Dora felt her chest tighten with every breath she took.
She glanced nervously toward the sitting room, but it was clear that Etern hadn’t noticed anything.
Even when the Emperor came all the way to his only daughter’s quarters, his icy demeanor remained unchanged. To someone as tenderhearted as Dora, it was both terrifying and heartbreaking.
‘The Empress still hasn’t woken up, but if only His Majesty would show some care for the poor princess…’
Of course, she couldn’t possibly say such things aloud. It was hard enough just to suppress such thoughts.
Wintier spoke.
“Don’t let her only read books. Let her go outside and play. She’s still very young.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Dora responded, and Wintier turned and left. His brisk departure ensured that he didn’t hear the weary sigh Dora let out.
***
Meanwhile, exhausted from reading magic books, Etern decided to clear her head by visiting the Empress’s palace. There, she heard some surprising news.
“Daddy came here?”
“Yes, Your Highness. He was here. He visited last night, and again this morning.”
At the maid’s words, Etern’s face brightened as if she were radiating light. She was so happy that she let out a contented sigh.
“Dora! Did you hear that? Daddy came to see Mother!”
“Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty must have wanted to see the Empress. I’m sure of it.”
Dora’s tone was as polite and gentle as ever, but Etern tilted her head curiously.
“Dora, what’s wrong? Why do you seem down?”
“Down? Not at all. I’m fine.”
“I don’t think so…”
Etern crossed her arms and pouted her lips.
Dora isn’t good at lying. She was fine until just a moment ago—what’s changed?
‘Hmm, let’s see.’
Pretending to read the book she held, Etern discreetly formed a circle with her fingers and placed it over her eye. She closed one eye tightly, and soon Dora’s thoughts became visible to her.
— Liv Dora
Nanny to the Princess, 52 years old.
1. His Majesty is so harsh. He came all the way here, yet he left without even seeing the princess.
2. When will Her Majesty the Empress wake up? She needs to open her eyes soon, if only for the princess’s sake.
3. Why did he just leave? He could have at least seen her face before going.
‘Ah-ha.’
So Dad did come, but I didn’t notice because I was busy reading. No wonder Dora looks so down.
Lowering her hand, Etern gently placed it on Dora’s knee.
“Dora, did you meet Father?”
Dora’s eyes widened so much they looked like they might pop out.
“How did Your Highness know? Did you see His Majesty too?”
“Oh, no, it’s not that. When you came back earlier, you looked pale, like someone scared. And the only person who scares you is Father.”
Etern’s words left Dora wearing a difficult-to-describe expression.
She wasn’t wrong, but it was hard to believe that Etern had figured it all out just by looking at her face.
“Your Highness, I…”
“He must have been shy and just left. In that case, shouldn’t I, who isn’t shy at all, go see him first?”
“What?”
“And I should compliment him for visiting Mother too.”
“What? Your Highness? Where are you… Your Highness!”
Flustered, Dora shoved her embroidery materials into a basket and stood up hurriedly. But Etern, quick as a squirrel, had already vanished.
***
But contrary to her expectations, the audience room was empty.
‘Where did he go?’
Looking around for someone to ask, Etern spotted a familiar figure and ran toward him.
“Lance!”
“Your Highness!”
Lance quickly knelt and greeted her with a formal bow, then cautiously looked up at Etern.
“What brings you here, Your Highness?”
“I came to see Daddy.”
Hearing her clear and precise answer, Lance’s lips twitched slightly.
‘I shouldn’t laugh.’
“His Majesty just finished a meeting with the ministers and went to the west wing of the central palace.”
“Oh, then he must have returned to his quarters. Thanks for letting me know.”
As Etern turned and started running again, Lance quickly followed her.
“Allow me to escort you.”
“Would you?”
Lance nodded and led the way. Etern followed behind him while secretly peeking into his thoughts.
— Lance Tash
A rookie palace guard, 22 years old.
1. How can someone so young be so bold?
2. If I ever get promoted, I’d want someone like the princess as my superior.
3. ……
‘A superior?’
Etern’s pale green eyes rolled slowly, and a bright idea sparked in her mind.
‘I could make him my personal knight.’
Etern didn’t yet have a dedicated guard always by her side.
Since she was still young, her activities were mostly confined to the princess’s palace. However, having a trusted escort was essential. It would be even better if she could personally choose someone reliable.
‘I’ll suggest him at the right time. I’ll need to check his skills too.’
Unaware that the young princess trailing behind him was already planning his future, Lance carefully escorted Etern to the Emperor’s quarters.
“I’ll wait here.”
“Huh? No, it’s okay. You’ll get in trouble if you’re caught away from your post. Go back.”
“But…”
“Hurry, Lance. That’s an order.”
When Etern spoke with a feigned sternness, Lance obeyed immediately, though still concerned.
‘I can’t have him getting dismissed by his captain before I recommend him.’
Having successfully sent Lance away, Etern peeked through the slightly ajar door.
She spotted her father sitting with his back to the window. Before any attendants could notice her, she opened each door in sequence and stepped inside.
“Daddy!”
Startled by the sudden sharp voice, Wintier, who had his eyes closed, flinched and looked up.
“What brings you here?”
Grinning mischievously, Etern scurried over to Wintier.
“I came to praise you.”
“…What?”
“I heard you went to see Mother. So I came to give you some praise! Can I sit on your lap?”
Before waiting for an answer, Etern climbed onto Wintier’s lap. Her lack of hesitation left even Wintier momentarily at a loss.
“Well, then, let’s hear this praise you’re talking about.”
“Hmm, instead of praising you with words…”
Etern trailed off with a playful smile, then suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around Wintier’s neck.
“What are you doing…!”
“I’ll give you a big hug like this. It’s a special praise, just for Daddy.”
Wintier’s hands, which had been trying to pull Etern off of him, froze mid-air in hesitation.
Awkwardly patting the child’s back, he cleared his throat and spoke.
“A special praise just for Father?”
“That’s right! Do you like it?”
At her question, Wintier raised an eyebrow and turned his head away.
“What exactly am I supposed to like about it? Now get off.”
“But I like sitting on Dad’s lap.”
Etern playfully mumbled as she formed a circle with her fingers and looked at Wintier through it.
— Wintier Sergel Rislumon
The Emperor, Age 31.
1. A special praise, huh. Hmm.
2. “Just for Daddy,” she says. She really is still a child.
3. ……
‘Hmm?’ Lowering her hand, Etern pouted slightly, making sure no one noticed.
‘Does he like it or not? He probably does but is just hiding it.’
Just then, Etern’s gaze was drawn to a book lying on one side of Wintier’s desk.
It’s a magic book.
Swallowing dryly, Etern stared intently at her father’s face.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Daddy, this book… did you read it?”
Wintier glanced briefly at the book Etern was pointing at and replied.
“Why are you curious about that?”
“I was wondering if Daddy might be a mage since it’s a magic book.”
At that, Wintier furrowed his brow with a puzzled expression.
“How do you know that’s a magic book?”
