"Lady Salvarina has arrived!"

I can't believe it.. To meet father I had to spent three hours on preparing myself. Make up, dress and what else. Salvarina had to go through this everyday since she didn't stay at home instead she always encircles herself in the tea parties.

" Salvarina, come in and take a seat" Duke said. He was a redhead just like Salvarina and had the same blue eyes. They have a lot of common features. For one, both of them are intimidating.

I sat down while the butler pour me tea.

Father asked the butler to leave.

"I heard the news.. You broke up with the crown prince" He spoke straight to the point.

"Technically he was the one who broke up with me" I said nonchalantly.

"......." the Duke was silent for a while.

"It's because that bastard has fallen blindly for that girl" the Duke said.

Bastard? Did the Duke just called the crown prince bastard? Isn't this blasphemy?

"Um..Father you shouldn't insult -"

"Haaa.. I really lost my hope in Reynold's son. Technically speaking I knew he was a trashy ruler that's exactly why I wanted you to be the crown princess so you could guide him and take good care of the empire but now... I'm afraid that our empire isn't going to last long "

Woah..woah.. I didn't know that this guy thought this about the crown prince.. Wait a second.. Isn't Reynold the emperor?.. Aah.. These two were really close friends..

" Salvarina don't be too upset. I'll book tickets to the Melabour empire. We'll leave this empire and go settle there" He said.

"What! Father, we can't do that" I protested.

"Of course we can" He said confidently.

"Aren't we his Majesty's trusted vassals and besides you're the prime minister!" I almost shouted at him.

Realization seems to strike him.

"Ah.. I forgot.." he mumbled.

How can someone forget that they are the prime Minister!

"Well.. Being the prime Minister of a nation that's going to crumble isn't going to change much" He said blatantly.

"That's true" I agreed and began sipping tea.

If someone were to hear our conversation we would be punished with treason and blasphemy.

"Salvarina, I know that you are upset. But there are other candidates who are suitable for your hand in marriage. How about the archmage's son or the commander general's son?"

Ah.. Father.. Those two are the other two blossoms of the four blossoms.. Those men are the second and third male leads whose heart is about to break when mirabel ends up with the crown prince.. And besides I don't want things that belonged to someone else..

"It's alright father. I'm not planing on marrying anyone at the moment" I said confidently.

"I see.." He replied still pondering over something.

"Here you go" He handed me a golden card.

"What's this?" I asked confused.

"It's a premium card.. It has unlimited amount of money.."

Is father trying to cheer me up.. Well.. Money cheers up anyone..

"Thank you father" I thanked him politely and went back to my room.

Even though I accepted it I don't know how to use it.. I mean it's not really my money..

But oh well.. Let's not be shy..

First what should I do?... Hmm..... Papa used to give me ice cream when I was studying hard for the university entrance exams or when I was stressed over something.. Now that he's gone it's become a habit of mine to eat ice-cream when stressed or to light up my mood..

Let's buy some ice cream.. The cold sweet ice cream ~

It manages to cheer me up ~

It also relieves my stress ~

Ice cream ~ice cream ~

"Mylady seems to be in a good mood" Mary said while I entered my room.

"That's right, Mary! Buy me some ice cream"

"Hmm.. Pardon?.. What's an eyes cream? Is it for your eyes?" She asked smiling at me.

Don't tell me... They don't have ice cream here!!!

"Mary! Come on! We'll be going to the kitchen"

I can't let this be..I can't live in a world without ice cream..

"Head chef" I barged into the kitchen.

"Lady Salvarina?" He looked confused.

"What is it my lady?" He rushed towards me and asked.

"I have something to ask of you" I said and began explaining to him everything I know about ice cream.

"About this ice cream.. I can make it but I can't use ice magic so.. Mylady"

"What do you mean you can't use it? Aren't there any ice boxes?" I know there isn't any refrigerators but how do these people preserve food.

"Ah.. You mean magic ice stones that provides cooling effect" He replied.

"No.. Isn't there anything which you use to preserve food?" I asked.

"Are we talking about these barrels?" He said while pointing at one of the barrels.

"What? No! These are ordinary barrels.. Ugh.. You know what nevermind" I gave up.

I banged my head on the table.

"Ahh. Mylady are you alright" Mary asked.

"No I'm not" I replied back.. My head was submerged in all kinds of thoughts about ice cream.

Refrigerators? Ice boxes? Ice stones?

"Got it!" I sprang up.

"Huh, mylady? Got what?" Mary asked confused with my sudden mood swings.

"Mary! Prepare the carriage we'll be going out" I said.

"But mylady where are we going?" She asked looking way more confused than before.

"A place where we can find artisans also take some gold coins with you" I winked at her.

As we were getting into the carriage.. I heard someone call my name.

"Lady Salvarina!" A man wearing knight's attire ran towards me..

Who is this now?

Ash grey eyes and brown chocolate hair...

Rufus ballad?

He was an orphan picked up by the Duke and brought to the mansion. The Duke taught him swordsmanship and now he's the captain of the salvair knights.

"Yes, sir ballad" I addressed him.

"I heard that you were going to the shopping district alone. Please take someone as your escort" He pleaded.

"it's fine ~ I have Mary with me" I said smiling at Mary.. She quickly blushed.

"I mean someone who can protect you" He said blatantly.

Mary's blushing face suddenly became dark.

"Sir ballad, I can protect the lady too. I guess what you meant was someone stronger than me. Right?" She replied to Rufus while narrowing her eyes at him.

"Not really. I meant someone who can truly protect the lady" He striked once again.

What the hell is this! These two are shooting daggers at each other..

"Sir Ballad, then can you please escort us" I finally spoke up.

"it'll be my pleasure lady Salvarina" He bowed.

I sighed.

We were sitting in the carriage.

I was looking outside and admiring this new fantasy world.. It's my first time out since I came here..

"Lady Salvarina, May I ask why you are going to the shopping district?.. If mylady wishes she could've just brought things from the capital" As expected of the captain of the Salvair knights.. He's really keen.. Salvarina usually shops at the capital.. Shopping district is a place where commoners and nobles of low ranks buy things

"Well.. I'm not really going to the shopping district..I'm going to the back alley of the shopping district" The back alley of the shopping district is where craftsmen and artisans are found also there are bandits found in that place.

"pardon? Why?" He asked surprised.

"You'll see when we get there" I smiled.

♠️