Midnight.

Eve gazed at Elina, sleeping soundly in bed, her eyes full of affection. She bowed and said, “Good night, Your Highness.”

Then she turned off the light, left Elina’s bedroom, and returned to her own room.

Although Princess Elina was already asleep, Eve’s work wasn’t finished. Every night at midnight, she sat quietly at her desk and spent several minutes recording little-known stories by the dim light.

December 22. Clear skies.

Mmm... Her Highness was as adorable as ever today. She seemed a little more mature than usual, but that gave her a different kind of charm. I get the feeling there’s a word for someone who says she doesn’t need help, but clearly does... someone who usually acts so proud, but gets all sweet and bashful when she wants attention... Maybe that’s what they call a tsundere...

Have I come up with a new way to describe cute girls...?

Oh, right! Today I overheard Princess Alaya say there’s a spot near Elina’s tailbone that’s extremely ticklish. Press it, and Elina reacts in a rather odd way. I’ll have to remember that little quirk...

Mmm. Tomorrow, I’ll keep looking for more of Princess Elina’s adorable quirks. I’ll make sure she becomes the cutest princess in the world!

——Excerpt from On the Hundred Ways to Pet a Cat

——Written by Eve

........

In the stillness of the night...

A gaunt, battered boy walked along a desolate country road, an old backpack slung over his shoulders. In his hand was a yellowed map pointing toward the prosperous Frank Empire.

The boy pulled out a black mantou and took a few bites. Then he went to the river and gulped down several mouthfuls of water. He wiped his mouth, determination gleaming in his dark eyes.

I have to hold on until the Elemental Awakening Ceremony!

His mother’s greatest wish in life had been to see him wield the elements and become an adventurer. She had passed away, but he still had to fulfill her wish—not just for her, but for himself, too. His parents were both gone, and becoming a proper adventurer was the only way he could support himself and build a better life.

Frank Empire, here I come!

......

Morning.

Alaya’s skillful massage the night before had eased all the fatigue Elina had built up during the day, so she didn’t linger in bed. Full of energy, she sprang up, pulled on a prepared blue-and-white cotton dress, and dashed straight to the library to read.

“Sigh. Princess Elina is still so full of energy. I’m worried she’ll run off one day and we won’t be able to find her,” Eve said.

“It’s all right. Caro usually keeps an eye on her, so I’m not worried. After all, she’s the heir to that family of super-strong people. Keeping our Elina in line should be a piece of cake.” Alaya covered her mouth and giggled.

“Mm, true.” Eve nodded.

Elina had invited Caro to read with her, and Caro naturally didn’t refuse. She cheerfully hurried to the library to keep Elina company. Caro actually liked reading herself; she just didn’t want to disturb Elina while she was concentrating. But Elina didn’t mind, so Caro gladly agreed.

And so, as this steady routine continued, time flew by, bringing them to December 29—Elina’s birthday.

Elina’s room.

Young Elina had just woken up. She was about to rub her eyes, get dressed, and go read when Caro and Alaya pushed her back down onto the bed.

“What are you doing, meow~?” Elina’s cat ears sprang upright with suspicion as she asked.

“It’s our daughter’s birthday! As her mother, of course I want her to celebrate properly!” Alaya exclaimed with delight.

“Exactly! Elina’s the flower of the Frank Empire, after all. So many people want to catch a glimpse of her peerless beauty at her birthday celebration today!” Caro explained, her eyes shining.

“What do you mean, ‘flower of the empire,’ meow~? I don’t want some silly title like that. Just answer me this: are you going by what I want, or what you want? And whose birthday is it—mine or yours?” Elina asked impatiently, crossing her arms.

The two exchanged a glance and sighed helplessly. Elina was probably finding the whole thing too much trouble again.

After all, as the empire’s princess, every birthday celebration brought gifts from neighboring countries, along with a whole crowd of princes coming to ask for her hand. Elina’s last birthday had been the same, so she was probably sick of these events by now. She was still just a child, after all, and couldn’t understand the necessary dealings and exchanges among the powerful.

Of course, if Elina really didn’t want a celebration, the two wouldn’t force her. She’d definitely get all worked up and angry, and then she’d be very hard to soothe. Everyone knew that little kittens could be terribly fierce~~

“All right. If Elina doesn’t want a celebration, then at least change into a different outfit, go out onto the platform at the top of the castle, and say a few words. Lots of people are waiting to see you,” Alaya suggested.

“Ummm... I can accept that.” Elina nodded reluctantly.

......