─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
We continued to walk along the imperial garden until we saw Marina and the emerald guard waiting for us at the starting point from before.
Poor Marina. She must be exhausted. She was up all morning, getting me ready for the party, and now, having to wait for us. She needs a raise and a vacation.
"Daddy, I would really appreciate it if you escorted me back to the palace." I giggled as I held his hand.
Marina and the guard side-eyed each other in shock.
"Am I your dog? Am I your personal maid for you to always get your way?" Daddy replied rudely.
Damn, dude… forget it. So much for father-daughter bonding.
"You are right, Your Majesty. Asking for my own father, who I love so much, to escort me back to the palace as a birthday gift is far too much to ask for. Who am I to ask for such a thing. Good night, Your Majesty." I replied in a low, sad voice as I walked away.
"I… I have a moment to spare, I suppose." I heard a stuttering, deep voice from behind.
I smirked as my plan worked.
I quickly changed my expression as I turned to face him. I grinned ear to ear - displaying joy on my face.
"Thank you so much! What a wonderful gift!" I expressed with glee as I ran up to him.
Getting my way is starting to become more accessible and easier with this man. Is this considered bullying?
I held his warm, large hand tightly as we walked back to the Emerald Palace.
"Seems like the party is still going on in the banquet hall. Rest well, and I will see you early in the morning for breakfast. Make sure you rest well. You will meet your training mage tomorrow as soon as I set up an arrangement." Daddy announced.
I nodded and smiled.
"Daddy, can I tell you a little secret?" I asked with a cute gesture.
He raised one eyebrow In confusion.
"What is it?" He asked suspiciously, looking down at me with his cold gaze.
"Come close, let me whisper it in your ear." I teased as I cupped my hand around my mouth.
He closed his eyes and shook his head while bending down on one knee.
"What have I become to stoop this low - to a child of all things." He mumbled.
"Go on, tell me." He replied.
"You are the best daddy ever; I love you." I gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
I quickly stepped back to see his reaction.
As expected- he held his cheek with a flustered expression. However, his face quickly turned red, with a slightly opened mouth. I looked at Marina, as she too - had a shocked expression.
I can never get tired of this. Being able to get a reaction out of people has always been my pleasure.
He quickly cleared his throat and stood up, wiping his pants and adjusting his royal military coat.
"Good night and rest well." He replied in a nonchalant expression as he turned his body and walked out of the palace.
"Good night, daddy!" I giggled as I waved with joy.
"My, my Princess. You sure know how to get a reaction out of his Majesty. Well played." Marina smiled as we walked up the double spiral staircase.
"You once told me that killing someone with kindness is the best way for revenge, right? So I am starting to know what he likes to hear and what makes him tick. But don't worry, I will only use this for good. I promise." I nodded as I explained.
After my bath, Marina tucked me into bed and left.
What an exhausting day. I wonder when people will leave. I hear it is pretty standard for the imperial family to leave their own social gatherings and such when they feel like it- leaving their guests to enjoy the party until they feel the need to go home- but it's weird to just get up and leave my own party. At the same time, there were over a hundred people in the banquet hall.
I did get to meet the other noble children today. Unfortunately, though, I don't think they like me very much. They want my title, sure… but I doubt they like me as a person...Isaiah is the only friend I have… I think he likes me, for me… I wonder if Isaiah and his family are still at the party.
I closed my eyes in hopes of falling into a deep sleep.
Damn… why can't I sleep? I am sure it's past midnight. Maybe I can find a maid to make me a glass of warm honey milk. That usually does the trick.
I put on my robe and peaked out the door.
"Princess, is everything alright?" the palace guards questioned by my door.
"I am trying to fetch a maid for a light drink. You do not have to follow me.' I explained.
The guards looked at each other with uncertainty, and both shook their heads.
"Forgive us, Princess. However - by imperial royal order, we must protect you with our lives until our shift is done." The bearded guard replied.
I nodded gently and walked away from the door.
"Very well then, just keep your distance."
I walked around the dimly lit corridor until I reached the main hall, by the double spiral staircase.
"Hmm… looks like someone is downstairs. Perhaps a maid or a butler." I whispered as I made my way down the stairs.
"Is… is anyone there? Hello?" I asked nervously.
Quick footsteps took place from the right side of the palace.
I turned my head, facing the noise.
Oh no… this is everyone's worst nightmare. This is just like the horror movies I used to watch. It's always the curious ones that die first.
Nope.. forget it. I don't need milk. Good night creepy ghost.
As I quickly walked up the stairs, I saw a shadow from where I heard the footsteps.
Isn't that the same hallway where the late empress's office was? Speaking of that office, there is so much about this palace I do not know about. I should definitely investigate the palace soon.