Chapter 594
High school friends become closer during late-night study sessions, university buddies bond over drinks, and military seniors connect through sharing cigarettes. This shows that engaging in common activities is a great way to strengthen human relationships.
But what about babies who cry together at the same time?
“Dong-saeng! Pe-di!”
“Nu-wa!”
Surprisingly, after that day of simultaneous bawling, Pedi and the Crown Princess became quite close.
Whenever Pedi rolls in on Titi, the Crown Princess joyfully hops onto one of the four fluffy pups to greet him. And in a clumsy voice, Pedi addresses her as “noona.”
“Pedi! This!”
And the Crown Princess today, just like any day, offered chocolate to Pedi.
“Your Highness, Pedi can’t eat chocolate.”
“Eeehh… still?”
With my firm answer, the Crown Princess pouted but promptly popped the chocolate into her mouth.
Since the chocolate incident, the Crown Princess has given Pedi chocolate every day, and I’ve had to refuse it, reminding her that it’s a “dangerous age for eating chocolate.” It must be hard for her to grasp that concept. It seems she thinks that if she keeps giving it, one day he’ll be able to eat it.
‘Is this an Indian rain dance or what?’
I couldn’t help but chuckle. No matter how many times she was rejected, she still offered up her precious chocolate daily. What a warm-hearted individual she is indeed.
So today, I prepared a small gift for this kind-hearted one.
“Your Highness.”
“Hmm?”
I held up a little box toward the Crown Princess, diligently munching away with her small mouth.
“This is a gift prepared by your guardian for your brother, Pedi.”
“Seol-eon—food?”
Her eyes sparkled at that magical word, even making adults shiver with excitement.
How delightful! Just showing her the box provoked such a reaction—imagine how happy she’d be once she sees the contents!
“Ta-da!”
“Woah!”
When I exaggeratedly opened the box, the Crown Princess let out a gasp.
Inside the cute little box were ten chocolates, all meticulously arranged. Unlike the usual chocolates she had, these were colorful and adorned with a variety of patterns.
For the Crown Princess, who had only been allowed a limited number of the same type of chocolate each day, this was like stepping into a new world.
“Is this… mine?”
I couldn’t help but smile at the gluttonous look in the Crown Princess’s eyes.
“Yes. They’re all yours, Your Highness.”
“Yay! I’m the richest!”
Seeing her beam like she owned the world filled me with joy too. Normally, the reaction of the recipient can bring a sense of fulfillment to the giver.
“But keep it a secret from Her Majesty, okay?”
“Yeah! Secret!”
Watching the Crown Princess nod repeatedly, I felt assured she would keep it a thorough secret from the Empress.
After all, the Crown Princess must have worked hard to secure her precious chocolates all this time. Every time she tried, she likely faced frustration, unable to cross the wall that was the Empress. With her harsh experiences, the Crown Princess must have concluded that sneaking around was the way to fulfill her desires.
And so, a secret negotiation was in place between me and the Crown Princess. As long as it remained confidential, there was no issue in gifting chocolates to her.
‘As long as the Empress doesn’t find out, who would complain?’
The Empress is the one actually raising the Crown Princess, and it was her who enforced the daily limit on chocolate.
So, as long as the Empress doesn’t find out, everyone would be happy. For the happiness of all, this chocolate smuggling operation must remain forever hidden in the shadows.
“Delicious!”
The Crown Princess had already popped a chocolate into her mouth, giggling with glee.
A perfect deal, with both the Crown Princess enjoying lots of chocolates and me sharing in the happiness. Truly the essence of a cheerful world.
…Or so I thought.
“Minister, I heard you gave chocolates to the Crown Princess.”
“Uh, yes?”
“The Crown Princess boasted to the head maid. ‘It’s a secret gift from my guardian!’”
Less than a day passed before our little deal was discovered.
I nearly let out an absurd chuckle. At least the Crown Princess didn’t betray my trust. I instructed her thoroughly to keep it secret from her mother, so she took that to heart and was cautious in front of her.
‘She really just kept it secret from Mom, huh?’
Only in front of her mom. The head maid isn’t her mom, so apparently, it was fine to mention it.
‘Maybe I should’ve said it was a secret between us two…’
I couldn’t help but lower my head under the burning gaze of the Empress.
It’s my fault for failing to convey the instructions accurately.
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“While I appreciate your affection for the Crown Princess, giving her too much food, especially when she doesn’t know how to control her appetite, is not wise.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
I bent nearly 90 degrees in apology, showing my remorse.
When a perfect crime fails, sincere apologies are the only answer.
From that day on, I had to undergo a thorough body check every time I met the Crown Princess.
“Your Grace, I’m sorry, but you can’t bring food inside.”
“That’s what I’m going to eat.”
“Is it the rabbit-shaped strawberry chocolate?”
Feeling the accusing gaze as if they expected at least an ounce of honesty while lying, I awkwardly averted my eyes.
