Chapter 52

Episode 52. Happy Birthday, Your Highness (2)

***

The corridors of the Academy just before sunset.

The Imperial Princess seemed unusually cheerful today for some reason. Not sure why though—she spent most of her birthday waiting alone until things got chaotic.

“What have you been up to?”

“I went to Imentia—a port city—and there were several patients suffering from various illnesses. Apparently, the dispatched people mistook it for the Black Death.”

“Black Death? That sounds terrifying!”

Everyone reacted that way, so Imentia was almost completely shut down in no time. The brain loves assuming worst-case scenarios; understandable, maybe.

“It wasn’t the Black Death.”

“Thank goodness.”

Mint glanced at me.

“Still, I’m glad you made it today. If you’d come after the birthday passed, I might’ve felt a little down.”

“That’s true… Sorry about that.”

“Since you’re here now, it doesn’t matter… We still have plenty of time left today. Although, not much—probably around thirty minutes before sunset. I wonder if there’s anything open near the Academy…”

***

We somehow found somewhere still open.

By the looks of the empty tables, they’re probably closing soon. But eh…

Mint has no fear of anything. Normally, *the world* should be scared of Mint instead.

“Please go ahead, Your Highness.”

“Okay.”

Mint entered first, leaving me standing awkwardly by the reception desk, scratching my head as I tried to figure out how to start this conversation.

“Sorry, but the princess tends to lack manners, and today is her late birthday celebration…”

“Ah, we can extend our closing time a bit. No problem.”

No way it’s “no problem.” Back when I worked late shifts at the hospital saving lives, even being late felt irritating sometimes. What am I supposed to do?

I fished a few bills out of my pocket, but the waiter waved them off.

“This is a tip. You guys can split it.”

“Uh…”

The waiter hesitated briefly before accepting the tip. I looked over at Mint who had already taken a seat across the room.

You pay for dinner, Mint. Anyway, this issue is resolved.

Mint picked a nice window-side spot. I walked across the restaurant and sat opposite her. She stared at me blankly.

“Why are you sitting there?”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind.”

Mint stood up and moved to sit next to me. It felt a little uncomfortable, but… today is Mint’s birthday, so I’ll let it slide.

“What did you do today, Your Highness?”

“Nothing special. Attended class in the morning, lazed around a bit, then waited for you starting from evening.”

“Did you get any celebrations?”

“Yeah? More than enough! Enough letters to make four books. Quite a few people visited me at the Academy too.”

“That’s good news.”

“What’s good news?”

“There are many people willing to celebrate your birthday, Your Highness. Doesn’t that mean you’re well-liked?”

“I don’t know…”

“Didn’t you say something similar last time? You worried there weren’t enough people around you. But with so many people, surely some of them must be good ones.”

“Maybe I don’t really have many true friends…”

Surprisingly insightful words there.

Even if it’s unlikely, it’s better than having none, right? Besides, looks like Mint does think sometimes. Definitely a relief.

“Still, today was a success. You received proper wishes from others, and your teacher returned just in time, right?”

“Yes.”

A brief silence followed.

Mint gazed out the window at the Academy building, where lights were gradually turning on amidst the twilight.

Looks like there are quite a few night owls studying or experimenting—graduate students like Istina included. Luckily, she went home safely today.

“What did you order?”

“A bit of everything.”

Mint didn’t elaborate further, just staring off into space.

“Are you going to drink alcohol, Teacher?”

“Nope. Got work tomorrow morning. Besides, is it even legal for Your Highness to drink?”

“Kidding!”

“Oh, okay.”

“Hey!”

“Yes?”

“Do you… like anyone?”

“Not particularly.”

“Huh? Surprising. I thought you’d be popular…”

No way. Ever since Istina, I haven’t even managed to recruit a graduate student. My popularity is frozen solid.

Mint gave me a sideways glance.

“You’re busy, right? Things you need to do, things you want to do, goals to achieve… There’s so much to worry about.”

