“Is he still not gone?”

A slightly late dinner.

In the midst of the busy Lucia, there was someone who was still there, producing a nimble smile, enjoying the exclusive time with his daughter.

Without answering the question, he sat next to Nia and began to whisper.

“Nia, is the food here worse than the Empire’s cuisine?”

“…….”

The child couldn’t lie.

It was true.

Unlike the advanced dishes eaten in the Empire, which were a mix of various cultures, the conservative country, like a secluded island, revealed its culture even in its food, emphasizing the natural taste of the ingredients.

Although the previous Duke Ashford seemed to pay attention to the souvenirs seen in other countries, the conservative nature of the country was evident in its culture and, by extension, in its cuisine.

“In that case, you should visit the Empire even more. Button, prepare…”

“Oh, spare me. I told you not to come unless we sign an agreement. Even if I like you, do you think I can’t distinguish between work and personal feelings?”

At this moment, the Crown Prince, startled, looked at Nia.

Facing such a provocative confession, it seemed confusing for him to consider it as an enemy, given the face resembling Charles.

However, his mother seemed very indifferent.

Talking nonsense was a tough situation now, and until the matter was settled, annoying her like her father was because she resembled him.

‘It’s also urgent for generations.’

But for her, without understanding the current situation and without careful consideration, she couldn’t do anything without a proper agreement.

That’s why his stay was getting longer.

Of course, the Crown Prince aimed for that.

In this battle of spear and shield, something on the table began to move.

Changing hair color between pink and red, a doll that repeatedly raised and lowered both hands.

Seeing them perform the agreed-upon action when they met, it seemed like Ivannu and Charles had met.

Nia, as if she had been waiting for that moment, smiled warmly and shook the doll’s hand as if responding.

Then, observing this, Button said,

“I’ll make a little exception during the meal. What is this?”

“It’s a gift from Uncle Hugo! Nia wants to talk to her friend…!”

When the child showed off the doll, he had a smile on his face, but there was also a firmness in his demeanor.

“Oh, what a fascinating object. However, Your Highness.”

“?”

‘…Not Your Highness, but Nia…’

Nia, being the daughter and the mother becoming the king, had become a princess. She had told the story, but a 5-year-old child couldn’t understand it naturally.

So, the child who didn’t know anything could only grow up and experience it.

“Dining is about communicating with the people gathered at the table. If something like this is placed, someone unfamiliar will feel very uncomfortable. You should be especially careful during the upcoming lunch.”

That’s right.

He had a reason for saying this.

It was for the upcoming lunch with the guild leader.

After the coronation, it was officially the first communication with civilians, so it was a special lunch where he decided to bring the child.
So, now Button was discreetly overseeing Nia’s etiquette education as the Crown Princess.

“And Crown Princess, when eating, take bite-sized portions. Never stab and eat with a fork.”

Continuing with Button’s etiquette lessons, Nia gently placed the potato she had bitten off from the fork back onto the plate.

A determined expression.

Although the child’s mother was worried, she couldn’t help it.

She was already a bit late compared to other children, and she hoped that this opportunity would allow her to grow properly and return to her original life as a lady.

However, at that moment, Irene, who was watching the scene, spoke as if seizing an opportunity.

“How about I teach her? I’m really good at this kind of thing.”

With elegant movements, Irene, who had feathers attached to a thick piece of meat, made several clean cuts, put a bite-sized piece of meat into her mouth, and chewed silently.

The refined appearance, not seen for a long time, made one realize that he was the Crown Prince of the Empire.

Upon seeing this, butler Button exclaimed with excitement.

“Oh, excellent. If Her Highness can show such a dignified appearance during lunch, His Highness will surely be very pleased!”

Button gestured to Lucia with his eyes.

Lucia also thought that it was better to use a maid whose origin was not exactly known compared to a nanny.

“How about it, Nia?”

What choice did the child have?

She already knew that she lacked among her friends, and her beloved mother would like it.

When the child quickly nodded, Lucia smiled faintly and stood up.

The faint jingling sound that had been ringing since earlier was announcing the next task.

But then, there was a sudden sound of a chair, and a hem was pulled urgently.

“…Can I go a little later…? Please…?”

A cute appearance looking at Lucia with pleading eyes.

Lately, with busy schedules, the mealtime was not at the usual time, and the child seemed upset.

‘…Shall I take her.’