Chapter 592
It wasn’t just a day or two that the Crown Princess had been sparkling with excitement to see the new puppy; it felt like it had been nearly a week.
Of course, ignoring those desperate eyes for a whole week was never on my agenda. After all, it was the request of no less than the Crown Princess. Bringing my pet dog from home wasn’t a difficult task, so I had even prepared to strap a leash on Titi and take him out. After all, if I just took a stroll around the academy with Titi for a few hours, I could satisfy the Crown Princess’s craving.
“Ap-ba, Tti-Tti?”
But just as I was about to buckle the leash on, Pedi tilted his head and pulled on Titi’s leash vigorously.
This was quite the predicament. While it seemed that the thought of “kidnapping” Titi didn’t cross my mind, Pedi was definitely not going to allow Titi to go anywhere else.
So there I was, staring at the panting Titi tied on a leash and the blinking Pedi beside him, wondering repeatedly if taking Titi out was really the right choice—such was the monumental dilemma weighing on me.
“We’ll just step out for a bit, okay, Pedi?”
“Woo-woo?”
Like it was incomprehensible, Pedi climbed onto Titi’s back, and Titi didn’t mind one bit. Seeing such an inseparable duo made me break out in a cold sweat several times.
Actually, before Pedi could walk, taking Titi out was entirely possible. After all, even our pregnant Louise often strolled around the academy with Titi. Back then, Pedi could barely crawl and didn’t even really care about Titi’s whereabouts.
However, ever since Pedi started walking on her own two feet and began riding on Titi’s back, no one in the mansion could take Titi out anymore. Now that Pedi could waddle over and claim Titi for herself, she would cry if Titi wandered out of her sight.
“Pedi, just stay away from Titi for a second—”
“Woo-woo-woo…”
“Alright, I’m sorry.”
It wasn’t just a metaphor; she was genuinely about to burst into tears. When I set Pedi down to take Titi to the palace, Pedi looked as though her world had crumbled.
It’s such a shame. No one can fill the void left by Titi. Even the eleven animal friends we have were merely playmates for Pediatrica; they couldn’t serve as the partner to ride around on.
So, what could I do? It would be better to endure the Crown Princess’s tantrums than to make Pedi cry. I had no choice but to soothe her and wait for her interest to wane.
Or so I thought.
“Dad, I hate you!”
“Uh, Your Highness?”
Before I knew it, the Crown Princess was patting my chest with her tiny fists, tears welling up in her eyes.
My mind went blank. How could someone who always wore a bright smile while running around the palace throw a fit and blame me? As both a grandfather and a subject, I felt utterly guilty.
What drove me up the wall even more was that I couldn’t even promise to bring Titi to soothe the Crown Princess. If I calmed her down, Pedi would cry, and if I prevented Pedi from crying, the Crown Princess would weep.
‘Is this the hardship of parenting?’
I closed my eyes tightly and patted the Crown Princess’s back, trying to comfort her.
What a pity it would be if only Titi were here.
In the end, my torment didn’t take long to resolve.
“Then shouldn’t we bring the Minister’s son too?”
“What?”
The Emperor, having caught wind of the Crown Princess’s tantrum, looked at me nonchalantly, as if wondering what the issue was.
“I’m planning to bring my family along for the year-end worship, and if the Minister brings his family too, the Crown Princess and the Minister’s son would meet. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a connection in advance?”
“Uh, well…”
“If you’re worried that the Minister’s son might mess up around the Crown Princess, don’t be. It’s perfectly fine for little ones to play around together.”
The Emperor’s words filled the room with laughter, leaving me speechless.
In this atmosphere, how could I ask, “Are you responsible if my son meets your daughter and gets branded as a slave?”
‘Am I being overly cautious?’
After gaping a few times, I finally nodded.
Well, they were both just two-year-olds and one-year-olds. No matter how noble our Crown Princess is, she surely wouldn’t be going around branding slaves just yet, and neither would my son show any signs of being a slaver. They would meet as friends, not future master and slave.
“If my son can become a good friend to the Crown Princess, it would be the most glorious thing.”
“Haha, if he takes after the Minister, he might just become the Crown Princess’s lifelong partner.”
Upon hearing that, I nearly swung my fist at the Emperor.
Who does he think he is, meddling in the future of my son? Suggesting a partner is akin to branding them a slave, which I’ve been experiencing firsthand.
‘My son is definitely going to be a wealthy layabout.’
If they’re looking for a direct slave to serve the Crown Princess, they can find someone else.
*
I had known for a long time that Charlotte loved animals. She had always reached out to touch the critters that Her Highness kept, so it was only natural she would be interested in the dog the Minister was raising.
I never imagined the Minister’s son would be obsessed with animals too, but it’s a good thing. If both the Crown Princess and the Minister’s son share a love for animals, it would make it easier for them to bond. The key will be where the Minister sends his eldest son, but I have no doubt that he will be a loyal companion to Charlotte just like his father.
Even if he ends up without a specific title and merely stays as a member of the Empire’s Council, it’s no biggie. The Minister’s son is the next head of the Krasius House, embroiled in numerous bloodlines. Just being close to the next Emperor with such a noble background would bolster the Empire’s authority and stability.
