied that the noble creation of God had passed into the hands of the second humanity.
That is to say, God had abandoned the World Tree when He left His paradise to go to His sanctuary.
“Unbelievable.”
The World Tree, which had always granted wishes without asking for anything in return, was something I could never forget, having been my first friend since birth.
So it gave me chills to think that contrary to my hopes that it was being well taken care of, it might be rotting somewhere or commodified due to its sacred dignity.
“There’s a letter too.”
Eager to find out who had dared to send the World Tree’s leaf as a gift, I promptly unfolded the neatly folded paper.
[Your Highness, this tree’s leaves have been known to bring good fortune since ancient times.] [I hope your fledgling future is filled with luck and happiness.] [Diomer Ar Men]“What, it’s from the temple?”
The young steward who seemed to be on good terms with Jeff sent it.
“Then is the World Tree in the temple? Managed by the Ariel Temple?”
If that were the case, why hadn’t I seen it back then? My mind was in turmoil, wondering if I had missed the opportunity to meet the World Tree when I had time to even tour the sanctuary.
“Your Highness.”
It was then.
“The box has been fully opened.”
“Well done.”
As I was preoccupied, clenching the letter tightly, Carlisle approached, sensing my mood.
“It ended sooner than expected? It’s good to have many people. Thanks for the help.”
“I’ve just done what is expected.”
I was slightly impressed when he said he had finished not only his portion but also what I had intended to assign to the maids, with Sasha’s help.
The thought that I’d indulge him when he becomes the Emperor one day became stronger.
“Your Highness, may we go home now?”
Look at these rascals, only getting up after everything has been done.
“Yes, go right ahead.”
I found it annoying that the children who had been grumbling suddenly seemed so eager to leave, as if they had been waiting for this moment.
“See you next time, Your Highness!”
“Your Highness, you seemed to be straining earlier; please rest well.”
After bidding the children farewell and quickly sending them off, I sank onto the sofa.
“Clean up everything here.”
Ugh, I’m drained. Just as I was about to instruct the maids, the thought of the World Tree’s leaf made me hastily change my words.
“Wait! Leave that box out. I’ll take a closer look later.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Miranda and Hailey, who had been with me for a long time and knew my temperament well, tidied everything up without further questions.
“Should I have some refreshing juice when I get back?”
As I was mulling over this, I found myself absentmindedly stroking the soft fur of Poppy who had quietly sat beside me.
Suddenly feeling thirsty, I was about to gesture to a maid to bring me something to drink.
Knock, knock.
Just then, someone knocked on the door. I told them to come in and a familiar face peeked in.
“Daughter, are you very busy?”
An Indifferent Woman is the One Men Desire the Most
One-line summary: The female lead is actually cold-hearted and extremely rational. She has stage-by-stage relationships and won’t two-time, but there will always be someone who secretly likes her.
This novel has the following triggers, so if you’re sensitive to these, please don’t read:
1. The female lead has had many relationships, but she treated each one seriously and broke up properly.
It’s just that the men unilaterally pestered her incessantly. For the female lead, when she doesn’t like someone anymore, she simply doesn’t like them.
(This applies to her relationships with Male Lead 1, 2, 3, and 4 as well, but she’s loyal in each 1-on-1 relationship!)
2. In this novel, Male Lead 2 and the female lead kiss in a car, and Male Lead 1 sees it and beats up Male Lead 2.
The female lead calls the police and sends both Male Lead 1 and 2 to the police station! Male Lead 1 begs the female lead not to break up with him.
3. Male Lead 1 has a gentle appearance but an obsessive personality.
Male Lead 2 has a delicate and soft appearance, slightly green tea-like (two-faced).
Male Lead 3 is a youthful college student and a smart person who has secretly liked the female lead for a long time.
Male Lead 4 is the female lead’s father’s special assistant, a business elite with deep, hidden thoughts.
4. At the beginning of this novel, the female lead has already broken up with Male Lead 1 (Chapter 4) and gotten back together with Male Lead 2 (ex-boyfriend).
5. Enter with caution if you have triggers!!!
