─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"That is right, Ezra. It is not exactly the palace I was hoping. However, it is much better than this place. Let's get moving, everyone. Pack up only the clothing and other necessities that belong to the Princess, and your belongings to the golden palace. I will be taking the Princess with me first. Let's go, Ezra." Demanded Hansol.
Okay, so, let me get this straight. These maids took me away from my comfy bed at the crack of dawn just to have a stare down with the trashman. Randomly, less than a few hours, I now have a palace? Mind telling what is going on?
I looked at Hansol as he smiled at me.
"What can I say, Princess? You are as charming as a dove. One look, and he fell for his baby girl. I told you this would happen, did I not Princess?" Hansol said with confidence.
Something about your response and facial expression seems like a lie, but whatever. Just take me to this palace so I can go to sleep.
"Can you believe it, Princess? You get to have your palace now! Do you know, your father and I used to live here? It is a HUGE palace, Princess! Twenty-four bedrooms, four living rooms, a playroom, a huge kitchen, dining room, and best of all, it has its indoor equestrian facility! Your majesty and I used to ride so much that the late emperor built one for us."
Why on earth does someone need 24 bedrooms? Jeez. Such a waste.
We finally arrived at the golden palace. To my surprise, I thought the place was made of gold. Do not get me wrong; this place is impressive. Ceiling murals, fancy accent wall panels, and large chandeliers. But where's the gold? It's called the 'golden palace,' right?
Hansol looked at me and chuckled.
"Curious minded, just like Xavier. You know, he always asked that question when we were kids. Rumors have it that there's a locked room among this palace. Only certain people know the secret passageway to it and the key to open it. Ironically, no one knows what's inside the room. They say it hasn't been open since the last war from the two previous emperors. We assume it's gold. TONS OF IT. That is why it got the name, the golden palace."
"And what happens if it's not? What if it is just a regular room with nothing in it? Will it be called "The Nothing Palace" then?"
Hansol started laughing and patted my head.
"Then, I will convince the emperor to change the name then. Or maybe we can have it named after you; then you can store whatever you want in it."
A line of maids and two butlers were waiting by french doors.
"May the sun, moon and stars shine upon the Giodivonia empire, princess." Said the maids and butlers as they bowed before us.
Why do I need more maids? Why do I need two butlers if I never needed them before? I'm satisfied with the ones I have. Hansol looked at me, and I immediately knew he read my mind.
"This is a necessary procedure, Princess. It is a large palace. If you'd like, we can have the maids you had before as your private maids. Five is enough. The new maids will only be used to clean and organize, so do not worry." Hansol said in my mind.
I nodded and smiled.
"Herrow! Ah, I...m.. pwentheth Amawa." I waved with a giggle.
Everyone quickly placed their hands over their mouth as a sign of shock. I am confused; why is everyone looking like that?
"Oh my! She is a genius!"
"Not only does she look like an angel, but she also talks like one too."
"Our princess is a gift from the Giodivonian Gods!"
Ugh, now these new maids are going to annoy me with the constant flattery.
"This is your new bedroom, Princess. Welcome to your new home."
As I entered my new bedroom, I was astounded by the total change of environment. This is the literal definition of 'rags to riches.' I went from over-painted, dirty walls to handcrafted pastel pink walls. Old, cracking wooden floors to white, shiny marble floors that sparkled like diamonds. Small windows, to oversized windows with a large balcony. A little, used bed to a large white canopy bed with white and gold curtains hung gently on each side. I even had a lounge and fireplace! Why the sudden change? How can I live in a room that is the size of a house?!
"Princess, starting today, let's all work hard to make the emperor happy, okay? Today's impression made a remarkable impact. If you continue to impress the emperor, the world is yours. Take the opportunity and seize the moment. I will do my part, and so will Ezra. Let's make the emperor fall to his knees for you, Princess."
I looked at the floor as he continued talking. My face felt hot to the touch. A wave of sudden anger rushed through my mind.
Why should I have to bend over backward and please his every command, when he was the one who wanted me gone from the moment I was born? He insulted me every second he got by calling a parasite, a thing, and a witch. Why should I?! How can you keep calling that man, my father?! Fathers are supposed to protect and love their children. I was born in a world of hate and despair by that man.
Hansol looked at me and placed me on my new bed. He kneeled on one knee and held both of my hands.
"Then let's make him pay for what he did. Let's make him fall for you, Princess. Once you have him wrapped around your finger, I will help you take revenge: just you and me. What do you say?" he suggested in my head.
After a while of silence, I smiled and nodded as tears still fell down my face.
Deal. I will make this trashman love me so much, to the point it will kill him to lose me. Let's take revenge.