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"That is exactly why I called you over Ezra. You see, I never carried… anything other than a sword...so…" He said hesitantly.
Both mine and Ezra's face looked at each other in confusion.
"Your...Majesty… I have a meeting to attend… it is about our empire and war… this cannot be delayed any longer. Also, I am the grand commander of the emerald knights. I am not her nanny." Ezra replied in an irritated tone.
"I am fully aware of your position. Also, I already gave my decision at the meeting. I had Hansol report my answer to the whole meeting staff. They should receive the news in a few minutes. You and I can discuss the meeting later. Now that that is out of the way teach me how to properly hold a child of her age."
I can see Ezra's left eye twitch in frustration. Poor dude. How is he not an alcoholic dealing with someone like him every day? he released a massive sigh and began to laugh.
'Okay, your Majesty. However, I have a favor to ask of you if I teach you. You also cannot break my favor either." Ezra requested.
The trashman raised his eyebrow and gave a dead-like stare at Ezra.
"It is a yes or a no, your majesty. I have many things to do, so time is a virtue to me." Ezra demanded.
"Tch… look at this rascal giving orders. Fine. I'll allow the favor. Now teach me how to hold the child at once before I lose my patience. Come on, I have things to do, so time is a virtue to me." He said in a snarky, mimic tone.
Ezra clenched his jaw and nodded as a sign of defeat.
"Okay, fair enough. Take a look at how I am holding the princess. This is one of many ways to hold a child. Holding her against the side of your hip is the most comfortable way, not only for you but for her as well. It also helps for long distances since the hip is where all the weight is being carried at. Another way, and possibly the most comfortable of them all, is the princess's favorite. Turn around, your majesty. I'll show you."
The trash man raised an eyebrow and hesitated while turning around slowly.
"How are you supposed to show me if I am not facing you, you idiot." Questioned the trashman in an irritated voice.
"Careful who you insult, Uour Majesty. I am your teacher. You should not insult the person who teaches you. Here. Now the princess will place her arms around your neck. You will carry her by holding her legs like this. See? Easy. Luckily, the princess is gentle around holding one's neck, and she weighs as light as a feather. So she will not tire you." Ezra explained as he placed me on top of this dirty man's back.
He hesitated to grab my legs while I hesitated to wrap my arms around his neck. Do I really have to hold on to him? Ugh. Can I just have someone carry me everywhere? Why do I need this man touching me?
"Is… is she on properly? Are you holding on to her?" Questioned the trash bag as he held still in confusion.
I turned my head, facing Ezra. I can see him holding in his laughter. What is your problem, dude? Why are you laughing? What is so entertaining about this? Is my misery your pleasure?
Ezra walked up in front of us and smiled.
"Good job, your Majesty. Easy right? She has been on your back this whole time, so do not fret." Ezra said with reassurance.
".... She… doesn't weigh anything. In fact, my sword weighs more than her. Is this how light children weigh at her age? Is she not eating properly? Should she see the imperial doctor?'"
"...I do not know much about children, but I can only imagine she is the ideal weight of a child her age, your Majesty. If you would allow it, the princess has not seen a doctor in quite some time, actually. Perhaps having the imperial doctor take a look at her health may be needed since summer is nearby."
"I… will allow it. Have him check her as soon as possible. Anyway, is this all? Just carry her like this? That is it? Nothing more? What is so special about holding a child if it is as simple as this? I thought it would be more complicated than this. She weighs less than a fly on the shoulder. What a waste." The trashman complained.
"I never said it was complex. However, tossing children is possibly forbidden in every region on this earth. Holding a child with care is all that is needed, your majesty. You can carry the princess in those two positions, or you may simply hold her in front of you like this. As if you were to hold a large bouquet of flowers. One arm on her back while the other arm holds the top of her legs, like this." Ezra demonstrated as he took me off his back and carried me in his arms.
The trashman raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms as he observed us, both.
"Here, you try." He said as he handed me over like a sack of potatoes.
We both awkwardly looked at each other as he held me in his arms. Strangely enough, it felt comfortable in his arms. I am so used to Ezra, Hansol, and Marina being held that this should feel strange. However, it feels different.
I have never been so close to his face before. As I stared at him more, I could see every detail on his face. His long, thick black eyelashes. The different shades of green in his iris that resembles the summer grass. His flawless pale, milky skin with very light, faded freckles lay on his perfect nose bridge. His thick, full pink lips flatter his cheekbones and strong jawline. This man is the ideal specimen. Truly perfect. I can not believe this man is my father. His features can only exist from a book.
"This… child… looks…"
"Like you. The princess looks just like his majesty. It is uncanny, really. It is like you created yourself without any help. Makes me wonder how she will look once she gets older."Ezra said as he crossed his arms.
"Stop speaking nonsense. I will be on my way then. Take the princess back to her palace." He demanded as he handed me back to Ezra.
"Right, about that… this is my favor... I will be taking my vacation until next Friday. That means, unless there is a sign of war, I am to not be bothered. I am just the 'third prince' as of right now. That makes me off-duty from my title as 'grand commander' till then. You know where the emerald palace is, right brother?" He said in a sly tone as he patted his shoulder.
"H... Hey you!... how… dare you not follow an order from your emperor! EZRA!" Yelled the trashman. We both looked at each other, causing me to smile back nervously.