Chapter 207: Gratitude

Words : 1515 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 207: Gratitude It was a hit. And one of those moments that cemented the loyalty of the people serving under the House of Kyros. They watched the intense feedback in the forums as they sipped on their very own drinks. And Butler Gary found all of it amusing as the staff would nod their heads in agreement every time they read something that resonated with them. They read about several individuals who were lucky enough to be able to buy one only to be able to drink half a cup the moment their family members raided the small bottle. [Hahahahahaha! This was why I opted to hide away first lest my sister see it and decide to run away with it!] [Crap! I really should’ve thought about it! Who knew that they would be like that? Now I even have doubts about being picked up from a garbage dump!] [I, on the other hand, managed to buy half a cup from a neighbor who got lucky! I knew it was the right thing to be a good neighbor to someone who’s really blessed by the Gods!] Honestly, this was also the mindset of the people of the Duchy, who could only inwardly cry about their luck. While none of them got a bottle, they were somehow given a large cup of the said fruit drink, courtesy of the best heir. And with everyone else almost perishing to get a sip, they should be glad about being servants to such a House. And it was this very thought that fired them up for the preparations that they were doing for the arrival of their Young Lord. ___ However, it wasn’t just the people of the Duchy who were waiting excitedly for the arrival of something oh-so-wonderful. There was also the little Princess who nearly squatted around the post-house, wanting to wait for what her Brother said would take a few hours. It didn’t even take that long, but the princess felt so giddy that many started wondering if she had experienced something profound that had damaged her like this. Save for the Butler. For Imperial Butler, Henry was just trying his best not to attract the attention of the Empress and the Emperor. Because, how exactly was he going to explain the multiple pacts that he had made with the Princess, just for whatever this was that she was going to receive from the Imperial Crown Prince? But the Butler eventually understood why he had to make all those hair-raising oaths with one Princess who kept adding conditions. For all of it was warranted. When Princess Nina got the space button sent over by her Big Brother, she almost declared a full shut-down of her Palace wing until the Butler advised her not to. "Your Highness, if we do that, you’ll call upon your mother and father. And I don’t think that would be your desired outcome." It was the right call, for it was better to pretend that everything was as usual when hiding something so revolutionary. Like a secret stash of snacks. Little Nina pressed the button with trembling hands, watching as the compact storage expanded and neatly deposited several carefully packed items onto the low table in her sitting room. The first thing she saw was the bottles. A whole five of them. Each one was the same size and shape as the ones she had seen in Dylan’s livestream, but they looked even more mesmerizing in person. The vibrant colors seemed to glow under the soft palace lighting. She clutched one bottle of strawberry tightly as if afraid it would disappear if she looked away for too long. Then, her eyes caught something else. A small package, neatly wrapped and labeled in clean, elegant handwriting: "Cookies?!" "Candies?!" "!!!" The little Princess had to pause and take deep breaths because just the smell alone was too overwhelming! And it really was. While she’s tasted a few sweets labeled as the best in the Empire, none of those were close to what her Brother had sent over. Nina slowly turned her head, her gaze locking onto Butler Henry, who had been watching over her like a silent guardian. She was giving him that look. And the Butler, who had been around long enough, could recognize the look of a child who had just discovered something life-changing. But more importantly, this was Princess Nina who understood the concept of politics yet was terrible at keeping secrets. "Y-Your Highness," Henry said, already preparing himself for the inevitable, "perhaps we should—" "Butler Henry, I think it would be best that you also..." It was the Devil’s call, but the good old servant was much too weak against the good child who could entrap him with her big eyes. And just like that, two people were in on a very important secret—starting from consuming the drinks sent over by the Prince. But the Princess was too young and couldn’t make the drinks herself. Finally, all of those pacts made sense to both of them. She needed an accomplice from the very beginning. And who better than Henry, the esteemed Butler of the Imperial Palace, a man who had served under royalty for decades? So, the busy Butler had a new job. For every time the Princess wanted a drink, he would find himself snooping around—always ensuring no one caught him carefully measuring out the pulp, preparing the drinks just right, and delivering them like a shadow in the night. He never thought the day would come when his most significant challenge in the palace would be hiding fruit juice. And yet, here he was, serving her one and drinking another himself. But while the Butler was deep in his existential crisis, Princess Nina had never been more excited to call her brother. It was another surprise of a lifetime, and it was impossible to let the day end without saying thank you properly! So, as soon as Butler Henry finished preparing another glass of strawberry juice, she hopped onto her bed, clutching her communication terminal tightly, and initiated the call. The moment the holo-screen flickered to life, Xavier’s familiar face appeared, though his expression was oddly amused. "Nina," he greeted smoothly. "You seem... energized." The little princess practically glowed with joy and, well, spiritual energy. "Big Brother! I’m sorry for calling, but I just wanted to thank you for the best gift ever!" She beamed before remembering that it was a secret and then covertly holding up the bottle of juice like it was the most precious and secretive treasure in the universe. Xavier quirked a brow. "Ah. That." Nina nodded rapidly. "Yes! It’s amazing! The drinks are so yummy, and the cookies are perfect, and the candy—oh! The candy is like eating sunshine! I love them all so much! You’re the best, Big Brother!" And if he didn’t stop her there, the older brother was sure she had more ways to describe the snacks she’d been rationing. Xavier chuckled, though there was a knowing glint in his eyes. "Well, I appreciate the gratitude, but I can’t take the credit for this one." Because he really can’t. This wasn’t even something he bought her but was really given for free. "Eh???" Obviously, the child was confused. For a moment, Xavier hesitated, but at the same time, he knew it wasn’t safe yet, and for the sake of everyone, he’d have to hold it off for a little longer. But at the same time, this was really a credit he didn’t deserve, and just as he glanced at the two giggling chaotic goblins, who excitedly took apart the limbs of the ex-instructor’s mecha, he made a decision. He smirked. "It was from a little chipmunk." Nina’s confusion only grew. "...A chipmunk?" Xavier nodded solemnly. "Yeah. A very cute chipmunk." "..." Nina processed this information slowly. A cute chipmunk... gave her all these wonderful things? Her mind immediately conjured an image of a small, fluffy creature with big, bright eyes and tiny paws holding a basket of treats just for her. Her mouth formed a small ’o’ as realization dawned. "So... the chipmunk is nice?" she asked hesitantly. Xavier’s gaze flickered back to where Luca was currently wrestling a particularly stubborn bolt off the mecha’s plating, his expression a mix of delight and manic focus. "...Yeah," Xavier said at last. "Very nice. A little strange, but nice." Nina’s hands clenched into fists with renewed determination. This little chipmunk—whoever they were—deserved a proper thank you! For even at a young age, she knew just how difficult it was to squirrel away your stash only to have to part with it! And yet here she was, being given a lot of great gifts! "Okay!" she declared firmly. "Then I’ll make thank-you cards! One for you and one for the cute chipmunk!" Xavier couldn’t help but chuckle. "Good idea," he said. And just like that, Princess Nina’s new mission was set. For the next few days, she would study, research, and draw thank-you cards for her wonderful brother... And for the mysterious, generous chipmunk.

Chapter 207: Gratitude

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