“True. You’ve always had a lot on your plate.”

“Yeah, well. No plans for now.”

***

“Hey. Am I pretty?”

“Pardon?”

“Am I pretty?”

“Your Highness needs to show more respect towards subordinates. Just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean you can treat us however you want…”

“Answer.”

“Ah, yes. You’re very beautiful.”

“How beautiful?”

“Extremely?”

“Is there anyone prettier than me among all the people you’ve ever seen?”

“I don’t think so.”

Mint chuckled lightly before sighing.

“Bow down to me.”

“Giving compliments isn’t difficult, but… honestly, it’s kind of sad that Your Highness feels the need to seek validation like this.”

This comment made the princess squint slightly.

“What did you say?”

“Your Highness is unique as yourself. Why seek approval from me to boost self-esteem?”

Was that too harsh?

I checked Mint’s expression. She blinked, looking a little hurt.

“Rude.”

“Apologies.”

“You spend all day tormenting Istina in the lab, yet you criticize me like this?”

“Um… I hope Your Highness grows into a better adult than me. And Istina enjoys working as a graduate student.”

“Hmmph. Sure.”

Mint clearly didn’t believe me.

“So… you don’t enjoy giving me compliments?”

“Not exactly. It’s just… not a healthy hobby, I think.”

“True… tormenting you to earn small compliments isn’t ideal either.”

“Exactly.”

At least she realized something. Lucky break.

“Then, give me a sincere compliment.”

“Huh?”

Is this some kind of joke? Our eyes met, but Mint continued staring intently at me with wide eyes.

“But you said it wasn’t hard!”

“Now that I try, it seems harder than expected.”

“Eh…?”

Mint placed her hand on my shoulder.

I instinctively moved away.

“Remember what we were saying earlier? Most beautiful, kindest, smartest, cutest person in the world…”

Footsteps approached, followed by a polite cough. Both Mint and I turned our heads to see a waiter standing awkwardly beside our table.

“Oh, the food’s here?”

Embarrassing…

The waiter set down the dishes, mumbled something, and quickly retreated without another word, though he glanced at me sideways.

I pressed my temples. How do I handle our clueless princess?

“Please be more careful, Your Highness.”

“Okay.”

Mint looked at me expectantly. I sighed. Fine, I decided to indulge her for one day.

“Your Highness is the most beautiful person in the world.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“You’re intelligent, talented in magic, and possess a warm heart. Though…”

Mint stopped listening after that point, covering her mouth while grinning mischievously. I regretted my choice of words again.

Maybe I indulged her too much—this could spoil her habits.

***

Mint put down her utensils and wiped her mouth.

“I didn’t expect you to play along so much. This exceeded my expectations!”

“And I’m regretting it.”

Just for one day. It’s fine to indulge someone on their birthday, right? Mint is human too.

“The sun’s set already.”

“We should go soon. Even restaurants need to close eventually.”

Mint dusted off her clothes and slowly stood up. I followed suit.

“Did you enjoy the meal?”

The waiter asked Mint.

Most dishes were barely touched, but Mint nodded anyway.

“Isn’t it past closing time?”

“We’re fine.”

“I feel great. Here, take this tip and share it.”

“Oh, thank you!”

Mint pulled out a few bills from her wallet and handed them over. The waiter accepted them with forced politeness.

They got tipped twice. Lucky for them.

“Teacher, let’s go now.”

Still, everyone ended up happy. Money means nothing to the princess anyway.

I caught the waiter’s eye, and he scratched his head sheepishly while smiling.

Good things happen sometimes.

I followed Mint outside onto the street.

“What’s next for you, Teacher?”

“Going home.”

After pulling an all-nighter yesterday, I definitely need rest today.

“Will you escort me back?”

“Sure.”

The princess skipped ahead, circled around, and came back to my side. A crescent moon hung in the sky…

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Of course. I’ll be in the lab all day preparing for the symposium.”

Mint nodded slowly.

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