─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Xavier made his way to the imperial office once he was fully dressed. He stared at the mini picture frame of the princess that rested on his desk. Confused, he placed his hand on his lips while raising an eyebrow.
"Are we going to talk about this misplaced object on my desk? Since when has this… picture frame been here?" He questioned as he looked up at Hansol, crossing his arms.
"Let's focus on what really matters, your Majesty… Is the princess doing alright? Am I allowed to go see her after we are done discussing today's schedule?" Questioned Hansol in a worried tone.
"Answer my question, and quit stalling. What is this… thing… doing here on my desk?"
"... Actually, I requested the royal painter to make one for your desk months ago. However, I placed it there this morning. I figured you should pack the frame along with your other belongings. You will be far away from the princess; you may miss her. This picture may help. To make things easier, just remove the frame and just take the painting of the princess with you." Hansol suggested as he looked through the documents in his hand.
"Tch...Do not speak nonsense so early in the morning. Why would I carry around a worthless piece of paper of that child around? Miss that child? What an absurd assumption." Xavier said confidently as he placed the picture frame facing down on the desk.
Hansol sighed as he shook his head.
"Fine. Just for the sake of changing subjects, the princess's 6th birthday is coming up. I will have the usual presents sent to her palace. I have also contacted the royal painter about her yearly portrait. However...If I can make… a small suggestion, Your Majesty?" Hansol smiled as he placed the documents on the desk.
Xavier looked at Hansol with his usual careless facial expression.
"What do you want to blab about now? I have many things to do before the departure. Make it quick." Xavier replied as he reviewed the documents that were in front of him.
"Well. As I mentioned earlier, the princess will soon turn 6-years-old. However, she has never had a 'real' party. Actually, she has yet to be introduced to the public! Everyone knows of the princess. Other than the staff members that work here, no one even knows anything about her." Hansol explained.
Xavier closed his eyes in frustration and placed the document back on the desk with force.
"I do not see how this is any of my concern. I am the emperor, not a party planner." Xavier replied in an agitated tone.
"Well… I am simply stating. The child at least needs to communicate with other children her age. She has yet to meet another child, you know. I could only assume she feels lonely and in need of a friend. There are many noble families with children her age. Perhaps inviting them to the emerald palace for a birthday party is something she may enjoy." Hansol replied.
"Do what you will. I do not have an interest in that child's personal life. I do not care about what you do or plan as far as parties or social gatherings. If she wants friends, so be it. Just keep them away from the imperial palace. At least I will be fortunate enough to not see so many… children around. The sight of those little demons gives me anxiety just thinking of it." He responded.
Hansol's face lit up with joy.
"What about the… ahem… the budget? How much can I spend?" Hansol hesitated.
Xavier bit his bottom lip as he sighed heavily in frustration.
"Does it look like I need to set budgets with the amount of wealth I have? I could give every citizen in Giodivonia a bag of gold and jewels and still be a wealthy man. I say that with confidence, Hansol."
"In that case, I will get started with the invitations! Where should the party be held at? Perhaps the imperial garden? Or the lake? No. That's dangerous. Not after what happened… What about cake ideas? Hmm…" Hansol mumbled as he took out his writing pad and calligraphy pen.
Xavier expressed a disgusted reaction.
"Can you...plan… far away from me? Better yet, let her maids deal with the planning. You are my chancellor. Soon to be my regent. You have important matters to attend to rather than thinking about a child's birthday party. How juvenile of you." Xavier interrupted.
Hansol frowned after hearing Xavier's comment. He nodded and picked up a new stack of files from the desk for review.
He quickly looked up at Xavier with a confused look.
"What is it now, Hansol? Must you continue bothering me at a time like this?" Xavier said while placing the signed documents at the corner of the desk.
"If money is not an issue, why did you give such a low-monthly budget to the princess when she lived in the tower? I am happy to know that the princess's monthly budget has now increased substantially. Why even set one anyways? She is the princess, after all. She should be able to spend carelessly." Hansol questioned.
"Fine. The child no longer has a monthly budget. Give her what you please. Ask another question, and I will have to find a new chancellor." He replied in a low tone.
Hansol smiled and nodded.
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
Xavier and Hansol both looked at the door.
"Come in." Xavier said in a loud tone.
"Your Majesty, Marina - the princess's nanny is here now." Announced one of the guards as he opened the door.
Xavier nodded and looked at Hansol.
"Step out and work on other tasks while I speak to the child's nanny." Xavier commanded.
Hansol slowly nodded and walked out of the room.
Marina anxiously walked into the room as she held her hands together in front of her.
"May the sun and moon shine brightly upon the Giodivonian Empire, your Majesty." Marina's voice cracked from nerves.
Xavier raised an eyebrow as a reaction.
"Take a seat, Marina." Xavier ordered as he continued to write.
She quickly took a seat and placed her shaking hands on top of her lap.
"It's been a while since I last saw you. That's right. You almost got beheaded for neglecting the child, quite a ruckus you caused with your lack of care giving skills." He teased as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs.
Marina gulped loudly as she looked down in embarrassment and fear.
"For..forgive me, Your Majesty. I am still willing to pay for all of the consequences. I do not deserve a second chance to be the lovely princess's nanny…" Marina replied as her voice trembled.
As Marina continued looking down at her lap, she bit her lip.
"I caused a ruckus? I lack care giving skills? You almost let the princess drown due to your lack of parenting skills." she mumbled to herself.
Xavier smirked as he leaned back on his chair.
"No need for a comeback. I think we can all agree that I am not the best father. However, That is not why I called you for. How… is the child doing? Has she woken up yet?"
"N... no, Your Majesty. She is still sleeping deeply. However, the royal doctor checked her this morning. Her fever has gone down. The royal doctor will check her health status later this afternoon. She is looking much better than when she first came in." Marina explained.
Xavier nodded as he tapped his fingertips against the desk.
"Seems to me that I will leave before she wakes up. So be it." Xavier mumbled.
"As you may know… I will be leaving for war soon. Since you are with the child majority of the time, you are the only one who I can rely on with this request. It must be kept in secret. If anyone other than you and the child knows about this, I will kill your family. Do you understand?" Xavier commanded in a severe and threatening tone.