***

After the birthday ball ended, instead of going straight home, I went for a walk with Briton.

With the barrage of gifts from the ministers, and the appearance of Uncle Amrus… that is, Duke Siegfried, followed by the revelation of the geological survey results, there had been such an incredible flow of events that I hadn’t had time to talk with Briton separately.

Walking beside me, Briton spoke with a faint smile.

“My lady, you are truly remarkable. You’ve only been in the capital for a few months, yet you’re already recognized by everyone.”

“It’s thanks to the ministers’ help. His Highness the Crown Prince’s advice about making them my allies to get them to believe my words was also very helpful.”

The boy’s eyes held gentle admiration.

“You are truly a humble person, my lady. I understand that Duke Siegfried’s geological survey originated from your words. May I ask how you knew about it?”

“….”

“The reason for your special insight, as if you were someone from another world who knows the future.”

Gulp.

Having been hit right on the mark, I rolled my eyes.

Even though it was just an expression of surprise about me, the accuracy of that expression made me flinch.

“That’s because I…”

Since I couldn’t really say that I saw it in a book from another world, I decided to be vague about it.

“I’m interested in plants and herbs, you see. When looking at the soil, I just got this feeling… I thought it would be good to investigate!”

“…I see.”

When I responded with a sheepish laugh, Briton nodded slightly.

Well, even if there’s no logic to my reasoning, I’m still young.

If anything, it would be stranger for a child to have perfect logic.

“If that’s what you say, my lady, then that must be it.”

I caught a strange flicker in his blue eyes as they passed over me.

“Then, what are your plans moving forward?”

“Hmm…”

“You seem to have something in mind, my lady.”

In truth, there’s no clear-cut solution to overcome the massive famine that will occur in 2 years and last for 4 years.

‘Such a tremendous disaster couldn’t possibly be solved with just one method.’

First, as Parmes ordered the three ministers to do, we need to conduct geological surveys in other territories and build food warehouses to store provisions.

‘And we need to manage public sentiment well to prevent looting.’

Finally, the fourth minister Matzert will be needed.

After all, I have a debt to collect from him.

Hehe, this is the trump card I’ve been saving for this moment.

“First, I think it would be good to meet with Duke Matzert.”

“I heard Duke Matzert doesn’t have good feelings toward you, my lady?”

Though Briton asked with puzzlement, I confidently crossed my short arms and said with a hem.

“Even so, I don’t think Duke Matzert is someone who would break his promises.”

Well… it’s not like it’s my first time dealing with and persuading someone who dislikes me.

“My lady.”

Seeing my attitude of focusing only on what needs to be done regardless of whether Matzert likes me or not, Briton looked at me for a long while.

“…You haven’t changed.”

I’m not sure what he meant by that additional comment, but since it seemed he was worried about me, I just gave a light smile.

“I have to work hard. His Majesty gave me the best birthday gift after all.”

When the Elementalist Castle is rebuilt, Dad’s achievements will be revived.

‘Then I will achieve the true restoration of House Mylar as the Elementalist Castle’s lord.’

“I’m going to work hard to help people. Hard work never betrays expectations.”

I wasn’t afraid because there were people who believed in me and said they would help.

I clenched my small fist and spoke with firm determination.

The boy’s eyes looking at me were somehow filled with joy.

“You always encourage me, my lady.”

As I tilted my head, wondering what kind of encouragement he meant, Briton reached out to my head.

And gently stroked my hair downward.

Meeting my wavering eyes with his, the boy moved his lips.

“I’ll help you with restoring the Elementalist Castle’s system. Although all the administrative systems and records were burned…”

Briton continued.

“…such things aren’t difficult.”

Establishing a department and creating its system and organizational structure was a complex task with many variables. Therefore, someone with proper authority is needed to appoint its members.

‘The Elementalist Castle, established by the Emperor’s command and the Crown Prince’s foundation, will probably be something no one can question its legitimacy.’

I stared blankly at Briton before speaking.

“…Thank you, Your Highness.”

I thought that Briton, who always smiled purely like a kind boy, might have another side to him, just like Parmes who hid his sharpness beneath his innocent appearance.

“But please don’t think of this as a birthday gift, my lady.”

