Chapter 12
“It was as you said—I’m the one who called you here. I’ll take responsibility for my own decision.”
The Emperor’s words didn’t match the murderous expression on his face. Terrifying… and yet a relief.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Mother let out a small sigh of relief, bowed her head, and added, “Then, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll go now to check on Her Majesty the Empress.”
“Very well.”
With that, the Emperor dismissed them. Mother and Father Harzen bowed in courtesy and began to walk away.
I clutched the scroll, trying to calm my pounding heart.
Something feels uneasy.
By now, the scroll should be acting up again—screaming about the “original story reactivating” or something like that. But it remained quiet. Of course, it was nice to have peace for once.
Well… maybe this is good enough. At least things turned out okay for now, right?
I started to trot after Mother and Father when—
“Wait.”
The Emperor’s voice stopped me in my tracks.
“The child will remain here.”
I flinched, shoulders tensing up.
Me? All of a sudden? Why?
I’m busy trying to protect my mom here!
Father halted mid-step, his face tightening.
“You mean… to leave my daughter here alone?”
His elegant features creased with a faint frown. But the Emperor replied smoothly, as if it were obvious.
“Would you take a small child into the quarters of a sick woman? What if the Empress has contracted something contagious?”
“That is—”
“Even if not, the sight may weigh on her emotionally. And you may become distracted, worrying about her.”
Father let out a dry, twisted smile.
“So that was your real reason.”
Huh? Why is Dad upset all of a sudden? It’s not like His Majesty said anything wrong.
I did mind not being able to stay with Mother… but Dad’s reaction seemed oddly sharp for what was said.
The Emperor’s tone sharpened as well.
“Why? Do you fear I’ll harm her in your absence?”
He snorted.
“This is where you were born and raised. Do you think I’d mistreat your child?”
“To me, that’s precisely the problem. Because I was born and raised here, I know better than anyone.”
I shrank my neck, wishing I could disappear.
Adults’ power struggles are scary. But with the Emperor? That’s downright terrifying.
Should I step in?
It was nerve-wracking, but if I didn’t, the “original story” wouldn’t be the problem—Dad might blow everything up himself.
I braced myself to cry love and peace! and step forward—
“Harzen.”
Mother cut in before I could.
“The child is frightened.”
Ahh… Mother always knows my heart!
“Besides, His Majesty isn’t wrong. Cici is better off not going there.”
…No, Mother doesn’t understand me at all.
I need to be with you!
“But if that’s the only issue, we can bring Cici to the Empress’s palace, just not into the bedchamber—”
“And leave her wandering that vast palace, surrounded by strangers?”
“Yuria.”
“Think about it rationally. Where do you think Cici will be safest while we’re away?”
Her voice was firm, unwavering.
Father bit down on his lip, speechless.
He didn’t yet know whom in the palace he could trust, or who was an enemy. But at least here, in the Emperor’s care, his daughter’s bloodline would protect her.
Wait… is that why he never revealed exactly whose child I am?
He hates being of royal blood, but he knows the privileges it carries all too well.
Mother’s words landed like the final blow.
“We don’t have time for prideful arguments. You know that.”
“….”
“We need to return home as quickly as possible.”
At that, Father’s sharp blue eyes flickered with hesitation.
This isn’t fair! Why does he listen when Mom says it, but not when I do?
Mother crouched down to my level and asked gently,
“Cici, you’ll be all right here, won’t you?”
I glanced at her, then at the scroll. My knees twitched toward the door.
If the story resumes while I’m not there, what then? What if I can’t protect Mom…?
“Cici?”
Her voice coaxed me again. At that moment, the scroll changed.
[Notice of Reset Delay]
Due to continuous modifications in character locations and other elements that may influence the storyline, the reset will be delayed.
Estimated wait time: 165 hours 23 minutes
My jaw dropped.
What kind of insane wait time is that?!
If locations were being constantly updated…
Don’t tell me—are my dads already on their way to the palace?!
So that’s why the number’s so huge.
I shouldn’t be surprised, but still…
My dads’ speed of action is unreal.
I quickly clamped my mouth shut when I saw Mother watching me closely.
“I’m fine now.”
I nodded brightly and even put on my best smile.
Phew. Good thing I didn’t throw a tantrum. Otherwise, the Emperor might have said, “So the child has no dignity. Throw her out.”
Actually, this works out well. Maybe I can learn what exactly caused the rift between father and son.
Father still looked uneasy.
“Perhaps… I should go alone while she stays—”
“No way!” I blurted out.
“Grandma is sick, and you’re not going? That makes you the worst son ever! If I follow your example, I’ll grow up to be the worst daughter.”
He froze, stunned.
Mother pressed her lips together, trying hard not to laugh.
“Where… did you even learn to say that? Never mind. You probably learned it from me somehow.”
The Emperor let out a low chuckle.
“What a peculiar child. But since her opinion is clear, the two of you should go at once to the Empress.”
This time, it was an unmistakable dismissal.
Mother and Father exchanged a glance, then nodded and started walking again.
“We’ll return soon.”
I waved both hands reassuringly at Father, who kept glancing back with worry.
Meanwhile, Prince Berthold had been silently watching us the whole time, as if it were a stage play.
“You’re not going either?” the Emperor finally asked, turning toward him.
Berthold smiled his usual arrogant smile.
“I already went once, didn’t I?”
“And once is enough? What an unfilial son.”
“Haha. If I’m unfilial, then what of Harzen, who cast aside the name of Einhalt?”
He then turned to me, smiling as his eyes curved.
“Come here, little one. Until your parents return, let’s have a chat.”
Oh-ho. Was that a challenge?
Challenge accepted.
“Yes, sir.”
Keeping my eyes narrowed with suspicion, I walked toward him slowly.
Just wait, Dad. I’ll uncover this man’s true face for you.
