Anyway, it’s not something I’d do in this life, but hearing the sound of meat made my belly, which had been filled with milk, quickly empty, leaving me with a slight yearning. Thoughts of delicious smoked barbecues and whole-fried chicken passed through my mind.

Juicy, crispy on the outside, and tender meat melting on the palate with each bite! I got excited and raised my hand involuntarily. I couldn’t stop my heart from racing.

‘Oh no.’
While lost in my thoughts, I belatedly regained my senses and returned to reality. Miranda and Hecate’s personal maid, who had been staring at me as if I were a fool with my mouth open in an absurd daydream, smiled rather than looking at me with disgust, considering my imagination like an evil spirit.

Despite their childish appearance, they seemed to find my childlike behavior cute.

“Alright, tell Mom right away that we’re going to tear into the meat!”

However, no matter what their true thoughts were, I felt so embarrassed that I ended up informing Hecate’s personal maid, in a unnecessarily loud voice, that I agreed positively to join in the meal.

“Apologies, Your Highness, but if possible…”

“If possible?”

It would have been better if we just left it like that. With a gentle smile, Hecate’s personal maid suggested something.

“What if Your Highness personally visits Her Majesty?”

No, why don’t you guys just rest for a bit and wake me up and take me when it’s time for dinner? I shook my head, unable to understand Hecate’s personal maid’s words.

“Her Majesty has always missed Your Highness. So if Your Highness visits first, Her Majesty will be very pleased.”

“Well, it’s not that difficult. Since we’re going to have a meal together anyway.”

“Really? Thank you so much, Your Highness!”

Although it was bothersome, Hecate probably just wanted to come out alone and eat meat while looking at the night sky, and she never asked me to convey that to others, so it would have been better to pretend to ask for a favor and urge her to join the outdoor meal.

‘I should ask why Hecate went to the western border area.’

Honestly, it was a bit annoying, but considering it as an opportunity to hear stories about the mysteriously stepped-on western border area that had always piqued my curiosity, I decided to play the role of a good daughter who seizes the chance to act.

“Sure, since we brought it up, let’s go right away.”

By the way, they say a subordinate resembles their master. Looking at Hecate’s personal maid, who looked delighted as if she had received a large reward, I thought.

‘Looking at that guy, it reminds me that Hecate used to follow me around when she was young. The loyalty to serving one’s master is quite apparent.’

Such memories soaked in nostalgia are not unpleasant. And seeing Hecate grow up well and fill her side with her own loyal followers made me feel satisfied from the perspective of the one who brought her in.

“I should open my treasure chest after a long time. Bring it quickly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

So, I decided to reward Hecate’s personal maid and instructed Miranda to quickly bring the box filled with a variety of candies and chocolates. It was a snack box piled up with plenty of sweets, as Hecate had been restricted from eating too much due to concerns about her decaying teeth.

“Come on, choose something you want to eat from here.”

As Miranda brought the box closer, I personally unlocked the latch and opened the lid.
The candies were not cheap treats displayed in a corner, mimicking various jewels such as emerald, crimson, orange, pearls, and sapphire. They were not ordinary sweets, but rather a collection of inexpensive candies made by craftsmen recognized in the empire, as well as rare and expensive candies presented during the heir’s proclamation ceremony, reflecting quality from the packaging to the ingredients for the upper class.

Some candies even sparkled like real gemstones when touched by the light on their wrapping paper.

“I’m not giving these out to just anyone. So, choose one with gratitude.”

Although I generally did not share what I cherished with others, this time, considering it as a reward to my loyal subject with the broad heart of a ruler who once governed a country in my past life, it was an act of generosity.

So, I directly received the box from Miranda’s hands, confidently placed it on my thigh, and with a proud attitude, I consistently urged Hecate’s personal maid to quickly pick one, stirring her emotions as she covered her mouth with both hands.

“Oh my… Can I dare to accept this?”

“Of course, everything here is delicious.”

Hurry up and take it when it’s offered, you. Urging her with a scoff, I told her to hurry before my thigh was crushed by the box, and hesitating Hecate’s personal maid chose an orange-flavored candy.

“I have to go to Mom now, so you should head back as well.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I am truly grateful for your generous offer.”

Afterwards, Hecate’s personal maid expressed her gratitude multiple times, covering her mouth with both hands in an emotional state, and quickly withdrew.

Swoosh. Following that, not long after Hecate’s personal maid left, I headed straight to Hecate’s office.

Pebbles, as usual, quietly walked behind me, and while moving, I pondered on what to say and how to act during the journey.

“Greetings, Your Highness…”

Soon, I encountered the two knights guarding the entrance of Hecate’s office. It was natural for them to show courtesy to me, the princess. I urgently gestured to them, placing my index finger on my lips, indicating they should remain silent.

“Hush!”