Indeed, they were too vigilant. I thought they’d overlook it because it had strawberry additives rather than being pure chocolate.
“Next, we’ll check the others accompanying you.”
“Oh, uh, right.”
The maids bowed respectfully and began their ritualistic search, poking and prodding Titi or lowering Pediatric—not that a normal puppy or baby could hide much in the first place.
However, the ceremonial search only applied to those two.
“Spread your wings, please.”
“How rude! I can only bow to my lord, my lady, my young master, the next saint, the Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Princess—”
“Since you are uncooperative, I’ll check myself.”
“Gaaah!”
While the little divine beasts were smaller than pedi and Titi, sadly, they were intelligent beings capable of communication. Just because they looked small didn’t mean they weren’t variables in the mix.
So, what can I do? For the health of the Crown Princess, I have no choice but to be thorough.
‘So many people bowing down.’
I felt pity for the overly subservient maid at the moment of earnest reports of humility. They practically bowed to everyone they’d ever met.
“Is it… done…? I’m tired…”
“Shall I check under your shell as well?”
“If you do, I will die…”
In silence, I embraced Pedi, who shook nearby in hard work.
“Appa?”
“Shh. Let’s just be quiet for a sec.”
“Uuwung.”
Pedi nodded in response; I looked at the divine beasts being trifled with by the maids.
“Gwaang! Gwaang!”
“My wings, don’t touch my wings!”
The cost of my chocolate smuggling operation is heavier than I thought.
*
Today, I played with children at the orphanage.
No, rather, the kids gifted me the warmth I needed.
‘Pure children.’
I quietly smiled while watching the kids run around in their laughter.
I once lost my parents and neighbors due to the wickedness of the Twilight Sect. I lost everything and became an orphan myself.
But could I act as brightly and happily as these kids back then? Could I even pretend to be fine on the surface?
Not at all. Embarrassingly, I once resented the world and even blamed the Lord. Why was everything precious taken from me? I cried only tears.
‘These kids are different.’
Having good connections, choosing the path of faith, becoming the next saint, and successfully seeking revenge on the Twilight Sect, only then did I find peace in my heart. But these kids live purely and kindly from the start.
Visiting an orphanage was indeed a good choice. It was a chance to reflect on my past self and gain insight for the present. During that process, haven’t I been able to provide tasty food and warm clothing to as many children as possible?
“I found you!”
“Now it’s my turn to be ‘it’!”
“Guys… can I have just a moment to catch my breath…?”
As I played with the kids, I also felt gratitude and guilt toward Sister Alexandria, who was tirelessly playing with them.
She supported this impromptu visit to the orphanage and helped babysit without complaint, still dragging her tired body to play tag with the kids.
“Can I be ‘it’ this time?”
To assist her even a little, I approached the kids, who readily nodded. To them, it only mattered that someone was there to play tag with them.
“Then this time, the white oppa will be ‘it’!”
With that, I watched as the kids scattered everywhere, offering some encouragement to the worn-out Sister Alexandria.
“Thank you for your hard work. Just relax; you can find us at the end.”
“No, I can’t just leave when the kids are having fun.”
Despite saying that, I noticed her legs trembled slightly.
What do I do? Simply persuading her to rest doesn’t seem like it’ll work.
“Ah, or… how about I pretend that our brother has found me, and we can search together for the kids?”
“Ha, that sounds good.”
Luckily, Sister Alexandria suggested a decent compromise herself, so my worries dissipated.
While it meant she still had to play as ‘it,’ it was definitely better than running around alone.
“Now I feel like we’ve become a couple playing with kids.”
“Eh, what?”
As I inadvertently voiced my inner thoughts, Sister Alexandria had another strong reaction.
In my experience, whenever I say something related to couples or children in front of her, she tends to react with exclamations. Perhaps it’s due to her having missed the usual marriage age, making her sensitive to such terms.
It’s truly unfortunate. Sister Alexandria is dedicated to her faith, so she hasn’t had a chance to pursue romance, which isn’t for lack of ability. Her character, intelligence, capability, and looks—she’s someone outstanding.
‘She could be married and have kids tomorrow if she wanted to.’
A capable person who suppresses personal desires for the sake of serving the Lord. Isn’t that such a noble and idealized image for a priest?
“I don’t know who it will be, but whoever becomes your husband will be a truly blessed man.”
Thus, to comfort and encourage her, I let out heartfelt compliments.
Anyone who can break through her self-control must be perfect; that man must have been born with divine grace. No less than a blessed person, really.
“You’re flattering me. What good could come from someone like me, who’s so unfriendly?”
Sister Alexandria blushed at my praise and waved her hands dismissively, but I shook my head firmly in response.
“Don’t say that. I like being with you.”
At that, Sister Alexandria paused, her hands frozen.
While too much flattery can be harmful, I have no regrets. What’s more to praise than a priest like her?
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