14. I’ll Give You This Country
Today is the first year since my birth.
‘So this day did come.’
I was so moved that I felt like crying.
The hardships of my tears that I had so far passed through my mind like a panorama.
If you were born as a baby, your memories of your previous life would be destroyed, I never thought I’d be born with it.
Thanks to that, I’ve done everything disgraceful.
When I was just born, I couldn’t move and I thought I was going to die of frustration. I couldn’t talk, couldn’t move, and I was so sad.
“Hwoo…”
Still, thanks to a year of hard work, my situation has improved a lot.
I decided to list all the things I’ve achieved in the meantime.
First, I walked!
After a few steps, I collapsed because I was tired, but now I can walk without holding onto anything.
The second one is more eloquent than before.
It was still hard to pronounce because I still only had four teeth in total.
Perhaps it was because the Emperor was talking about me as a genius, saying words that he hadn’t taught me anymore, or using sentences, I was a little surprised and took it for granted.
The excuse of being a genius is useful. I’m still a long way from being human though…
‘Anyway, where is this?’
I fiddled with the toys and watched the busy people moving around.
“Uh, Lalima. You can’t throw it away!”
“But this is a scribble from the Princess?”
“That’s why you shouldn’t throw it away.
What Lalima was going to throw away was scribbles that I had drawn on paper to study letters.
‘Why don’t you throw it away? It’s supposed to be trash.’
Xavier, who took a box full of paper from Lalima’s hand, said solemnly.
“His Majesty ordered to keep all the goods related to Her Highness for now.”
Uh, um…Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.
Today is the first year of my birth, so a party will be held to celebrate my birthday.
In Ermano, as well as in other countries, envoys came to congratulate me, and I was already afraid.
“I’ll give you a great gift, so look forward to it, Mabel.”
It’s because of what the Emperor said yesterday.
How extraordinary would it be if this man, who gives the principality too, could describe it as exorbitant?
I prayed earnestly. Please let today pass safely.
“Now, Your Highness. Should we prepare now?”
The sudden appearance of the nanny lifted me up. Then I sat myself on a chair high a high cushion.
Slowly raising my head, I opened my eyes wide.
I was reflected in the mirror. Surprisingly, I saw myself for the first time today.
Although it was not tied up, the cherry-blossom-colored hair, which had grown quite a lot, was still thin but still full. Both of my eyes were slightly more blue than the Emperor’s.
Oscar and the Emperor had silver hair and I was the only one with pale pink hair. Was it because of my biological mother?
The baby in the mirror tilted her head when I tilted my head.
I wrapped my white, chubby cheeks with my hands. It’s kind of embarrassing to say this myself…
‘…I’m cute!’
I understood a little why everyone was making a fuss whenever they saw me.
Looking blankly at myself in the mirror, Xavier and Lalima came to me after working.
“It it her Highness’ first time seeing a mirror today?”
“I put all the mirrors away in case they might break. I almost died carrying that here, did you know that?
So you moved the mirrors on purpose. I’ve been wanting to see my face, but I haven’t had the chance.
It was hard to identify my face in the reflection in the water while taking a bath.
“Do you think her Highness knows? How cute and lovely she is!”
“Lalima. Stop chatting and go clean up. We don’t have time. Come right over here when you’re done.”
After the nanny stopped Lalima from making a fuss, she came up to me with something.
It was a white dress. However, the design was not simple at all, it had gold-colored plums all over the fabric.
The mere appearance of the clothes made me wonder if I should at least bow before wearing them.
“Pretty, right? It’s a dress especially for today.”
“Oong.”
I won’t be able to wear it once I grow up anyways, so wouldn’t it be a waste of money? As I always thought, the consumption of the Imperial Palace was too much for me.
I don’t know the price, but I know it’s not normal…
“I’ll put it on for you right away.”
Unfortunately, the artwork that the craftsman embroidered was hung on my humble body.
‘I feel like I’ve committed a terrible sin.’
The dress was much more comfortable than it seemed. Since the person wearing it was one years old, it seemed to have been made comfortable on purpose.
I was dressed, next was trimming my hair.
The Nanny gently brushed my hair, which had grown quite well with a deft touch.
“What a beautiful hair color. You look just like the Empress.”
The nanny smiled bitterly as she recalled my dead mother. She smiled like that often when she saw me.
I don’t know what to say because I don’t remember my mother, but I didn’t feel good.
