HSDOE 30

30. Menerskullen Elinkir Bayar Pipi
 The maids were punished with the task of reading all ten volumes of etiquette books.

There were ten volumes because, over the long history of the Empire, the codes of conduct had changed frequently and minutely—but that wasn’t Lasilia’s concern.

Like the Marchioness of Pashad, the maids were prohibited from entering the palace until they had completed their reading. With the eight maids and their attendants flowing out like the tide, the Empress’s palace became quiet for the first time in a while.

“I really don’t know if this is okay…”

Yvette finally spoke after swallowing a sip of cold tea.

The tea had gone cold because her hands had been trembling too much for her to lift the teacup earlier.

Having tea alone with the Empress was a privilege reserved only for the First Maid—and even then, it wasn’t a frequent occurrence.

After several failed attempts to grasp the teacup, fearing she might drop it, Yvette finally managed to calm her trembling after the tea had cooled completely. Her expression just before drinking the tea was one of grim determination.

But in the end, tea was tea.

Of course, the teacup was as thin as paper and absurdly expensive, and the tea—even cold—was smooth and fragrant like a dream, but still, it was just tea. Something you drink.

“Do you think I’ll be able to fill the gap while the other maids are gone? I think I can do well, but that feels a little arrogant… Gosh, I really don’t know.”

“Pii!”

Pipi, who was perched on Lasilia’s palm and nibbling a candied cherry from the cake, suddenly screeched.

“Pipi says not to worry. You’ll do fine.”

Actually, it had been worded a bit more harshly, but Lasilia softened it as she passed it along.

Yvette’s eyes widened.

“How does Pipi know things like that? It’s just a little baby bird! I mean, of course, an amazing bird, but still…”

“Piiit!”

Pipi violently shook its head side to side.

“Oh no, it looks angry… Did I say something wrong?”

“Hmm… Looks like it’s my fault. Seems like Pipi doesn’t like that name.”

More precisely, Pipi was displeased that Yvette was calling it “Pipi” as well.

“Oh… Well, that makes sense. ‘Pipi’ is a bit childish for the king of birds.”

“Pii!”

“Should we come up with a new name then? Would that be better?”

“Pii…”

Pipi responded somewhat ambiguously.

It meant that while a new name might be necessary, being called “Pipi” was still acceptable.

“Hm… You say you don’t mind being called Pipi, so why do you want a new name?”

“Piiit.”

“Because it doesn’t suit the king of birds? I see, and?”

“Pii pii.”

“Oh, I should be the only one to call you that? Why only me?”

“Pii…”

Pipi twisted its tiny wings together, looking somehow embarrassed.

“What’s there to be embarrassed about?”

“Pii!”

When Lasilia didn’t understand, Pipi got frustrated. Instead of answering, it hopped down to the cake plate and began pecking furiously.

“Seems like Pi… Pipi-nim really likes Your Majesty.”

Since the name “Pipi” was disliked, Yvette cautiously added a respectful “-nim.”

“Piiit!”

Even while eating cake, Pipi was sensitive enough to react.

“We really should come up with a new name.”

At Lasilia’s words, Yvette jumped up.

“Shall I bring a naming book? Or perhaps a chronicle? They list the names of all the nobles in history.”

“You already know those, don’t you?”

“Oh…! Right.”

Yvette sat back down.

“Pii?”

Thus began a brainstorming session between two humans and one bird.

After about two hours, Pipi was officially given the lengthy name Menerskullen Elinkir Bayar Pipi.

“So, Lord Ren—may I call you that from now on?”

With the addition of “Lord,” respectful speech followed naturally.

Pipi seemed much more pleased with that, proudly lifting its head.

“Pii.”

“Yes. That’s what he prefers.”

Yvette beamed.

“I’m so glad you like your new name.”

“Pipi. Pii!”

Flapping its wings happily, Pipi looked delighted.

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

Suddenly, the small body lifted gently into the air.

“Lord Ren! You’re flying!”

“So soon… Isn’t that a bit fast?”

“Right? It hasn’t even been three full days since hatching.”

Hovering about thirty centimeters above the tea table, Pipi flapped its wings excitedly before dropping back onto the cake plate, panting.

“Pi… pii…”

“He says he’s tired.”

“Oh, should I get you some water?”

Quick-witted Yvette poured some into an empty dish.

Pipi pecked at Lasilia’s hand—asking her to help him drink.

“You little faker. I know you can drink by yourself.”

Lasilia chuckled as she placed Pipi on her palm and tilted the water dish toward his beak.

And then—

“Pii?”

Pipi suddenly jerked his head up.

At the same time, a voice echoed from the guards:

“His Majesty the Emperor approaches!”

“Oh,”

Panic struck fast. Lasilia hastily tucked Pipi into the sugar jar and shut the lid. Hiding him in Yvette’s hair would’ve been better, but she didn’t want to mess up Yvette’s hairstyle in a rush.

“You’re here, Your Majesty.”

“I greet His Majesty the Emperor.”

Looking somewhat weary from dealing with nobles, ministers, and officials all day in the audience hall, the Emperor walked toward them.

