12. Already the World’s Greatest
“Hm…”
Esteban did not hide his displeasure.
When Mabel was first born, after three months, the Marquis of Gardenia asked him to let him see her day after day, but Esteban repeatedly refused.
It’s because he knew the Marquis’s intentions.
He’s been quiet lately, but he’s asking to meet her again.
“She’s already 8-months-old. Can you let me see her Royal Highness now?”
“She’s still young-“
“You said she could walk.”
“…”
You Majest. Directly, Said so.”
‘Damn it.’
Esteban wanted to beat his past self for boasting that Mabel could walk now. But he couldn’t pick up the spilled water.
With the Emperor’s authority, he could reject Marquis Gardenia’s request.
However, there was no justification to keep her from meeting her maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Gardenia, forever.
“And the Princess is the heir to the Gardenia family.”
“…That’s something you can’t say for sure yet.”
Esteban wiped his face as if he was annoyed.
‘They’re clamoring to take my daughter from all over the place.’
This is all because Mabel is cute.
Obviously, Esteban had no intention of losing Mabel to Abelardo or Marquis Gardenia.
Instead, it might be less of a nuisance if he lets him meet him once.
“Schedule a formal visit.”
“I understand, your Majesty.”
Esteban frowned openly at the Marquis, who smiled graciously.
Looking at that face reminded him of the time when he went wild because the Emperor said he was going to marry Siana.
‘I don’t like it.’
***
When I came to my senses, it was after it was already widely known that I had grabbed the railings by myself and walked.
The Emperor seemed to have been talking here and there because he was so excited.
“I can’t believe your Highness is already walking…”
The nanny looked at me emotional.
“Your Highness! You’re walking? That’s amazing!”
Lalima made a fuss.
“Lalima be quiet. Her Highness hates it.”
Xavier said a word to Lalima.
“Your Highness, congratulations…I’m going, I said I’m going!”
Lissandro, who was talking behind the door, lost his temper and hid himself.
Oscar was busy and not here yet, but he probably knows.
It’s like a castle with no secrets.
There was no reason to hide it now that I had already been caught.
‘Ah, whatever!’
So I practiced walking without caring about other people’s eyes.
“Kyaak! Your Highness, your’e really up. Ajangajang. So cute……” (T/N: Ajangajang is what people do to babies)
“Ah! Be careful. I’ll hold your hand, your Highness.”
Xavier took my hand, not caring whether Lalima made a fuss or not.
Two fingers were enough to hold my chubby little hand.
“Now, this way, slowly-.”
Following Xavier’s touch, I took one step at a time.
It was easier than when I walked alone holding onto the railing.
“Euang!”
Them everyone burst into laughter when I lay down because I was tired.
“It’s still early for you to walk. Lalima, Xavier. Keep an eye on her Highness. I’ll be back after a little work.”
“Yes, Madame.”
When the nanny went out, Lalima and Xavier sat around me.
“Your Highness, try again! I’ll hold onto you this time.”
Lalima put her hand under my armpits and stood up.
“Ooh…”
I want to take a rest now, but I couldn’t help it because they liked it so much.
‘Lets play with them a little more…’
I practiced walking, dealing with Lalima and Xavier alternately.
At this rate, I felt that my muscles developed so well that I would be able to walk without holding anything soon.
“Hew…”
I want to lie down. I took a step with a sigh, and the door opened.
“What’s that look? Lalima, Xavier. Stand up and tidy up your clothes.”
What’s wrong with the nanny who’s never been angry about their clothes? As I looked at her head, I saw someone else standing behind her.
‘Who is that?’
Blonde yet white hair and gold eyes.
It was my first time seeing a grandfather. The grandpa, who seemed to have a lot of money, was smiling kindly.
I remembered the time of Montego and unconsciously clung to Xavier.
Xavier smiled awkwardly and hugged me. I clasped Xavier’s hem tightly and guarded myself against the unfamiliar grandpa.
Xavier and Lalima greeted the grandfather.
“I see you, Your Excellency, Marquis Gardenia.”
Gardenia? That’s my last…
‘Then that grandpa is?’
The grandfather came a step closer before I could finish his thoughts.
“Nice to meet you, Princess Mabel. I am-“
The grandpa, who took a breath for a moment, continued.
“I am Your Highness’ grandfather.”
Shock. I had a grandfather! I didn’t know because no one told me!
“Gwapaer…?” (Grandfather…?)
I was surprised that everyone had heard the small murmurs I made.
“Lalima. She just said Grandfather, right?”
“I think so? As expected, the Princess is a genius!”
