Published: September 10, 2025
"How lovely!"
"Look, look! It’s like they’ve gathered stars!"
The sisters and mothers laughed and swarmed around the jewelry.
"Tina, Sistina, come quickly. The late king gave us these beautiful ornaments as souvenirs."
"Yes, Mother."
I didn’t dislike the pretty gems and accessories, but I couldn’t become as obsessed with them as the other children.
"Grandfather, why do jewels sparkle differently from the stones that fall in the garden?"
I asked the late king, who was watching over everyone.
"Because they are jewels."
I didn’t get the answer I hoped for.
Disappointed, I was about to reply, "Yes, Your Majesty," when another voice interrupted.
"They are a different type of stone. Just as there are humans, horses, and cows among living creatures, there are various kinds of stones as well."
"Father!"
It was my father, the king, who answered my question as a young child.
After greeting my grandfather, he sat me on his lap and continued the story.
"Even when jewels are dug out of the earth, they don’t shine that brightly."
"Why do they become shiny?"
"Craftsmen carve and polish them carefully for days or months, shaping the surface to reflect light beautifully. That’s what makes a jewel a jewel."
My father gently stroked my head as he explained.
"Why do jewels need to be polished and carved—"
"Ha ha ha, such a clever daughter despite your youth. But that won’t help you find a good marriage."
My grandfather’s words stung my young heart.
"Father, no need to worry. There are many families hoping for a talented daughter."
Father scooped me up in his arms and headed toward the jewels. He probably wanted to protect me from my grandfather’s harsh words.
As a child, I was more curious about various things than about jewelry, making me a "not very childlike" child who often caused adults, including my grandfather, to frown.
Mother sighed at me, and my sisters kept their distance, but Father never tired of my "why’s" and even appointed an erudite old tutor who could answer my questions.
â—‡
"I have researched, but it seems the castle library does not have it."
I was disappointed at old teacher Bofman’s report.
"Once you enter the academy, you can use the Royal Academy’s library, right? Maybe the books Your Highness seeks are there?"
My bodyguard knight Mean said.
Since I was seven, I have had bodyguard knights assigned inside the castle, due to an attempted poisoning of the late king.
"No, Lord Mean. We have already sent someone to check the Royal Academy’s library. If the book exists, it might be in the castle’s restricted library."
"Restricted library?"
"Yes, Your Highness. The Royal Castle has a restricted library that only the king can enter. It is said to hold all the knowledge of the Shiga Kingdom."
"—Restricted library."
My heart raced at the enticing words.
"Bofman, don’t spread irresponsible rumors."
"Father!"
"Ah, Your Majesty. I apologize for my indiscreet words."
Seeing Father appear around the corner, the teacher and bodyguard immediately knelt.
Apparently, Father had overheard the conversation.
"Father! I want to enter the restricted library!"
"Sistina, I’m sorry, but I can’t grant that wish."
Father, who usually grants my requests, shook his head with a troubled expression.
"That place is filled with forbidden knowledge. It is not a place for a child like you."
"I learn plenty from teacher Bofman!"
"It’s still too early. Bathing in the fountain of knowledge alone does not grant the right to enter the restricted library. First, you must internalize the knowledge and make it your own. Study well and strengthen your healthy mind."
Father said this while patting my head with his large hand, then left.
I didn’t fully understand his words, but I thought that understanding them would be the qualification to gain entry.
"Your Highness, look at that!"
The bodyguard pulled my hand as I was lost in thought and exclaimed excitedly.
Following her gaze, I saw a round creature covered in fluffy fur resembling a rabbit.
—So cute.
Maids and ladies-in-waiting gathered to watch it.