The celebration's first day had ended.
This was because the young princess didn't seem able to focus on the festivities yet. Much too many things happened in a party where a child was the main character.
"Did you have fun today, Princess?"
"Yeaahh…"
Of course, it wasn't truly because of Siervian's inability to focus. She was just busy looking at this place and that place because she lost track of the thief for just a moment.
"Now then, please say 'hooray!' for me and raise your arms."
"Hooray…"
The party ended while she was reading the status windows of everyone who passed by her. The emperor was closely watching how she was acting, and because of this, he sent her back early in case she was feeling sick.
"Now, hold your nose please."
"Okayy."
Of course, it was also true that she was tired from walking around in this body she couldn't quite control yet.
Even after Ellie gave her a bath, dressed her and tucked her into bed, Siervian couldn't fall asleep just yet.
'Why is there a thief in the imperial palace?'
Inside the dark bedroom, Siervian was still puzzled.
It was a huge matter that a thief had entered the imperial palace. If someone had an unclear background, they wouldn't be able to enter the palace so easily.
It was so strange because Siervian couldn't remember anything about this even though it's a big deal.
'I'm sure nothing like this happened.'
She had never heard of a time when the imperial palace had been infiltrated by a thief.
Even if it wasn't announced to the public, rumors would at least come and go within the palace.
'Maybe… I'll remember…'
Anyway, her fatigue was catching up to her. As she drifted off to sleep, she tried to think about the good things that happened today which she would treasure.
But then, it was at that moment that she recalled a memory, as though lightning had struck her.
'Treasure… Treasure?!'
Her drowsiness suddenly vanished and Siervian sat up in a hurry. Both of her hands were clenched into fists over her blanket.
'The burglary of the imperial palace's treasure room, was it around this time?'
The treasure room was where all the rarest riches of the imperial family were stored, and it was located deep within the place.
Not only were there strict guards, but even magical defenses.
Even so, when Siervian was young, this imperial treasure room had been raided.
'What was stolen again?'
Siervian surprisingly recalled the event right away, but she couldn't remember what the stolen item was.
Either she didn't hear what it was, or the stolen item wasn't of that much importance.
Anyway, Siervian still thought that this case should be prevented.
'Father will be attacked by the aristocrats with this later!'
When she was about fourteen years old, there was an incident that caused the imperial palace's defenses to be raised.
However, the aristocrats hated it whenever the emperor's authority was strengthened, so they nitpicked and attacked him ferociously. To be exact, the aristocrats tried to fill in positions with the people they recommended, who were not under the direct command of the emperor.
'I don't know much, but I heard that he needed to work really hard..'
It was a great jab at the emperor that he couldn't even prevent the robbery of the palace's most guarded area. This incident became a political leverage that was bound to be used as ammunition.
'I'll prevent it this time.'
Balling her small hands into fists, Siervian made this vow.
All while hoping that her father won't need to suffer later.
On the second day of festivities, the age group of the guests was lower than the previous day.
The offspring of each noble family crossed the threshold of the imperial palace. They were attending an imperial family member's birthday party now, but later in the future, they would be the ones leading the empire.
"Siervian is the main character of the party, so come sit here."
"Yees."
Birthday parties originally had the objective of naturally building friendships.
So, neither the emperor nor the empress had attended the event today. The crown prince, of course, was now with the highest authority.
[ Damian Erveldote ]
Thoughts: There's no one close to Siervian's age here, and only those allied with the Duchy attended. Mother, again…
Siervian wasn't thinking deeply, but the moment she read his thoughts, only then did she realize that the composition of the young ladies and young lords who had come was strange.
She thought that it was only natural to be unfamiliar because she couldn't get close to people of her own age before.
[ Damian Erveldote ]
Thoughts: It's Siervian's party, but this is too much. I have to protect her.
Siervian wasn't bullied as much as she thought she'd be.
Because her older brother stuck close to her from start to finish and took very good care of her.
'Brother has been this smart since he was young.'
Siervian was inwardly an adult, but the more she saw her older brother, the more she was surprised at how smart he really was.
She admired him for a while, but Siervian's expression soon crumpled as she was reminded of the trouble ahead.
She was certainly grateful for the crown prince's consideration—but right now, there was a thief for her to catch.
'I didn't even know you existed yesterday!'
Glancing sideways, Damian thought that Siervian was bored judging by her expression. So, he quickly gestured to the servant next to him.
The attendant hastily moved to find someone.
It was not long after that Karmen, who ran from the other side of the room, stepped forward.
"…I greet… the Imperial Princess."
Siervian's eyes widened as she saw Karmen.
Anyone could tell that he was forced to come to this party.
[ Karmen Kasselov ]
Favorability: 90,436
Thoughts: You're really… the Princess. I can't act like I know you.
Karmen's favorability had risen that much in the meantime, but his thoughts were full of dismay.
Of course, Siervian also didn't think that they'd meet again, but strangely, she couldn't compel herself to pretend she didn't know him.
"Siervian, this is my fellow apprentice who's under the tutelage of the Tower Lord, and his name is—"
"Karmen!"
"Huh? Siervian, you know Karmen?"
"..."
Siervian nodded enthusiastically.