“I’m done after this.”
Finally, the nanny tied a ribbon under my chin after pitting on a lace bonnet.
Perhaps because of the thinness of the bonnet, my light pink hair shone slightly.
“Huk, your highness…!”
When I came to my senses, Xavier and Lalima, who were working, huddled around me.
“You’re so cute!”
As soon as Lalima opened her arms to embrace me, Xavier hurriedly blocked her.
“Her Highness is off limits, Lalima!”
“Eck, why?”
“Because the dress will get wrinkled.”
Xavier’s determined words made Lalima feel angry and silent.
Knock knock.
The nanny was surprised by the sudden knock and checked the time.
“Oh my, it’s already this late.”
The nanny, who held me up carefully so that the Dres wouldn’t crumple, hurriedly opened the door.
Of course, beyond that door stood the Emperor.
It was quite strange to see the Emperor in something other than his usual robes.
In addition, he was so young and handsome that he could not be considered a father of a child. I was flustered again.
‘No matter how yo see, you don’t look like you have a son and daughter.’
“I greet the Emperor.”
I was handed over to the Emperor, who roughly waved at the nanny’s greetings.
“Happy birthday, Mabel.”
I just blinked my eyes at the sudden attack by the Emperor/
Today is my birthday, but it was the first time I heard happy birthday.
In my previous life, I didn’t tell anyone on purpose because then I had to repay for the birthday present. I was glad that my birthday was on a vacation.
So I’ve rarely been told happy birthday.
“Oong…”
This is how it feels to be congratulated on my birth.
It felt strange.
***
The Emperor headed to the banquet hall and asked the aid following.
“What about Oscar?”
“He entered first with Duchess Donovan.”
I was wondering why I couldn’t see him, it was because he already entered. I wanted to see Oscar’s appearance as much as Patini.
By the way, somehow I was bothered by the aide who walked a few steps behind me.
He was a man of skin and bones, as if he were about to die.
Do you have family troubles…? Looking at him made my heart hurt.
I glanced at him, and our eyes met. The aide raised the corners of his mouth and smiled awkwardly.
Then there was a shade under his eyes and he looked more tired. I sent a message of support to the man.
“Pight!” (Fight!)
“Yes?”
I’m telling you to cheer up.
I felt the Emperor’s gaze looking down on me and caught my eyes looking at the aide.
The thought of assisting the Emperor right next to me, made me understand why he was so tired looking.
He’s an uncontrollable human being. To the extent that the Emperor didn’t know himself.
“It’s not good for your eyesight if you look at such a man, Mabel.”
“Oong?”
“We’re here.”
The sound of a band playing came from the room not far away.
I was fine but suddenly my heart started beating like crazy.
There must be a lot of people at the party, right? For almost a year, I had met so little people I could count them with my hands.
Maybe that’s why I was afraid to step out in front of so many people.
I know they don’t want anything from me since I’m a baby, but I couldn’t ignore the pressure.
“You’re expression isn’t good, Mabel?”
I grabbed the hem of the Emperor’s clothing and buried my face. The Emperor slowly swept my back. It was a touch of concern.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Mabel. All the people you’re going to meet now are people who have to look good to you, not those you have to look good for.”
“…oong?”
Hey, is that something to say to a one-year-old baby?
What’s even more absurd is that the Emperor’s expression after he finished speaking was more serious.
Strangely, the fear disappeared and the tension was eased, perhaps it was thanks to the Emperor’s words.
The Emperor touched my messy hair one after another and gave a nod to the servant waiting at the door.
“The Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor and Mabel Win-“
“Wait.”
The Emperor brutally cut off the servant’s words at his entrance. Then he ordered with a fierce look.
“Leave out Winter.”
At the bloody look, the servant was embarrassed, but quickly captured what the Emperor wanted.
“Yes, yes! The Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor and Princess Mabel Gardenia Ermano are entering!”
The Emperor walked past the dark passage and toward the bright banquet hall. The scattered chandelier lights dazzled me for a moment, making me close my eyes tightly.
There was a dead silence around. There was no music from the band the had been playing for a while.
As I slowly opened my eyes, the spectacular scene of the banquet hall greeted me. Countless people had their heads bowed in unison.
The Emperor passed between them and headed for the throne.
The two chairs on the left side seemed to be for Oscar and me.
Of course I would sit there, but…
“Now, sit.”
“…?”
Why am I sitting on the throne?
