Chapter 46
The Child Abuse Punishment Act…
There was a reason Celestia had hesitated. The Child Abuse Punishment Act… Hearing Oz’s explanation, Killian couldn’t help but feel bewildered. Soon his body trembled, and then he resigned himself.
It was unbearably shameful that Celestia had discovered the wounds he wanted only to hide, and he was afraid that Duke Märchen might find out. Above all, he felt embarrassed that, to Celestia, he seemed to be nothing more than a friend to be protected and taken care of.
Meanwhile, the look in Oz’s eyes as he stared at him felt like pity, or perhaps reproach, and it made Killian’s eyes sting for no reason.
Not that he ever wanted to accept Celestia’s apology…
But seeing her keep apologizing before his eyes made emotions surge uncontrollably inside him.
Tia, you should be the one who feels uncomfortable for uncovering what I didn’t say—no, what I couldn’t say.
Tia, you should be the one I resent for exposing my shame and making me feel small.
And yet, somehow, her actions brought him relief.
Perhaps it was because Celestia was already the master of his soul.
“So, confide in us, young lord. The truth you couldn’t tell anyone.”
When Oz spoke, Tia looked restlessly at Killian.
“Killian…”
“….”
Killian gave no reply, only gazed at Tia with warmth in his eyes.
You don’t have to, Tia.
Don’t feel so sorry, Tia.
But it seemed that feeling didn’t reach her properly.
“I’m sorry, Killian. I never meant to make things hard for you. I just wanted to make sure you wouldn’t be hurt or sad anymore. Not only you, but all the children of the Empire too…”
Looking into Celestia’s tear-filled eyes, Killian thought:
Meeting Tia was the greatest fortune and the greatest blessing of his life.
And so, he could say it—the words that were as natural and heavy as gravity itself.
“I believe in you, Tia.”
“Killian…”
“So I’ll do as you say. Tell me what I should do.”
“Killian… Hhhwaahhh!!!”
Hearing his words, Celestia finally broke down, running to him and sobbing. She’d always been so mature, but now, crying like a child—like a girl her own age at last—she let her tears fall. Watching her, Killian felt a strange sense of fulfillment swell inside him.
Tia.
Because of me.
She cried.
A desire to freeze and keep every drop of her tears.
A desire to gently wipe her reddened eyes.
A desire to keep this side of her for himself alone.
All these conflicting emotions tangled together and settled deep in Killian’s chest. He didn’t even know which feelings to let go of, and which to solidify.
Killian comforted me as I cried and cried. His shoulder was soaked with my tears. Oz tried to separate us here and there with a grumbling “nnngh,” but failed every time.
So tactless! Don’t you know when to step in and when not to?
Anyway, thanks to my favorite person’s comfort, I finally stopped crying.
Even looking back, it’s astonishing. I never thought Killian would say such things. To think he said he believed in me—that he’d do as I told him…
Considering the tragic ending in the original story, I think I’ve succeeded. My relationship with Killian is completely different now from what it once was.
I worked hard for this outcome, but hearing him say he trusted me made me more cautious than ever. Because every little action of mine might have an enormous impact on him.
“First of all, Killian. sniffle.”
“Mm, Tia. Speak slowly. Have some tea too. Do your eyes hurt?”
“Thanks. I think I’m fine now. Are my eyes still red?”
Killian looked at me pitifully and nodded. Oz, sitting beside us, shuddered and pressed his throbbing temple before speaking.
“Your Highness, you must never ever date a man who makes a woman cry.”
“…Huh?”
“It just came to me. You must find a man who will never let even a drop of tears fall from your eyes, nor a drop of water touch your hands, Your Highness.”
…Was this really the moment for that kind of talk?
Still, thinking of it as advice from an older, more experienced man, I nodded, and he immediately grinned with satisfaction. Oz really does have his quirks.
After a sip of tea and a deep breath, I asked Killian to become a witness.
“You might not have to step forward right away. The bill might not even pass. But if you testify as a child abuse victim and witness from the start, not only could the law be enacted, but Duke Märchen could be punished immediately. That would help you, I think. And if the law passes, countless abused children will also be protected under it.”
