Elina stood on the platform, trembling as the sudden shaking startled her. She nervously swallowed, clasping her little hands together. Her big, pale-blue eyes couldn’t meet the gazes of her subjects, and she lowered her head in fear, staring at her little toes. After all, she used to be a shut-in who barely ever went out to face the world—meow!!!
To suddenly have tens of thousands of people staring at her and chanting, “Her Highness Elina is the best!” was so embarrassing she could die!
She really wanted to hide under the covers—meow~
This was so awkward!
Elina timidly turned her head and whispered, “M-Mom... mew~ meow~ C-can I... go back to my room now, meow~?”
“You can’t, dear~ Elina will have to face scenes like this sooner or later. You have to remember that you’re a princess of the Empire, not an ordinary girl. This is a responsibility you were born to bear.” Alaya explained seriously.
“Exactly! Besides, it’s perfectly normal for pretty girls to attract a crowd. You’ll have to get used to it someday, Elina. Do your best! I believe in you!” Caro encouraged her, pumping her little fist.
Half believing her, Elina turned back around and took a deep breath. She clenched her little fists, and her pale-blue eyes flickered faintly.
So this was her responsibility...
That was right. This was a real world now, no longer just the protagonist’s one-man show. There was a much vaster stage here. Every person, every blade of grass and every tree wasn’t just some insignificant thing glossed over in a passage of fiction. They were all real. They were no longer inconsequential side characters in a novel, but essential cogs that made up this world. It was their efforts that gave the protagonist the chance to embark on the path to godhood. And these people, so small yet so important, were her beloved subjects!
As a princess, shouldn’t she give her subjects enough love and care in return while enjoying a life of privilege?
Otherwise, why would anyone put their faith in the Frank Empire or respect the Sacred Rite Clan? Hadn’t the Sacred Rite Clan’s ancestors led their people out of hardship and into the prosperous life they enjoyed now? That was why these subjects loved her, the cutest little princess in the history of the Sacred Rite Clan. It wasn’t just because she was pretty—her ancestors had also built up the clan’s reputation, meow~
As Elina looked at the cheering crowd below, a strange feeling rose within her. She wanted their smiles to stay on their faces forever. She hoped the Frank Empire would always be this prosperous and peaceful. Was this what responsibility felt like?
She lifted her head and looked at the golden star flag of the Frank Empire flying high atop the castle. A glimmer of resolve shone in Elina’s eyes.
She would make sure the Frank Empire continued to flourish, becoming an invincible empire that ruled the Phil Continent. Then she’d become an empress for the ages! Not even the protagonist could stop her—unless he somehow made her his queen and became king...
Ptooey, ptooey! What was she even saying?!
How could she have such an embarrassing thought, meow!!!
Elina shook her little head, hurrying to shake off the impossible thought. She absolutely wouldn’t let it happen.
Still, that bizarre thought had served as a distraction, easing some of Elina’s nerves. She gradually got used to having everyone’s eyes on her, then walked to the very front of the platform to face the subjects gazing up at her.
Elina gave a faint smile and cleared her throat a few times. “People of the Frank Empire, allow me to introduce myself first. My name is Elina, and I’m the princess of the Frank Empire. But please don’t feel that we have to stand on ceremony. From now on, you can just call me Elina. Today is my birthday, but I don’t want you to put aside your work just to come and see me. You all have your own duties and lives, and families to care for. The Frank Empire can’t grow strong without your help, so I hope you’ll keep focusing on the work you need to do. If that helps make the Frank Empire stronger and lets more people have enough to eat and drink, I’ll be happy.”
Her soft, sweet little-girl voice carried across the crowd, gently touching every heart. The people of the Frank Empire were reminded of the days they’d spent working themselves to the bone just to get by. Adventurers, merchants, and knights—all of them had to work hard to earn their rewards. Beneath their cheerful faces lay countless burdens. Yet Princess Elina’s warm words made them realize that the lofty Sacred Rite Clan cared deeply about its people. The clan had always been watching over them and was grateful to its subjects.
What’s more, the princess didn’t put on airs because of her status or beauty. Instead, she cared for everyone like an ordinary girl, smiling openly at them. Looks mattered, of course, but a pure heart was even rarer and more precious!
Every person of the Frank Empire present silently made a promise to this admirable princess: from now on, they would work hard at their duties and contribute their share to the continued prosperity of the Frank Empire, so that this princess’s warmth and sweetness could shine over the Empire forever!
......
