All three of them looked at me simultaneously for speaking up. Patrick frowned and Dad looked surprised. Even Grandfather looked slightly taken aback.
Prince Patrick immediately objected, “Letting His Majesty’s birthday pass quietly is out of the question. Even if it was said with good intentions, it’s a disrespectful suggestion.”
Then he sharply addressed Dad, “Brother, you should teach Hanelope properly. No matter how much you cherish her, she must set priorities straight.”
Hearing Patrick’s words, Dad’s expression turned sour.
“I don’t want to just ignore Grandfather’s birthday either.”
“Didn’t you just say that we shouldn’t hold a festival?”
“Yes, I think it’s best not to hold a festival, as per Grandfather’s wishes. After all, it would be wrong to make him uncomfortable under the guise of honoring him.”
Patrick frowned, seemingly not understanding my words.
But I ignored him and looked at Grandfather, “Grandfather, what if we hold a charity party instead of a festival for your birthday this year?”
“A charity party?”
“Yes, if we hold a charity event in honor of your birthday as the ruler of Berg, the people would deeply appreciate your grace.”
Grandfather nodded, “To commemorate the day of my birth with an event for the people… That’s a good idea, Hanelope.”
Patrick had to intrude seeing Grandfather agree.
“I’ll handle the preparation of the charity party with the temple—”
“Let Hanelope take care of the preparations.”
Grandfather’s decision was not in Patrick’s favor. But I hadn’t expected that the responsibility of organizing the charity party would fall on me.
As I couldn’t hide my surprise, my grandfather smiled and added with a grin, “Since you suggested it, aren’t you the most suitable person to organize it?”
Grandfather’s expectant gaze made my hesitation disappear.
“I’ll do my best!”
***
Suddenly, I had to organize a charity party. I said with gusto that I would do well, but I was nervous.
Fortunately, I had the advantage of running a foundation.
‘Although the foundation was created for a different purpose…’
With the help of the members, I was able to organize the charity party without a hitch.
‘And today was already the last day of the charity event.’
Even though I was exhausted after the series of events and banquets, I felt proud of my work.
Grandfather also looked pleased as he observed the palace garden and hall, filled with attendees. And compliments started pouring in-.
“The decoration in the garden and halls look exquisite despite being affordable.”
“This is the work of an expert who studied under a scholarship from our foundation,” I replied.
“The musicians were also from the foundation, right?’
“Yes. He expressed it was an honor to play at grandfather’s charity party, and he was quite nervous about it.’
“Despite being nervous, his performance was splendid. I’m sure nobles will try to sponsor him. But none will get ahead of me.”
Grandfather chuckled and patted my head.
“It’s a good thing I left the organizing to you and not Patrick.”
His gaze shifted toward the numerous attendees and the Princes who were exchanging greetings with them.
Nearby, a mountain of donated items collected from the attendees was piling up.
‘Grandfather insisted on accepting only donations instead of birthday gifts.’
There was so much that the servants couldn’t carry it all at once.
I glanced at the three individuals who were busily managing the party among the servants: Todd, Natu, and Aite.
When I first asked them to help with the charity party, I had braced myself for a possible refusal. I was ready to explain the reason they absolutely had to be part of this charity event.
But before I could explain why, I got an unexpected reaction.
“A- A charity party? That sounds fun!”
“What should I do? Should I buy formal clothes first?”
“Do you really think bringing these frivolous men is a good idea? It would be better if it were just elegant me.”
They were all clamoring to participate.
Of course, Todd would occasionally disappear somewhere with the noble ladies, and Aite got mesmerized seeing couples attend and followed them in a daze.
“Your Majesty, the donation from the Emperor of the Eastern Continent has arrived,” a servant approached and informed us.
The Emperor must have heard about the event and was eager to show his goodwill first.
“Bring it here. Since it’s a valuable gift from the Eastern Continent, I should check it myself.”
Not long ago, the emperor of the Eastern Continent had passed away, and a young new emperor had ascended the throne.
This new emperor was the third prince, the nephew of Mahach.
When the delegation from Berg went to offer their congratulations, he sent them back with many gifts. He had also specifically inquired about my well-being.
