“Your highness~.”

Ronowe, noticing me first, ran over with Beris close behind. As they approached, I instinctively stepped back, fearing they might headbutt my chin as they used to do.

“You two are so energetic this morning.”

Though they should be tired from their daily trips to the palace, the Fleur siblings seemed far from exhausted, even after sweating from their play.

“We got bored just sitting around.”

“That’s right! So we played together.”

Ah, I see. I nodded perfunctorily.

“But I guess we ran too much.”

Suddenly, Ronowe collapsed to the floor, panting.

“I want something cool to drink!”

Beris, too, sprawled out, gazing at the ceiling, complaining of thirst.

‘Ugh.’

Who told them to run around like mad? I put my hands on my hips and shook my head in disapproval.

“Ladies and gentlemen~.”

It was then.

“Special snacks prepared by the Emperor and Empress will arrive soon.”

A previously hidden maid returned with a smile.

‘A special snack, like yesterday…’

I thought that Hecate’s ingenious idea would soon be revealed. She had seemed so confident; perhaps we would be presented with an exquisite dessert, unlike anything I’d had before.

Tap, tap.

“Today’s snack is parfait~.”

A few minutes of anticipation passed as I stared at the door, and a new maid brought in a tray adorned with colorful and splendid desserts.

The combination of ice cream, whipped cream, strawberries, and various pastries looked so enticing that it seemed to sprinkle sparkling dust. My mouth watered instantly.

“When did you get here?”

Realizing the children were behind me, I turned to find Poppy drooling at the sight.

“That’s mine.”

No way. I grabbed the flapping Poppy with both hands and squeezed her tight.

“Do you really think you can eat that? You’ll definitely get sick.”

Though she’d been fine with potatoes, there was no guarantee she’d be alright with other foods. If she broke down, I’d be in trouble, so I spoke sternly.

“You must be hot. Come this way~.”

Meanwhile, the maids seated us all and set the table. They had prepared enough for us to eat freely, so I immediately chose the largest parfait.

Honestly, I was worried that Ronowe or Carlyle would complain about my choice… but the little ones didn’t seem to envy my dessert.

‘Look at that fellow. Since I firmly refused, she’s going to Beris.’

While enjoying my parfait, I noticed Poppy sneakily approaching Beris.

“Poppy, are you hungry?”

The innocent Beris, seeing Poppy’s pitiful expression and whimper, kindly offered a spoonful.

‘What? She’s fine?’

What kind of doll is she?
Because it’s a doll, the inside would naturally be filled with cotton fur, so even if cold food went in, I thought it was commendable not to feel pain.

“Your Highness, Prince Sasha has arrived.”

“Tell him to come in.”

Grumbling to myself that I’ve seen all sorts of strange things, a maid announced the arrival of the last guest.

“Nice to meet you all. I was late because there was a problem with the carriage.”

Apologizing for being late, Sasha extended an object he was holding in his hand.

“And here, the gift I’ve brought is something I promised to give to the princess as a reward. It’s called a Matryoshka.”

I silently watched Veris, who was the first to run forward, receive the Matryoshka.

If it was a toy originally dedicated to me, I should be the first one to inspect it, but I didn’t want to act childish over a mere toy. Also, I wasn’t particularly interested in what Sasha had brought, so I decided not to scold Veris for playing with it.

“It’s a rare toy not found in the empire, a gift from my uncle who lives in a distant country.”

I let out a snort and laughed, assuming an arrogant posture, I didn’t want to accept it anymore. Somehow, it felt ominous.

“Toy inside a toy!”

“It keeps coming out!”

“I’m honored that you like it.”

Suddenly, dessert was forgotten, and everyone got down from their chairs and surrounded Sasha.

“It’s quite an intriguing toy.”

Although I had no interest in the item, I had to accept it, considering the relationship between the royal family and the duke’s house. So, I tossed out a word of praise.

“You must accept it since it’s from Her Majesty!”

“Oh yes.”

Veris then passed the Matryoshka to me, and he quickly turned around, absorbed in Sasha’s boasting and storytelling.

‘Is Carlisle behaving a bit differently?’

While everyone’s attention was swept away by Sasha, I happened to see Carlisle speaking to a maid and going outside.

‘He seems to be feeling bad… What’s the matter?’

He was acting somewhat indifferent today, and since he’s usually reticent, it was suspicious that he seemed to have shut his mouth entirely. He looked utterly devoid of energy, as if his body was here, but his mind was elsewhere, then he disappeared like smoke.

‘I’m curious.’

I managed to find an opportunity to tell a maid that I’d be right back, and I went outside. Since I was accompanied by Poppy and looking for Carlisle nearby, she wasn’t a nuisance following me.