She had only plucked her courage one time, but why did it have to come to this?
"Yes, I guess it will work if you're around someone you know."
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Thoughts: My lovely Siervian has to say yes.
It was a good idea. She didn't know why he needed to hear her answer, but with an apprehensive expression, Siervian responded.
"Okaay…"
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
The Emperor walked forward without saying anything. If not for the status window, she would have thought her father didn't hear her.
'How can he hide his emotions so well?'
If she looked very closely, she could see that the corners of her father's lips were slightly turned up. Feeling strange, she continued to observe her father's face impulsively.
"Then It can't be helped. Since you look a bit downcast, I'll have to stay with you, Siervian."
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
Thoughts: Hmm. My daughter, you didn't run away as soon as you saw me.
However, the very faint smile on the Emperor's lips soon disappeared, and he returned to his usual taciturn expression. Siervian, who usually escaped at just the sight of him, turned away as if she didn't see this.
'Let's not hide next time.'
But when she didn't answer, the Emperor, who had walked ahead, suddenly stopped. Hex and Ellie stopped walking as well, then stared at Siervian.
Looking up at the adults, she also found her father's eyes that were full of anticipation.
"Umm… You're right…"
"As expected, Your Highness."
"You're doing so well, Princess!"
Three status windows were popping up and being noisy at the same time.
But the status window that was the largest and brightest was the Emperor's.
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
Favorability: +100
Thoughts: It'll be a good idea to walk together regularly. Maybe you'll like me more that way. It can't be helped. I'll need to make more time for Siervian…
She once again vowed firmly not to hide from her father next time.
"But why did you come for a walk all the way here?"
"I'm jwust curious."
She couldn't talk about knowing the future or seeing status windows because she'd definitely get locked up in a magic rehabilitation center.
"Is it your first time here?"
"Yees, it's the first twime."
Just answer well today. Siervian surmised that this was what her father wanted.
Siervian dutifully followed her father with her hands clasped together as she just answered him politely when needed.
"Come to think of it, you haven't been out of the Imperial Palace yet."
"Yes, Your Majwesty."
In her past life, she was forced out of the palace.
She didn't want to be executed again, like she was in her previous life. She wanted to be happy.
But no matter how well she wanted things to work out, she might need to leave the palace when the time came.
'Just in case, should I prepare myself to leave?'
With these thoughts swirling in her mind as she walked, her forehead hit something soft. It's because the Emperor who was leading her suddenly stopped walking.
The Emperor helped her stand upright again, then continued to walk forward.
"..."
Because her head was lowered, she didn't see her father's status window properly. She wanted to see his thoughts.
'I guess he stopped because I'm too slow…'
She moved her legs faster. She'd been struggling since earlier because she wanted to catch up with her father, but she kept going.
And so, their silent walk continued.
[ Ellie ]
Thoughts: The Princess must be having such a hard time…
While Ellie stared anxiously at her, Siervian was looking around the garden.
It was a small garden in the first place, so their walk was quick. This was a good thing for Siervian because her short legs struggled a lot.
'My legs hurt…'
It was hard to keep up with her father's long strides. Secretly behind her father, Siervian tapped her knees.
"First—"
The Emperor suddenly spoke. Surprised, Siervian straightened up and answered at once.
"Yees."
"Let's take a break here."
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Thoughts: Your feet must hurt. I should have walked slower. I made a mistake.
But he didn't even look at her. How did he know?
Siervian had an inquisitive look on her face, but the Emperor looked to the other side and spoke with an authoritative tone.
"Bring it here."
Right away, people carrying big baskets appeared as though they'd been hiding all this time. They were all servants of the palace.
'Since when have they been here?'
At the Emperor's command, they moved in unison. A picnic spot was instantly created in the small garden.
[ Alderuan Erveldote ]
Thoughts: Were you surprised?
Siervian could feel his gaze from above, so she looked up and immediately saw the status window there, saying that they'd been hiding all this time because she was shy in front of people.
And it must have been her father who gave that order.
"Sit down."
"Okaay."