***
Zaire checked all the information reported to Delight.
Among them, the information about the forged magic stones was particularly classified separately. The color of the envelope was different, especially when the information was urgent or important.
The one Zaire was holding in his hand was the most urgent news among them.
As soon as he checked the contents of the envelope, his face changed, and he immediately rushed to report to Delight.
“Your Majesty, the mage who went missing a few years ago has appeared.”
There had been a steady occurrence of wizards going missing. Efforts had been made to trace their whereabouts, but there had been almost no success.
“It is reported that their life is in danger.”
As Zaire continued his report, his voice became more serious.
“Moreover, although it is not certain… it seems that the mage was experimented on.”
The envelope contained a note that, although unconfirmed, the mage had dramatically escaped after being subjected to experiments.
“They are currently being treated, but it’s uncertain whether they will survive. However, if they regain consciousness, we might be able to obtain information about the location of the laboratory.”
“…….…”
“Even if they don’t regain consciousness, it would be wise to investigate the area where the mage was rescued.”
“Where were they found?”
“In a village located at the border between the Ilnord Empire and the Soren Kingdom.”
Given their condition, it would have been difficult for the mage to have fled far, so the laboratory was likely not far away.
Although the fact that it was near the border was concerning, finding a clue was more important than worrying about the border.
This was the information they had been desperately searching for.
Especially, it was a miracle for a witness to an experiment to show up like this.
Delight, who had been lost in thought, slowly opened his mouth.
“I will go and check it myself.”
***
The days that Delight had been eagerly looking forward to didn’t last long. He had to leave the imperial palace for a while.
“Ollia, Daddy has something urgent to attend to, so I need to go somewhere quickly.”
Delight’s shoulders sagged as he hugged me tightly. He was already prepared to leave, having packed his things with Zaire and his entourage.
“I was looking forward to spending some time relaxing with you, Ollia.”
He sighed deeply, full of regret. It was the first time in nearly four years that we were parting after he returned from the war.
“I’d love to take you with me, but…”
Delight clung to me, being reluctant to let go.
Well, following him wouldn’t be a bad idea, as I could keep an eye on the situation.
‘But it’s still better for me to stay here for now.’
I needed some time to assess the situation by staying in contact with Hiel while being somewhat free here. The timing was perfect.
“Have a safe trip!”
So I waved him off without hesitation. Delight’s expression became even more droopy.
“I’ll be back soon.”
With just that one sentence, Delight sighed heavily.
“I can’t seem to make myself leave.”
Holding me tightly, he kept saying that he couldn’t take another step. Those around us were worried that Delight might change his mind at the last moment.
Since we decided to become family, I had been accustomed to indulging Delight’s overly affectionate behavior, but even I was starting to get fed up. I gently pushed his shoulder, but he didn’t budge.
Oh boy. Even now, I was shaking my head.
It’s only a month-long trip! Anyone would think we were going to be apart for ages!
Just go already!
We ended up playfully struggling for a while. Finally, after a bit of back-and-forth, he let go.
“And this is something I prepared for you in case you miss me so much that you start crying.”
Delight handed me a huge gift box he had received from someone behind him.
“This will help when you miss Dad.”
“………”
For some reason, his words made me feel even more anxious about what could be inside the gift box. Under Delight’s expectant gaze, I opened the box.
Ugh. What is this?
The gift was a doll that looked exactly like Delight’s face.
Who on earth made something like this?
As soon as I saw the contents, I almost couldn’t stop my face from scrunching up.
“It’s not as good as the real Daddy, but you like it, right?”
Delight seemed to think I was overwhelmed with emotion.
……Thank goodness.
“Make sure to hug it tightly when you sleep.”
Delight tenderly placed the doll in my arms with a loving expression.
Sigh. I’m sure I’ll get scared if I wake up in the middle of the night and see it, but what can I do?
“Sure! I’ll think of it as you and look at it every day!”
I hugged the doll tightly and flashed a bright smile. After all, considering the thought behind it, I should at least cherish it.
“Just don’t like it more than you like Daddy.”
“……Haha. Of course not.”
Even though I should be used to it by now, it still surprises me how sincere he is every time he says things like that.
After what seemed like a never-ending goodbye, Delight finally left the palace in his carriage.
‘Phew. Well, at least he’s on his way now.’
Though, to be fair, he was half a day behind schedule.
Honestly, what a fuss.
A month will pass quickly, so I’ll see him again soon.
As I turned around after saying goodbye, I caught the eyes of the Delight doll in my arms.
“……Geez, seriously!”
It seems that, as Delight intended, this doll would ensure I don’t feel his absence at all during the month he’s gone.
However, contrary to my expectations, Delight did not return even after a month had passed.
***
“Princess!”
Monia came running toward me. I waved my hand in greeting and opened my mouth to speak.
“Yeah! He’s coming back now?”
I had been waiting for news all day today.
However, Monia’s hesitant expression made me feel uneasy.
“What should we do? It seems it will take a little longer.”
“Again?”
“His Majesty hasn’t been able to depart yet.”
What on earth is he doing there?
The news Monia brought was about Delight. He was currently not in the imperial palace.
It had already been ten months since Delight left. My fourth birthday had passed during that time.
Today, I had been waiting for news that he would return, but once again, there was no telling when he would come back.
If something had gone wrong, word would have reached us, but there had been no such news.
Ugh. It’s frustrating that I can’t go there myself.
As I stood deep in thought with my arms crossed, Monia, who had been watching me, tried to console me.
“You must miss His Majesty a lot since it’s the first time you’ve been apart for so long.”
“Huh?”
“You miss him very much, don’t you, Your Highness?”
“No way! Who said I missed him!”
What is she saying! I never said that!
“Hehe. You’re just embarrassed.”
“No, really!”
“Yes, of course. I understand Your Highness’ feelings completely.”
Then why is she smiling like that!
It was clear she didn’t believe a word I said. This reaction of Monia’s had been going on for a while now. No matter what I said, she interpreted it as if I loved the emperor too much, firmly believing in that idea.
Each time, it drove me crazy, but if everyone was happy in their misunderstanding, then so be it.
…But I’m serious!
I’m not asking because I miss Delight; it’s strange! He said he’d be back in a month, but it’s been ten months without a sign of his return. As his teacher, of course I’m concerned!
Honestly, what a troublesome disciple.
Just wait until you get back, Delight!
***
“Today, someone will come to teach you the etiquette of a princess.”
“Okay.”
“You’ll work hard, and when His Majesty returns, you can surprise him by showing off what you’ve learned. How about that?”
Monia was coaxing me, trying to motivate me, as I was clearly uninterested and pouting.
Starting today, I was to receive new lessons on imperial etiquette and other subjects.
Originally, the plan was to gradually increase my lessons as my progress showed, but since Delight had left the palace, everything had been put on hold.
Now that Delight’s return had been repeatedly delayed, my teachers, impressed by my exceptional academic achievements, suggested that it was best not to delay any longer.
They said it would be a shame to postpone further.
“The person who will teach you etiquette is Lady Lianne Shanen. She is highly esteemed in social circles.”
Today was the day I would begin my etiquette lessons.
