Couldn’t they just tell me directly? I raised an eyebrow, wondering what they were up to right in front of me.

I was irritated by how their voices were muffled as they clung closely together, talking about how incredibly amazing the dessert was.

“Excellent idea, Empress.”

Meanwhile, Jeff clapped his hands, finishing his conversation with Hecate with a satisfied expression.

Seeing how his previously serious and grave face had suddenly brightened, it seemed he liked Hecate’s clever suggestion.

“The Empress is always wise.”

“Then I’ll inform the chef immediately to prepare it for tomorrow.”

Hecate spoke with even more confidence in response to Jeff’s positive reaction.

“Do so. The Empress’s will is my will.”

After finishing, Jeff and Hecate both stared intently at me.

‘What are they plotting?’

It was burdensome to have two pairs of eyes focused solely on me, their cheeks even flushed red. I wondered how long I should pretend not to notice Jeff and Hecate’s gazes.

Even though three years had passed since I was born as a princess, I couldn’t completely abandon my original personality and act, given that I had become the child of a loyal servant I had personally raised and taught in my past life.

“Well then, let’s go to your room now.”

“Okay.”

Finally, freedom. Hecate got up from her seat and approached right on cue, and I thoughtlessly took the hand she extended. Soon my eye level rose quickly. It was thanks to Hecate picking me up skillfully.

“I want to hold our daughter’s hand and go too~”

And after taking just a few steps, I heard a whining sound from behind.

‘Such a big guy acting so disgustingly…’

Can’t he see that I was briefly holding Hecate’s hand to maintain balance so as not to fall?

“Alright. Give me your hand.”

I barely held back a sigh and blurted it out as if doing him a favor. If I accidentally said something harsh, he might get upset and make things more tiring.

‘Sheesh.’

Anyway, when I held his hand, Jeff’s eyes, which had looked like they might burst if poked with a needle, changed. They curved widely. His slightly darkened expression also brightened, and his face became lively and gleaming.

I don’t understand why he’s making such a fuss over just holding hands. That’s something that can be done anytime. I grumbled inwardly.

‘What family is all about.’

Come to think of it, the young princess’s hand is so small that it can only firmly grasp about two of Jeff’s fingers. Feeling awkward, I lowered my gaze slightly and saw Poppy waddling along.

‘How funny.’

It was amusing to see the round-bodied creature struggling to match its pace.

“Now you can rest well until dinner.”

Hecate said, adjusting her posture as she held me. Since I had played to my heart’s content trying various things during the day, I nodded lifelessly at what seemed to be a suggestion to rest.

“Our small and precious Darjeeling~ Daddy told the chef to prepare various dishes using beef, so look forward to it. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Jeff followed up by winking one eye and adding that potato dishes would be served too, telling me to eat a balanced meal without being picky.

“Okay.”

I snickered inwardly before yawning.

‘You take care of the potatoes this time too.’

Just then, Poppy, who had been walking well, lifted its head and our eyes met. The creature let out a “quack” and tilted its head.

* * *

The next morning.

‘I wonder how noisy it will be today.’

Once again, without fail, I headed to the meeting place to see the riff-raff, Sasha, and Carlyle.

This time, instead of the playroom inside the castle, we headed to a small wooden building set up in the garden.

Looking around on the way, I saw newly decorated flower beds and fountains. Flowers tailored to Hecate’s and Jeff’s tastes harmonized, boasting their freshness. I thought the gardeners must have had quite a hard time tilling the soil, removing weeds, and transplanting plants.

Bang—.

‘I can hear voices from here.’

As I walked briskly and the distance narrowed considerably, I could hear the children shouting and falling. Even as the dedicated maid grabbed the handle to open the door for entry, saying she would let me in, the noise didn’t stop, and the little ones didn’t seem to notice our presence.

‘Why is it so noisy? Surely they’re not fighting?’

They used to quarrel at the drop of a hat before, so it wouldn’t be surprising.

So I came in prepared to mediate, but… the concern I had was unfounded.

Ronowe and Berith were just more excited than usual, running wild like bison on the plains.

‘…So they were just playing.’

But even that intense sight caused a slight headache. I wiped my forehead with one hand, then saw Poppy next to me, flapping its wings with both arms raised high, cheering towards the riff-raff.

‘Sasha’s not here.’

I assumed there must be some problem causing him to be late, and didn’t think much of it.

‘Poppy, why are you cheering for the riff-raff?’

By the way, this duck creature was created for the purpose of guarding, so it’s quite smart, but sometimes when it acts foolishly, it makes me sigh. If it really cared for me, it should rush out and stop Ronowe and Berith from going overboard, not encourage them by fanning the flames and enjoying it.

“Oh, it’s the Princess!”

“Princess~.”

Meanwhile, Ronowe, who finally noticed me, came running breathlessly with Berith in tow. Fearing they might bump their heads on my chin like before, I unconsciously took a small step back as they approached my face.

