Episode 20
“Sounds like a fair point.”
At my words, the Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully and gave a slow nod.
“Whatever the case, they are heroes of the realm. Even without your request, I’ve no intention of treating them poorly.”
“Whoa…”
But didn’t Dad once say that His Majesty disliked our family quite a bit?
Could it be that was just Berthold’s scheming?
And yet… what Mother went through can hardly be dismissed as mere slander.
“Then what about Mother?”
This time too, I couldn’t hold back from speaking my mind.
“I heard Grandfather doesn’t like her.”
“That’s—”
The Emperor closed his mouth for a moment, then released a deep sigh.
“When you grow older, and one day become a parent yourself, you’ll understand my feelings.”
There it was again.
The classic, ‘When you’re older, you’ll understand’ speech.
“If a grown child abandons everything because of a woman’s charms, leaving it all behind—”
“Grandfather.”
“…Very well, very well.”
He exhaled another long breath, then spoke with rare honesty.
“My feelings toward Lady Miller are now nothing but gratitude.”
Well, of course they should be.
Mother is risking her life to heal the Empress right now.
“After our talk yesterday, I realized it beyond doubt. She is far stronger and more admirable than I ever imagined.”
“Right? Right!”
I nodded enthusiastically, adding my cheerful agreement.
Truly, no one compares to my mother.
“Blinded by prejudice, I failed to see her true self. That was my failing.”
“Prejudice…”
And who exactly planted that prejudice?
Envious nobles of the capital?
Or Berthold himself?
Perhaps it was born of Grandfather’s own heart.
“I see now how foolishly I’ve lived. Consumed by affairs of state, I neglected those closest to me.”
The Emperor muttered bitterly to himself, lost in thought, before turning his gaze back to me.
“So you must stay by my side and remind me.”
“Me?”
But once everything is finished, I’ll be going home with Mother and Father…
“If you remain here, you can have anything you desire. Whatever your heart longs for, it shall be yours.”
He lowered his voice, almost coaxing.
“Even the dishes you enjoyed yesterday. They can be made for you every day. You seemed to like them very much.”
That… was tempting.
Wait, no! Stay strong!
One careless nod, and I’ll be swept right into his net.
“I’ll need to ask Mother and Father first.”
And Father would never agree.
I gave him a sunny smile after saying so.
The Emperor, rather than pressing me further, let the matter drop with a change of subject.
“Then tell me—other than that, is there truly nothing you want?”
Ah, back to this again.
I don’t really want anything…
‘But I need something.’
Like something to protect Mother with…
“Oh, in that case—”
A sudden idea flashed across my mind, and my eyes lit up.
“Would this be possible, maybe?”
***
Hours later.
“Cici.”
Mother entered the study, bowing politely to the Emperor before turning her bright smile on me.
Her treatment must finally be over for the day.
“Mother!”
I leapt from my chair and dashed straight into her arms.
“Have you been well, Cici?”
“Mhm!”
I buried my cheeks against her skirts, giggling.
Other than missing her terribly, yes, I’ve been fine!
“No trouble at all, then?”
Father followed Mother into the room a step behind, his sharp eyes scanning me carefully.
I nodded all the harder, just to put him at ease.
“Not at all!”
I’d had honest talks with Grandfather, eaten delicious snacks, and—
‘Most importantly, I secured a promise.’
A promise that would be the first great step toward protecting Mother.
“That’s good.”
Still unconvinced, Father smoothed a hand over my hair, suspicion lingering in his gaze.
I only beamed brighter.
Don’t worry, Dad.
Grandfather seems utterly taken with me now.
It must be because I’m so very cute.
“Heehee.”
After all, I take after my beautiful mother.
At that thought, I looked up at her again—
And tilted my head in surprise.
“Mother, your face is pale.”
She’s always been fair-skinned, but this was different—ashen, almost.
“Hmm?”
At my words, Mother touched her cheek.
“Perhaps it’s from exerting myself too much lately. My body isn’t what it once was.”
The moment I heard that, I snapped my eyes toward Grandfather.
Now, Grandfather. Do the ‘Sorry-and-Thank-You Challenge’—go!
“Ahem.”
Perhaps catching my signal, he cleared his throat softly before speaking.
“You’ve worked hard again today.”
That’s it?
Come now, with more sincerity!
“—I’m always grateful to you, and I regret much. Harzen… to you as well. I am truly thankful.”
The Emperor lowered his gaze to the desk, his words drawn out and solemn.
Mother and Father stared at him as if hearing something unthinkable.
I shrugged at their stunned expressions.
Well? Impressed by my counseling skills?
“…Why.”
After a long silence, Father finally scowled deeply and opened his mouth.
“Why say this now—”
“Your words humble me.”
But Mother stepped in quickly, smiling radiantly.
“I’ll redouble my efforts from now on.”
Her hand tightened around Father’s, while with the other she clasped mine and bowed gracefully.
“Thank you for looking after Cici. I hope she hasn’t caused you any trouble?”
“Not at all.”
The Emperor looked briefly at Father, then shifted his gaze back to Mother.
“On the contrary, she made my day brighter. A truly delightful child.”
“Ah, so even Your Majesty finds Cici lovable?”
Wait, Mother.
Isn’t this where you’re supposed to say, ‘You’re too kind’?
Why are your eyes sparkling instead?
“Cici can even write already. She once composed her own little introduction… oh, but I forgot to bring it.”
Of course you did. You never would have brought that.
“Moooom…”
I tugged at her hand, hiding my face behind my hair.
So embarrassing!
“Oh, goodness.”
Mother, realizing belatedly, blushed and gave a sheepish laugh.
I seized the chance to cut in.
“Then… may I go home with Mother and Father now?”
Any longer here, and Mother will start listing my accomplishments for the next two hours.
“…Very well.”
Grandfather’s reply carried a trace of reluctance.
But he looked over us again and added softly:
“Take care of yourselves. I’ll have the chef prepare something to restore your strength.”
There, see? Once the words start flowing, he manages just fine.
“Thank you for your concern.”
As I left the study with my parents, I glanced back and flashed him a discreet thumbs-up.
Well done, student. Keep it up. And don’t forget that promise.
***
Some time after leaving the palace proper, when we were sure no one was near—
“…You know,” Mother murmured, “doesn’t His Majesty seem unusually gentle these days?”
“…”
“No, really. He’s changed. Anyone with half a brain could tell.”
At her words, Father finally spoke, his voice low and guarded.
“I can’t make heads or tails of his intent.”
“I don’t think there’s any scheme behind it…”
Mother trailed off, then turned to me with a dazzling smile.
“Could it be our little princess cast a spell on him?”