My small hands twitched at the boy’s words.

“Birthday… gift?”

“Yes. I have something prepared for you.”

Briton’s eyes curved in a pleased expression.

***

I followed Briton through a small garden towards the palace connected by a corridor.

It was a place I had visited before.

But when I stood near the central courtyard, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

“…This is…”

Flowers that looked like violets were emitting a pale blue light.

‘Like small light bulbs…’

Although there were many plants and animals here different from what I had seen in modern times, this was my first time seeing luminescent flowers.

I immediately crouched down to look at the flowers and said, “Wow… They’re really beautiful.”

Briton’s voice came from behind.

“They’re flowers enhanced with materials from the Alchemy Castle.”

“Ah.”

The Alchemy Castle is one of the major departments with considerable influence.

By the way, a ‘Castle’ has a lower status than a ‘Ministry’ like the Ministry of Economy or Military. The same goes for the Elementalist Castle.

“I was wondering… I had never seen flowers like these before. They’re amazing.”

“With these flowers blooming, there’s no need to install lighting in the garden.”

I reached out and carefully touched the petals.

A band of blue light flickered around the edges.

“And… the reason I brought you here.”

At Briton’s voice, I looked up at him as I slowly stood up.

In the blue light from the flowers, his silver hair appeared to be tinged with blue.

“Is because I thought this would be the appropriate place to give you my gift.”

Then Briton took something out from inside his clothes.

It was some kind of case, and I slowly accepted what Briton held out.

And I slowly opened the lid of the case.

I was greatly surprised by what I found inside.

Inside the case was an incredibly expensive-looking sapphire necklace with gold trim.

“…Y-Your Highness.”

Clearly, this was absolutely not the kind of gift that children like us should be exchanging like playing house.

But Briton spoke earnestly to me as I wore a troubled expression.

“Some call this jewel ‘The Blue Flower’s Tears.’ Though it’s a bit embarrassing, I asked the Alchemy Castle to create this atmosphere for your birthday.”

I looked at Briton with wavering eyes.

I could feel the sincerity in every word Briton spoke.

And somehow, my heart was pounding at those words.

‘W-What should I do?’

I hesitated at the boy’s gift.

Briton’s beauty was so heavenly he could be an angel descended from above, and his position was none other than the Crown Prince who would inherit the Empire.

Usually, when someone is this handsome and high-ranking, they’d be arrogant or prickly…

Isn’t that normal?

But Briton was always kind to me and even prepared this gift event.

Just like… the gentle, kind male lead I love most in romance fantasy novels.

But the flutter in my heart right now wasn’t just from being moved.

“This was… the only gift my late mother received from Father. She left a note saying to give it to someone I come to love.”

That must be the minimum conscience speaking.

No matter how privileged Briton’s background is, and even if we’re officially engaged, we’re still too young to exchange such expensive and precious items.

I may look like a child on the outside, but I’m an adult inside!

When a handsome elementary school boy gives me a diamond necklace worth tens of millions, and his mother’s heirloom at that…

‘No, no. Absolutely not!’

Accepting this would be wrong.

“I wanted to give this to you, my lady. From the moment I first met you.”

So naturally, I could only give this answer.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness.”

Even knowing he would be disappointed.

“I cannot accept this gift.”

I said firmly.

“…My lady.”

At my words, Briton’s blue eyes rippled gently.

Though his eyes darkened as if hurt, I thought I needed to be realistic.

Even if today’s events would be recorded as an embarrassing memory for such a kind and gentle Briton.

“You see… we’re still young, and we don’t really know about the future. And although Your Highness is certainly kind and wonderful…”

The words weren’t coming out easily.

Probably because of Briton’s heavy gaze fixed on me.

Still, I pressed on firmly.

“I think people’s hearts can change. Both Your Highness’s and mine.”

What I could say clearly was that early teens is too young an age to decide on a lifelong partner.

And if he gave me such an important item with such great meaning, what would happen if he found someone he truly loved when he grew up?

I understood Briton’s feelings, but with an adult’s conscience, I couldn’t accept such a thing from a child.

“…I understand.”

After a long silence, Briton spoke with a lonely smile.