chapter 13
“What could be inside this huge box?”
As I only glanced at the gift box, Jeff urged me to hurry and open it.
“Shall our little daughter open it?”
Why is he sparkling his eyes again for no reason? I grumbled inwardly.
“Earlier, you asked why the alchemist came to the imperial palace, right? What’s inside that box was made through alchemy.”
After finishing his sentence, Jeff set me down on the floor and placed the gift box in front of me.
“It’s something I commissioned a long time ago. They said it was finally completed.”
He lightly pushed my back, as if hoping I would quickly check the contents.
To think he used alchemy to make something. As expected of someone I raised.
I strode toward the box without hesitation, loosened the ribbon, and opened the lid.
Inside was… a cute duck doll.
It had a soft, rounded appearance overall, giving off a warm and cozy feeling.
What is this?
I had expected something incredible, so seeing just a doll left me dumbfounded.
What was so special about this that it took so long? My mind filled with question marks.
“Isn’t it cute? From today on, this duck friend will always stay by our daughter’s side.”
Jeff smiled proudly with his signature doting-father grin and continued:
“It may look like an ordinary duck doll, but this little one has…”
While explaining with a gentle smile, Jeff suddenly sharpened his gaze.
“In fact, it has a very special ability!”
A special ability? I stared at the duck doll and muttered:
I expected something impressive since it was made by an alchemist… but isn’t this just a toy?
No matter how I looked at it, it didn’t seem extraordinary.
“I wish I could always stay by our daughter’s side…”
As I silently stared at the doll, Jeff spoke in a sorrowful tone.
“But I have sooo much work to do that I often can’t…”
Clasping his hands together, he soon made a pleading expression.
“So if I’m ever not around, you mustn’t get hurt. From now on, you have to always stay with this reliable duck friend. Okay?”
His eyes sparkled innocently again as he earnestly reminded me.
So it’s not a toy—it’s for self-defense.
Seeing him like that, I suddenly wondered if I even needed protection.
Because even if I died right now, my life would just begin again anyway.
“Now, sprinkle this powder and give it a name, and you’ll become its owner.”
Just as I was lost in dark thoughts, Jeff brought out a small, cute pouch.
The pouch containing the powder was embroidered with leaves and flowers, tied tightly with a gold string and a red ribbon.
As expected of something made with alchemy—the process is complicated.
I followed his instructions without much thought. The powder glowed faintly and was absorbed into the doll’s body. I swallowed nervously.
“…Poppy?”
After some thought, I finally came up with a name and spoke it aloud.
At that moment, the duck doll changed.
Flash!
A magical pattern suddenly spread behind it, and multicolored light filled the space before disappearing.
“Quack!”
The doll, which had been lifeless just moments ago, became a living, breathing being.
“QUAAAAACK—!”
Ugh, it’s loud. Is it an alarm clock?
It was so noisy my ears felt like they’d burst.
Soft.
Ohhh?
While distracted, I absentmindedly touched its body and was surprised.
What is this? It feels nice.
It felt like touching soft, moist flower petals.
This thing would make a great pillow.
I kept fiddling with Poppy.
“Haha, my daughter~ do you like it?”
Jeff laughed out loud, looking satisfied.
“Oh right, I forgot to mention this.”
Standing up, he added with a gentle smile:
“When you’re in danger, press its belly, and a beam will shoot out from its beak—zzzzap!”
Raising his index finger, Jeff spoke proudly.
“….”
“Quack?”
No matter how I looked at it, it didn’t seem capable of such an attack.
That’s actually really cool.
Still, now that I’d heard it, I couldn’t help but imagine a beam shooting from Poppy’s tiny beak, electrocuting enemies.
“Don’t use it for fun—it’s dangerous. Only use it in emergencies.”
“Yes.”
I liked it. A lot.
“I originally planned to record my voice into it as well… but I decided against it since it wouldn’t truly contain my sincerity.”
When I answered briefly, Jeff placed a hand over his chest, looking emotional.
“But if our Dazzling ever wants to hear it, just press your daddy’s cheek anytime.”
He winked, pointed at his cheek, and puckered his lips like a fish.
I don’t want to press it!