“You two are overflowing with energy from the morning, I see.”

Despite the journey to the imperial palace every day that should tire them out, the Fleur siblings were fine even after working up a sweat in pairs.

“We were bored just sitting still.”

“That’s right! So we played with my sister.”

Oh my, is that so. I nodded halfheartedly.

“But I think we ran too much.”

Suddenly, Ronowe sprawled out on the floor, saying it was hot.

“I want to eat something cool!”

Berith, who had flopped down looking at the ceiling in tandem, said he was thirsty.

‘Sheesh.’

That’s what happens when you act so wildly. I put my hands on my hips and shook my head from side to side.

“Young masters~”

That’s when it happened.

“A special snack prepared by order of His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress will arrive soon.”

One of the maids who had momentarily disappeared returned with a smiling face.

‘If it’s a special snack, then yesterday…’

I thought the identity of Hecate’s brilliant idea would soon be revealed. Since Hecate seemed so confident, it might be an exotic dessert I’d never eaten even in my past life.

Knock, knock—.

“Today’s snack is parfait~”

After staring intently at the entrance door for a few minutes with some excitement and anticipation, a new maid brought in food decorated colorfully and lavishly on a tray.

The dessert, with ice cream, whipped cream, strawberries, and various cookies all blended together, was so captivating that at first glance, it created an illusion of sprinkling glittering powder. It made my mouth water that much.

“When did you get here again?”

Remembering there were children behind me and coming to my senses, I saw Poppy drooling right next to me.

“That’s mine.”

Don’t even think about it. I grabbed Poppy, who was jumping up and down making flapping sounds, with both hands and pressed down firmly.

“Do you think you can eat it when you’re a doll? You’ll surely get sick.”

Although it was fine even when eating potatoes, there was no guarantee it would be okay with other foods. Since it would be troublesome if it broke down, I spoke harshly on purpose.

“You must have been very hot, right? Come this way~”

Meanwhile, the maids seated me and the children in chairs and set the table. They said we could freely choose since they had prepared enough to eat our fill and have leftovers, so I chose the largest parfait without hesitation.

Honestly, I was worried about what Ronowe or Carlyle might say after I took the menu first, but… the little ones didn’t covet the dessert I chose.

‘Look at that guy. Since I firmly refused to give him any, he’s going to Berith.’

While enjoying the parfait intently, I spotted Poppy slowly approaching Berith.

“Poppy, are you hungry?”

The innocent Berith willingly offered a spoonful when Poppy made a pitiful expression and let out a “quack” sound.

‘What, it’s fine?’

What kind of doll is this exactly?

Since it’s a doll, its insides should naturally be full of cotton stuffing, but I found it strange that it didn’t suffer even when cold food went in.

“Your Highness, Young Master Sasha has arrived.”

“Tell him to come in.”

While grumbling inwardly that I was seeing all sorts of odd sights, the maid announced the arrival of the last guest.

“Hello everyone. I’m sorry I’m late, there was a problem with the carriage.”

Sasha, who apologized for being late, held out the object in his hand.

“And here, this item I brought is a gift I promised to give the Princess as thanks. It’s called a matryoshka.”

I silently watched as Berith, who jumped forward first, received the matryoshka.

If it was a toy originally intended to be presented to me, I should rightfully be the first to examine it, but I didn’t want to act childishly over a mere toy. Besides, I wasn’t very interested in the item Sasha brought, so I decided not to scold Berith for playing with it.

“It’s a precious toy that doesn’t exist in the empire, given to me by an uncle living in a distant country.”

Laughing with a “hoot” sound and taking on an arrogant posture, I felt even less inclined to accept it. Somehow it felt unpleasant.

“There’s a toy inside the toy!”

“They keep coming out!”

“I’m honored that you like it.”

Before I knew it, the dessert had taken a backseat, and everyone had come down from their chairs to surround Sasha.

“It’s quite an interesting toy.”

Although it wasn’t something I was interested in, I couldn’t remain indifferent. Considering the relationship between the imperial family and the ducal family, I should at least acknowledge it. So I casually threw out a word of praise.

“It’s for the Princess, so take it!”

“Alright.”

Then Berith handed me the matryoshka, and he turned around, completely absorbed in Sasha’s boastful story.

‘Carlyle seems a bit different than usual?’

Amidst everyone’s attention being swept up by Sasha, I happened to see Carlyle speaking to a maid and going outside.

‘He doesn’t seem to be in a good mood either… I wonder what’s wrong.’

Somehow today he barely even greeted anyone, and the already taciturn boy had completely sealed his lips, which was suspicious. He looked completely lacking in energy. After showing signs that his mind was elsewhere even though his body was here, he disappeared like smoke.

‘I’m curious.’

I watched carefully and told the maid I’d be right back, then went outside. Since I was accompanied by Poppy as I went to find Carlyle nearby, they didn’t bother to follow me.