‘After all, he became emperor by fending off the rivalry of his brothers, mainly because of my efforts.’
Grandfather beamed as he looked at the large chest full of gold bars.
“The Emperor of the Eastern Continent has sent a generous donation. Everyone knows the gold from the Eastern Continent is of high quality and purity.”
The attendees began to gather around. Though they dared not approach too closely, their gazes were filled with awe and admiration.
“It seems the Emperor of the Eastern Continent has a good impression of our Hanelope.”
Grandfather picked up a smaller box from beside the large chest.
When he opened the ornate, gold-plated box, it revealed a stunning necklace made of platinum and various gemstones.
Honestly, it was so beautiful that my eyes widened.
“This seems to be a personal gift for Hanelope.”
Grandfather handed me the box.
It was an incredibly beautiful necklace, almost enough to make me drool, but I handed it back to the palace servant.
“I’ll donate this instead of keeping it for myself.”
“Donate it? It would suit you very well.”
“If it’s auctioned, I’m sure it will find someone who suits it even better.”
“It’s a shame, but it’s also a good idea,” Grandfather said, with a mix of admiration and disappointment on his face.
The charity party wasn’t a one-day event.
Since it was in honor of the ruler of Berg’s day of birth, it lasted for about a week.
And then came the final day when donations other than money or gold were set to be auctioned off.
‘All the proceeds will be used for the people.’
It was certain that the amount raised would be enormous.
“Bring the list of donations,” Grandfather ordered.
A servant brought a scroll with the list of donations. After reviewing it, my grandfather nodded in approval.
He seemed quite satisfied with the products received.
“With this, we should be able to fund the nationwide slum improvement project.”
The improvement of slum conditions had been a relief initiative my grandfather had been considering for a long time.
As he carefully read through the list, he spoke.
“Everyone has donated generously. Count Para, Marquis Norton, Haven, the owner of Haven Jewelers, and…”
As my grandfather called out each name, the faces of the donors lit up with pride.
“The largest donation comes from Duke Eisen.”
Brantley bowed humbly.
Brantley had stabilized the crumbling finances of the Eisen Duchy in a short time, to the point where even his critics had to acknowledge his efforts.
Everyone was eagerly watching Grandfather, to set off the auctions. Each of them had already set eyes on their bids.
“It seems everyone who wished to donate has done so. Shall we begin the auction?”
“Grandfather, wait a moment. I have a personal birthday gift for you.”
At that, my grandfather’s expression turned stern.
“I thought I made it clear that I won’t accept personal gifts.”
Then, Patrick stepped forward from the crowd, “Your Majesty, I also have something for you.”
“Haven’t you already made your donation?”
“Aside from the donation, I have a gift to present in celebration of Your Majesty’s birthday.”
Coincidentally, Patrick had also prepared a gift for my grandfather.
As my grandfather’s expression grew even more displeased, Patrick spoke up, “It’s something you must see, Your Majesty, to address concerns for both you and the people.”
Patrick handed my grandfather a ledger, causing the nobles to murmur.
“Please, take a look.”
Grandfather opened the ledger and asked with displeasure.
“Isn’t this the departure log for the Stoffen harbor?”
“Yes. Specifically, it’s the log of ships caught smuggling goods to the Eastern Continent.”
“And how does this solve any concerns for me or my people? It’s only adding to my headache.”
“The departure dates of these ships match the dates of the recent disappearances in the capital.”
Patrick spoke with certainty.
“We have testimony that the missing people were forcibly taken aboard these ships and sold to the Eastern Continent.”
“What did you say? Are you telling me the missing people were kidnapped?”
Grandfather’s voice grew louder.
“Yes, it’s clearly an illegal slave trade,” Patrick declared, and gasps of shock erupted from the attendees.
“Who dared to sell my people to the Eastern Continent? Such a crime couldn’t be orchestrated by mere shipowners.”
“You’re absolutely right, Your Majesty. We’ve also uncovered the group behind these disappearances.”
Patrick clenched his fist and said, “They have been kidnapping people for a long time. When their identity was nearly exposed, they relocated and disguised themselves to continue their crimes.”