That’s why I allowed the Minister to bring his son into the palace, but…
“Minister?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Didn’t you say you’d only bring the dog given to you by my brother?”
To my surprise, there were more guests than I had anticipated entering the palace. Moreover, they were familiar faces that I had seen countless times before.
‘Those pesky creatures.’
The eleven beastlings the Minister had brought from the cold lands were now stripped of their divine status, but those who were once called “beasts” still gathered under the Minister’s feet.
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
As he bowed his head and expressed regret, I couldn’t help but think: No, regret or not, why did he bring them? I distinctly told him to bring only his son and the dog.
‘If Charlotte sees those creatures, she won’t eat and will just play instead.’
Would he really show those diminutive creatures to the Crown Princess, who loves playing with animals?
Just thinking about the painfully obvious outcome made my head throb. Charlotte would definitely forget all about eating, desperate to play with her animal friends.
“If I tell her to stop playing and come in, she’ll run away, and if I try to get her to eat, she’s bound to yell that she hates Daddy.”
‘No way.’
That’s an utterly unacceptable future. I can’t tolerate my precious daughter skipping her meals or saying she dislikes her father.
“Send those creatures back. Isn’t the only one the Crown Princess wants to see the one gifted by my brother?”
Even with my firm command, the Minister looked around, seemingly hesitant.
It was strange. Normally, when I issue a command, he either complies silently or offers up various excuses to avoid it. He’s not the type to respond to such a direct order with silence.
“Ah!”
Just then, amid the awkward silence, the tiny child in the Minister’s arms reached out his little hand.
Towards the beasts that were sprawled around the Minister’s feet.
‘Ah.’
As soon as I saw that, it dawned on me.
‘It’s clear the Minister has lost to his son.’
It wasn’t the Minister’s intention to bring along those creatures; it was his son’s wish.
It seemed the Minister tried his best to resist his son’s will but ultimately succumbed to it.
‘Then there’s nothing else to be done.’
Parents losing to their young children is a common occurrence. I could relate, as I often found myself powerless against Charlotte’s stubbornness.
What does it matter if one holds the titles of Emperor or Imperial Count? When it comes to one’s children, parents are just beggars trying to convince them to eat or sleep.
“Just let them play. Just make sure they don’t run off to some strange place.”
“Thank you for your leniency, Your Majesty.”
The strangely heartfelt gratitude made me chuckle a bit.
I realized that both the Minister and I were learning how to be fathers.
*
With the majestic Titi marching forward, Pedi rode on top, followed by eleven little beasts.
It was quite the sight, a spectacle that was no ordinary scene in the palace turned into a zone reminiscent of the Bremen town musicians, drawing all sorts of eyes upon it.
‘Ugh.’
I felt tears welling up. Please don’t look at me with those eyes. I did all I could to stop this, you know.
“Master.”
“What?”
“Why are we here?”
In humble terms, they directed their gaze towards me quietly.
In fact, they weren’t the only victims of this debacle; I had dragged them out on a weekend morning when they were peacefully asleep.
But it couldn’t be helped.
“Chin-gu! Value!”
“W-wait, our Pedi prefers being at home—”
“Ga-chi!”
It was undeniable. Pedi, whose vocabulary only extended to words for her mom, dad, and Titi, suddenly transitioned to using complex words like “friend” and “together,” leading the little beasts around.
I felt a bit pleased. From Pedi’s perspective, she must have been feeling guilty about enjoying time with just Titi and brought along her animal friends. If we assess the intention, it’s leaning more towards benevolence.
However, the outcome didn’t reflect that goodness. The coerced wake-up had left those little divine beasts wobbling on their feet even now.
“Master, we’d appreciate your consideration for the fact we will fall asleep after playing late with the young lord.”
“…Are you tired?”
At those words, not only the humble one but all the little divine beasts stared back at me intently.
I get it. Please don’t look at me like that.
“Don’t worry; you won’t be sleepy for long.”
“I trust you, Master. An extra hour of sleep would be a blessing.”
“Indeed. Why are we the only ones up at this hour while the servants enjoy their weekend?”
“I… want to eat when I wake up…”
My words prompted them to murmur about how they could sleep if they just had a little more time.
‘Sorry.’
I patted Titi softly while observing their weary faces.
What I meant by saying they wouldn’t be sleepy for long wasn’t an indication that I would let them sleep. Once I met the Crown Princess, I’d be forced into an exhilarating frenzy with my boundless two-year-old child.
“Whoaaa! So many friends!”
Indeed, the Crown Princess let out two gleeful exclamations upon seeing Titi and the divine beasts behind him.
“Master, is this not different from what we promised?”
“Master! This isn’t in line with our agreement!”
Suddenly, the divine beasts found themselves helpless against a child grabbing their wings and legs, voicing their frantic protests.
“What did I say I would do?”
“You, you villain worse than a demon!”
I couldn’t help but grit my teeth at my scummy evasion of responsibility.
I feel sorry, but Pedi and the Crown Princess have a higher standing than I do, what can I do?
If they’re cozying up as guests in my home, they must endure this much.
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