I can stand now!
…with the help of the bedpost, of course. But still, it's a huge milestone! I even managed to throw in a smug "check me out" expression to everyone in the room. The result?
"Oh, our princess is getting stronger!"
"Look at her legs~ Oh my, she's smiling!"
"Her Highness will surely be a great leader someday~"
I was just standing there… drooling. Yet the compliments kept pouring in. Life as a noble baby is absurd.
Even more absurd? Aristelle took my ability to stand as a sign that I was ready… for the next mission.
"If you can stand, then it's time to start... basic tactics training."
…Sis? I just learned to stand, not to command a cavalry unit.
That day, she rolled out a giant map on the floor of my playroom-yes, a map. Complete with toy horses, mini soldiers, and tiny flags made from leftover fabric.
"This is our bedroom. This is the kitchen. That's the dining room. These dots are the servants' stations."
I stared at the map. Seriously. Internally screaming: What even is this…
"We'll plan an escape route in case you dislike today's meal."
…Oh my gods. My sister is ready for World War III if I refuse steamed vegetables.
Meanwhile, I had developed a new skill: take two steps, then fall dramatically.
I used this skill when a new maid tried to feed me this weird pale green mush.
"UWAAHH!!" thud! — I flopped to the carpet.
The maid panicked. "Oh no! Is Her Highness okay?!"
Aristelle appeared from behind the door like a shadow at dusk.
"…What did you do to her?"
"N-no, Young Miss! She just… rejected the food…"
Aristelle's stare was sharp enough to frost a window.
"Then change the menu. Cheese porridge, three slices of apple, and… one biscuit. Carve her initials on it, if possible."
I was picked up, cleaned, and fed a much tastier meal.
Oh yeah. First strategic victory, achieved through the tactical fall maneuver.
But the day wasn't over yet.
After lunch, Aristelle took me out to the palace garden. She had something hidden behind a rose bush.
"Do you know what this is?"
I waddled closer like a toddler ship swaying through waves. And saw it:
A mini chair with wheels. A stroller, but… painted black. With a golden lion crest on the back. And a tiny flag that read Commander Astrax Jr.
Sis. Is this a stroller or a war chariot?
"I designed it myself. Now, you'll lead today's afternoon patrol."
And just like that, I was pushed around the garden by Aristelle. Every time a servant passed, she stopped.
"Salute the Junior Commander."
The servants looked confused, panicked, then quickly bowed. "O-our respects, Little Majesty!"
I waved. Because… well, why not? It's not like I could reach the brakes anyway.
One young male servant smiled and said, "How adorable..."
Aristelle glared at him like a hawk spotting prey.
"She's not adorable. She exudes authority. Don't underestimate a leader."
The servant paled. "Y-yes, sorry! I meant… very… intimidating."
I looked at him, yawned, and blinked slowly. Pretty sure I gave off more sleepy-owl vibes than military command.
At night, after all the chaos, I was carried back to my room.
Aristelle sat beside my bed, still holding a book. But this time, it wasn't about bloody coups or military tactics. It was a children's storybook.
"They say this helps with better sleep," she said as she flipped to the first page.
I lay down, eyes half-closed. She started reading, her voice soft and steady.
"Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a little bunny named Momo…"
…A bunny? This was a major upgrade from those minister-beheading stories she used to read.
I looked at her face.
Aristelle still had her usual calm expression, but her tone was gentle. Her hand occasionally brushed my hair.
I felt… safe.
Strange, huh? I died in the cold sea, without seeing anyone for the last time.
Now, I fall asleep to the sound of my sister reading about a bunny.
And for the first time… I'm not afraid of tomorrow.