“Thank you~” After saying this, she tilted her head toward Danila and then gave her a gentle smile. “But you don’t have to thank me, I’m doing this because I want to.”
After bustling around for over two hours, Finihiya finally finished steaming the dumplings.
Danila, who had been standing quietly by her side the whole time, maintained a faint smile as she watched Finihiya take dumpling after dumpling from the steamer and place them into the wooden Brocade Box on the kitchen counter.
Although Danila somewhat guessed who these dumplings in the Brocade Box were meant for, her dry lips still revealed a slight smile as she asked symbolically, “Lady Finihiya, who are you planning to give this Brocade Box to?”
“… Lady Darlian,” Finihiya replied, biting her lip slightly, perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed.
“I see. No wonder Lady Finihiya made such a large batch.”
Seeming eager to escape her awkward feelings, Finihiya skillfully changed the subject. “They taste pretty good, I quite like them. Lady Danila, don’t you want to try one?”
Hearing this, Danila shifted her gaze to peek at the remnants of the food called dumplings still in the steamer.
Though the batch was large, it was relative to one or two people.
She was indeed a little curious about this unfamiliar food and wanted to try one or two, but considering the quantity, she hesitated for a moment in her heart before discreetly refusing.
“Thank you for your kindness, Lady Finihiya, but I just finished breakfast not long ago, so I’m not really hungry right now.”
“I see…”
The inside of the Brocade Box was gradually filled with dumplings made by Finihiya.
After placing the lid on the Brocade Box, covering it, Danila heard Finihiya’s soft, clear voice again.
“Lady Danila, could I trouble you to deliver this Brocade Box to Lady Darlian?”
“This is for…”
Out of habit from long years of service, her lips almost answered before her mind could catch up. Luckily, she stopped herself just in time from blurting it out.
Watching Finihiya tilt her head slightly and utter a cute “Hmm?” sound, Danila fell silent to consider for a moment.
Recalling how much Lady Darlian seemed to like Lady Finihiya as a friend, she wanted to decline the request.
“For something like this, I think Lady Finihiya should go in person. Lady Darlian would be happier that way.”
“To go in person…”
Finihiya murmured softly, a faint expression of reluctance flickering across her delicate cheeks.
***
After serving and spending time together for so long, Danila naturally knew that Finihiya didn’t dislike seeing Darlian, but simply hated going out.
“Lady Finihiya can just treat it like taking a walk.”
“You’re always curled up with a few books every day. Honestly, your mental state worries me.”
“Reading books is a wonderful hobby, but every interest has its limits.”
“…Alright, I understand.”
Danila expected to spend more time giving earnest advice and persuasion, but Finihiya agreed quickly.
This was mostly due to Finihiya’s gentle nature that disliked causing trouble for others.
In the distance, thunder rumbled.
A cool breeze carried raindrops through the half-open window, gently stirring Darlian’s night-black, beautiful long hair.
With slender, delicate fingers, she brushed a strand of hair falling across her forehead behind her ear.
Darlian pressed her lips together slightly, her expression tinged with irritation as she stared at the official document in her hands.
She was sitting in the usual armchair she used to handle state affairs.
After hesitating and wavering in her heart for a moment, she decided to put aside the controversial document and began reading the next one.
(Your Exalted Majesty, Demon Lord who rules the world!)
(I respectfully present this memorial, hoping to express my sincerity and loyalty.
As the lord of Northern Numanyala, I deeply feel the dignity and greatness of the Demon Lord, as well as your endless care for the nation and its people.)
Reading the rather lengthy opening, Darlian’s elegantly arched brows gradually furrowed. She sighed helplessly with a tone of annoyance.
“So long…”
(I sincerely salute you, presenting my loyalty and devotion before your presence.
The Demon Lord’s wisdom and outstanding leadership have brought us an era of peace and prosperity, allowing us to enjoy the nation’s flourishing and stability.
Your profound insight and wise decisions bathe us in your mercy and grace…)
“Huff.”
At this point, Darlian helplessly lifted her hand, rubbing her temples with her index and middle fingers before letting out a heavy sigh.
Calming her restless emotions, she looked again at the verbose text in front of her.
(We solemnly promise to uphold and defend the Empire’s dignity and honor to the utmost. We will spare no effort in supporting your reign, for you…)
“Waste of my time!”
Although she repeatedly told herself to stay restrained and calm, after seeing that half of the single page of the document was just formalities, she couldn’t help but crumple the paper into a ball and toss it into a corner.
Leaning back limply in her chair, Darlian took a deep breath, then tilted her head to gaze out at the gray, misty sky through the window.
After zoning out for a moment, she seriously considered whether to hand these piles of documents over to the cabinet.
With the war against humans over, most of the paperwork now was trivial matters.
Once this thought surfaced, it spread greedily like falling into hell.
Upon making this decision, a pleased smile appeared at the corner of Darlian’s lips. She stood up as if full of energy, walked straight to the corner, and picked up the previously crumpled document.
Smoothing out the heavily wrinkled paper, she began to read it again with a pleased expression.
(We earnestly beseech Your Majesty to continue your majestic rule, leading us onward on the path of glory and prosperity. Your wisdom and bravery will guide us through any storm and hardship. We will…)
“Get lost!!!”
Seeing that the document was still filled with meaningless words, Darlian’s carefully composed mood fell apart again.
She crumpled the paper a second time and threw it into the corner.
“Huff…”
She sighed helplessly once more.
The quiet room was only filled with the soft sound of rain.
Knock, knock, knock…
Just as she decided to get up and get some fresh air, the door suddenly rapped sharply, and she sat back down in her chair.
“Come in.”
“Lady Darlian.”
The one who pushed the door gently open was her personal maid, Elus Clisia.