“Do you remember that you have one chance to let me hold your hand?”

As if she could forget. It happened just this morning.

“Yes. I’m aware.”

“I have to use it now. Pity.”

“I see.”

It was half a forced opportunity from Rescal, but she extended her hand anyway. After all, it was a Blue Moon night.

Rescal took her hand, but instead of simply holding it, he repeated himself.

“Really, it’s such a waste.”

So what?

“…Then save it for later.”

“No. I have to do it now.”

“Then go ahead.”

“…It’s a shame.”

She wasn’t sure what exactly he was regretting, but from his expression, he clearly was.

Eventually, Rescal took her hand. First, he grasped her fingers, then lowered his head and inhaled deeply over her palm.

“What… are you doing?”

It felt awkward and strangely embarrassing.

As Lasilia tried to pull her hand away, Rescal murmured softly with his lips still brushing her palm.

“It’s strange.”

“What is?”

“I smell something that’s not yours.”

“…?”

“It’s a familiar scent—but not a pleasant one.”

“…”

At that, Yvette’s face went pale.

“I-I apologize. I must have failed to serve Her Majesty properly… Should I bring some water for washing?”

Lasilia and Rescal spoke nearly at the same time.

“No. It’s fine,”
“That would be best.”

“Ah…?”

Yvette stood frozen in awkward confusion.

Lasilia glanced at Rescal, then nodded.

“Then please do.”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

Yvette hurried out on her tiptoes. Thanks to the tact of Serven and Rian, who also stepped out, only the Emperor and Empress remained.

“…I didn’t know my hand had a scent.”

Sitting in her single armchair, Lasilia watched Rescal perch casually on the armrest, sticking to his claim that they used to sit together like this before his memory loss.

Still, it bothered her enough to discreetly sniff her hand. Faint hints of tea or sweets, maybe—but nothing unusual.

“My sense of smell isn’t like a normal human’s.”

Rescal leaned his head slightly, resting it beside hers.

“You mean you smell something other than tea or sweets?”

“Yes. I smell something alive.”

…Surely he didn’t mean Pipi.

Lasilia resisted the urge to glance at the sugar jar.

“Then perhaps it’s Yvette’s scent.”

“No. It’s not the young lady’s either.”

So it was Pipi…

“That’s strange. I haven’t interacted with anyone but the maids.”

“Just being around people doesn’t leave a scent. This means you touched it directly.”

…Sharp as ever.

“Is your seat uncomfortable? We can switch to a wider chair if you’d like.”

Lasilia changed the topic.

Rescal held her hand tightly and stared at her.

“Is it here?”

Her heart skipped a beat.

“…Pardon?”

“The thing you touched with this hand—is it here?”

“…”

She had to deny it. But with those golden eyes staring, a lie didn’t seem possible.

At that moment—

“Pii!”

Thump!

Pipi burst out of the sugar jar, knocking the lid aside.

“Pi! Pii!”

Flapping angrily, Pipi landed on the back of Lasilia’s hand, glaring at Rescal.

“Pipi! Pii!”

“This is…”

Rescal’s golden eyes narrowed.

Lasilia quickly cupped Pipi in her hands.

“I found the bird. I think its mother abandoned it.”

“…”

“It seems to be attached to me, so I’m keeping it close. Just until the mother returns…”

In other words, until the bird’s true owner appears.

“…If that’s your wish, I won’t oppose it.”

Rescal answered slowly, clearly displeased.

“Though I don’t like it.”

“Pii! Pii!”

Pipi equally expressed its dislike with flared wings.

Rescal furrowed his brow in disbelief.

“Such boldness for something not fully grown.”

“…?”

It almost felt like he understood what Pipi said. Lasilia flinched.

“Pii! Pi!”

Pipi insisted it would grow quickly. Rescal waved a hand, annoyed.

“Talk to me when you’re fully grown.”

“Pi! Piiit!”

Pipi snapped back, telling him to learn how to sit in a chair properly first.

Lasilia said nothing, caught in the middle.

“…”

It was clear now—Rescal understood Pipi.

Because it’s a demonic bird… of course he does.

Just one more thing to be careful about. Lasilia couldn’t help resenting Pipi for breaking out of the sugar jar.

I’ll just have to pretend I don’t understand what Pipi says.

She changed the subject again.

“Isn’t it cute? It’s already practicing flying. Once it grows up, it’ll be a strong bird that can fly far.”

“Not cute. I’m sure its temper will only worsen.”

“Pii!”

Fearing Pipi would say something rude, Lasilia patted its head to stop it.

“It’ll become more mild-mannered with time.”

“I hope so.”

Rescal pulled the hand stroking Pipi toward him. Pipi grumbled, but Rescal didn’t blink.

Brushing her hand with his lips, he whispered softly:

“Tonight is another Blue Moon. Did you know?”

“Yes.”

“Then I ask your permission in advance.”

“For what?”

The ticklish feel of his lips made it hard to think. At this rate, she’d say “yes” to anything.

“May I sleep in your bed tonight?”