Why am I the Princess?

My speech, still slurred from my underdeveloped toddler mouth, was clear enough to make Rookie Dad hesitate.

“Uh… well, this is rated 15+, and you’re only three. How about something fun like Pororo instead?”
“If it’s so fun, you watch it.”
“…..”
“You won’t even sit through it yourself.”
“…..”

At one point, Rookie Dad was amazed by my ability to think clearly and speak so well. He even started believing I was a genius.
But I had no intention of feeding that delusion.

What fascinated me more was the strange phenomenon I was experiencing.
In my past life, I couldn’t even remember what I ate two days ago. But now, every single memory from infancy was vividly clear.
Recalling the past felt as real as watching a movie play out in my head. Every moment was etched into my mind like a perfectly preserved recording.

“Si-yoon, should we eat?”
“No. I need to pee.”

At my single statement, Rookie Dad sprang into action like an obedient servant, scooping me up and setting me on the toilet.

“Go out.”
“Okay…”

Suddenly, I found myself wondering what Rookie Dad did for a living. Watching him cook made me think he might be a chef.

“Does Si-yoon want to help?”
“Too much work.”
“Oh… okay.”

Rookie Dad was still astonished by my memory. Once, to express my boredom, I recited an entire fairy tale he had only read to me once. He was so stunned he couldn’t speak for a while.

“Is my little girl really this pretty, or is it just me?”

It wasn’t just him.
Even I couldn’t help but admit it when I looked in the mirror—I was unusually beautiful for a child.

“I’m pretty, even to myself.”
“R-right?”

As he focused on chopping vegetables while still glancing at me, I became certain—Rookie Dad was definitely a chef.

“Dad.”
“Yeah? Why’d you call me, Si-yoon?”
“Put me down so I can watch TV.”

Clearly trying to keep me close while he cooked, Rookie Dad had placed me in a high chair that I couldn’t get out of on my own.

“Oh… uh… okay…”

While watching TV, I learned something startling: exactly 23 years had passed since my death.
Rookie Dad’s name was Kim Ji-ho, and he seemed like a capable person.
The first time I looked out the window, I nearly fell over in shock.

Our home was ridiculously high up, making the people below look like ants.

So, I am living a golden-spoon life after all.

The building we lived in was taller than anything I’d known in my previous life.
When I stumbled backward in surprise, Rookie Dad ran over in a panic. He ended up barricading the windows to make sure I couldn’t go near them again.

He seemed to think I had a fear of heights and wouldn’t let me near the windows, no matter how much I insisted.
Despite his otherwise soft personality, he was surprisingly firm when it came to things he deemed dangerous. No amount of whining could sway him.

As I fiddled with the remote, Rookie Dad watched me with sparkling eyes.

“What?”
“My little girl is just so pretty~”
“Don’t wear me out by staring.”

Caught, Rookie Dad muttered under his breath,
“…Want to eat?”

I turned off the TV and stretched my arms out. Laughing, he picked me up and set me in my chair.

“Is it good?”
“I haven’t even put it in my mouth yet.”

As I started eating, Rookie Dad stared at me intently.

“You’re making me self-conscious. I’ll eat and tell you after.”
“Okay!”

Just then, the doorbell rang. Grandma had arrived.
Rookie Dad’s expression changed immediately.

Since I couldn’t climb out of the chair on my own, I nodded politely in greeting.

“Oh my, was Si-yoon eating?”

I gave her a quick nod and resumed eating. Rookie Dad’s cooking was simple but surprisingly tasty.

“Who does she take after to be so poised? My granddaughter is such a little lady.”
“Don’t stare. It’s uncomfortable.”
“…..”

Grandma seemed momentarily stunned by my flawless speech.

“Is she… a genius?”

Rookie Dad’s expression turned cold, completely unlike the doting face I was used to.

“Why are you here?”
“Do I need a reason to visit my son’s house?”
“Let me know before you come next time.”
“Oh? Look at this one.”
“Si-yoon speaks for me. It’s uncomfortable.”
“…Are you still upset about that?”

Rookie Dad glanced at me, then clamped his mouth shut.

“You should leave now.”

Grandma’s face held a mix of guilt and sadness.

“…..”

She stood, leaving a bag of food behind, and walked toward the door.

“Si-yoon~ Grandma’s leaving~”

I signaled for Rookie Dad to put me down, and he gently set me on the floor.

I walked to the door, hugged Grandma, and said,
“Goodbye~”
“Bye, sweetie!”
“Come again soon.”
“My, how adorable~”

After she left, Rookie Dad stared at the bag of food she brought.
Then, thinking I wouldn’t notice, he hid in the corner and quietly wiped away his tears.