Baby Pharmacist Princess

‘Oh, dear.’

When I opened my eyes, the air was filled with the rich aroma of a gently simmering cream soup.

I could feel the warmth just by wriggling my nose.

My room yesterday was so cold that my nose ran with clear mucus, but this place felt different.

It was cozy and warm, and I didn’t want to leave the bed.

‘And the sunlight is streaming in too.’

I felt happy and content.

Is it already lunchtime?

My stomach rumbled.

Will I be able to eat?

“Oh, our precious little Princess has woken up.”

I would have kept my eyes tightly shut if that kind, unfamiliar voice hadn’t been directed at me.

Being in a strange place made me a little scared.

“I am a retainer of His Highness the Prince. Sophia Everville, the eldest daughter of the Everville family.”

Her tone was as gentle as a feather.

And Everville was a name I recognized.

The Castalia Imperial Family had several vassal families that had served them for 500 years.

Everville was one of the most loyal, known for never betraying even at the cost of their lives. They were also known for producing brilliant clerks.

For such a person to be waiting for me to wake up meant…

“Nice to meet you, Sophia!”

“Oh my, how adorable.”

My plan must have worked!

Sophia squealed with delight as I abruptly sat up in bed, still wrapped in the blankets.

I hugged Sophia and babbled, but I didn’t mind.

After all, Sophia held significant influence in the northern Castalia Empire!

It felt good to have someone like her calling me pretty.

“From today, I will be taking care of you, Princess. You’ve been through so much.”

“Sophie, you’re going to take care of me?”

“Yes. His Highness the Prince gave direct orders. He was very upset when he learned that the Princess bearing the name of Wynn had been so neglected. That’s why I was summoned.”

Sophia’s words were filled with genuine concern.

Her eyes looked at me with real pity.

‘The name of Wynn.’

That must be why.

I understood why Sophia was being so kind to me.

“Princess, where would you like to have your meal? The weather is nice and cool, so how about outside instead of in the bedroom?”

“I want to eat outside.”

“A splendid choice, fitting of someone from Wynn.”

Sophia smiled warmly when I expressed my desire.

Soon, I followed Sophia as she washed my face and dressed me.

Unlike my memories of the nanny, her touch was very gentle, and I liked it.

Sophia was careful not to hurt me.

She didn’t yank my arms or scrub my hair harshly.

I quickly developed a great fondness for Sophia.

“Will Dad eat with me too?”

A while later.

As Sophia gently dried my hair with a soft towel, I tried to understand more about my situation.

“Yes, His Highness the Prince said he would join you for the meal.”

“Then… after I eat, will I go back?”

“Princess…”

“Then I don’t want to eat! I’m not hungry.”

I quickly said, making Sophia pause.

I really tried to pretend I wasn’t hungry, but it didn’t work.

Grooowwll.

‘Oh no!’

My stomach let out a loud growl.

Oh no, I’ve been caught!

“Don’t worry, Princess,”

Sophia smiled gently at me.

“I can’t say for sure what will happen, but it seems you’ll be staying here for a while.”

“I’m not a burden here?”

“Who would dare say that? You’re the daughter of Kienna. His Highness the Prince has other siblings, but he has always cherished Kienna the most.”

That’s a relief.

Though I was curious why they had neglected me until now, I decided not to ask. It was just part of the game’s setting.

Cherishe Wynn Castalia had to be an orphan for the plot to make sense.

“No one here would dislike having you in the White Night Palace. If anyone does, I’ll take care of them.”

That’s reassuring.

Just wait, my potential Dad.

Whether it takes three days or a week, I’ll work hard to make sure you become my Dad.

‘I think that’s the only way I’ll survive.’

I had to make sure he thought of me whether his eyes were open or closed.

I giggled mischievously and let Sophia dress me.

I wondered when they had prepared all these things, but the light yellow dress was incredibly cute.

And it even came with little yellow shoes that made me look like a chick!

“Your hair has grown a lot. The maids didn’t tidy it for you even once….”

While the outfit was perfect, the problem was my hair.

It was pretty but untidy, with my golden locks flying all over the place.

Sophia looked at my hair with a pitiful expression.

“I’d like to cut it, but we don’t have time now. Shall I braid it for you?”

“Yes, please.”

Whatever Sophia wanted was fine with me.

Sophia must have been skilled with hair, as shortly after, the blue ribbons swayed pleasantly beside my ears.

With everything ready, we were about to leave when I suddenly remembered something.

‘Oh, wait a minute.’

My 1,000-gem quest!

Was there still time left?

[♡Surprise Quest in Progress♡]

Oh no, Prince Vikal has indigestion!

Relieve the Prince by pricking his hand.

This quest comes with a risk bonus.

(Time limit: 29 hours)

♡Reward: 1,000 gems

‘Phew, it’s still there.’

After checking the remaining time on the quest, I felt like I could finally enjoy my meal in peace.

‘Don’t worry, Your Highness the Prince!’

I’ll take care of your indigestion soon enough!

