Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The atmosphere became strange.

The two continued their conversation without paying attention to the meal in front of them.

“Yes. I also made an animal sculpture to Siervian as a gift and she loved it very much.”

“Sculpture?”

“When a fork is made exclusively for the snow cake, it’s no fun for her because the fork will be gone after the cake is eaten.”

“Hm.”

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. How could I make such a mistake.

In fact, Siervian knew that the fork was just for eating that cake, and that it was a luxury to be able to eat the cake with a fork made with magic.

But she didn’t have much experience with eating desserts, so he might be right.

“She cherishes it so much that she asked me to put a conservation spell on it. And they said that she’s decorated her room with it.”

“Ha. It’s not time for you to learn conservation magic yet. It’s going to melt soon.”

“It’ll be alright because I studied it in advance.”

Siervian grew nervous because the topic suddenly went to the Crown Prince’s magic skills. An Imperial Family member’s magical ability was the same thing as their pride.

“Is that true, Siervy?”

Suddenly, their eyes were on her at once. Siervian, who was holding back as she looked at the steaming soup, gulped dryly.

“Yees. It’s pweety.”

The animal sculptures were neatly placed on the vanity table in her room. Everyday when Ellie combed her hair, she would look at them.

Of course, they didn’t melt or break.

When the Crown Prince would grow older, he would even be a match for the Emperor, who was the strongest mage in the Empire. If Karmen, the next lord of the magic tower, was also considered, there would be three archmages in the Northern Empire alone.

“Did you bring them to your room, Siervian?”

As he heard this compliment, the Crown Prince’s lips were curled up in a smile that almost dripped honey. On the contrary, the Emperor’s expression became darker as he looked at his son in disapproval.

“Yees. I like the bunny and the horsey a lot.”

Siervian felt much better as she recalled the cute ice sculptures that she saw everyday when her hair was being combed.

It was very cute to see the bunny being right next to the horse.

“Hm.”

And when he heard her honest remarks, this was all that the Emperor said.

Then, their silent meal began.

All three people around the table weren’t talkative in the first place while eating, so Siervian soon picked up her spoon, forgetting the strange atmosphere from earlier.

‘I’m hungry already, so it’s a relief.’

In the meantime, the soup wasn’t as hot as it was earlier, so she ate a lot today. However, the status windows of the two people at her sides sometimes made her wary. They were very odd.

[ Damian Erveldote ]

Thoughts: You’ll just have breakfast without me. I need to find a way to come here every day.

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: Animal sculptures… Hmm, animals…

Why were they both being like this?

Even as she contemplated deeply, she really couldn’t understand them. So, she just focused on eating.

Two days later in the afternoon, Siervian went on a stroll, her mind complicated.

After she reached adulthood, it would be best if she could live even with a small livelihood. Maybe she could live well while caring for flowers all her life.

Of course, she would still try to change many things before that, but it was still a problem she had to think about.

‘What if I get framed again?’

The day that Siervian was framed for treason was a common day.

After it was pointed out that she seemed to have gained a little weight the other day, Siervian abstained from black tea that day.

Sarah, who had been working as her chief lady-in-waiting until Siervian was fifteen years old, disappeared one day without a word. It was only after her replacement arrived—sent by the Empress—that Siervian realized that Sarah had quit.

‘Was it a cover-up?’

Around evening time, knights rushed to her bedroom. The captain of the knights calmly showed her the Emperor’s decree and apologized for the rudeness.

However, inside the Princess’ Palace, several black magic tools were found. And there was an altar that looked like a sacrifice table.

‘They were things that I had never seen before.’

She didn’t even know what those things were for. In that ridiculous situation, Siervian was dragged away helplessly.

In the Empire where pure magic was the standard, using black magic was considered a felony. The new chief lady-in-waiting of the Princess’ Palace was also surprised as she saw them.

‘Was she acting?’

As long as the Empress’ favorability stayed low, Siervian had no other choice but to be suspicious of her.

It was probably a lie that the Empress claimed Siervian’s innocence while tears streamed down her face.

But could she do that just because Siervian bothered her?

‘I have no idea.’

She didn’t know anything about it. It was too difficult to understand other people.

It’s a relief that she could find some small happiness as she waited for mealtime these days. But otherwise, she wished even more that she could get out of here as soon as possible.

‘Where should I look next just to be safe?’

She suddenly thought that she was too naïve.

All she learned in her past life was etiquette and some history. Siervian, who learned nothing about magic or Imperial history, only knew how to drink tea and to act elegantly.

‘What do people usually do?’

There was so much she had to do to prepare for the future. She also wanted to find any clues pointing to the reason why she had to be executed.

But she wouldn’t be able to learn anything if she continued like this either.

