“Is it strange? Father granted permission, saying I’m worthy. To survive in noble society, one needs excellent information skills.”

It didn’t make sense. Duke Vladimir must have immense trust in Sasha, a mere seven-year-old, to make such a decision.

Although Sasha’s final point was valid, the fact that he was already leaking secrets to me suggested it wasn’t the best choice for the Duke to allow his son access.

“Furthermore, Father often consults me for advice, stating my insights are on par with adults. So, Your Highness.”

Forget it, I’m not listening! I leaned back, anticipating more absurdity.

“May I make a suggestion?”

“A suggestion?”
Sasha nodded with a wry smile and leaned towards me.

A shadow briefly crossed his face, creating a chiaroscuro effect, reminiscent of the time he asked me how it felt to finally get what I’d always wanted.

In short, it was odd, unsettling, and uncomfortable.

It was as if a living pile of waste, suddenly animated, was mustering its energy to approach me.

“If Your Highness chooses to trust me over Prince Carlyle, I’ll gladly share everything I know.”

Ugh, the little twerp is skillfully playing his cards!

Still, I had to commend him for cleverly maneuvering to form an alliance for his future.

“Sasha, I can’t favor one side only. I need to get along with everyone.”

But I had hoped to keep my relationship with the children as peaceful as possible, so I flatly refused.

“If that is Your Highness’s wish, then I have no choice. I don’t want to push, so I’ll step back.”

With a bittersweet expression, Sasha said that a second chance was always available and asked me to let him know if I changed my mind. I nodded noncommittally.

“Shall we take a walk before the Emperor calls?”

“Aren’t we going to the library?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Since the means and methods failed, he subtly shifted the subject.

Internally, I tsked at Sasha, who was even more devious and clingy than Lilith.

“Even though the Vladimir family has produced many scholars, not everyone is a bookworm all day long.”

Sasha, slithering out of the situation, looked at the handbell and smiled.

“It would be troublesome if we were alone, wouldn’t it?”

He extended his hand towards me to hand something over, but…

Swish!

“What are you trying to do?”

I pulled my hand back before grabbing the handbell.

“My apologies, Your Highness. I just had a funny thought before handing over the bell.”

The audacity! I must complain to Duke Vladimir later, I thought to myself.

“How about we secretly go out? It’s no fun being watched all the time.”

“What are you up to?”

“I will protect you; what could possibly happen?”

Ah, just go already. Annoyed, I held my forehead and shook my head.

“Who are you to protect anyone?”

“Your Highness, you’re even smaller than I am.”

“Enough! This is treason against the royal family!”

“Don’t be so angry, Your Highness.”

So irritating! It ruins my mood! Ulrika never did this! Frustrated, I waved the handbell wildly.

“I simply want to tell Your Highness exactly where you saw the blonde maid outside the conference room.”

Perhaps responding to my scolding, Sasha finally toned down his playfulness, glanced at the door, and said:

“Since Your Highness just shook the bell, it would be hard to go unnoticed. Let’s move with the maids later.”

“Fine.”

Oh, why did I do that!

‘I got angry because I was treated like a child, then I shook the bell in a tantrum.’

Sasha must have been laughing at me internally.

Reminded of the time I burned my tongue on hot soup, I felt miserable. Nothing was as painful as a blow to my pride.

Knock, knock.

“Your Highness, I’ve come in response to the call.”

“Come in.”

Soon, Hailey and Miranda, who had detected the bell signal, arrived.

“We’ll be taking a walk with Sasha, so follow us.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Shall we depart immediately?”

Annoyed, I stepped down from the chair. Despite the chair and table being lower than average, specially acquired by Jeff for my private reception room, I still had to twist my body and carefully extend one leg to the floor to balance myself.

Shuffle, shuffle.
“Your Highness, I just had an idea. How about we play a game of sneaking around the council chamber in Konrat Castle? It’ll be safe since we won’t be running around, and the tension will make it exciting.”

Moments later, Sasha, who had become more reserved than when they were alone, approached.

“That’s a great idea. It’s much better than stacking blocks.”

“Of course.”

It was boring to just walk aimlessly, and although my stamina wasn’t what it used to be when I was an emperor, I accepted the idea eagerly, wanting to do something active.

“Hey, come closer, I have something to say.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

I then called the maidservant who had been walking behind us and explained the situation.

“Understood, Your Highness. This sounds so exciting, my heart’s pounding!”

Since those guys had always told me there’s nothing I can’t do in the imperial city, our sneaking game proceeded smoothly, everyone coordinating perfectly.

‘Surprisingly doable, huh?’

We moved mainly to behind walls and other hiding spots, observing the atmosphere. Avoiding other servants, maids, and patrol guards added to the tension.

‘But I should refrain from doing this when other people are around. It will certainly turn into chaos.’

Suddenly, as I thought of Fleur’s children, my head buzzed.

If it were them, unlike Sasha, they would move impulsively, saying ‘let it be what it will be,’ and would likely trip and cry.

In other words, they would exhaust me.

Thud[Dash]!

Afterwards, as I was running, following Sasha’s signals, I collided strongly with someone who unexpectedly popped out, bruising my buttocks.