As Fal was about to fall to the ground, a soft, smooth arm caught her. Looking up, she saw it was the Princess.
Fal hurriedly got off the swing, awkwardly saying, "Princess."
Fal no longer had the innocence and liveliness she once did. Life in the Princess's palace was entirely different from the carefree days in the countryside. Here, a maid was responsible for teaching her various etiquette lessons, as her image reflected on the Princess and the royal family.
She felt like a caged canary—well-provided for, yet restricted.
"What's wrong? Are you in a bad mood?" Kaguya asked, holding her hand curiously.
"N-no," Fal murmured.
"Why so restrained? Where's the lively little Fal who was like a little monkey?" Kaguya smiled.
Fal said nothing, just shook her head gently, a look of loneliness flashing across her face.
Kaguya gently pulled Fal into her embrace. Fal 's body trembled slightly but didn't resist.
"I know you don't feel free here, can't go out like others, and have few places to relax. It's normal not to like it," Kaguya said softly.
"It's not that," Fal quickly replied, "I like it here very much. Here we have food and don't go hungry, beautiful clothes, and warm, comfortable housing. This is what Luna, Air, and I dreamed of, so please, Princess, don't say that."
"Then what is it?" Kaguya blinked, more curious than ever.
"I... I..." Fal stammered, her face blushing as if finding it difficult to speak. Her little hands nervously twisted the hem of her clothes.
"Go ahead, tell me. I'm not a dangerous creature," Kaguya said, patting Fal's head and smiling.
Seemingly encouraged by Kaguya's smile, Fal gathered her courage and whispered, "I feel useless here."
"Useless?" Kaguya asked, surprised. "Why would you think that?"
"Yes, Air is good at cooking and organizing things. Luna can make clothes and do gardening. But I can't do anything, not even clean or do chores properly." Fal looked up, her eyes shining as she asked, "Am I just extra here?"
"Ha."
Kaguya was taken aback by Fal's words. Is that why she's upset?
"Is that why you've been down?" Kaguya asked, eyes wide with surprise.
"Do you think this is trivial, Princess?" Fal said, slightly annoyed.
Kaguya wanted to say yes, isn't it nice to sit around doing nothing?
She remembered in elementary school when the teacher asked what they wanted to be when they grew up.
Some said scientists, doctors, or teachers. Kaguya clearly remembered answering she wanted to live a life of leisure.
She was punished, standing in the hallway all afternoon.
Even now, Kaguya's greatest dream is a carefree life, but responsibilities keep her from it.
Yet telling Fal this might hurt her fragile heart.
After some thought, Kaguya said, "Do you know why I brought you here?"
"Uh," Fal was taken aback, not expecting the question, unsure how to answer.
"I brought you here not for you to do anything or repay me," Kaguya smiled. "I just didn't want you living miserably. You're young and shouldn't live in hell."
"Princess."
Hearing Kaguya's calm words, Fal's eyes began to water. She had wondered why the Princess was so kind to a few rural children, never treating them as servants. She worried if the Princess had ulterior motives like some wealthy perverts enjoying toying with girls for fun.
Stories of the Princess's past cruelty had worried them, but now it was clear she was a kind, gentle person, unlike anyone who had treated them this well.
Now she knew it for sure.
"Alright," Kaguya said, patting the blonde girl's head. "Don't overthink it. I'll be satisfied if you're happy."
Fal wiped her tears, smiling brightly and nodding vigorously.
"How about this," Kaguya said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I'm planning to inspect the territory tomorrow. Come with me, it'll be a nice change of pace."
Inspecting the territory wasn't a whim. It was a planned move for Kaguya. She's new here, unfamiliar with the area and officials.
Although she's implemented tax reductions and aid policies, Kaguya knows how corrupt the Empire is. She's worried her policies might be distorted at lower levels.
Only by regular inspections can she catch issues early and keep officials in check.
As for bringing the girl along, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Watching her sulk in the palace isn't ideal. At her age, in Kaguya's world, she'd just be starting middle school—full of energy and curiosity.
"Really?" Fal's eyes sparkled, bright as stars.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" Kaguya laughed, patting her head.
"I didn't mean that," Fal blushed, awkwardly saying, "I'm just so happy."
"Okay, go prepare. We might be away for a while," Kaguya smiled.
"Okay." Fal nodded enthusiastically, eyes shining like crescent moons.
Watching the girl grow healthily was quite rewarding.
Suddenly, while Kaguya wasn't paying attention, Fal leaned in, pecked her cheek, and ran off.
Kaguya was stunned, touching her cheek where she'd been kissed, still processing what happened.
It seemed she had been teased by the little girl.