Thanks to that, I quickly walked around looking here and there, and finally discovered Carlyle sitting alone on a bench in front of the fountain.

Thinking there was no one watching, Carlyle openly displayed a gloomy face like someone with a story to tell. I silently watched the boy swinging his legs back and forth for a while before approaching.

“What are you doing here alone?”

“Princess…?”

Carlyle was startled as if caught in the act of stealing. He looked like he didn’t expect me to come looking for him instead of playing with the riff-raff.

“You’re not acting like your usual self, as if you have some kind of worry.”

“It’s nothing. I’m sorry for showing an unsightly appearance.”

The boy, who had been in an unguarded state, had traces of tears on his cheeks when seen up close.

I told Carlyle, who was hurriedly wiping his eyes with his sleeve, to tell me what was wrong.

“Well…”

Seeing him hesitate and unable to answer clearly, I felt frustrated.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Do you intend to make my personal visit here in vain?”

Thinking the other party was a child less mature than me, I tried to exercise a little patience, but when there was no sign of him speaking at all, I indirectly asked if he had put a lock on his mouth.

“Ah, no, that’s not it.”

To this, Carlyle waved both hands, saying that wasn’t his intention at all.

“I have something to tell you first. I think I’ll be leaving the palace before Ronowe and Berith.”

“Why?”

Suddenly leaving early, what’s this about? I crossed my arms and waited for his next words.

“That’s… because today is actually the anniversary of my parents’ deaths.”

This time I was taken aback.

‘If it’s the death anniversary… it must be the day of the poisoning incident I heard about during military lessons.’

For a brief moment, the explanation Lilith had given flashed through my mind.

“I’m supposed to go to where my parents rest with the Marquis. I told the children I had to leave early to help with some work.”

“If it was such an important day, you didn’t need to come to the palace. Aren’t you feeling troubled?”

For something of that magnitude, he could have sent a letter or someone to explain the situation and spend time remembering the deceased and composing himself.

“No, that’s not it. If I did that, I’d have to explain the circumstances, which would be difficult…”

Does he dislike others knowing his personal matters? I nodded unconsciously as I watched Carlyle fidgeting with his fingers.

“More than anything, I don’t want the children to know. They’re the type who would cry in sympathy if they knew I was struggling.”

This overly kind fool! I swallowed back the words that were about to burst out in anger. While the person speaking right now must be the one struggling the most, to hear such words from the mouth of a mere 6-year-old made him seem like a young saint.

“You have quite a deep mind at such a young age.”

I blurted out one comment and added that we should head back soon. Judging that we couldn’t stay here indefinitely, I decided now was an appropriate time to return.

“Yes, Princess.”

Carlyle followed my words without resistance. That’s how I returned to the place where everyone was gathered with him.

“Princess, Young Master Carlyle. We were worried when you suddenly disappeared.”

Sasha, who sensed our presence, came running and babbled. I cleanly pretended not to hear and passed by. That child would likely end up irritating someone.

“More importantly, Young Master Carlyle seemed to be lacking energy, are you alright?”

“Yes, Young Master Sasha.”

Although my body was facing a different direction, I opened my ears wide and focused my attention, wanting to know the content of the conversation.

“I feel better after getting some fresh air.”

“That’s a relief then. I thought the heir of Bergamot was already crumbling.”

Even saying he was almost disappointed. I turned my body, thinking that was a bit of an overstepping remark.

“Smart elder brother! It’s your turn for the word chain game~ Quickly say a word that starts with ‘ja’!”

“Hmm~ Freedom (자유)?”

Just then, as if to interrupt, Berith cut in, bringing the matryoshka close to Sasha’s mouth and urging him. Thanks to Berith, we avoided what could have turned into a chilly atmosphere.

“Next is elder brother Carlyle! It’s your first time, so it’s okay if you take a while.”

“Uh, um… Glass (유리).”

Carlyle, who was inadvertently drawn into the game, stammered.

“I don’t know…”

It seemed to be Berith’s turn next. He shuffled his feet with a troubled expression.

“What’s on the neck of the teddy bear you sleep with every night?”

Finally, as Berith was on the verge of tears, Carlyle leaned in and quietly asked a question in his ear.

“Ah, right! Ribbon! It’s a green ribbon!”

Soon after, he excitedly shouted the correct answer and held the matryoshka up to Ronowe.

“Bon… bon… bon…”

Even I can see this is difficult. I watched intently, curious to see what word Ronowe would come up with.

Waaaaaah—.

But suddenly, Ronowe burst into tears and started wailing loudly.

“Only I get the hard ones~ Give me a hint too~”

With both fists clenched tightly, her crying sounded like a pod of dolphins roaring as they approached en masse.

‘My eardrums might burst.’

I felt as if my hearing was being damaged and blood was gushing from my ears.