I looked again, wondering if I was mistaken, but I was right, it was the throne.
I looked at the Emperor’s eyes for clarification, but he stood without recognizing it and turned his gaze to the audience.
“Lift your heads.”
“!”
The people who saw me, opened their eyes wide.
‘Why would you put me on the throne? This isn’t my seat!’
It’s not too late to settle the matter now. I crept to get off the char, but I got caught.
“Stay there, Mabel. You’re good, right?”
Forced to stay, I sat on the throne in an uncomfortably way.
‘Yes. If everyone had a brain they would know that I didn’t want to sit here.’
I felt all the eyes of the people in the spacious banquet hall on me.
Ugh, it’s too much. I hope it ends soon, but its impossible because this party is my birthday party.
The Emperor, who gently stroked my cheek, looked down at the seat again.
“Welcome to those who came today to congratulate my lovely daughter, Mabel, on her first birthday.”
It was quite embarrassing and awkward to be introduced as a ‘lovely daughter’ in front of so many people.
The Emperor continued to talk.
“For your information, Mabel is a genius who turned over at three months, and began to walk at eight months. For your information.”
‘What, what are you saying?’
The Emperor had a proud face, releasing information that no one had asked for.
Some people were dumbfounded like me, but among those, there were some who nodded enthusiastically as if they had sympathized with him. There were a total of four people, my nanny, Countess Lupe Alieli, my half brother, Prince Oscar, my maternal grandfather, Marquis of Gardenia, and finally, Lissandro Donovan, who was hiding behind a pillar.
“Ha…”
I gave a deep sigh. I want to die of shame…
Fortunately, the Emperor’s words were not long.
“I wish you a welcome to the envoys who visited to celebrate the Princess’ birthday and enjoy the banquet.”
The eye of the Emperor who said that were fixed somewhere.
I was surprised at the moment I saw the place inadvertently.
People in white robes, like Montego, gathered in one place. I was afraid that Montego was there, but luckily, I couldn’t see his face.
Did I look anxious?
“It’s all right, Mabel. The bad guy who tried to take you back then was deported and banned to never cross the Ermano border again.”
The Emperor’s words made me feel at ease. I was alone at the time, so they wouldn’t try to kidnap me in front of so many people.
I observed the priests with a much more comfortable mind. However, there was something unusual that made me want to look at it.
The priests seemed to be grouped together as if they were protecting someone. There was one person in the middle, whose face couldn’t be seen.
Apart from being quite tall, there was no knowing of the gender or age.
“Let’s skip the greeting because it’s annoying.”
The atmosphere soon became noisy again when the Emperor gave a small order to the aide.
Afterwards, the Emperor sat me on his lap and sat on the throne himself.
The band began to play again, and the people began to dance, holding hands.
“Mabel. You’re really cute today, really.”
Before I knew it, Oscar waved my hand and spit out compliments. But Oscar was also incredibly cute.
Oscar, who turned seven, grew taller than before.His clothes were much simpler than the Emperor’s clothes, but his appearance in the robes was cool and cute.
“Ou wute oo.” (You’re cute too.)
“You know? Yeah, Mabel also knows.”
Today my babble was twisted again. Hu, I shouldn’t talk.
Oscar sat next to me as if he had no interest in the party and stroked my hand in earnest.
“Ah, right. Mabel, Happy birthday.”
“Oong?”
“The Emperor said he would be the first one to say congratulations, so he prohibited… no, nothing.”
Oscar’s expression, who looked behind me, became more and more contemplating, and then he ended up in a hurry.
The Emperor was behind me… I could tell the situation without looking.
I can’t believe you banned people to wish me a happy birthday before you. So childish.
“Instead, I’ll be the first to give you a birthday present.”
“Oscar.”
The Emperor called Oscar’s name quietly, but he simply ignored it and took something out of his pocket.
Something glided down from his small hand. It was a necklace with a green jewel hanging on a silver string.
“Neckwace?” (Necklace?)
Oscar opened his eyes wide as if he were surprised by what I asked casually.
“That’s right. It’s a necklace. You weren’t even taught the word necklace, how did you know it?”
Oscar smiled and hung the necklace around my neck. The necklace stretched out as if it were not for babies.
The green jewels were reminiscent of Oscar’s green eyes.
I fiddled with the necklace and looked at it. No matter how many gifts I receive, I couldn’t get used to it. I’ve never received much…(T/N: In her past life)
“…You don’t like it?”
