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ONCE Mion and her retinue departed, an awkward air hung in the storehouse.
“Princess,” Marfa said. “Every time you mentioned getting stung, was that…?” When That nodded silently, Marfa clapped a hand over her mouth. “We have to report this to the emperor at once!”
No! That thought in a panic. If Marfa does that, she’ll be executed for disrespecting the emperor!
“Reporting this to Daddy would be pointless,” That said. “He hates me. Please don’t overextend yourselves for my sake.”
The knights and palace ladies seated at the table looked at her dumbfoundedly.
“Princess…” Marfa mumbled.
“Why would you say such a thing…?” one of the palace ladies asked.
“Did Lady Mion tell you that?” another one asked.
Unsure how to respond, That looked at everyone sitting around the table. After giving the palace ladies a chastising glare, Marfa wrapped That in a tight embrace.
“Understood,” Marfa said. “We won’t report this to the emperor. Even so, there’s no need for you to grow up so fast, Princess.”
Upon hearing those words, a realization dawned over That. Currently, she looked like a three-year-old girl. If she spoke normally, it would sound far too mature for her age.
I need to start being careful about my speech, she thought, smiling wordlessly to gloss over the situation.
“You’ll most certainly receive a name on your fifth birthday,” Marfa said. “You’re such a beautiful and clever princess. Everything will be fine—I’m sure of it.”
That smiled bitterly. She probably wouldn’t receive a name, and when that happened—
“If I don’t get a name, don’t be angry, okay?” That urged.
“Of course, I won’t be angry,” Marfa assured her.
“Promise you won’t be angry with Daddy either, okay?”
Seeing Marfa executed for disrespecting the emperor was devastating. Reliving the same experience would be doubly traumatic.
Everyone at the table fell silent.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me,” she said.
One of the palace ladies began sobbing, and the old knight averted his gaze, wiping his eyes.
I was ostracized merely for existing, That thought. But even in my first life, these kind people took care of me until I turned five. And even after three loops, they’re still the same.
“Promise, okay?” That repeated.
Her words pulled at their heartstrings. Despite being only three years old, she understood her unfortunate position. Yet, rather than being pessimistic, she showed consideration for everyone else. Though she was still young and a victim of misfortune, she was also a natural-born princess. Without a doubt, she had the makings of a ruler.
Before, everyone had viewed That as a pitiful young girl who needed their protection. Now, they regarded her as a future leader. After letting go of That, Marfa took one step back. She then placed her right fist over her chest, covering it with her left hand. This was how one saluted the emperor.
“I will do as you ask, my kind and clever princess,” Marfa said.
In response to her dignified tone, the old knight performed the same salute. At the same time, palace ladies bowed their heads deeply. That’s eyes widened. She didn’t understand this solemn, ceremonial atmosphere.
“What’s going on?” she asked. “You’re all acting weird.”
When That burst out laughing, everyone else followed suit.
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AS promised, Mion delivered the medicine immediately. It arrived in a gallipot decorated with gold leaf, which indicated it was an important medicine. She’d even included a letter as a show of concern for That.
“Well, Lady Mion certainly came through,” Marfa commented.
“I never expected her to send something so expensive…” a palace lady added.
The women were deeply impressed by Mion’s generosity. However, this medicine generally wasn’t used on children, as it produced a painful stinging sensation. During That’s first life, Mion had applied this ointment to That’s skin each time she’d pinched her. She knew how much it stung.
By providing such an expensive medicine, shrewd Mion had feigned a sincere apology. Of course, That wouldn’t let her get away with it this time.
“Wow!” she cried. “This stuff looks amazing! Have you ever used it, Mishter Knight?”
The old knight—whose body was laced with scars—took the gallipot and examined it. A purple piece of paper with golden writing sealed the lid.
“U-Unbelievable,” he said. “The use of this medicine is forbidden except on the battlefield.”
Marfa looked at him quizzically. “What do you mean? Is it safe for children to use?”
“Not at all!” the old knight shouted, his face turning red with anger. “It’s highly effective and heals wounds quickly but also causes severe pain. Even soldiers are only allowed to use it on the battlefield. You mustn’t let this touch the princess’s skin.”
Marfa paled. “What a thing for Lady Mion to send…”
“She’s a terrifying woman, isn’t she?” a palace lady agreed.
That smiled at the horror-stricken women. “I’m sure Mish Mion didn’t know.”
“No,” the old knight responded decisively. “Someone of Lady Mion’s caliber wouldn’t have been unaware.”
That smiled and cocked her head. “She wouldn’t have sent in on purpose. That would be bullying, right?”
Everyone fell silent. The first seeds of doubt towards Mion had sprouted in their minds.
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AFTER that incident, Mion fired the palace lady who’d been leaking information to her. Supposedly, the woman was being punished for attempting to frame That. In reality, Mion was making an example of her for relaying incorrect information.
When the storehouse didn’t receive a new servant to fill the vacant position, everyone’s distrust towards Mion deepened. Eventually, Marfa considered filing a complaint.
“Please don’t risk it,” That begged, somehow managing to stop her.
I can’t give Mion a reason to attack us, she thought. Even if she sends a new palace lady, it’ll definitely be someone loyal to her. I would much rather work just as hard as the missing servant myself.
And so, That began helping out with the extra work. At first, the palace ladies objected, but after seeing how much fun she was having, they conceded. Owing to her time in the lower city, That wasn’t opposed to working. Though her three-year-old body limited what she could do, she still had the time of her life working with everyone.
She worked happily despite her clumsiness, which warmed the hearts of the knights and the palace ladies. Marfa even made an apron for That, who was so eager to do everything by herself. Apart from cooking Yulan foods, That and Marfa also worked on simple knitting projects together. Meanwhile, the palace ladies also taught That a variety of things. In this way, everyone’s bonds deepened.