In Nina’s mind, Luca had again been promoted to the Roll-up Saint.
And her gratitude and admiration kept on increasing as she sampled the goodies in her new treasure box.
So, when she was asked to note down her favorite flavors so he could make more of those instead, the little girl was beyond saving.
She was so beyond it that by the time she’d spent more than an hour with them, the princess had to find a time to corner her big brother.
The Prince could recognize that stance, as the little princess effectively mirrored their mother with how she was standing right now.
Still reeling from the eventful meeting, she glanced up at her brother.
"Big Brother," she began in a deadly serious tone.
Xavier arched a brow.
Nina, on the other hand, furrowed hers as she wanted to underscore the importance of her incoming threat.
"You—you kissed Brother Chipmunk," she declared with dramatic flair. "And, and you must recognize your crimes and atone for it!"
Technically, he asked for a kiss, and Luca gave him one, but the child didn’t need to hear that. Instead, he wanted to know where this was going.
His amusement barely flickered as he kept the same expression. "Is that so?"
"Yes!" Nina puffed up her cheeks in vexation. "You must be held responsible!"
Her words rang with childish conviction. And yet she was sure that their father would agree with her!
But then Xavier leaned in closer, practically bending just to reach her ears, his voice a low whisper.
"Little Nina, you’re already too late," he said, his mouth betraying the stern expression he was trying to maintain.
"I’d like to believe I’m at least a responsible Prince, imperfect, but responsible enough."
"I already put a ring on him."
Ages ago.
"No, you sho—" Nina was ready to protest until she looked at her brother, who motioned with a shrug.
"Eh?"
"EHHHHH?!"
"!!!"
The little princess’s world shattered once more.
Big Brother...her brother was already married?!
And the Saint was actually her brother-in-law?!
She’d like to think that her stunned squeak echoed throughout the small cabin, but if she was being honest, it was likely something that exploded in her mind.
Holy Quackers!
__
Princess Nina actually went through different mindsets as she tried to understand her brother’s words.
Was he kidding?
He probably was, right?
For won’t that be absurd if the Imperial Crown Prince got married without anyone knowing? Like his family for example?
It would definitely be absurd. And with her brother’s personality, that would likely be impossible.
And so she relaxed, until she saw Brother Chipmunk again who had returned to serving in his post at the lounge.
Only this time, the little Princess couldn’t help herself.
She looked.
Her eyes squinted as she tried looking for something very particular.
Lo and behold, she actually found it.
It was the ring specifically made for his brother to house Sid, the Imperial heirloom.
And right now, half of that unassuming ring was worn by the Roll-up Saint!
"!!!"
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