I shook my head in amazement at Oscar’s seemingly broken words.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think you like it…”
“Oong. I wike wa newace.” (I like the necklace.)
In the end, Oscar’s face melted when I said yes.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Oong…”
It’s okay as long as Oscar is happy.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
‘It’s hard to play with a seven-year-old.’
Oscar, who was babbling about this and that next to me, pointed to a place.
“Mabel, all the things over there are gifts for you. There’s a lot, huh?”
“Wiwfts?” (Gifts?)
It was a mountain of boxes that was incredibly high. I thought it was interior because there were a lot of boxes piled up, but those are all my gifts?
I didn’t know how to react to Oscar’s gift, so I felt burdened to hear that they came from people whose faces were unknown to me.
It won’t be a favor. I’m sure you’re offering something because you want something. I didn’t have the confidence to repay it.
As I stared at the presents, the Emperor put his hand on my head.
“You must be disappointed with the few gifts, Mabel.”
No. No. I’m not!
I shook my head vigorously, but my shaking was neatly ignored.
“Don’t worry, Mabel. This dad has a nice present for you.”
I forgot. I’m sure you said yesterday you had an amazing gift prepared. Is it finally going to be revealed?
The Emperor, who rose from his seat, put me back not he throne, drawing people’s attention.
Everyone in the banquet hall looked. The calm music was also wonderful.
As I looked around, I felt a certain gaze staring hard at me.
The place where the priests of Abelardo are gathered.
Among them, I seemed to have made eye contact with the man who was wearing his robe the whole time…
He was beautiful with his red eyes that seemed to disappear for a moment. When I closed my eyes again and opened the, the afterimage quickly disappeared.
“I have something to say for the Princess’ first birthday.”
In the meantime, the Emperor took the chance. You said it was a gift.
The Emperor looked down at me and lowered himself and whispered in my ear.
“Mabel. I’ll give you this country.”
“…?”
What did I hear just now…? It was nonsense, so I immediately denied the reality.
‘It’s probably a dream, it’s defiantly a dream.’
But despite my wishes, the Emperor announced loudly.
“I crown the throne to Mabel Gardenia Ermano.”
Oh my God.
14. I’ll Give You This Country
Today is the first year since my birth.
‘So this day did come.’
I was so moved that I felt like crying.
The hardships of my tears that I had so far passed through my mind like a panorama.
If you were born as a baby, your memories of your previous life would be destroyed, I never thought I’d be born with it.
Thanks to that, I’ve done everything disgraceful.
When I was just born, I couldn’t move and I thought I was going to die of frustration. I couldn’t talk, couldn’t move, and I was so sad.
“Hwoo…”
Still, thanks to a year of hard work, my situation has improved a lot.
I decided to list all the things I’ve achieved in the meantime.
First, I walked!
After a few steps, I collapsed because I was tired, but now I can walk without holding onto anything.
The second one is more eloquent than before.
It was still hard to pronounce because I still only had four teeth in total.
Perhaps it was because the Emperor was talking about me as a genius, saying words that he hadn’t taught me anymore, or using sentences, I was a little surprised and took it for granted.
The excuse of being a genius is useful. I’m still a long way from being human though…
‘Anyway, where is this?’
I fiddled with the toys and watched the busy people moving around.
“Uh, Lalima. You can’t throw it away!”
“But this is a scribble from the Princess?”
“That’s why you shouldn’t throw it away.
What Lalima was going to throw away was scribbles that I had drawn on paper to study letters.
‘Why don’t you throw it away? It’s supposed to be trash.’
Xavier, who took a box full of paper from Lalima’s hand, said solemnly.
“His Majesty ordered to keep all the goods related to Her Highness for now.”
Uh, um…Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.
Today is the first year of my birth, so a party will be held to celebrate my birthday.
In Ermano, as well as in other countries, envoys came to congratulate me, and I was already afraid.
“I’ll give you a great gift, so look forward to it, Mabel.”
It’s because of what the Emperor said yesterday.
How extraordinary would it be if this man, who gives the principality too, could describe it as exorbitant?
I prayed earnestly. Please let today pass safely.
“Now, Your Highness. Should we prepare now?”
The sudden appearance of the nanny lifted me up. Then I sat myself on a chair high a high cushion.
Slowly raising my head, I opened my eyes wide.
I was reflected in the mirror. Surprisingly, I saw myself for the first time today.
