Chapter: 785
Leading the way were Titi, Pedi, the Crown Princess, Anrietta, and Anrietta’s nanny as we all headed towards Luciano’s mansion.
‘Is it really that nice?’
Seeing Titi walk proudly at the front made me smile without even realizing it.
Titi usually walks next to people nearby, always ready for anyone to reach out and pet her, or to react quickly when a child stumbles. It’s a very cute and admirable habit.
But today, Titi chose to walk in front. She seemed eager to meet Jenny as soon as possible.
‘If it’s for love, I can’t hold it against her.’
It’s a situation where I might feel slightly left out as a master, but it’s not for any other reason but love. This is Titi’s first love after taking care of our kids for so many years. I’d cheer her on, not get in her way at all.
Even as she trotted ahead, her tail wagging, Titi kept glancing back at us. It was half about thinking of Jenny, and half about thinking of us.
“Titi,”
– Woof?
“Go ahead. We’ll follow slowly.”
– Eeeek…
At my words, Titi let out a little whine while looking back at us.
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. I was effectively pushing her to meet Jenny, but she was still reluctant to leave her master and little master behind.
“Come on! The folks at the mansion should be getting ready to greet us.”
– Woof!
After some convincing, Titi barked a short thank you and dashed towards Luciano’s mansion.
Right! Titi going ahead will make it easier for Luciano’s wife and the mansion staff. Luciano must have contacted them, so they likely know the Crown Princess is coming, but they probably don’t know the exact time and must be in a panic. With Titi arriving first, they should be well prepared for the Crown Princess’s visit.
That’s how I decided to think of it. If it gets Titi to see Jenny a bit sooner, I’ll gladly find any excuse to support it.
“What a clever child! The lady loves animals, and while I’ve seen many dogs, I’ve never seen one quite like that!”
The nanny, watching this all unfold, spoke with admiration in her voice.
It filled me with pride from deep down. I knew Titi was smart, but getting recognition from others makes a world of difference.
“Maja! Our Titi is so smart!”
“Yeah! Titi is the best!”
Pedi and the Crown Princess seemed to share my sentiment, nodding enthusiastically at the nanny’s words.
But why does the Crown Princess call Titi ‘our Titi’? It feels a bit late to wonder about that now, but if someone overheard, they might think she’s part of our family.
Wait, considering the frequency of her visits and meals with us, isn’t that close to being family?
“I’d like to have a Titi too…”
“If Titi likes you, she’ll definitely visit you! Titi will like you!”
“Really?”
At the Crown Princess’s words, Anrietta looked at me with eyes full of excitement.
“Of course! Titi is a child who wants to make many friends like you, so she’ll be happy if you come!”
“Yay! Thank you!”
Seeing Anrietta smile made my heart feel lighter.
When I was in the administration, everyone I met was in a bad state. But now, being at the mansion, I get to meet such cute kids. What a joyful thing that is.
This is why I want to desperately take a vacation. For my mental happiness over physical happiness.
Upon arriving at the mansion, I was greeted by an unexpected figure.
“Minister, Your Grace… I’m honored to meet you!”
“Luciano?”
Luciano, who should be at the Ministry of Justice, stood at the front gate.
“What are you doing here? Were you on leave?”
“No! Not at all! I couldn’t possibly leave while escorting the Crown Princess! I applied for leave and rushed over!”
“Oh dear, I must have bothered you.”
His regretful answer brought a wry smile to my face. It seemed he had run from the Ministry to here, panting heavily.
I felt bad for making Luciano pull such a stunt. Sudden marching like this is a problem for someone who’s duty-bound; especially in public service, leave or early leave should be used judiciously. Luciano wasted one of his precious cards just for me.
“B-but, Your Grace. The Crown Princess… she?”
“Maybe you should catch your breath first? Is that how you plan to greet her?”
“I-I apologize!”
After patting his shoulder, Luciano took a deep breath with all he had.
I felt bad; I never wanted to put him in this awkward situation, but I couldn’t stop what the Crown Princess had decided. No matter my title, I am just a mere servant here.
“The Princess is just over there.”
After calming him down, I pointed behind me, and Luciano’s head turned sharply.
“Wow! Is that Jenny?”
“Yup. Titi’s friend. Isn’t she adorable?”
“Super cute! The best!”
“Hey! Pedi is being mean! You were the only one to see Jenny until now!”
“Is it okay since I just got here?”
“Oh, is that so?”
They were outside the front gate, enjoying each other’s company as they awaited.
Watching Titi and Jenny together, I thought, ‘It’s clear that Jenny has developed feelings for Titi as well.’
A warm smile formed involuntarily at the scene.
At first, Jenny was just lounging around in the garden, hardly noticing Titi. Now she was eagerly waiting outside to greet her friend.
With Titi’s bright eyes and Jenny’s wagging tail, I could see for certain. Titi’s affection was no longer one-sided; it was mutual.
“By the way, where’s Helen?”
However, my warm feelings were short-lived. I wondered about Helen’s absence, who usually accompanied Jenny.
Just like how the kids adore Titi, Helen shares a special friendship with Jenny. If both Jenny and Titi were together, Helen wouldn’t possibly be left out.
“Oh, that…”
At my question, Luciano turned towards the mansion.
“Your Grace, in honor of welcoming the Crown Princess, my wife is hard at work.”
“Ah, I see.”