When I finished speaking, Oz clapped his hands together.
“As expected of our princess! Whoever her grandmother was, she must’ve been amazing, don’t you agree? Truly worthy of my—erhem! Hahaha!”
…Huh? His “hand”? What hand? Anyway, he claps really well.
Suddenly grabbing my hand, Oz babbled about me being the brightest genius fit to be an emperor, past and future. Killian not only agreed wholeheartedly but went even further.
“I knew you were remarkable, but wow… the more I learn about you, the more I’m amazed, Tia.”
“Oh! Young lord, you do have an eye for people after all.”
But no way, Oz muttered, puffing like an angry bull.
I really couldn’t figure out why Oz kept acting so strangely today.
Killian, after glancing at Oz, returned to the point of our discussion.
“Tia, if that law is passed, and many children in the Empire can live a little happier, that would be wonderful. I’ll help you. If needed, I’ll testify too. I’m not confident, but…”
“Thank you for believing in me, Killian. I’d never do anything to harm you. I never will.”
“Mm. I believe you, Tia.”
As his round head nodded, it felt like a rainbow spread before my eyes.
Ack, so dazzling.
I’ll have to go pick out some tinted glasses with Marquis Rewendif.
The day of the Grand Nobles’ Assembly.
With Liz’s help, I was getting dressed up.
On a day like today, I needed some bold, strong-woman makeup.
“Too bad you’re still only seven years old.”
At seven, no matter what I did, I’d still look like a soft, pale rice cake. Hmph.
“Why, Your Highness? What style are you thinking of?”
“Something like… a woman who storms into her cheating boyfriend’s wedding, causes chaos, and demands a refund on the engagement ring.”
“…Excuse me? Wh-where on earth did you learn about something like that?!”
“Uh, I think I read it in a book…”
I brushed it off, but Liz huffed that she’d have to search every single book in the princess’s quarters today.
“Fine! What you really want is to look clever and capable, rather than just cute, isn’t it?”
Liz carefully rephrased my words after some thought. I nodded, and she immediately set to work on my hair.
Unlike usual, she decorated my flowing hair with jeweled pins and dabbed her lipstick onto my lips.
“Oooh. I do look a bit sharper.”
“Of course. You know my skills.”
She dressed me in a calm dark green gown, accenting it with a diamond necklace and lace gloves.
“Well, Liz? Do I look more mature now?”
Swish—after spinning once, I crossed my short arms and struck a pose with my short legs. Liz chuckled.
“Yes, very mature, our princess.”
“Perfect!”
After striking several more strong-woman poses with my little arms and legs, I reviewed the Grand Nobles’ Assembly agenda, Oz’s notes on what to watch out for, and the draft law I would present.
Even though I only had to read it, I was terribly nervous.
Oh, right! Killian’s testimony would be delayed until the very last possible moment. Since my and Adel’s intrusion into the Duke’s mansion, Duke Märchen had been lying low. The main goal of this amendment was to stop Killian from being abused anymore, after all. I didn’t want to poke the hornet’s nest and risk backlash unnecessarily.
“Your Highness, are you ready? It’s time for the session. If we go now, we’ll arrive right on cue. You know—first impressions are everything.”
“Yep!”
Taking Oz’s outstretched hand, I headed toward the assembly hall.
“Ah-ee-oh-oo. Ai-ue-o. Rrrr, brrrr.”
Even warmed up my mouth.
Alright, Crown Princess, let’s do this!
“Yap!”
With a little shout, I pushed open the assembly hall doors. In an instant, dozens of eyes locked onto me, making me freeze for a moment.
But no, I wouldn’t falter.
Composing myself, I walked to the center of the chamber—my seat beside Father—guided by Oz.
Remembering his advice to receive greetings before sitting, I stood tall, chin raised. Then, clearing his throat, Sir Ain declared loudly:
“Everyone, rise and pay your respects to the shining star of the Empire, Princess Celestia Mond!”
At his words, all the nobles in the chamber stood and bowed their heads to me.
A magnificent sight. Truly breathtaking.
The thrill of it—ah, the taste of power!
