Surrounded by a dozen or so maids, I, with the train of my gown trailing behind me like a bird’s tail, made my way to the exclusive dining room. The room was already set with steaming, sumptuous food.
“Apologies for the interruption, Your Majesty. Here is today’s breakfast menu...”
Emily, beside me, read out loud from the paper in her hand, reciting a dozen or so fancy dish names as if announcing the lineup for a grand stage play. Yet, I could only recall hearing about a third of them at most.
Basically, it’s never the same every day.
Seriously, how could I possibly finish so many dishes? Just the thought of the leftovers being thrown away with the excuse of “prohibited from sharing a meal with Her Majesty” made me feel genuinely regretful.
But this is something I must do, as they say.
A queen must maintain the demeanor of a queen.
Not to mention ruling over billions of subjects in a vast and mighty empire.
I have no choice but to follow the precedent and try to take a few bites of each dish, avoiding showing obvious distaste for any particular item. Otherwise, the royal chef responsible for that dish would have a tough day ahead.
In the worst-case scenario, they might even lose their job.
In truth, these dishes are indeed exquisite, balancing both taste and nutrition, prepared with utmost care while still fresh. They probably started preparing them in the kitchen before dawn, pouring their hearts into it.
Sigh, nobody has it easy.
After breakfast comes the time for the routine morning court session.
At 8 o’clock in the morning, after some fuss over dressing and having my meal, I promptly stepped into the Audience Hall at the front of the palace.
The civil and military officials have already arrived at the scene. They are mostly domestic and minor nobles holding official positions, with a few outstanding talents who have been promoted since I took office. If they perform well, they will probably be granted new titles in the future.
These individuals will become the backbone of the country and my future.
Standing at the forefront on the left side is the three-time elder statesman of our country, Prime Minister Griffiz Tulls. He was one of the key supporters who helped me ascend to the throne.
Although he is nearing 90 this year, this old man, due to his remarkable abilities and good care of himself, remains calm and still shoulders the important responsibilities of coordinating our country.
However, recently, he seems to have plans to retire and has recommended a new successor to me. It’s a young noble in his thirties, Griffiz’s apprentice, who has supposedly learned seventy percent of his skills.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.
I’ve scrutinized that fellow several times, and his skills are indeed decent, but to become a prime minister, he still needs more experience.
Opposite Griffiz, standing at the forefront on the right side of the hall, is the leader of the military faction, Duke Angus Stephens, a reliable man who has reached legendary status. His son, Farnell Stephens, is one of the three legends of the Adventurers Guild of the City of Courage, known as “Thunderlight”.
One family, two legends, truly representing the military strength of our country.
This fellow also provided considerable support when I ascended to the throne. Although not openly taking sides, the Adventurers Guild where his son Farnell belongs directly expressed support for me.
In short, thanks to the support of these two individuals, my position as queen is secure. As I gradually promote new talents to replace the elderly ministers, even if they suddenly lose their minds and oppose me, it won’t matter.
So, starting with Prime Minister Griffiz’s proposal regarding the friction incidents between the Northern Demon Mountains and our country, the court session began.
Although morning court sessions are boring, these are indeed important matters related to the country’s well-being. For example, the Northern Demon Mountains mentioned by Griffiz at the beginning are a vast mountain range separating our country from the northern countries of the world, one of the largest habitats of demons and monsters in the world. It could be considered an independent country in itself.
Although currently it is said to be only some important young demon beasts suddenly disappearing, with anxious relatives attempting to enter our country’s territory to search, being stopped by the army to this extent, if mishandled, it could easily escalate into major events such as a beast tide or even a war with monsters.
Additionally, there are reports of floods caused by continuous heavy rain in the eastern province of Nossa, and the resurgence of activities by cultists who were recently suppressed within the kingdom’s borders. These are all matters that cannot be taken lightly, each one must be listened to and addressed carefully.
A pile of events, as reported by officials responsible for coordinating various regions, are presented batch by batch, providing opinions and proposed solutions, and then I personally make the final judgment. After going back and forth like this, the court session is almost nearing noon by the time it ends.
I really admire these people. Even though I am sitting on a cushioned throne and my buttocks have started to feel numb, they can stand there for over three hours without even taking a sip of water. Are they all secretly superhuman?
After the Master of Ceremonies announces the end of the court session, I am once again escorted by my waiting maids to prepare for lunch in the inner chamber.
Oh no, my facial muscles have been tensed for too long, they feel a bit stiff...
Lunch is served in the palace’s back garden. Compared to the fancy and nutritious breakfast, it’s much simpler, but still consists of four dishes and two soups, along with a large spread of fruits and desserts on the table.
Additionally, while I’m eating, a lively little fruit, Xiang Xiang, jumps around, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
No maids or guards dare to stop it.
Because it’s my “pet”.
Although the Human United Kingdom excludes non-humans, slaves, pets, and mounts are not included in this exclusion. After all, many things cannot be accomplished by humans alone, and even the most stubborn individuals must acknowledge this fact.
Its name is Xiang Xiang, a very casual name chosen by my dear friend Violet. Furthermore, Xiang Xiang itself is a life created directly by Violet using her power.
Creating life sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it?
But when it comes to that girl who calls herself a priestess, I don’t find it strange at all.
Anyway, Xiang Xiang is a very smart and adorable little creature. Although it can’t speak, and for some reason is missing a piece of its body, it can understand my intentions quite well.
I heard that Violet created it because she found navigating through a certain maze to be troublesome and wanted something to guide her. Later, due to a chance encounter, she entrusted Xiang Xiang to me to take care of, claiming that “the conditions here are better.”
However, since it was something she personally asked me to take care of, I had no reason to refuse, so I accepted it.
Thus, Xiang Xiang began its life in the palace as the “Queen’s magical pet.”
At first, I was worried about this little creature, with its soft and fragile body, running around everywhere. I was afraid it might accidentally be stepped on by one of the maids and turn into Xiang Xiang fruit pie on the spot.
But then one day, I happened to witness this little thing sneaking into the kitchen. Using its arm, which is no thicker than a centimeter, it effortlessly carried a custard that was three or four times bigger than its body and darted around, tripping up a royal chef’s assistant who was trying to catch it.
That’s when I dismissed those concerns.