Chapter: 780
The Crown Princess and Pedi beamed like they had just discovered a treasure chest.
“That was fun! The circus was the best!”
“Yeah! So fun!”
The two little ones, their eyes sparkling throughout the performance, continued showering praises during the curtain call alongside the director and performers.
Perhaps due to the children’s excitement, the nearby audience clapped even louder, clearly appreciating the effort to keep the children’s innocent joy intact.
“Alright then! Should we give a round of applause to the wonderful people that put on this fantastic show?”
“No way!”
“Uh…?”
I flinched at the Crown Princess’s firm response.
What? Sure, we enjoyed it, but was it really enough for a noble’s applause? I didn’t expect a five-year-old to be so strict.
“If we liked it! We must reward it! Applause is a must!”
Her following words left me even more stunned. A thorough give-and-take philosophy coming from a five-year-old?
Who on earth taught this pure, young princess about the ways of the world? It is definitely something they’ll need to learn eventually, but this felt like cutting it way too close.
“Uh, who did you hear that from?”
“Mom!”
I nodded, dumbstruck by the undeniable presence of the Empress.
Well, let’s think positively. The Empress didn’t misguide them; she just introduced them a bit too early to some truths. As both an Empress and a duchess, she’s simply passionate about teaching her kids.
Let’s just leave it at that. If it were the Emperor, it’d be strange, but the Empress’s actions must have reasonable grounds.
“Then let’s give our applause as a thank-you and a reward.”
“Got it!”
Only then did the Crown Princess start clapping eagerly.
Initially, I had planned to sneak a tip on the way out, but seeing the Crown Princess, I felt compelled to offer a proper gift.
Just then, I spotted the clown who had been selling popcorn.
“Hey there! Is it possible to meet the director?”
“Who— Oh! Dear guest!”
The clown turned around, instantly donning a big smile to greet us.
I was a bit touched. To this clown, we were just one of many guests, yet they recognized us right away. Now that’s some impressive professionalism.
“It’s possible! Actually, the director mainly oversees the big picture and doesn’t have much to do during the actual performance!”
“Is that so? That’s a relief.”
His easy acceptance brought a smile to my face. Right now, I’m not the noble Carl Krasius; I’m just a commoner named Hans out enjoying the day with kids. Or you can call me James; I’m fine with both.
Either way, I’m hardly worth such special treatment as a clown’s director. I was worried I might get turned away at the entrance, but the performers here were surprisingly friendly.
“Uh… But may I ask, what’s the reason you want to meet the director? Was there anything uncomfortable during the performance?”
“Oh, not at all! My kids were so impressed by the show that I’d like to thank the director for the splendid performance.”
“Haha! What a glorious honor!”
His genuine surprise made the clown’s smile stretch even wider.
Someone who’s keen enough to recognize every guest must feel an immense joy when the circus gets praised.
‘With a performance at this level, they must be doing something right.’
I felt satisfied. It seemed that the Crown Princess and Pedi’s first experience at the circus was memorable.
As a parent, there’s a desire to make their first experiences perfect and spectacular. In that sense, this circus surpassed all expectations.
“Hey, mister!”
Just when I was considering raising the reward for the director, the Crown Princess spoke up to the clown.
“Thank you for the snacks earlier! They were yummy!”
“I’m grateful to you too! The sweets were great!”
The clown’s eyes widened at their thank you, and a smile crept onto his face.
It looks like I should consider not just leveling up the reward by one tier but maybe three!
“In fact, it wasn’t just the kids who enjoyed the show. I had a wonderful time too. Today will definitely be a day I’ll never forget!”
“I believe I’ll feel the same way.”
The clown’s response had me giggling this time. Once someone leaves a good impression, everything they say seems to shine as gold.
‘Maybe I should offer a recommendation.’
With things flowing this way, playing the commoner card would be tough. At the very least, I should reveal that I’m noble to offer them a suitable reward.
Of course, I wouldn’t mention I’m the Count of Tailglehen. I have several noble titles for disguise purposes that the Information Department can hand out, so I could suggest I’m connected to Count Tailglehen as some random baron.
A title like that is something the minister can freely assign. If not now, then when would I get to use it?
“Thank you sincerely for your grace! I promise to repay you with an even better and more perfect performance next time! I’ll drain my soul to make it happen!”
“Looking forward to it. Just don’t drain your soul too much. You need to stick around to help enhance the Empire’s culture as well. I’m sure Count Tailglehen would agree.”
“It’s an honor!”
“Hmm, I like your spirit. I hope to see you again if the opportunity arises.”
Exiting the tent was a breeze with the director and performers giving deep bows.
I entered as a commoner, but left as a noble. The noble blood running through me is simply too hard to hide and frankly absurd.
“Dad! Where are we going now?!”
“Home.”
“Whaaat?!”
“Just kidding! There’s still plenty to see.”
And no matter how noble the person, it’s the innocence and cuteness of children that makes my heart swell with gratitude. I can only hope the Crown Princess takes after the Empress, not the Emperor.
“Dad, bad! You scared me!”
“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll take you somewhere nice, so please forgive me.”
“Nice place?”
“How about the zoo?”
At those words, the Crown Princess’s expression shifted from angry to pure delight like a poodle that spotted its favorite toy.
