Chapter – 07
Dora felt her chest tighten with every breath.
She glanced nervously toward the living room, but it was clear that Etern hadn’t noticed.
Even coming all the way to his only daughter’s quarters, the Emperor’s cold demeanor was both terrifying and wounding to the tender-hearted Dora.
“Even though Her Majesty the Empress has yet to awaken, I wish at least His Majesty the Emperor would show some concern for poor Princess Dora…”
But she could never dare to say such a thing out loud. Not to mention, she could barely even show it.
Winter spoke.
“Don’t just have her read books. Let her go out and play. She’s still young.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Dora answered, and Winter turned and left. He moved so quickly that Dora’s relieved sigh didn’t reach his ears.
Meanwhile, Etern, tired of reading a magic book and wanting a change of pace, stopped by the Empress’s quarters—and heard some surprising news.
“Father came by?”
“Yes, Your Highness. He did. He came both last night and this morning.”
Etern’s face lit up as if emitting light. She was so happy that she let out a breath of relief.
“Dora! Did you hear? Father came to see Mother!”
“Yes, Your Highness. I’m sure His Majesty wanted to see Her Majesty the Empress. Surely he did.”
Dora’s tone was as polite and gentle as always, but Etern tilted her head in confusion.
“Dora, why do you look so down? Why do you seem so low-spirited?”
“Low-spirited? I’m fine. Really.”
“I don’t think so…”
Etern crossed her arms and pouted.
Dora was hopeless at lying. She had been fine just a moment ago—so why suddenly this?
‘Hmm, let’s see…’
Etern casually held her hand up to her eye as if looking through a ring in the book she had brought. She closed one eye, and soon she could see Dora’s thoughts.
— Liv Dora
Princess’s nanny, 52 years old
- His Majesty the Emperor is too harsh. He came, yet he didn’t even see Princess Dora and left.
- When will Her Majesty the Empress awaken? For the Princess’s sake, she must open her eyes soon.
- Why did he just leave? Even if only to see her face…
‘Ah.’
Father came, huh. I just didn’t notice because I was reading. That’s why Dora looks so down.
Etern slowly placed her hand on Dora’s knee.
“Dora, did you meet Father?”
Dora’s eyes widened as if they might pop out.
“How did you know? Princess, did you actually see His Majesty?”
“No, nothing like that. I just noticed your expression when you returned. You looked uneasy, almost frightened. The only one you fear is Father, right?”
Dora made an indescribable expression. It was true, but she couldn’t believe that Etern had figured it out just by her face.
“Your Highness, I—”
“She must have been too shy and left, huh? Then I should be the first to go see Father, right?”
“Huh?”
“Since she went to see Mother, I want to praise him!”
“Yes? Your Highness? Where are you going… Princess!”
Dora stuffed her embroidery into a basket in a hurry and jumped to her feet. But Etern, as nimble as a squirrel, had already vanished.
However, the audience hall was unexpectedly empty.
‘Where did he go?’
Etern looked around, wondering who she could ask. Then she noticed someone familiar and ran toward him.
“Lance!”
“Your Highness!”
Lance knelt quickly and looked at Etern cautiously.
“What brings you here?”
Hearing her clear, proper answer, Lance’s lips moved slightly.
‘Ah, I mustn’t smile.’
“His Majesty the Emperor just finished a council meeting and went to the central palace’s left wing.”
“Ah, then he must have returned to his quarters. Thanks for telling me.”
Just as Etern was about to dash off, Lance followed her.
“I will escort you.”
“You will?”
Nodding, Lance led the way, and Etern discreetly peeked into his thoughts.
— Lance Tasch
New palace guard, 22 years old
- Despite being so young, she is remarkably confident.
- If promoted, I’d like to serve under someone like Princess Etern.
- …
‘Serve under her?’
Etern’s mind lit up.
‘This person could make a good personal guard.’
Etern had no constant guard officer by her side yet. Being young, Lance mostly stayed within the princess’s quarters. But having a trusted personal guard was essential. If she could choose someone reliable herself, all the better.
‘I’ll recommend him when the time is right and test his skills too.’
Unaware that her future was being planned by a child, Lance escorted Etern to the Emperor’s quarters.
“I’ll wait here.”
“Huh? No, that’s fine. You’ll get in trouble if you leave, so go back quickly.”
“But—”
“Go, Lance. That’s an order.”
Saying it firmly, Etern made Lance obey immediately despite his concern.
Successfully sending Lance back, Etern tilted her head and peeked through the slightly open door.
She saw her father sitting by the window, back turned. Without waiting for a servant, she opened several doors in succession and entered.
“Father!”
Startled by the sudden voice, Winter lifted his head with a flinch.
“What brings you here?”
Grinning, Etern ran up to Winter.
“I came to praise Father.”
“……What?”
“You went to see Mother, right? So I came to praise you! Can I sit on your lap?”
Before Winter could respond, Etern climbed onto his lap. Even Winter, taken aback, was speechless.
“Tell me, what praise do you have for me?”
“Hmm… rather than praise with words…”
Etern, with a mischievous look, trailed off and suddenly hugged Winter tightly.
“What are you doing…!”
“This is a special praise only for Father.”
Winter’s hands, trying to pull her away, slowly stopped. He awkwardly patted her back and cleared his throat.
“A special praise only for Father, huh?”
“Yes! Do you like it?”
Winter raised an eyebrow and turned his head.
“What exactly am I supposed to like? Now get down.”
“Aww, I like sitting on Father’s lap.”
Pretending to chatter, Etern quickly made a ring with her hand and looked at Winter.
— Winter Sergel Lisrumen
Emperor, 31 years old
- A “special praise,” huh.
- “Only for Father,” huh. She’s still young.
- …
‘Huh,’ thought Winter. Etern, secretly pouting, stuck her lips out.
‘Does that mean he likes it or not? He seems to like it but is pretending.’
Then she noticed a book on Winter’s desk.
It was a magic book.
Swallowing hard, Etern stared at her father.
“Why are you looking at it like that?”
“Father, this book… did you read it?”
Winter glanced at the book and frowned in puzzlement.
“Why are you curious about that?”