‘Oh, whatever. I’ll be a genius, whatever.’
It’s been a long time since I acted like a normal baby.
As I stared at my grandfather in Xavier’s arms, he came slowly.
“You’ve grown up a lot.”
“Oong.”
“You know how to walk, and call me grandpa. I am really……”
Grandfather suddenly shut his mouth with his hands as if speechless.
What’s this reaction. It’s familiar……? Anxiety crept up.
“And…this grandpa is very happy…!”
“…?!”
Suddenly, my grandfather started to cry.
W-wait. I didn’t expect you to cry.
I was flustered, and everyone here was flustered.
Everyone was embarrassed except for my grandfather.
“S-sir?”
“Already growing up like this…heuk, growing up…”
The nanny tried t calm him down, but grandfather didn’t stop crying.
“Ha.”
I don’t know.
I gave up on thinking.
***
In the Emperor’s office.
Esteban glanced at the door, unable to concentrate as he looked at the papers.
The aide Gustav, sighed deeply at the sight of Esteban.
‘I’m afraid you’re going to pop like that.’
It wasn’t an impossible story. In fact, the Emperor threw away all the reports related to Mabel and ran away.
Whenever that happened, it was entirely up to Gustav to clean up the mess.
Your majesty, what are you worrying about today. It will be the first commemorative meeting between the Princess and her maternal grandfather.
‘You shouldn’t have let them meet if you’re going to be like this.’
Esteban was regretting several times even though he allowed it.
In particular, the Marquis of Gardenia was a vicious writer, candidate 2 who tried to take his daughter away from him. Of course, candidate 1 were the priests of Abelardo.
Esteban looked at the door every 5 seconds, so there was no progress done in his work.
Sigh. Gustav, who couldn’t watch, sighed and exhorted.
“If you’re worried, why don’t you go and see?”
“…I can’t.”
“How come?”
“I’ll look like a fool for my daughter.”
“…”
‘People are already seeing you as the world’s greatest fool for your daughter……’
Gustav thought it was a waste of his life. He decided to bury the truth for himself.
“Her Highness will also want to see you. Because it’s her first time meeting with Marquis Gardenia.”
Instead, Gustav spoke with the words that Esteban wanted to hear.
It was a skill obtained after months’ of observation.
Esteban’s face brightened as Gustav expected.
“Really? Gustav, do you think like that, too?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. Princess Mabel is Your Majesty’s daughter, no matter what anyone says! How much does she love her real father, Your Majesty!”
Well, I sure she does.
In fact, Gustav didn’t know either because he hasn’t been with Mabel much. But Esteban smiled brightly.
“As expected, you’re a competent aide, Gustav. You do know. It’s amazing. You’re the only one I can trust.”
The response was so good compared to the thrown flattery. Fearing suddenly, Gustav hurriedly gathered the seeds he had sown.
“No, let’s go.”
“But what about the work?”
“I will do…”
Gustav spoke but then shut up. What is this? This familiar feeling. This familiar pattern.
It feels like he’s about to fall into the depths of despair.
Oh, he tried to patch it up in a hurry, but it was too late.
Before he knew it, Esteban, who had reached the door, waved at Gustav.
“Yes, then I’ll leave it to you. Work hard, Gustav.”
Shut. Looking at the coldly closed door, Gustav sank helplessly.
‘…I was tricked!’
My grandfather’s tears had barely stopped, but more adversity was waiting for me.
Grandfather put me on his lap and poured out countless or words as if to tell old stories.
The content is usually these things.
“Your biological mother. You biological mother and my daughter, Siana, was a very dearly raised woman.”
“I had no intention of getting her married. It didn’t matter how much Siana waste it, but as much as possible, with this father……heuk heuk.”
“Do you know how evil the Emperor is? Your father. A monarch without blood or tears.”
To sum it up, this is how it is.
My mother, Siana Gardenia, was the prettiest in the Empire, and Emperor Esteban, divorced from the former Empress, immediately proposed to Siana.
The Emperor’s reputation was not very good.
‘No, more than bad, it was the worst.’
When he was the crown prince, he committed all kinds of atrocities and regarded human life as less than a fly’s.
It is said that the previous Emperor chased him to the battlefield and told him to take care of it whether he died or lived.
So the grandfather opposed with all his might. But the Emperor’s courtship was devoted, and in the end, my biological mother passed away…!
“His Majesty has no mercy, and has brutally separated you from your grandfather. Eight months! It doesn’t make sense that we met after a week asking for a visit!”
