Ashtarte

Chapter 3

Five years have passed since then, and now Ashtarte is 10 years old.

Since she was a lowly born in her previous life she never truly learnt how to write or the proper pronunciation for the empire’s language.

And because she did not know basic etiquette and the proper manners for someone from the royal family, she grew up being taught by Loena, the daughter of the Orlando barony.

The black hair which was feared by the people of the Empire seemed like the shining Milky Way.

The eyes fully captured the brilliant gold that reflected the one from stars stuck in the night sky.

Ashtarte had turned into a pretty girl that everyone could recognize.

For the past seven years, Loena has been raising her alone, becoming Ashtarte’s nanny, without receiving any honor or reward.

Loena was to Ashtarte like a mother, and her only friend.

She was the only person who shared love with her, unlike her own family, whom she had not seen once in ten years.

To Ashtarte, who is now 10 years old and even for 25-year-old Loena, who is well past marriage age.

The seven years they spent together couldn’t have been more special, enough to make them think of each other as special.

And now, once a month, Loena is used to leaving the Empress’ Palace for a full day and go out.

“Princess, I can’t come to the palace today. So, if anything happens, make sure to contact the Main Palace through the correspondence desk. You know how to use it, right?”

Loena knelt on the floor and looked at Ashtarte at eye level.

Then, gently, grabbed her by the shoulders.

Ashtarte responded with a warm smile to the sincere eyes that seemed to be telling her the most secretive story in the world.

“Loena worries too much. She doesn’t have to worry so much about me every month, I’ll be fine.”

“I’m always worried about what to do if someone catches the cute princess.”

“Are you going to come back tomorrow at the first crow? Do you have to come back soon?”

“Okay then, don’t worry too much. I just have a few things to see with the system.”

“…yes….”

“There’s only enough water for you to drink a little bit, so I guess it won’t be enough, but if you need more, you can bring it up by the well at the back.”

Loena expressed her nagging worries and pointed to the back door leading to the well behind her.

“If you want to drink warm water, you can start a fire in the furnace and boil it. You know you have to be extra careful when handling fire, right? And also….”

It was a must for Loena to leave the Empress’s Palace for a day at least once a month.

Ashtarte was well aware that the day’s outing was to raise funds outside the Empress’ Palace to make up for the lack of budget.