Chapter 6.1

It seems that the world tree fruit was really the best medicine. After drinking the tea made from the fruit sent by Eustis, Philomel had regained his energy. His body and head were more relaxed than before.

~ During the Princess’s literature class ~

Philomel had closed the book she was reading and told her literature teacher.

« I’m finished. What else should I read? »

« You’ve already read all this? You didn’t just turn the pages …..? »

« I’ve read everything. If you have any doubts, ask me questions about what I’ve just read. »

Philomel answered all of the professor’s questions.

The nannies and teachers were shocked and looked at her in amazement. No sooner had she got out of bed than she was going to enthuse to her classes. This was completely different from the past when she spent her time doing other things and showed no interest in the content of the classes. When she voluntarily organized her questions and visited her teachers saying that Philomel did not understand certain parts, even the elderly foreign language teacher was embarrassed by her many questions. She spent her free time quietly taking extra classes or reading books. Even her time with Nassar was no exception.

« I… Your Highness… »

« Well, Sir Nassar. I have a question, when was the Battle of Cilia? »

« ….. In 132 years of the Imperial calendar. »

« Oh, that’s right. Thanks for letting me know. »

Nassar was smart. He was sitting in front of her and he glanced at his fiancée in the corner as she was memorizing her history book.

« Should we spend our time doing our job today? Nassar brings your homework next time. We meet once a week, but you mustn’t waste your precious time in vain. »

As soon as she said this, Philomel opened her book and started studying without looking at Nassar. Even when she occasionally asked a question when she didn’t understand, Philomel kept her eyes on the book.

She had permission to go and borrow a book and give it to Nassar who had come empty-handed, but she did not want to. Nassar drank only the cup of tea he had in front of him. He had never been so free since he had entered the palace to play with the princess. Until now, he had been content to do what Philomel expected of him, and that way he could get home faster.

‘Is she mad at me?’

So even though he knew it wasn’t polite, Nassar stared at the little face that was so focused that it was buried in the book.

Instead of being angry, Philomel treated Nassar with a constant smile on her face. But it seemed strange, he felt that there was a distance between them. It was awkward. He felt like a thin wall of ice was blocking him from getting too close to her. Philomel didn’t pay any attention to Nassar. The young boy grinned at the awkwardness.

For some reason, he did not feel well. There was a time when he had hoped that the princess would be a little more mature……….

But for some reason, it was not good at all.

~ O*O*O*O*O*O ~

This was not the only change. The number of times the yellow-eyed girl became angry at people who were low-status had dropped significantly.

« Oh, I’m so sorry  your imperial highness! »

The cup of tea dropped by the maid broke. The blue bird drawn on the surface divided into three pieces. The teacup was one of the favorites of the Princess who had received it as a birthday gift from Prince Abriden last year.

« I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry! »

The maid trembled at the thought of being severely punished, so she continued to beg for forgiveness. In itself, even if the princess gets angry, nothing can happen to her if the nanny intervenes.  But lately, she wasn’t going to be able to be covered by the nanny.  She had gone on leave to her hometown but forgot to bring a gift for the nanny when she returned. She shook her hand on her chest, waiting for Philomel’s virulent cries. And the princesse opened her mouth.

« What are you doing? Hurry up and clean up »

« What? »

« The carpet is going to get wet, clean it and get out. »

« Oh, yeah, okay. »

The maid hastened to recover the broken pieces and gather them together. Philomel’s words were still very unexpected by the handmaid.

« Be careful not to cut your hand. People are important, not cups of tea. »

If it had been the former princess, she wouldn’t have worried about her injured hand and shouted how dare she break her teacup! The maid was so disturbed by her experience that she told all the other servants of the court.

At first, most people regarded the change as a temporary whim of the princess.

« I guess she was punished for her behavior at the Festival. »

« So how long is it going to last? She’ll be back to normal tomorrow. »

» Anyway, the palace is quiet for a while »

They remembered everything about the personality of the princess: she was a very sensitive and ruthless little girl. She had always neglected her duties as a princess, which she saw just as a game.  However, when this change in behavior lasted one day, plus two, plus several days, everyone was forced to realize that the Princess had finally come of age. Philomel’s desperate struggle to survive was seen by others only as she was growing up.

« It was worth teaching the princess with all my heart and soul. I would have regretted it if I had retired because of my little backache. »

The nanny claimed that she was the great teacher who cultivated the princess, as if all the credit goes to her.

« You’re the nanny after all! »

« You’re amazing! »

Philomel listened to the maids singing the nanny’s praises with a distracted ear.