If that’s true, the Emperor was too much. His daughter, who had been pampered, died of postnatal symptoms and left…
I patted my grandfather on the back of his hand out of pity.
I didn’t really think of him as my maternal grandfather, but I thought he was unusual and eccentric grandfather.
Im his only family left. It made my heart feel weak.
“Gwaba”
“Are you comforting me? I’m so touched! Your Highness has a kind, warm and tender heart like Siana.”
“Oong…”
The subject of the conversation was mostly about longing for his daughter and slandering the rascal who took his daughter, so I don’t know how to react.
For once, I’m glad I can’t speak.
The nanny and the rest stood far away and watched us.
You seem to want to rescue me because you look embarrassed, but it doesn’t seem easy.
Well, I guess you can’t treat him like that since he’s a Marquis.
It was when I sat idly listening to my grandfather’s story, I felt like I was being brainwashed.
Click! Suddenly the door opened.
“His Majesty the Emperor.”
The nanny and the ret greeted him with courtesy, but the Emperor went straight for me without even looking at them.
“Mabel.”
The Emperor, who called my name, stretched out his arms, but grandfather bowed his head as if he hadn’t seen it.
“I greet your Majesty the Emperor.”
“…Get up.”
I could vividly feel the tension between the two men.
‘Is this the conflict between the father-in-law and his son-in-law?’
I don’t want to be among these humans. I struggled down from my grandfather’s knee.
‘Yes, I’d better evacuate to the nanny.’
I clasped tightly to the bed railing and put my foot down on the floor. But suddenly, I realized that it was too quiet around me.
‘Huh? What’s wrong with you all so suddenly?’
When I raised my head, I could see the faces of those who looked at me in surprise.
‘Ah, I’m a baby. I’ve made such a nimble move……’
“As expected, she is my granddaughter. Isn’t it amazing that she’s already starting to walk like this?”
It was my grandfather who hit the first punch. And then the Emperor!
“Yes. As expected of my daughter. You must be very athletic. Come to think go it, the latter. Your family has never had the gift for swordsmanship.”
“Hahaha. Her Highness will be excellent in both literature and martial arts. My granddaughter will be.”
“Yes. Because she’s my daughter.”
Wah, why are you fighting…!
I left the two men alone and took a step to go to the nanny.
But my wish could not come true.
12. Already the World’s Greatest
“Hm…”
Esteban did not hide his displeasure.
When Mabel was first born, after three months, the Marquis of Gardenia asked him to let him see her day after day, but Esteban repeatedly refused.
It’s because he knew the Marquis’s intentions.
He’s been quiet lately, but he’s asking to meet her again.
“She’s already 8-months-old. Can you let me see her Royal Highness now?”
“She’s still young-“
“You said she could walk.”
“…”
You Majest. Directly, Said so.”
‘Damn it.’
Esteban wanted to beat his past self for boasting that Mabel could walk now. But he couldn’t pick up the spilled water.
With the Emperor’s authority, he could reject Marquis Gardenia’s request.
However, there was no justification to keep her from meeting her maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Gardenia, forever.
“And the Princess is the heir to the Gardenia family.”
“…That’s something you can’t say for sure yet.”
Esteban wiped his face as if he was annoyed.
‘They’re clamoring to take my daughter from all over the place.’
This is all because Mabel is cute.
Obviously, Esteban had no intention of losing Mabel to Abelardo or Marquis Gardenia.
Instead, it might be less of a nuisance if he lets him meet him once.
“Schedule a formal visit.”
“I understand, your Majesty.”
Esteban frowned openly at the Marquis, who smiled graciously.
Looking at that face reminded him of the time when he went wild because the Emperor said he was going to marry Siana.
‘I don’t like it.’
***
When I came to my senses, it was after it was already widely known that I had grabbed the railings by myself and walked.
The Emperor seemed to have been talking here and there because he was so excited.
“I can’t believe your Highness is already walking…”
The nanny looked at me emotional.
“Your Highness! You’re walking? That’s amazing!”
Lalima made a fuss.
“Lalima be quiet. Her Highness hates it.”
Xavier said a word to Lalima.
“Your Highness, congratulations…I’m going, I said I’m going!”
Lissandro, who was talking behind the door, lost his temper and hid himself.
Oscar was busy and not here yet, but he probably knows.
It’s like a castle with no secrets.
There was no reason to hide it now that I had already been caught.
‘Ah, whatever!’
So I practiced walking without caring about other people’s eyes.
“Kyaak! Your Highness, your’e really up. Ajangajang. So cute……” (T/N: Ajangajang is what people do to babies)
“Ah! Be careful. I’ll hold your hand, your Highness.”