Of course, I figured she’d love it. According to the Emperor, the Crown Princess has shown deep interest in the Bremer Town Musicians, so I figured she’d be thrilled. She also loves visiting Titi and the Holy Waters at our mansion, so she’d relish the zoo as well.
“Dad.”
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“What’s in the zoo?”
Pedi’s question made me stifle a grin.
The zoo located on the capital’s grounds is so grand and splendid that the imperial family funds its operation. If an animal exists anywhere on the continent, it’s probably in that zoo. If it’s not there, it likely doesn’t exist.
In fact, some animals that are now endangered in their natural habitat have a larger population in the capital’s zoo than they do in the wild, thanks to pure breeding rather than indiscriminate capturing.
“Have you heard of a giraffe?”
“A giraffe?”
“That’s a long-necked, colorful animal.”
“Is it kind of like a deer or a pony?”
Pedi thought of the deer when I mentioned long necks.
Seeing that face made me chuckle. Those little guys do have long necks compared to other beasts, but there’s really no comparison to a giraffe!
“Way longer than that! Remember your giraffe doll?”
At the mention of it, Pedi blinked a few times and then broke into a blinding smile.
“Yeah! It looks super cool!”
“Exactly! Just like that—”
“Let’s go quickly!”
Before I could finish, Pedi dashed off at lightning speed.
“Ah! Wait up!”
Not wanting to fall behind, the Crown Princess tried to keep up with Pedi.
They ran off not even knowing where the zoo was, which just shows how excited they are! The thought of two children clapping in excitement once they hit the zoo after the circus makes me burst into laughter.
Though right now, I must prioritize catching up to those runaway kids. No matter how many bodyguards are lurking around, it’s dangerous to let my daughters wander too far from me.
“Ah!”
Just like that.
“Oh dear. I didn’t see where I was going while lost in thought. Are you alright?”
Pedi, dashing as if to visit Titi, collided with the leg of a passerby, turning into a makeshift traffic accident. The softly smiling pedestrian consoled Pedi gently.
Actually, it was a passing officer. Naturally, when a protected subject prepares to make a sudden move, a bodyguard has to step in.
Given that they were a member of the enforcement agency, having worked under the Senior Manager since my time in the Information Department, their movements were smooth and natural. But when it came to speech—
‘You sounded robotic.’
Unfortunately, their seamless action was matched by a rigid and mechanical voice. Did they not have a chance to interact and communicate usually?
Thank goodness Pedi was so young. Otherwise, she would have picked up on the awkwardness.
“It’s okay! I’m sorry for bumping into you!”
“Well, what a polite little one, even if I can’t tell who your father is.”
‘Why are you saying that?’
What an odd thing to say right in front of me.
Could it be flattery? No, that’s too blatant. Besides, it’s hard to imagine someone from the enforcement division, with a generally stony demeanor, stating something like that.
“Is your dad nearby?”
“Yeah! Right here!”
Pedi pointed her little finger at me.
The officer subtly nodded toward me with a slight bow of the head.
I reciprocated the nod, though my feelings were complicated. Why go out of your way to approach me?
‘Is something wrong?’
A sense of unease washed over me. The officers involved in this escort operation were seasoned veterans. They wouldn’t engage in pointless tasks without good reason.
‘Hmm?’
In the midst of my thoughts, I caught a glimpse of urgency in the officer’s eyes.
“Apologies, my child caused a disturbance. I am sorry.”
“Oh, not at all. I was rather pleased to see such a bright and polite child, so it’s a relief.”
I stepped forward and exchanged handshakes with the officer, who reciprocated without a moment’s hesitation.
In that exchange, I felt the distinct touch of a small piece of paper in my hand.
‘Damn.’
I nearly gasped aloud. The fact that they chose this manner to convey information meant the situation was serious.
‘Oh.’
Feeling troubled, I withdrew my hand upon spotting the note, and indeed, it held alarming content.
[ Lady Rabirje’s second daughter, along with her husband and children, are currently headed to the capital zoo. This is not a deliberate approach predicated on noticing the Crown Princess’s secret journey. ]
Lady Rabirje. A prominent figure among the Marquis in the Empire, influential in the western region.
During the northern conquest, she commanded the western provincial army and played a decisive role. Her rising fame now cements her position as a central figure in both regional politics and social circles.
A member of such noble blood is on their way to the same place as us. Normally, this would be an inconsequential matter—but right now, while I am disguised as a commoner, it becomes a serious issue.
‘If I’m unlucky, I’ll have to bow my head in front of her.’
As a Count of the Empire, bowing before a mere second daughter of a Marquis isn’t something that should happen.
Well, I’d be willing to take that hit for the sake of a discreet sightseeing trip, but I definitely can’t impose that on the Crown Princess!
‘The Crown Princess bowing to a noble?’
The thought alone sends shivers down my spine. Lady Rabirje’s daughter would surely faint if she knew she had been bowed to by a commoner who is actually the Crown Princess.
‘Should we reroute then?’
But the Crown Princess and Pedi are so excited!
‘Should I perhaps block her path instead?’
How can I find a way to confront the blood of a Marquis without any valid justification? If I disclose the Crown Princess’s surveillance expedition now, it would surely alarm the daughter and her family, and that would trigger awareness among other nobles.
This is maddening! Why, oh, why did our paths have to cross like this?
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