Chapter 20

“That’s certainly possible.”

At my words, the Emperor rubbed his chin and nodded.

“No matter what, they are heroes of the nation. Even if you hadn’t asked, I had no intention of treating them poorly.”

“Wow.”

Daddy Harzen definitely said he disliked our family quite a bit.

Could that have been Bertolt’s meddling too?

But considering everything Mom had gone through, it felt a little difficult to dismiss it all as mere manipulation…

“Then what about Mom?”

Once again, I couldn’t resist opening my Mouth of Truth.

“I heard Grandpa doesn’t like my mom either.”

“No, that’s…”

The Emperor closed his mouth for a moment before letting out a sigh.

“When you’re older and become a parent yourself, you’ll understand how I felt.”

There it is again.

The classic “You’ll understand when you’re older” line!

“When your grown son becomes infatuated with a woman and decides to abandon everything and leave like that…”

“Grandpa.”

“Alright, alright.”

The Emperor finally let out another long sigh and spoke frankly.

“Now, I feel nothing but gratitude toward Lady Miller.”

Mm-hmm. As you should.

Mom was risking her life right now to save the Empress.

“After speaking with her yesterday, I realized it clearly. She’s far stronger and more admirable than I’d thought.”

“Right? Right?”

I nodded enthusiastically.

There really wasn’t anyone as perfect as my mom.

“I was blinded by prejudice and failed to see who she truly was. That too was my mistake.”

“Prejudice…”

And who exactly planted that prejudice?

The nobles of the imperial capital who envied Mom?

Or Bertolt?

Though it could’ve been entirely the Emperor’s own doing…

“Looking back, I’ve lived a truly foolish life. I focused solely on governing the nation and neglected the people closest to me.”

While I was lost in thought, the Emperor muttered bitterly to himself.

Then he shifted his gaze toward me and continued.

“So from now on, I hope you’ll teach me many things.”

“Me?”

But once everything is over, I’m going home with Mom and Dad…

“If you stay here, you’ll be able to enjoy many things. Anything you desire can be yours.”

The Emperor spoke in a subtle tone, almost as if he were trying to tempt me.

“We can serve the food you enjoyed yesterday every single day. You seemed to like it quite a bit.”

That is a little tempting…

Gasp, no. Pull yourself together.

If I let my guard down, I’ll end up bundled into a sack and carried off!

“I need Mom and Dad’s permission.”

And Daddy definitely wouldn’t allow it.

After saying that, I gave him a bright smile.

The Emperor didn’t seem interested in pressing the issue further and smoothly changed the subject.

“So aside from that, is there truly nothing you want?”

And we’ve somehow circled right back to this topic.

There’s nothing I particularly want.

‘Need, on the other hand, is a different story.’

For example, something that could protect Mom…

“Ah, then.”

At that moment, an idea suddenly popped into my head and my eyes sparkled.

“Would something like this be possible?”

* * *

Several hours later.

“Cece.”

Mom arrived at the office, greeted the Emperor, then smiled brightly at me.

It seemed today’s treatment session had finally ended.

“Mom!”

I jumped to my feet and immediately ran into her arms.

“Have you been behaving, Cece?”

“Yep!”

I rubbed both cheeks against her skirt and giggled.

Other than missing you so much I felt like I might die, I’ve been doing great!

“Nothing happened?”

Daddy Harzen, who entered the office behind Mom, studied me carefully as he asked.

I deliberately nodded even harder.

“Nope!”

I had heartfelt conversations with Grandpa, ate delicious snacks…

‘And most importantly, I secured a promise.’

A promise that would become a major step toward protecting Mom!

“That’s good to hear.”

Daddy Harzen still looked suspicious as he stroked my hair.

I smiled even more brightly to reassure him.

It’s okay, Daddy.

I think Grandpa is completely smitten with me now.

It must be because I’m just too adorable.

“Hehe.”

After all, I take completely after Mom.

I had just turned to look at the prettiest mom in the world when…

“Hmm?”

I immediately tilted my head.

“Mom, your face looks pale.”

She was usually fair-skinned, but this wasn’t pale. It was more like she was exhausted.

“Hm?”

At my comment, Mom pressed a hand to her cheek.

“Maybe it’s because I’ve been using too much power lately… I definitely don’t feel as energetic as I used to.”

The instant I heard that, I looked toward the Emperor.

Now’s your chance, Grandpa!

It’s time for the ‘I’m Sorry and Thank You’ challenge!

“Uh.”

As though he’d understood my signal, Grandpa cleared his throat and spoke.

“You’ve worked hard today as well.”

That’s it?!

You need to do better than that!

Actually put some feeling into it!

“…I’ve always felt grateful and sorry toward you. And toward you as well, Harzen. I sincerely appreciate everything you’ve done.”

At last, Grandpa fixed his gaze on the desk and slowly continued.

Mom and Daddy looked at him as though they’d just heard the impossible.

After seeing their reactions, I proudly puffed out my shoulders.

Well? How effective was my counseling?

“…Why?”

After a brief silence.

Daddy Harzen frowned deeply and finally spoke.

“Why now of all—”

“Thank you for saying that. I’m honestly honored.”

At the same time, Mom cut him off and smiled warmly.

“I’ll continue doing my very best.”

Somehow she’d already grabbed Daddy’s hand tightly.

Then she took my hand with her other hand and bowed politely.

“Thank you very much for taking care of Cece. I hope she didn’t cause Your Majesty any trouble.”

“…Not at all.”

Grandpa looked at Daddy Harzen for a moment before shifting his gaze back to Mom.

“That child made today truly enjoyable. She’s a genuinely lovable child.”

“Even Your Majesty thinks our Cece is lovable?”

Wait, Mom.

Isn’t this normally the part where you’re supposed to say, “You’re too kind”?

Why are your eyes sparkling?

“Cece is still young, but she can already write too. Last time she even wrote a self-introduction letter. Oh my, I didn’t bring it with me.”

There was no way you would’ve brought that.

“Mooom.”

While tugging on her hand, I quietly hid my face behind my hair.

This is embarrassing!

“Oh, right.”

Only then did Mom seem to come back to her senses. Her cheeks turned pink and she smiled shyly.

Taking advantage of the moment, I suddenly asked Grandpa a question.

“So can I go home with Mom and Dad now?”

If I stay here any longer, Mom’s going to spend another two hours bragging about me.

“…Yes.”

Grandpa answered in a voice that sounded surprisingly reluctant.

Then he looked at each of us in turn and added one more thing.

“Take care of yourselves as well. I’ll instruct the head chef to prepare dishes that help restore strength.”

See? Once you open the floodgates, the rest comes naturally.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

As I followed Mom and Daddy out, I secretly raised a thumbs-up behind my back.

Excellent work, Grandpa Student.

Keep it up, and don’t forget our promise.

“…You know.”

How long had we been walking after leaving the main palace?

Once Mom confirmed there was no one around, she casually spoke up.

“Doesn’t it feel like His Majesty has become incredibly gentle?”

“…”

“No, seriously. He has. Anyone with eyes can tell.”

At Mom’s words, Daddy Harzen finally spoke in a low voice.

“I can’t even begin to guess what he’s planning.”

“It didn’t seem like His Majesty had any hidden agenda…”

Mom then looked at me, her expression brightening.

“Could our princess have worked some magic?”