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Chapter 14
“Mm?”
“Are you the Mage Tower Master, mister?”
While chewing, I suddenly remembered what Leni had told me and asked about his identity.
“And how does our little lady know that?”
“I heard it.”
“From whom?”
Munch munch. Gulp.
“People I live with told me.”
“Well, it’s not exactly a secret.”
The tower master nodded as if it didn’t matter much.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Our little lady is…”
“Me?”
As he trailed off, I swallowed nervously.
“You are the little master of this imperial palace.”
“You knew?”
“I may not leave the tower, but I’m not ignorant of what goes on outside.”
The tower master smiled gently and stroked my head.
He knows who I am and still treats me like this?
That must mean I can act more comfortably around him.
“Hehe, I see. You knew. Then can I keep coming here to eat snacks like this?”
“Of course. You’re always welcome. You could even think of that bracelet as a symbol of friendship between me and our little lady.”
He playfully tapped the tip of my nose.
Even though he knew I was a princess, the way he treated me without any barriers made me feel at ease.
Maybe things will become a little easier.
In two years, when Lucas and I turn six and begin our heir education, having a strong relationship with the tower master will definitely help.
“Hehe, I’ll keep coming here to eat snacks!”
I giggled as I stroked the string bracelet with the teal gemstone on my wrist.
After that, I met the tower master often and ate snacks with him.
On days when memories of my past life surfaced in the playroom and it became hard to look at Lucas’s face, I headed to the West Tower even more.
“Leni! I’m going and coming back!”
“Your Highness, have a safe trip.”
When I arrived at the forest near the tower, I greeted Leni and the maids and tapped the teal gem on my bracelet.
“Mister! I’m here!”
“Our little princess has arrived.”
The tower master, who had been focused on his research, put down his documents and welcomed me.
No matter when I showed up, he always greeted me warmly.
“You came a bit early today.”
“There’s someone who keeps bothering me.”
I rolled my eyes and mumbled vaguely.
Lucas had come to the princess’s palace early in the morning, even before breakfast.
Did he notice I’ve been avoiding him?
Sigh. I should really pick a day and properly beat him up.
“Who dares bother our little princess? Shall I scold them for you?”
While I was thinking about how to deal with Lucas, the tower master spoke.
“Really?”
“If our little princess wishes, I can punish them immediately.”
Maybe I frowned without realizing it, because he gently pressed my brow to smooth it out.
“Hmm, no.”
For a moment I was tempted, but I held back.
The way his eyes sparkled made it seem like he might use magic to make Lucas disappear entirely.
“I’ll deal with him myself.”
“Is that so? Then tell me anytime if you need my help.”
It would feel more satisfying to deal with Lucas myself rather than relying on someone else.
“Mister, help me later!”
I left that hint for the future.
“I look forward to that day. Hahaha.”
The tower master laughed heartily and patted my head.
Time passed, and our fifth birthday came and went.
Spring would soon arrive, and with it, the start of heir education.
“Sigh… the happy days are over.”
“Oh my, Your Highness. What are you saying?”
Leni thought I was just a child speaking nonsense and kissed my cheek affectionately.
The one who knows nothing is you, Leni.
Soon, the nobles would begin their balancing act—deciding whether to support me or Lucas.
In my past life, Father left everything to the nobles, not caring what kind of education Lucas and I received.
Because of that, once our education began, our relationship worsened. And at some point, Lucas started to grow wary of me.
The nobles must have told him to stay away from me.
They probably used every method to suppress me under the name of “education.”
Day by day, I lost confidence.
My fists clenched at the thought.
If I follow the same path, I’ll live the same life again.
“…Then I’ll have to find my own teacher.”
I finally decided to personally recruit the teacher I had been eyeing since I was four.
Surely, he wouldn’t refuse… right?
I clenched my small fists tightly.
“Ah! Before that…”
I should get Father’s permission first.
“Your Majesty, the princess has arrived.”
“The princess? Let her in.”
When I entered the office, Father set aside his documents.
“It’s been a while since you visited my office.”
Thinking I had been wandering around too much lately, I ran toward him with a bright smile.
“You’ve been busy, Father, so I didn’t want to bother you.”
“……”
As I fidgeted and glanced at him, Father stood and lifted me into his arms.
“I’ve been too busy to take proper care of you.”
“…!”
Startled, I clung to him.
“No, it’s okay.”
I smiled shyly to hide my true feelings.
“Bring snacks for the princess.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Soon, desserts I had never even seen in the princess’s palace were brought in.
“Waaah.”
I looked at Father with sparkling eyes, and he nodded, setting me down on the sofa.
As if that was a signal, I immediately started eating.
The imperial kitchen is the best!
The princess palace chefs weren’t bad, but this was different.
Munch munch.
“Now, what brings you here today?”
Father’s voice came as I was stuffing my mouth.
“Cough!”
I choked at the sudden question.
“Cough, cough!”
“Eat slowly.”
He patted my back and handed me milk.
Then don’t ask me right now!
I gulped the milk and caught my breath.
“Now, speak comfortably.”
He wiped my mouth gently.
“Well…”
I hesitated, watching his expression.
“My heir education is about to start…”
“……”
“I want to choose my own teacher.”
“Your own?”
“Yes…”
“Hmm. Do you have someone in mind?”
His reaction wasn’t as bad as I expected, so I gathered courage.
“The Mage Tower Master from the West Tower!”
“If you mean the tower master… Baldir Oppenheim?”
“Yes!”
“He’s still alive?”
Father muttered and glanced at the head attendant.
“The princess has been visiting there frequently.”
“I see.”
Are they investigating me?
A chill ran down my spine, but I hid it.
“Have you discussed it with him?”
“No!”
“…?”
Father looked slightly surprised.
“I wanted to ask for your permission first.”
He stared at me.
I focused on his lips, waiting for his answer.
“…Very well. Do as you wish.”
“Really?”
I asked, shocked.
“Isn’t that what you wanted to hear?”
“Yes!”
“Then leave.”
He dismissed me immediately.
Since I got what I wanted, I didn’t mind and left happily.
After getting permission, I headed straight for the West Tower.
If he agreed, this would be the first step to changing everything.
And I also have one more favor to ask… but I’ll bring that up later.
Humming happily, I approached the tower—
—and heard loud voices.
“Who came all the way here?”
Since I had been visiting for a year, the illusion magic had been loosened.
As I got closer, I saw people gathered around.
“Those people…”
Nobles.
“Come down for a moment!”
“Let’s talk!”
“Show yourself!”
They shouted toward the top of the tower.
“Please return.”
Baldir lazily responded, only sticking his head out the window.
“What are you all doing here?”
I quietly approached from behind and spoke.
“Eek!”
“Your Highness, when did you arrive?”
“W-we were just…”
“I just got here! What are you doing?”
They avoided my gaze.
At that moment, Baldir came down and stood behind me.
“Your Highness, you’ve arrived.”
Sigh… I’m still not used to being called “Your Highness.”
“At some point, he started speaking formally to me—it still feels awkward.”
“Mm… but what were you all doing without me? Something fun?”
