Chapter: 783
No matter what city you visit, feeling its charm in just one day is impossible. And if a regular city is like that, how about the capital city, 제도? The Crown Princess’s enthusiastic day trip only allowed her to see a portion of it.
But despite just a day’s sightseeing, the Crown Princess seemed satisfied, beaming with happiness. She got to check out all sorts of places she never usually saw, like the circus, the zoo, and the park.
“Anrietta!”
“Charlotte!”
Plus, she made a friend, not just a younger sibling.
As soon as the news reached Marquis Ravirje, the Emperor got involved. Just as I expected, he was eager to protect the Crown Princess’s precious little friendship, and the marquis readily complied with the Emperor’s wishes.
Not that ‘complying’ is the right term. When your own blood becomes the future Emperor’s childhood friend, you’d be overjoyed about it, regardless of being a marquis. Both the current and the future Emperor, and who knows, maybe even the one after that, are likely to have a favorable view of your family.
Provided, of course, that the Digo marquis family doesn’t pull any nonsense. But given that the marquis is a noble, it’s unlikely he would.
“I’m so happy to be here again!”
“Yup! I’m really happy to be playing with Charlotte!”
Anyway, little Anrietta didn’t seem to grasp the significance of having a friend, just blissfully enjoying the moment.
In fact, I doubt she even understands what being a Crown Princess means. She’s just going along with it because the adults call her that.
“Is this where you live?”
To prove my point, the Crown Princess and Anrietta met at our mansion, not the palace.
Though it was an unexpected location for their meeting, it was understandable. Anrietta’s circle included not only the Crown Princess but also Fedi, and the palace is objectively a boring place to hang out. Even the Crown Princess preferred playing at our house than the palace.
Thanks to that, Anrietta came to our mansion instead. One day, she may enter the palace, but that day isn’t here yet.
“Wow, this is our house.”
“Then there must be lots of animals here, right?”
“Yup! Tons!”
Anrietta’s eyes sparkled at Fedi’s enthusiastic reply.
It’s fascinating. Some kids are terrified of animals, but all the kids I’ve met so far seem to adore them—my own kids, the Crown Princess, Teresa, Helen, and now Anrietta as well.
It seems like destiny at this point. With the empire’s top dog running an animal farm, the kids born in this era are likely influenced by their environment and developed a love for animals. It’s like some wide-area buff effect.
“Miss, we should greet Lord Count for inviting us.”
“Oh!”
While I watched the three giggle away, Anrietta’s maid spoke up.
“Lord Count, thank you!”
“No need for thanks. If you’re friends with Fedi and His Highness, you’re always welcome to come and play.”
“Yes!”
Her cheerful response made me smile.
I’m left wondering if this is really the same girl who battled against the grandpas. Kids are truly mysterious beings, not limited to just one side. The fierce warrior has transformed into a charming little lady now.
“Anrietta! Let’s go! I’ll show you all the animals!”
“Yay!”
But before I could fully bask in this heartwarming scene, the Crown Princess whisked Anrietta and Fedi away, disappearing into the distance.
I silently cried in my heart. I wanted to spend more time with our kids’ friends too.
“Your Highness, thank you for welcoming the young lady.”
As I contemplated sneaking along, Anrietta’s maid bent at the waist.
“There’s no need to thank me. Anrietta is a friend of our child, after all. It’s only natural for parents to welcome their kids’ friends.”
“I’m grateful that you consider her a friend. Anrietta hasn’t had a chance to meet kids her age aside from her cousins.”
“Is that so?”
Her words resonated with my previous concerns, prompting a bittersweet smile.
I know that feeling. No matter how many siblings or cousins you have, friends and family are different. If I hadn’t found a peer like Helen thanks to Titi, I would’ve shared similar worries with that maid.
“Everything is hard in the beginning. She’s already made two friends; she’ll meet plenty more as time goes on.”
At this, the maid bowed even deeper.
‘Is she a nanny?’
Looking at her, I couldn’t help but notice her affection and concern for Anrietta was too deep for a regular maid.
That feeling couldn’t be expressed merely as loyalty or diligence. From several years of being a dad, I could sense this maid’s emotions were undoubtedly maternal.
‘If she is a nanny, that counts.’
Even our family’s nanny cared for and loved Erich and me as if we were her own.
“Waaaaah!”
“Miss!?”
Startled by the loud voices coming from the mansion, the presumed nanny shot upright.
“Don’t worry, I think they’ve just seen our pets.”
“Eh?”
“They’ll find out when they go and check it out.”
Along with the nanny, I headed toward the commotion.
In front of the animal-loving Anrietta, eleven talking animal companions made their grand entrance. It would’ve been weirder if she didn’t cheer.