Although it was not tied up, the cherry-blossom-colored hair, which had grown quite a lot, was still thin but still full. Both of my eyes were slightly more blue than the Emperor’s.
Oscar and the Emperor had silver hair and I was the only one with pale pink hair. Was it because of my biological mother?
The baby in the mirror tilted her head when I tilted my head.
I wrapped my white, chubby cheeks with my hands. It’s kind of embarrassing to say this myself…
‘…I’m cute!’
I understood a little why everyone was making a fuss whenever they saw me.
Looking blankly at myself in the mirror, Xavier and Lalima came to me after working.
“It it her Highness’ first time seeing a mirror today?”
“I put all the mirrors away in case they might break. I almost died carrying that here, did you know that?
So you moved the mirrors on purpose. I’ve been wanting to see my face, but I haven’t had the chance.
It was hard to identify my face in the reflection in the water while taking a bath.
“Do you think her Highness knows? How cute and lovely she is!”
“Lalima. Stop chatting and go clean up. We don’t have time. Come right over here when you’re done.”
After the nanny stopped Lalima from making a fuss, she came up to me with something.
It was a white dress. However, the design was not simple at all, it had gold-colored plums all over the fabric.
The mere appearance of the clothes made me wonder if I should at least bow before wearing them.
“Pretty, right? It’s a dress especially for today.”
“Oong.”
I won’t be able to wear it once I grow up anyways, so wouldn’t it be a waste of money? As I always thought, the consumption of the Imperial Palace was too much for me.
I don’t know the price, but I know it’s not normal…
“I’ll put it on for you right away.”
Unfortunately, the artwork that the craftsman embroidered was hung on my humble body.
‘I feel like I’ve committed a terrible sin.’
The dress was much more comfortable than it seemed. Since the person wearing it was one years old, it seemed to have been made comfortable on purpose.
I was dressed, next was trimming my hair.
The Nanny gently brushed my hair, which had grown quite well with a deft touch.
“What a beautiful hair color. You look just like the Empress.”
The nanny smiled bitterly as she recalled my dead mother. She smiled like that often when she saw me.
I don’t know what to say because I don’t remember my mother, but I didn’t feel good.
“I’m done after this.”
Finally, the nanny tied a ribbon under my chin after pitting on a lace bonnet.
Perhaps because of the thinness of the bonnet, my light pink hair shone slightly.
“Huk, your highness…!”
When I came to my senses, Xavier and Lalima, who were working, huddled around me.
“You’re so cute!”
As soon as Lalima opened her arms to embrace me, Xavier hurriedly blocked her.
“Her Highness is off limits, Lalima!”
“Eck, why?”
“Because the dress will get wrinkled.”
Xavier’s determined words made Lalima feel angry and silent.
Knock knock.
The nanny was surprised by the sudden knock and checked the time.
“Oh my, it’s already this late.”
The nanny, who held me up carefully so that the Dres wouldn’t crumple, hurriedly opened the door.
Of course, beyond that door stood the Emperor.
It was quite strange to see the Emperor in something other than his usual robes.
In addition, he was so young and handsome that he could not be considered a father of a child. I was flustered again.
‘No matter how yo see, you don’t look like you have a son and daughter.’
“I greet the Emperor.”
I was handed over to the Emperor, who roughly waved at the nanny’s greetings.
“Happy birthday, Mabel.”
I just blinked my eyes at the sudden attack by the Emperor/
Today is my birthday, but it was the first time I heard happy birthday.
In my previous life, I didn’t tell anyone on purpose because then I had to repay for the birthday present. I was glad that my birthday was on a vacation.
So I’ve rarely been told happy birthday.
“Oong…”
This is how it feels to be congratulated on my birth.
It felt strange.
***
The Emperor headed to the banquet hall and asked the aid following.
“What about Oscar?”
“He entered first with Duchess Donovan.”
I was wondering why I couldn’t see him, it was because he already entered. I wanted to see Oscar’s appearance as much as Patini.
By the way, somehow I was bothered by the aide who walked a few steps behind me.
He was a man of skin and bones, as if he were about to die.
Do you have family troubles…? Looking at him made my heart hurt.
I glanced at him, and our eyes met. The aide raised the corners of his mouth and smiled awkwardly.
Then there was a shade under his eyes and he looked more tired. I sent a message of support to the man.
“Pight!” (Fight!)
“Yes?”