Xavier took my hand, not caring whether Lalima made a fuss or not.
Two fingers were enough to hold my chubby little hand.
“Now, this way, slowly-.”
Following Xavier’s touch, I took one step at a time.
It was easier than when I walked alone holding onto the railing.
“Euang!”
Them everyone burst into laughter when I lay down because I was tired.
“It’s still early for you to walk. Lalima, Xavier. Keep an eye on her Highness. I’ll be back after a little work.”
“Yes, Madame.”
When the nanny went out, Lalima and Xavier sat around me.
“Your Highness, try again! I’ll hold onto you this time.”
Lalima put her hand under my armpits and stood up.
“Ooh…”
I want to take a rest now, but I couldn’t help it because they liked it so much.
‘Lets play with them a little more…’
I practiced walking, dealing with Lalima and Xavier alternately.
At this rate, I felt that my muscles developed so well that I would be able to walk without holding anything soon.
“Hew…”
I want to lie down. I took a step with a sigh, and the door opened.
“What’s that look? Lalima, Xavier. Stand up and tidy up your clothes.”
What’s wrong with the nanny who’s never been angry about their clothes? As I looked at her head, I saw someone else standing behind her.
‘Who is that?’
Blonde yet white hair and gold eyes.
It was my first time seeing a grandfather. The grandpa, who seemed to have a lot of money, was smiling kindly.
I remembered the time of Montego and unconsciously clung to Xavier.
Xavier smiled awkwardly and hugged me. I clasped Xavier’s hem tightly and guarded myself against the unfamiliar grandpa.
Xavier and Lalima greeted the grandfather.
“I see you, Your Excellency, Marquis Gardenia.”
Gardenia? That’s my last…
‘Then that grandpa is?’
The grandfather came a step closer before I could finish his thoughts.
“Nice to meet you, Princess Mabel. I am-“
The grandpa, who took a breath for a moment, continued.
“I am Your Highness’ grandfather.”
Shock. I had a grandfather! I didn’t know because no one told me!
“Gwapaer…?” (Grandfather…?)
I was surprised that everyone had heard the small murmurs I made.
“Lalima. She just said Grandfather, right?”
“I think so? As expected, the Princess is a genius!”
‘Oh, whatever. I’ll be a genius, whatever.’
It’s been a long time since I acted like a normal baby.
As I stared at my grandfather in Xavier’s arms, he came slowly.
“You’ve grown up a lot.”
“Oong.”
“You know how to walk, and call me grandpa. I am really……”
Grandfather suddenly shut his mouth with his hands as if speechless.
What’s this reaction. It’s familiar……? Anxiety crept up.
“And…this grandpa is very happy…!”
“…?!”
Suddenly, my grandfather started to cry.
W-wait. I didn’t expect you to cry.
I was flustered, and everyone here was flustered.
Everyone was embarrassed except for my grandfather.
“S-sir?”
“Already growing up like this…heuk, growing up…”
The nanny tried t calm him down, but grandfather didn’t stop crying.
“Ha.”
I don’t know.
I gave up on thinking.
***
In the Emperor’s office.
Esteban glanced at the door, unable to concentrate as he looked at the papers.
The aide Gustav, sighed deeply at the sight of Esteban.
‘I’m afraid you’re going to pop like that.’
It wasn’t an impossible story. In fact, the Emperor threw away all the reports related to Mabel and ran away.
Whenever that happened, it was entirely up to Gustav to clean up the mess.
Your majesty, what are you worrying about today. It will be the first commemorative meeting between the Princess and her maternal grandfather.
‘You shouldn’t have let them meet if you’re going to be like this.’
Esteban was regretting several times even though he allowed it.
In particular, the Marquis of Gardenia was a vicious writer, candidate 2 who tried to take his daughter away from him. Of course, candidate 1 were the priests of Abelardo.
Esteban looked at the door every 5 seconds, so there was no progress done in his work.
Sigh. Gustav, who couldn’t watch, sighed and exhorted.
“If you’re worried, why don’t you go and see?”
“…I can’t.”
“How come?”
“I’ll look like a fool for my daughter.”
“…”
‘People are already seeing you as the world’s greatest fool for your daughter……’
Gustav thought it was a waste of his life. He decided to bury the truth for himself.
“Her Highness will also want to see you. Because it’s her first time meeting with Marquis Gardenia.”
Instead, Gustav spoke with the words that Esteban wanted to hear.
It was a skill obtained after months’ of observation.