‘Looks like she’ll be visiting every single day from now on.’
Since I told her she could come anytime, I truly expect her to visit whenever she wants. Anrietta doesn’t seem like the type to hesitate based on an adult’s words. And with Marquis Ravirje not stopping the Crown Princess from visiting her granddaughter, it makes perfect sense.
Who knows, once Anrietta’s little sister can walk, they might come together. It’s something I look forward to just thinking about.
‘How many kids will there be at one time?’
Our kids, the Emperor’s kids, Teresa, my nephews, and Anrietta and Helen. Just imagining all these kids running around in the mansion is quite a sight.
I bet the number will far surpass that of any ordinary kindergarten. I might have to register our mansion as a daycare with the Ministry of Relief or the Ministry of Education soon.
*
“Waaaaah, waaaaaah!”
Seeing Anrietta marveling at Jangsaeng was a source of pride for me.
She must be amazed! After all, all of Fedi’s pets are fascinating!
“Who’s this?”
“Anrietta! My friend!”
“I see. Have fun now.”
I caught up with Jangsaeng, who seemed to be heading somewhere.
“Jangsaeng, come play for a bit!”
“Damn it, I knew this would happen.”
“D-doom!”
As soon as I friggin’ grabbed Jangsaeng, Lisianne, who was nearby, also approached.
“Th-this doll talks! Awesome!”
“Right? Isn’t it amazing?”
“Yup!”
I handed Jangsaeng and Lisianne over to Anrietta.
Watching is cool, but touching is even better!
“It’s so nice, Fedi.”
“Yup?”
“Where’s Titi?”
Now that I think about it, I can’t see Titi. The talking pets are cool and cute, but Titi’s the smartest and my favorite! Even though she can’t talk, I like her best!
“She went to meet Jeni.”
“Jeni?”
“Helen’s dog!”
I blinked at Fedi’s word.
Jeni. Helen. Dog. Sister. Titi.
Nice!
“Let’s all go!”
“Huh?”
“Uhm?”
“Let’s go see Titi, Jeni, and Helen!”
I heard about this dog named Jeni before! It’s Fedi’s favorite dog, right?!
And the girl who takes care of Jeni is Helen! I remember everything!
‘She’s Fedi’s sister!’
If she’s Fedi’s sister, she’s my friend!
“But Anrietta, it’s our house now.”
“Oh.”
Right. That’s true.
“Then let’s go next time!”
We’ll have plenty of chances to see her! It’ll be great to go to Helen’s house next time!
*
As I went toward the kids, I overheard a rather startling conversation.
“We’re going to see Titi and Jeni and Helen!”
“Then let’s go next time!”
Wow, the Crown Princess is planning to visit Helen’s and Luciano’s house. What a big deal!
Fortunately, thanks to Fedi’s wise response, we avoided an immediate visit. Our mansion has lots of cool stuff to explore, including the divine beasts, Mane, Mine, and various spirits, so the ‘next time’ will be a while off.
But it’s just buying time. Once the Crown Princess sets her mind to it, it’ll eventually happen.
‘I can’t use status as an excuse to stop her.’
Even if I said a Crown Princess visiting a knight’s mansion is problematic, it will be futile in the face of going to see Helen. Fedi’s reasoning about the Emperor being aware of Helen would be valid too.
“Um, Your Highness, about this girl named Helen…”
“She’s the child of a bureaucrat I’m connected with. Our kids are friends, so Anrietta should be able to get along with her too.”
At this, the nanny’s demeanor brightened. She seemed pleased at the prospect of Anrietta making another friend after the Crown Princess and Fedi.
‘There’s no way out of this.’
I couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Fedi going to Helen’s house is expected; the Crown Princess decided she wants to go, and Anrietta sees an opportunity to make friends. No matter what, there’s no reasoning to send the kids away.
“Seems the Crown Princess will be visiting soon.”
– …Huh?
That’s just a huge issue for Luciano, the mansion master.
– Y-your Highness? The Crown Princess… are you serious?
“Indeed.”
After Anrietta returned, I contacted Luciano to update him on the situation. Told him the Crown Princess was about to bless his mansion with her presence.
The reaction was exactly as I anticipated. Shock and disbelief overtook Luciano’s features.
“No need to worry. His Highness is pure-hearted, kind, and incredibly bright. He wouldn’t harm you, your lady, or Helen.”
Despite my comforting words, Luciano’s eyes still trembled.
I understand. Having the next Emperor visit a mere knight’s mansion? Anyone in their right mind would be apprehensive.
“I’ll personally welcome His Highness, so there won’t be a fuss.”
But comprehension aside, I can’t hold back the Crown Princess.
Luciano can only greet Her Highness with a smile and pray that Helen stays friends with her.
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