"EH…."
In that moment, I realized what the feeling that was filling me was: pride. An emotion so unexpected and overwhelming that I couldn't contain it.
Cesar… that's right, our Cesar was angry because of me. Thinking about that, I was extremely moved. Not to mention, I wasn't even physically harmed, but he still realized that my heart was hurt.
I find him commendable. Our puppy… is angry on my behalf!
“It's…so bad…”
When thinking of those people, Cesar's eyes turned cold and his eyebrows wrinkled. It seems that the anger has never subsided, it continues to frown.
“Ah, it won't work anyway.”
I almost complimented him. My mouth suddenly wanted to curl up, but I tried to hold back. This is not the time to reward, but to use a whip, but the smile keeps coming out.
“Isn't that okay?”
“Yes, if possible, it would be very dangerous.”
I tried to be serious, but I couldn't resist that atmosphere. I was forced to think about boring things to keep my facial muscles stiff.
Things like: governess Imelda's old and boring socks, lice found in the housekeeper's hair, those horrible stains that used to appear on the attic walls in nightmares… uhggh.
“Are… are you okay?”
That question came from Delfina. Perhaps because the situation was too tense, she didn't dare to come close.
“Ah, it's okay.”
“Oh my god, what happened?”
Delfina almost burst into tears as she ran over, then quickly lifted me to my feet.
“It's okay, don't cry anymore.”
The situation is so serious that that's all I can say.
“Those people in that knight order, I already disliked them.”
"That's right."
As Delfina brushed the dirt off my skirt, I kept thinking about one thing: the white Company Commander's words.
‘If the Great Prince personally recounted this situation, perhaps it would be possible. But with this naive Prince, can he do it?'
I glanced at where the knight had retreated. Thanks to that, I figured out the need to teach Cesar. Anyway, I planned to teach in advance.
“What troublesome people.”
"That's right. Those bastards, how dare you treat the Prince Concubine like that, it's a sin!"
Delfina shouted, releasing all her angry words. Looking at her, I couldn't help but laugh; It turns out that this girl who is always gentle also shows this fierceness at times.
Today, too many people are angry on my behalf. Therefore, the mood became strangely pleasant.
“Let's go home.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I held Delfina's hand.
“Cesar will come too.”
"YES."
I reached out to him. His hand was warm when he held it.
“Shamashit, come here.”
The slender tiger slid gently down the carpet from the marble column, each muscle flexing gracefully as it walked.
Raised since 8 months old by Cornelia, this tiger obediently obeys her commands.
This was a wedding gift from the Southern Sultan when Cornelia became Queen, the name Shamashit in the Southern language means "Noble Creature."
The noble creature nuzzled its head into the back of Cornelia's hand, making a "purring" sound. Mrs. Elda, the Duchess, stood still and watched.
“So, how's it going?”
Even though the subject was not mentioned, the Duchess answered clearly as if she knew everything.
"The prince is fine, no major events."
"Really?"
Cornelia smiled, a bit surprised. Behind, two servants brought food to Shamashit - this tiger ate fifteen chickens and eight rabbits every day.
The tiger refused to bear anyone but the Queen, causing the servants to tremble with fear.
The Queen's mysterious smile probably came from the joy of witnessing Shamashit's mealtime, or maybe because the news she just heard made her happy.
“What else?”
“The Great Prince has come into conflict with the knight order.”
Elda dryly reported: The white company commander of the Queen's 2nd Battalion of the Knights of the Rose Cross was beaten to the point of death by the Great Prince.
Cornelia frowned. She stroked her temples, then raised her hands in the air. The servant quickly brought the silver tray containing the cigarettes. She sucked deeply, exhaled and sighed.
“Hu…”
During that process, no one dared to say a word. Only the Queen's deep breath echoed.
There was a moment of silence, then Cornelia frowned:
“I had them closely monitored, but what happened to them?”
All the servants bowed their heads. Needless to say, the Queen's mood was extremely unpleasant. Especially the servants who distributed meat to Shamashit, trembled like leaves.
“Those guys are useless.”
Elda quickly spoke up:
“Your Majesty, should we cut the 2nd Battalion budget and demote the white Company Commander to two levels?”
“Yes, that's better.”
The Queen tapped her fingernails on the chair.
“Two levels demoted.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Queen's anger calmed down a bit. Elda handled the situation very skillfully. But Cornelia still couldn't hide her discomfort.
“Which family does that captain belong to?”
Elda in mercy. That family will be banned from attending all parties and shunned until the Queen calms down.
But this was originally the Royal Palace - a place where without sophistication one would not be able to live. The company commander clearly made a big mistake.
“We will handle it properly.”
“Yes, it must be so.”
At that time, a strong smell of blood arose. Shamashit crushed the rabbit's head, blood flowed from the sharp fangs.
The queen liked to watch Shamashit eat. Her cheeks turned red like a girl's. The sound of tearing bones was pleasing to the ears. Sometimes she even thought: it would be nice if those corpses were enemies.
“What is she doing?”
“There are still no signs of anything special.”
The Duchess glanced around, then whispered into the Queen's ear, making her look bored.
“This group, that group…”
The smoke spread again. Again, all useless. But it's not the time yet.
“Well then, I'll just enjoy it…”
This delay period is decided by herself. Everything takes time to "ripen." She knew waiting would bring greater joy.
Just like a farmer waiting for the fruit to ripen, she can be patient at any time.
At that moment, a scream rang out: “Ah!”
Shamashit bit the servant's left arm.
“Ha ha ha.”
Cornelia laughed for the first time that day.
Cesar's room was extremely chaotic, so I took him back to my room. Today, I plan to teach him something new. I asked Delfina to get everything ready.
“It's here.”
The table is full of school supplies and storybooks for children.
“You need to learn to talk.”
Recalling the words of the white company captain criticizing Cesar for stuttering, I felt both uncomfortable and partly true.
If he has to attend a banquet, at least Cesar needs to communicate more naturally. He will meet many people and need to learn how to express himself in words.
Now he can only say a few simple sentences, like an immature child.
“If you learn to write, you will speak more naturally.”
I think expanding his vocabulary and teaching him writing will help him express his emotions more easily.
“Cesar, look at this.”
I took out the vocabulary cards. Each card has the initial letter and illustration, easy for children to learn: apple, baby, cat, dog...
First, I showed the chubby dog card.
“Lovely?”
Cesar waved his card away.
"Are not."
The card falls on the table. Dogs don't like it? So what about cats?
“Ugh.”
He turned away. Apparently he doesn't like cats either. How to attract attention...