I nodded along, understanding without needing further explanation.
Luciano, the mansion’s master, hurried over at the news of the Crown Princess visiting. If the people outside were panicking, you can only imagine how frantic those inside must have been.
If the husband is the guardian of the family, the wife manages it. She’s likely busily preparing everything in addition to arranging Helen’s looks to the fullest.
‘Sorry about that.’
How many times have I apologized? This time, however, I directed it toward Helen, not Luciano.
Helen, that busy five-year-old. Instead of the charming, shiny dress or jewelry, wouldn’t she want something comfortable to play in, or something quirky that catches her fancy? Dresses made for social gatherings can surely be a nightmare for her.
Still, I couldn’t just tell her “wear what’s comfortable.” Dressing comfortably in front of the Crown Princess is good news for Helen, but it’s a heart-stopping matter for parents.
“Your Highness!”
“Hmm?”
Calling out to the Crown Princess, who was petting Jenny, I hoped Helen would wear something more comfortable.
“This is lord Luciano, the father of Jenny and your friend, Helen.”
“Ah!”
With that introduction, the Crown Princess rushed over.
“Uncle Luciano! Hello!”
“I-I am Luciano Niden! It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness!”
Luciano bowed vigorously at the Crown Princess’s cheerful greeting.
It’s a real comedy to see a knight being called an ‘uncle’ by the Crown Princess. Watching from the side, this was one hilarious scene.
Though, in reality, it was tragic enough to bring tears.
*
I’m so tired… bored… I want to play…
“This won’t do. Bring me another dress.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Ugh…”
I’m so done with wearing clothes…
But how can I tell mom that? She loves these things, so what can I say?
“…How about this?”
“Hmm?”
Mom smiled for the first time.
“Helene, how about this dress? Do you like it?”
“Yeah! It’s pretty!”
I immediately said it was pretty in response to mom’s words.
Actually, all the dresses she showed me were pretty! This one is nice, that one is too! I like them all!
“I’m glad you like it.”
Mom’s smile became even brighter!
So, is it over now? Can I go out and play?
“Ah, Helene? Pedi and Titi are out there.”
“Really!?”
I became super excited at what mom said! I’d been so bored wearing dresses all this time, but with Pedi and Titi out there, it’ll be fun!
“I’m going out right now—”
“Just a moment.”
I got stopped by mom.
“Not only Pedi, but the Crown Princess is also here.”
“The Crown Princess… me?”
Who is that? I don’t know much.
“She’s the same age as Helene, but you have to use respectful language with her.”
“Respectful?”
“It’s simple. Just add this word at the end. Things like ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ or ‘sorry’ will do. Understand?”
“Yeah! Got it!”
If that’s the case, it’s easy! I’m good at adding that word!
So don’t worry! I’ll go play with the Crown Princess and enjoy!
*
While watching the kids play with Titi and Jenny in the garden, the mansion door swung open, and a familiar little girl ran in.
Helen, with her brown hair and light green dress, was racing over with a flushed face, as if she was finally released from her mom’s grasp.
“I’m here! I’m here!”
Then she unexpectedly hugged Jenny tightly.
‘Where did she hear that?’
It made me chuckle at her unexpected words.
‘I’m here!’ That’s quite a line even a big kid would struggle to pull off. Has Helen been reading some novels lately?
“Pedi! Titi! Hello!”
“Hey, Helen!”
– Woof!
Both Pedi and Titi greeted her cheerfully at the familiar sight.
“Are you Helen?”
The Crown Princess’s eyes sparkled at meeting a new peer for the first time.
“Yup! I’m Helen!”
Helen confidently nodded and then glanced back and forth between the Crown Princess and Anrietta.
“But who’s the Crown Princess?”
‘Oh dear.’
Helen tried hard to use respectful language, but it came out sounding like a direct way of speaking. And, unfortunately, the child wasn’t fluent enough in their native language to be able to grasp the proper way.
It seems she might have gotten some urgent etiquette lessons while putting on her dress, but alas, it wasn’t very effective. It’s tough for a five-year-old to grasp respectful language.
“It’s me! I’m the Crown Princess!”
“I’m Anrietta!”
“I am the Crown Princess! Anrietta! Both of you, please take care of me!”
Ah, at least that was straightforward and respectful!
“I’m Helen! I’m Pedi’s friend!”
Before long, she reverted back to how she normally speaks.
‘Cute.’
I softly patted Luciano’s shaking shoulders and watched the conversation among the three girls.
Even their clumsy attempts at courtesy had their own charm. Our kids didn’t even know what respectful language was, so they didn’t even bother with adding that polite ending.
“If Pedi is a friend, that means you’re my friend too!”
“Exactly! Helen is our friend!”
“Really? Both of you are friends with the Crown Princess?”
Luciano’s shoulders now shook even more vigorously.
What a pity. If only Luciano wasn’t just a knight but a higher noble, he might have enjoyed this light-hearted conversation.
‘Luciano needs to get promoted before Helen reaches adulthood.’
The Crown Princess, Anrietta, and Helen were all the same age. Seeing them becoming friends and eventually attending the Academy of the Empire together seems almost certain, but if Luciano keeps trembling like this, their friendship might be at risk.
‘Ten years should be manageable somehow.’
In ten years, while the next Minister might be a stretch, perhaps the one after wouldn’t be.
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