Esteban’s face brightened as Gustav expected.
“Really? Gustav, do you think like that, too?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. Princess Mabel is Your Majesty’s daughter, no matter what anyone says! How much does she love her real father, Your Majesty!”
Well, I sure she does.
In fact, Gustav didn’t know either because he hasn’t been with Mabel much. But Esteban smiled brightly.
“As expected, you’re a competent aide, Gustav. You do know. It’s amazing. You’re the only one I can trust.”
The response was so good compared to the thrown flattery. Fearing suddenly, Gustav hurriedly gathered the seeds he had sown.
“No, let’s go.”
“But what about the work?”
“I will do…”
Gustav spoke but then shut up. What is this? This familiar feeling. This familiar pattern.
It feels like he’s about to fall into the depths of despair.
Oh, he tried to patch it up in a hurry, but it was too late.
Before he knew it, Esteban, who had reached the door, waved at Gustav.
“Yes, then I’ll leave it to you. Work hard, Gustav.”
Shut. Looking at the coldly closed door, Gustav sank helplessly.
‘…I was tricked!’
My grandfather’s tears had barely stopped, but more adversity was waiting for me.
Grandfather put me on his lap and poured out countless or words as if to tell old stories.
The content is usually these things.
“Your biological mother. You biological mother and my daughter, Siana, was a very dearly raised woman.”
“I had no intention of getting her married. It didn’t matter how much Siana waste it, but as much as possible, with this father……heuk heuk.”
“Do you know how evil the Emperor is? Your father. A monarch without blood or tears.”
To sum it up, this is how it is.
My mother, Siana Gardenia, was the prettiest in the Empire, and Emperor Esteban, divorced from the former Empress, immediately proposed to Siana.
The Emperor’s reputation was not very good.
‘No, more than bad, it was the worst.’
When he was the crown prince, he committed all kinds of atrocities and regarded human life as less than a fly’s.
It is said that the previous Emperor chased him to the battlefield and told him to take care of it whether he died or lived.
So the grandfather opposed with all his might. But the Emperor’s courtship was devoted, and in the end, my biological mother passed away…!
“His Majesty has no mercy, and has brutally separated you from your grandfather. Eight months! It doesn’t make sense that we met after a week asking for a visit!”
If that’s true, the Emperor was too much. His daughter, who had been pampered, died of postnatal symptoms and left…
I patted my grandfather on the back of his hand out of pity.
I didn’t really think of him as my maternal grandfather, but I thought he was unusual and eccentric grandfather.
Im his only family left. It made my heart feel weak.
“Gwaba”
“Are you comforting me? I’m so touched! Your Highness has a kind, warm and tender heart like Siana.”
“Oong…”
The subject of the conversation was mostly about longing for his daughter and slandering the rascal who took his daughter, so I don’t know how to react.
For once, I’m glad I can’t speak.
The nanny and the rest stood far away and watched us.
You seem to want to rescue me because you look embarrassed, but it doesn’t seem easy.
Well, I guess you can’t treat him like that since he’s a Marquis.
It was when I sat idly listening to my grandfather’s story, I felt like I was being brainwashed.
Click! Suddenly the door opened.
“His Majesty the Emperor.”
The nanny and the ret greeted him with courtesy, but the Emperor went straight for me without even looking at them.
“Mabel.”
The Emperor, who called my name, stretched out his arms, but grandfather bowed his head as if he hadn’t seen it.
“I greet your Majesty the Emperor.”
“…Get up.”
I could vividly feel the tension between the two men.
‘Is this the conflict between the father-in-law and his son-in-law?’
I don’t want to be among these humans. I struggled down from my grandfather’s knee.
‘Yes, I’d better evacuate to the nanny.’
I clasped tightly to the bed railing and put my foot down on the floor. But suddenly, I realized that it was too quiet around me.
‘Huh? What’s wrong with you all so suddenly?’
When I raised my head, I could see the faces of those who looked at me in surprise.
‘Ah, I’m a baby. I’ve made such a nimble move……’
“As expected, she is my granddaughter. Isn’t it amazing that she’s already starting to walk like this?”
It was my grandfather who hit the first punch. And then the Emperor!
“Yes. As expected of my daughter. You must be very athletic. Come to think go it, the latter. Your family has never had the gift for swordsmanship.”
“Hahaha. Her Highness will be excellent in both literature and martial arts. My granddaughter will be.”
“Yes. Because she’s my daughter.”
Wah, why are you fighting…!
I left the two men alone and took a step to go to the nanny.
But my wish could not come true.