Everyone said she didn’t need anything else. Siervian Erveldote was an incompetent princess anyway.

‘…But was I incompetent because I really was incompetent, or because I couldn’t learn anything?’

As she left the Princess’ Palace, she heard the Emperor’s voice in front of her.

“Where are you going?”

Siervian looked up in surprise at her father. And when he saw how surprised his daughter was, the Emperor glared at Hex, who was behind him.

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: My daughter was startled because of this guy.

Actually, she was startled because of her father, but she decided not to show this.

Her gaze met her father’s as he looked down, waiting for her answer. But she wasn’t going to say that she was out to find something she could do.

“Jwust to play outside.”

Or would it be better if she could ask her father?

Considering her father, perhaps it would be better for her to disappear. Especially since she knew in advance that she was an Imperial Family member who couldn’t live up to his legacy of magical ability.

And as she thought this, her heart stung a little.

“Did you promise to meet someone?”

“No.”

As she shook her head gently, she put aside these thoughts.

Even if it’s only a little, she wanted to experience the warmth she was receiving now.

‘Official education starts at the age of eight.’

By then, her father would know anyway.

Rather, if she just stayed humble as she looked at his status window, she hoped she could continue reading his kind thoughts.

“Hm. Then follow me.”

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: You can look forward to it.

When she was asked out of the blue, Siervian forgot what she was worried about and wondered about what she read.

Look forward to it?

Macarons?

“Yees.”

Looking down at his daughter, Alderuan took the lead and walked forward.

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Favorability: +100

Siervian quickly ran to her father’s side. Thinking of the sweet dessert, her body couldn’t hide her anticipation.

‘I guess my stamina improved a lot.’

As soon as she followed him, she felt more comfortable now as she followed her father’s stride.

They arrived at the Emperor’s private garden.

And as soon as they entered, Siervian was surprised.

“What do you think?”

In the middle of the garden was a beautiful fountain with a sculpture of the Mana Fairy in the middle. And nearby, there were more sculptures the size of a house.

And they were all made of ice.

Their coldness reached her skin.

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: My gift to you.

[ Hex ]

Thoughts: Goodness, Your Imperial Majesty.

The Emperor’s expression, as he looked at Siervian, was filled with indescribable anticipation.

“A big horsey…”

I couldn’t believe he gave me a present. It was unimaginable to her in her previous life. Nevertheless, Siervian nodded stiffly.

“You don’t like it?”

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: I tried my best to make animal sculptures because you like them… Should I have made a rabbit?

Her father even made this huge horse sculpture himself. So it became even more difficult for her. What should she do?

“Uh-uh. I like the horsey. So pwetty. But… Siervian cwan’t do magic…”

She didn’t want to see his disappointed face so she quickly made an excuse. She couldn’t bear to keep this to herself because of her conscience.

“Hm? Of course. Aren’t you still young?”

Naturally, the Emperor understood Siervian words and that she was still young so she couldn’t wield magic yet. Since she’s part of the Imperial Family, her magical abilities would naturally come later.

After noticing this, Siervian tried hard to hide her bitter smile.

“It’s too big so I cwan’t take it with me…”

The horse was silver, and it glimmered subtly, perhaps because it was made of ice. She liked it because it was a big sculpture that was very similar to the real thing. And it was like Peros, the famous steed of the First Emperor.

If she wouldn’t receive a gift given to her, the giver would misunderstand that she didn’t like it. Indeed, the Emperor’s expression was very stiff right now.

“Siervy.”

“Yees.”

Since the age of five, the Crown Prince had already been receiving early education because of his astounding talent in magic. He was one of the most exceptional in the Imperial bloodline. For him, it was simple to make things float.

Siervian, who raised her bowed head once more, was surprised at what she saw.

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Favorability: +100

Favorability: +100

Thoughts: You’re trying to solve everything yourself. I knew you’d be a great example as a member of the Imperial Family in the future. As expected of my daughter.

“You can just come here to see it.”

At the unexpected words, Siervian asked blankly.

“Huh? Here?”

Not just anyone can enter the Emperor’s private garden though…?

“Yes. You can come and see it anytime.”

“Really…?”

“Yes.”

Her heart fluttered after getting his permission. She realized that it was okay.

[ Hex ]

Favorability: +50

Thoughts: You like this…? Well, our Princess has a broad heart.

The Emperor’s private garden was famous for its beautiful blossoms. She couldn’t believe that she was allowed to keep coming here. It was like a dream.

“Hmm. Come this way.”

[ Alderuan Erveldote ]

Thoughts: You seem to like it. I knew it, I was right.

While Siervian was quietly delighted, the Emperor pointed to the other side of the garden. It was a table next to the horse sculpture.

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