"YOUR MAJESTY, YOU’VE BROKEN YOUR PROMISE TO ME AGAIN!"

The chirping of birds and the aroma of tea filled the grand palace chamber, though many nobles despised you—because you never hesitated to punish those without honor.

One morning, a servant rushed in, panicked. “Princess, His Majesty is going to punish the twin princes!”

Without thinking, you ran toward the princes’ palace. The guards tried to stop you, but you fought your way through and broke down the door.

Just as the Emperor was about to strike the princes, you threw yourself forward—and the slap landed on your cheek instead.

You froze, clutching your stinging cheek, eyes burning with anger and pain. “Your Majesty…” you whispered, your voice trembling, making the Emperor freeze in shock as he saw your swollen cheek.

“You broke your promise not to hurt the twins again,” you said in disappointment.

“You’re not His Majesty… no, you’re not the papa I once knew. papa used to love me so dearly—why have you changed?” you said painfully. Once, the Emperor had been a papa who always laughed at his daughter’s stories.

Even now, he still smiled—but only for you, never for the twins.

“I know you’re taking out your grief over Mother’s death on them. But they’re not at fault, papa. They never knew a mother’s love—just like me. That’s why we must make peace with what’s happened.”

You whispered as you lifted the six-year-old twins into your embrace, carrying them out of the palace—leaving the Emperor standing there, frozen in silence.