I’m telling you to cheer up.
I felt the Emperor’s gaze looking down on me and caught my eyes looking at the aide.
The thought of assisting the Emperor right next to me, made me understand why he was so tired looking.
He’s an uncontrollable human being. To the extent that the Emperor didn’t know himself.
“It’s not good for your eyesight if you look at such a man, Mabel.”
“Oong?”
“We’re here.”
The sound of a band playing came from the room not far away.
I was fine but suddenly my heart started beating like crazy.
There must be a lot of people at the party, right? For almost a year, I had met so little people I could count them with my hands.
Maybe that’s why I was afraid to step out in front of so many people.
I know they don’t want anything from me since I’m a baby, but I couldn’t ignore the pressure.
“You’re expression isn’t good, Mabel?”
I grabbed the hem of the Emperor’s clothing and buried my face. The Emperor slowly swept my back. It was a touch of concern.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Mabel. All the people you’re going to meet now are people who have to look good to you, not those you have to look good for.”
“…oong?”
Hey, is that something to say to a one-year-old baby?
What’s even more absurd is that the Emperor’s expression after he finished speaking was more serious.
Strangely, the fear disappeared and the tension was eased, perhaps it was thanks to the Emperor’s words.
The Emperor touched my messy hair one after another and gave a nod to the servant waiting at the door.
“The Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor and Mabel Win-“
“Wait.”
The Emperor brutally cut off the servant’s words at his entrance. Then he ordered with a fierce look.
“Leave out Winter.”
At the bloody look, the servant was embarrassed, but quickly captured what the Emperor wanted.
“Yes, yes! The Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor and Princess Mabel Gardenia Ermano are entering!”
The Emperor walked past the dark passage and toward the bright banquet hall. The scattered chandelier lights dazzled me for a moment, making me close my eyes tightly.
There was a dead silence around. There was no music from the band the had been playing for a while.
As I slowly opened my eyes, the spectacular scene of the banquet hall greeted me. Countless people had their heads bowed in unison.
The Emperor passed between them and headed for the throne.
The two chairs on the left side seemed to be for Oscar and me.
Of course I would sit there, but…
“Now, sit.”
“…?”
Why am I sitting on the throne?
I looked again, wondering if I was mistaken, but I was right, it was the throne.
I looked at the Emperor’s eyes for clarification, but he stood without recognizing it and turned his gaze to the audience.
“Lift your heads.”
“!”
The people who saw me, opened their eyes wide.
‘Why would you put me on the throne? This isn’t my seat!’
It’s not too late to settle the matter now. I crept to get off the char, but I got caught.
“Stay there, Mabel. You’re good, right?”
Forced to stay, I sat on the throne in an uncomfortably way.
‘Yes. If everyone had a brain they would know that I didn’t want to sit here.’
I felt all the eyes of the people in the spacious banquet hall on me.
Ugh, it’s too much. I hope it ends soon, but its impossible because this party is my birthday party.
The Emperor, who gently stroked my cheek, looked down at the seat again.
“Welcome to those who came today to congratulate my lovely daughter, Mabel, on her first birthday.”
It was quite embarrassing and awkward to be introduced as a ‘lovely daughter’ in front of so many people.
The Emperor continued to talk.
“For your information, Mabel is a genius who turned over at three months, and began to walk at eight months. For your information.”
‘What, what are you saying?’
The Emperor had a proud face, releasing information that no one had asked for.
Some people were dumbfounded like me, but among those, there were some who nodded enthusiastically as if they had sympathized with him. There were a total of four people, my nanny, Countess Lupe Alieli, my half brother, Prince Oscar, my maternal grandfather, Marquis of Gardenia, and finally, Lissandro Donovan, who was hiding behind a pillar.
“Ha…”
I gave a deep sigh. I want to die of shame…
Fortunately, the Emperor’s words were not long.
“I wish you a welcome to the envoys who visited to celebrate the Princess’ birthday and enjoy the banquet.”
The eye of the Emperor who said that were fixed somewhere.
I was surprised at the moment I saw the place inadvertently.
People in white robes, like Montego, gathered in one place. I was afraid that Montego was there, but luckily, I couldn’t see his face.
Did I look anxious?
“It’s all right, Mabel. The bad guy who tried to take you back then was deported and banned to never cross the Ermano border again.”
The Emperor’s words made me feel at ease. I was alone at the time, so they wouldn’t try to kidnap me in front of so many people.
