CH 4.13

Dessert time.

Dishes were quickly removed, and the table was emptied. I quickly put on a business smile and nodded in response to Lacius’ hint.

“Your Majesty, this is a game that I created to present to you.”

“Oh, it’s a game?”

“Yes. It’s a game of cards… Do you want to see it right now?”

The box was about the size of my hand’s palm. Because the card is small, the box is also small. With a curious expression, the emperor took the box and untied the gold ribbon by hand. And what’s in it is…  

“What is this called?”

“It’s called Hwatu*, Your Majesty!”

*(A game using cards with flower paintings on them, symbolizing the 12 months of the year. It is also often called Go-stop.)

I suggested a gambling game with a broad smile.

“I wrote this guide so you can enjoy it with others as well.”

“So it’s putting the same image in tiles?”

“Yeah, why don’t we all do it as a demonstration?”

I used a very convincing tone of voice. Of course, the Emperor makes the final decision, but I did it just in case he isn’t persuaded after seeing the Hwatu.

“All right, Didi. Do you have anything else planned?”

“Not at the moment, Father.”

“Then let’s have some fun.”

The emperor’s blue eyes, resembling the princess’s, twinkled.

An hour passed like that.

“Her Highness, the Princess received a perfect score of 5!  Because Your Majesty lacks bright, you lose.”

“Aigoo. This game is not that easy.”

The emperor was completely absorbed in the Hwatu game. Lacius doesn’t seem to want to win, and I’ve been busy in the middle explaining the rules and awarding points. In the end, it became a battle between the emperor and the princess, and the emperor was completely defeated because the princess did not miss her victory.

“Hmp, I suppose I should call the Minister of Justice and do some research with him. Dioles, how come you keep winning?”

Previously, he referred to her as ‘Didi,’ but now he refers to her as ‘Dioles.’ It was clear that he was upset. Snorting, the princess shuffled her cards.

“How can Father blame me for his inability to strategize?”

“…I should also contact the Minister of Defense to conduct research. This is unfair.”

“Please contact the chancellor as well. I believe you’ll need him to compute my score for you.”

The princess smiled and crossed her legs with arrogance. The emperor mumbled something and put his hand down.

“I raised my daughter, but she doesn’t want to let her father win even once…”

“Father taught me to fight with all my might and always win.”

“Tsk, tsk. Yes, you grew up following my teachings, and I am proud of you.”

The emperor, who was visibly upset, turned away and pouted. I smiled as I collected the tiles and mixed them properly once more.

“Do you want to play one more time?”

“I’m going to devise a strategy right now, so be ready.”

The emperor’s eyes were dripping with reluctance to give up when he looked at the Hwatu cards.

‘It’s a success.’

For the time being, the Emperor will be unable to leave Hwatu. To be honest, it will take some time for anyone to get over Hwatu’s allure.

The atmosphere was very calm thanks to Hwatu.

It was also fascinating to see the emperor, a westerner with a round body and red cheeks, slam his hand holding the Hwatu cards down. I couldn’t stop laughing and had to forcefully lower the corners of my lips.

“Father, let us just stop right now.”

“It’s impossible. Did I really only win three times?”

“Even if we play a hundred more rounds, you know it will be difficult for you to win more than 30 times.”

So much time has passed. The princess opened her mouth just as she was getting tired of playing.

With a slightly sullen expression, the emperor, who had shot back at his daughter, set down his cards.

His cards were all duds, so he couldn’t have scored well. He was an emperor, but he is certainly unlucky.

“All right, then, let’s talk about work. Lady Oberon stated that she was planning a fun event on Evershal.”

It became easier for me to go into detail as a result of the princess laying the board.

I opened my mouth slowly, sending the princess a gaze full of infinite gratitude, respect, and affection.

“Your Majesty, I’m working on something as exciting as this game, Hwatu…”

A soft voice surrounds the table. I spoke in a solemn tone, explaining why this country requires an amusement park.

Lacius assisted in the preparation of the documents, so they are flawless. There is no reason to refuse.

Of course, the emperor’s response was permission.

* * *

“I had a good time today thanks to… What was your name again… Was it Titania?”

“It was an honor to be remembered by His Majesty.”

“I was surprised to hear that Lacius had fallen in love, but he deserved it. Make sure you’re happy for a long time.”

We were dismissed after the emperor’s blessing. Lacius stood up from his seat, as if he needed to leave right away, and I stood next to him, saying my final goodbyes. His Majesty, who resembled Santa Claus, smiled warmly and placed his hands on his round belly.

We were escorted out by the princess.

“Father is very happy today because of you.”

“I would be very grateful if I could make His Majesty happy.”

Please find me again if you are bored. Jenga will be the next game.

At the restaurant’s entrance. The princess grabbed my arm and whispered into my ear as I was about to leave.

“Did you recently purchase an old building?”

There’s nothing I can’t keep from her. Everything is known to the princess.

I agreed by nodding.

“That is correct, your Highness.  But because it’s too old, I’m going to remodel it.”

“Right, you made my father very happy today, so I’ll give you a gift.  I’ll dispatch wizards to assist with the remodeling.”

Oh my goodness. Free remodeling! 

“Your Highness, I really like you!”

With all my heart, I yelled. I only played a few rounds of Hwatu, so isn’t this a huge reward for that kind of work?

“I treasure you as well.”

The princess stroked my hair and smiled like the emperor.

There are dozens of reasons why the emperor adores the princess.

The biggest one is probably because they look similar.

When I saw the back of the princess approaching the emperor, I was moved.

‘Dad…’

I haven’t called that name in a long time. Even putting the word “Dad” in my mouth causes my nose to sting. I averted my gaze from the affectionate father and daughter.

The more I looked at it, the more I wanted to cry.

“Let’s go back as well.”

“Yes.”

Lacius probably saw me like that, but he pretended not to notice. It’s my memories, not Shay’s, so it’s difficult to explain.

It was kind of him not to inquire at this time.