That’s creepy. I broke out in cold sweat.
“Daddy loves you very much. Grow up safely, just like now.”
While I was overwhelmed with secondhand embarrassment, he gently patted my head.
“Dazzling, don’t you have anything to say to daddy?”
He leaned closer with an expectant look.
“….”
What am I supposed to say? I stared at him blankly.
“You’re so happy you’re speechless!”
That’s not it. Jeff placed a hand on his forehead, shedding emotional tears.
What’s wrong with him now…
I ignored him and continued stroking Poppy.
A self-defense doll… If I had something like this before, life would’ve been much easier.
I pulled on its beak and pressed its cheeks firmly.
“I’m glad I could make time to give you your gift. I still have a lot of work to do.”
Jeff, who had been watching me fondly, said he had to return to work.
He works hard. Since I received something nice, I should give something back.
I didn’t have much to give, so I decided to hand him what I had just made earlier.
“Father, I have something for you too.”
I asked the maid behind me to bring my drawing.
Maybe he’ll hang it in the reception room. Everyone will love it.
I proudly presented my masterpiece.
“Did you draw me?”
The moment Jeff received it, he covered his mouth with his free hand.
“Yes. It’ll be worth a lot in the future.”
“I’ll declare it a national treasure immediately!”
He beamed like someone who had just discovered priceless treasure.
“I’m truly moved.”
“I can’t breathe.”
He suddenly pulled me into a tight hug—I thought I was going to die. I struggled to push his face away.
“I’ll have them prepare lots of your favorite food for dinner.”
After finally letting go, he said we’d eat together later.
“Your Majesty, I will escort Her Highness shortly.”
Jeff hurried off, saying he’d return quickly, while Esian politely bowed after silently observing everything.
Click—
“Phew…”
Only after Jeff disappeared did I finally relax.
“We should rest now. Let’s head back.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I will escort you to your bedroom.”
Suddenly exhausted, I hurried to my room. My personal maid helped me wash and change into a nightgown.
Thud—
I threw myself onto the bed, clutching Poppy tightly.
This body gets tired so easily.
Lying face down, I squished and kneaded Poppy.
Is the body of a princess originally this weak?
As I thought about it, a memory from my past life surfaced—facing an assassin.
Since I’m royalty, assassination attempts are inevitable… just like before.
Back then, I had pretended to sleep while sensing someone approaching.
The masked assassin tried to strike quickly—but I moved faster.
Where did she go—
What are you looking for? If it’s your life…
I suddenly appeared behind him. That was his end.
I beat him thoroughly.
Until I become an adult, I’ll rely on this doll to protect me.
Returning from my thoughts, I looked at Poppy.
I don’t know how useful it’ll be, but it should be enough to protect this weak body.
Whether emperor or princess, our lives were equally at risk—it made me laugh bitterly.
How long will I live this time?
The danger I had forgotten suddenly felt real again.
Or… will I finally find peace in this life?
I squeezed Poppy’s cheeks, then let go. As if frightened, it scurried to the corner of the bed.
Bzzzz—
That’s… a mosquito?
Maybe because the window had been left open earlier, an unwelcome guest appeared.
I frowned at it.
“QUACK!!!”
Perhaps sensing my irritation, Poppy rushed forward and stood in front of me, letting out a loud cry.
A few hours later, the emperor’s office was still filled with the sound of papers rustling.
“Just a little more and I’ll be done.”
Eager to meet the princess, His Majesty focused intensely on his work.
“Your Majesty, it’s almost mealtime. Shall I bring Her Highness?”
After checking the time, I asked how to proceed.
“Is it already that time? Prepare the princess’s meal first. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As expected, His Majesty cherishes the princess deeply.
After receiving permission, I bowed and left. Perhaps because I was going to see the lovely princess, my steps quickened.
Passing through the long black-and-white corridor, I finally arrived at Bowellian Palace where she was staying.
“His Majesty has summoned Her Highness—”
Just as I greeted the maid at the door and was about to relay the message—
Crackle!
A loud noise came from inside the room.
“Hm?”
I stopped, puzzled by the sound of electricity.
Zzzzt—!!
Moments later, a massive explosion shook the air.