I observed the priests with a much more comfortable mind. However, there was something unusual that made me want to look at it.
The priests seemed to be grouped together as if they were protecting someone. There was one person in the middle, whose face couldn’t be seen.
Apart from being quite tall, there was no knowing of the gender or age.
“Let’s skip the greeting because it’s annoying.”
The atmosphere soon became noisy again when the Emperor gave a small order to the aide.
Afterwards, the Emperor sat me on his lap and sat on the throne himself.
The band began to play again, and the people began to dance, holding hands.
“Mabel. You’re really cute today, really.”
Before I knew it, Oscar waved my hand and spit out compliments. But Oscar was also incredibly cute.
Oscar, who turned seven, grew taller than before.His clothes were much simpler than the Emperor’s clothes, but his appearance in the robes was cool and cute.
“Ou wute oo.” (You’re cute too.)
“You know? Yeah, Mabel also knows.”
Today my babble was twisted again. Hu, I shouldn’t talk.
Oscar sat next to me as if he had no interest in the party and stroked my hand in earnest.
“Ah, right. Mabel, Happy birthday.”
“Oong?”
“The Emperor said he would be the first one to say congratulations, so he prohibited… no, nothing.”
Oscar’s expression, who looked behind me, became more and more contemplating, and then he ended up in a hurry.
The Emperor was behind me… I could tell the situation without looking.
I can’t believe you banned people to wish me a happy birthday before you. So childish.
“Instead, I’ll be the first to give you a birthday present.”
“Oscar.”
The Emperor called Oscar’s name quietly, but he simply ignored it and took something out of his pocket.
Something glided down from his small hand. It was a necklace with a green jewel hanging on a silver string.
“Neckwace?” (Necklace?)
Oscar opened his eyes wide as if he were surprised by what I asked casually.
“That’s right. It’s a necklace. You weren’t even taught the word necklace, how did you know it?”
Oscar smiled and hung the necklace around my neck. The necklace stretched out as if it were not for babies.
The green jewels were reminiscent of Oscar’s green eyes.
I fiddled with the necklace and looked at it. No matter how many gifts I receive, I couldn’t get used to it. I’ve never received much…(T/N: In her past life)
“…You don’t like it?”
I shook my head in amazement at Oscar’s seemingly broken words.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think you like it…”
“Oong. I wike wa newace.” (I like the necklace.)
In the end, Oscar’s face melted when I said yes.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Oong…”
It’s okay as long as Oscar is happy.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
‘It’s hard to play with a seven-year-old.’
Oscar, who was babbling about this and that next to me, pointed to a place.
“Mabel, all the things over there are gifts for you. There’s a lot, huh?”
“Wiwfts?” (Gifts?)
It was a mountain of boxes that was incredibly high. I thought it was interior because there were a lot of boxes piled up, but those are all my gifts?
I didn’t know how to react to Oscar’s gift, so I felt burdened to hear that they came from people whose faces were unknown to me.
It won’t be a favor. I’m sure you’re offering something because you want something. I didn’t have the confidence to repay it.
As I stared at the presents, the Emperor put his hand on my head.
“You must be disappointed with the few gifts, Mabel.”
No. No. I’m not!
I shook my head vigorously, but my shaking was neatly ignored.
“Don’t worry, Mabel. This dad has a nice present for you.”
I forgot. I’m sure you said yesterday you had an amazing gift prepared. Is it finally going to be revealed?
The Emperor, who rose from his seat, put me back not he throne, drawing people’s attention.
Everyone in the banquet hall looked. The calm music was also wonderful.
As I looked around, I felt a certain gaze staring hard at me.
The place where the priests of Abelardo are gathered.
Among them, I seemed to have made eye contact with the man who was wearing his robe the whole time…
He was beautiful with his red eyes that seemed to disappear for a moment. When I closed my eyes again and opened the, the afterimage quickly disappeared.
“I have something to say for the Princess’ first birthday.”
In the meantime, the Emperor took the chance. You said it was a gift.
The Emperor looked down at me and lowered himself and whispered in my ear.
“Mabel. I’ll give you this country.”
“…?”
What did I hear just now…? It was nonsense, so I immediately denied the reality.
‘It’s probably a dream, it’s defiantly a dream.’
But despite my wishes, the Emperor announced loudly.
“I crown the throne to Mabel Gardenia Ermano.”
Oh my God.