* * *

Pricking a hand to relieve indigestion.

This is a common folk remedy most people know.

I used to get indigestion often, and my grandfather, a traditional medicine doctor, would always prick my hand to relieve it.

Though his affection disappeared like mist when I chose to become a pharmacist instead of a doctor or traditional medicine practitioner, despite my good grades.

‘He used to say that if I didn’t become a doctor after all the money spent on my education, it would be a disgrace to the Yoon family.’

Even though I had expressed my ambition to become a new drug development researcher at the Parthes Research Institute, my grandfather never took my words seriously.

He called it a foolish endeavor and said I didn’t understand how different my starting line in life was.

‘Well, that memory isn’t important now.’

What matters now is that I know how to prick a hand!

And I’m good at it.

‘It might be closer to folk medicine and placebo effect than proper medical or pharmaceutical practice.’

Who cares?

The system wants me to do it.

“Is there anything you don’t like?”

A moment later, we were in a stunning garden.

A large fountain and statues of cherubs caught my eye as a table was set up.

Looking at the myriad of dishes on the table, I finally understood what the expression “the table legs are buckling under the weight of the food” meant.

‘Wow…!’

There was so much food.

I gaped at the numerous dishes, unable to take them all in.

“How beautiful…….”

The dish laid out before me was truly a work of art.

In the long-peaceful land of Castalia, known for its tremendous advancements in the arts, the food really did look this beautiful.

The plating was practically a divine skill, wasn’t it?

“So, is there anything you don’t like?”

“There’s nothing I don’t like. I’m a good child who doesn’t pick at food.”

Yes, I’m a good child.

An ideal child who isn’t troublesome, is easy to raise, and well-behaved.

So please take care of me!

‘Ahem.’

Feeling a sudden surge of pride, I puffed out my chest, and Your Highness the Prince, after looking me over, casually pointed to something.

“I see. Then what about the pea soup?”

“Th-that might be a bit…….”

But look, there’s meat right there!

There’s a glistening roast chicken leg, and you want me to have pea soup?

“What about the mini cabbage fritters?”

“Well…… um.”

It’s not that I can’t eat them, but do I really have to fill up on those?

Feeling a bit sulky, I answered while trying to be good.

“If you tell me to eat it…… I’ll eat it. Yum yum.”

I don’t like it, but I won’t be picky.

“Pfft.”

It was then.

A very strange laugh reached my ears.

Who couldn’t hold back their laughter anymore and burst out like that? It was none other than Your Highness the Prince’s aide.

It was that Jackal gentleman I met yesterday.

“Your Highness, please stop teasing her. You know children her age need to eat plenty of meat.”

“She doesn’t seem to like vegetables much, so let’s figure out how to make them enjoyable for her, Solip.”

“I’ll inform the kitchen. The head chef will be delighted with this new challenge.”

So he was teasing me.

I sighed in relief and glanced at the middle-aged maid placing food on my plate.

That shrimp dish looks delicious too.

Should I ask for some?

But the middle-aged maid, noticing my gaze, spoke up first.

“Here, why don’t you start with the appetizer, and I’ll peel the shrimp for you.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I’m Nania Lyndenski, Countess Lyndenski. From today, I’ll be serving meals to the young Princess.”

“Thank you. I’ll be in your care.”

“Oh my, so well-mannered. You don’t need to use formal language with me, just speak comfortably.”

“Okay.”

From then on, the meal proceeded in a calm and orderly manner, in line with the palace etiquette.

The appetizer was a tomato beef stew and a tangy chickpea and seaweed salad.

Next came the crisply roasted lobster and golden, plump fried shrimp!

It was as if magic had been cast on the food; it didn’t cool down or get soggy.

It was truly delicious!

“Now, shall we cleanse your palate with some lemon sorbet and then have some meat? A lamb steak would be perfect to fill you up.”

“Okay!”

Mrs. Nania thoughtfully cut all the food into small pieces for me, a child.

I didn’t know when to use which spoon or fork, but Mrs. Nania helped me with everything, so I just had to enjoy the juicy meat with my fork and be happy.

‘Delicious!’

My goodness.

I wish I could eat like this every day.

Overwhelmed with joy, I secretly swung my feet under the table.

“…….”

Your Highness the Prince didn’t say a word during the meal. Naturally, that was proper dining etiquette.

About 40 minutes later, after finishing my meal with satisfaction, I wiped my mouth and began to glance around nervously.

I wanted to complete the hand-holding quest.

Would it be okay to ask for the tools?

“Is there something you wish to say?”

“Oh, you noticed?”

“Feel free to say anything.”

Your Highness the Prince had finished his meal earlier and was now sipping some wine.

As a king, he must be very busy.

‘He waited until I finished eating.’

This was something neither Yoon Chaeri’s memories nor Cherishe’s memories had experienced.

Feeling a subtle wave of emotion, I clasped my hands tightly and spoke cheerfully.

Maybe he would bring me what I needed.

“So, um, could you heat up a needle and do a finger prick like this… just a little…?”