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Chapter 1 I'm The Poor Princess? "Have you lost your mind?" a voice hissed. "Just dump that bastard in the snow," another replied. "Instant snowman." Olivia heard the voices as if through a fog. 'Bastard? Snowman? What does that even mean?' Before she could make sense of it, an avalanche of icy shock slammed into her, swallowing everything. She jerked awake, her eyes flying open. Then she found herself bound and buried under a heavy layer of snow. Her limbs had gone numb, her heartbeat was slowing, and her mind was growing hazy. If this kept up, she would freeze to death. Nearby, children laughed and shouted. "Whoa, the bastard is a snowman now," one of them chuckled. "Princess Sophie, check out the snowman I made out of the trash," another bragged. "Looks real, doesn't it?" "Look! The garbage finally did something useful. Her Highness smiled," a third voice sneered. Their cruel taunts kept coming. A chill of fear shot through Olivia. She sucked in a sharp breath, the freezing air searing her lungs. Gritting her teeth, she threw her weight forward, driving her shoulder again and again into the packed snow. The icy shell fractured, then shattered. Olivia spilled out onto the frozen ground. The impact knocked the wind from her, pain blooming sharp in her chest as her vision blurred. She lay there for a long moment, struggling to draw breath. When the pain faded and her vision cleared, Olivia looked around. Five children in strange, old-fashioned clothes were staring at her. They shrieked in unison and scattered like startled birds. Olivia gritted her teeth. 'Perfect. A pack of brats. For a second, a violent fantasy played out in her head: cornering every last one of them and teaching them a lesson they'd never forget. "Your Highness," a frantic voice cried out. Before Olivia could even process what was happening, the woman pulled her into a desperate, bone-crushing hug. The woman smelled of plain soap and felt thin, but her grip was surprisingly strong. Olivia looked up into a face blotchy with tears, the skin wind-chapped and raw. The moment their eyes met, a sharp pain lanced through Olivia's skull. A flood of alien memories crashed into her mind. She had transmigrated. One moment she was in the modern world, and the next she was trapped in the body of a forgotten princess, banished to this remote corner of some ancient dynasty's palace. The original Olivia was a five-year-old child. In a harem where people either curried favor with the powerful or preyed on the weak, life in this remote palace meant constant hunger and bitter cold. Even with her nanny Jane taking care of her, survival was a daily struggle. Olivia was so frail and small that she looked barely three. Just moments earlier, her half-sister Sophie and her pack of noble-born brats had buried the little princess in the snow for their amusement, turning her into a living snowman. The original Olivia could not hold on, and her tiny life slipped away. That was the moment the new Olivia's soul took over. Olivia let out a weary sigh. 'What a hellish way to begin.' "Are you all right, Your Highness? Where does it hurt?" Jane's voice trembled as her fingers worked frantically at the ropes binding Olivia's hands and feet. "It's my fault. I never should have left you alone." There had been no food left that morning, so Jane had gone to the kitchen at first light, hoping to beg for even a little bread. When she was gone, Sophie and her attendants had torn the ragged coat from Olivia's shoulders, tied her up, and buried her in the snow. It was the dead of winter. Even a grown adult would not last long in that cold, let alone a frail five-year-old child. Furious and heartbroken but powerless as a maid, Jane pulled Olivia into a tight hug. Then she sank into a deep curtsy, bowing her head. "Greetings, Your Highness," she said, her voice trembling. "Forgive my failure in duty, for letting Olivia offend you. I'll accept any punishment." Silence answered her, broken only by the whip of the wind and the biting sting of driven snow. Jane repeated her plea. On the third repetition, a snowball struck her head. Then another. And another. Soon, a relentless barrage pelted down upon her. Jane hunched over Olivia, shielding Olivia with her own body. "Don't be afraid, Your Highness," she whispered. "They're just snowballs. Doesn't hurt at all." 'How could they not hurt?' Olivia thought, her eyes darkening. 'Her forehead is already red.' She peeked out from the shelter of Jane's arms. The group of children stood laughing and jeering, their snowball fight growing ever more frenzied now that they had a stationary target. Leading the charge was Luka of the Lancaster family, Sophie's cousin. He was pelting snowballs at them with relentless vigor. "Jane," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible as she pressed close to the maid's ear. "Listen. Do as I say." A flicker of uncertainty crossed Jane's face, but after a moment's hesitation, she gave a nod. The children watched in stunned silence as Jane suddenly stood up. Before anyone could react, Olivia, still held securely in her arms, swung her little hand and threw a small snowball. It just landed with a soft thud at Luka's feet. Luka stared and then let out a loud, mocking sneer. "Can't even hit me from right there? Typical. Just a worthless outcast." "Outcast! Worthless!" The other children took up the chant, their voices sharp and cruel. Jane reached up, her hands moving to cover Olivia's ears, but Olivia didn't seem to mind. She was already planning her next move. Luka rushed forward, taunting her with a sneer, "Go on. Try and hit me. I'm right here. Hit me." Olivia's eyes gleamed. 'Unbelievable,' she thought. 'No kidding. I've actually found a real-life idiot begging for a beating. Well, I'd better give him exactly what he wants.' She flashed a brilliant, innocent smile. "Okay." In one swift motion, she raised her right hand and hurled a second, tightly-packed snowball. It flew straight and true, striking Luka squarely in the forehead. Luka, still bouncing on his toes, was caught completely off guard. A sharp, stunning pain exploded across his brow. His vision swam, and a warm trickle of blood began to seep out. He stood frozen, utterly bewildered. Seizing the moment, Olivia scooped up another handful of snow, packed it, and let it fly. Thump! It landed with a solid, wet sound directly on Luka's nose. The pain skyrocketed. A piercing wail tore from Luka's throat as he burst into tears. Blood now streamed freely from both his forehead and nose, painting a grotesque, terrifying mask across his face. The other children were paralyzed with shock. They had never witnessed anything so brutal. Olivia wrapped her arms tightly around Jane's neck. "Run," she hissed. Clutching Olivia to her chest, Jane turned and fled as fast as her legs could carry her. They had only made it about forty feet when the stunned silence shattered behind them. "She put rocks in the snowballs," a boy shrieked, pointing an accusing finger. Another voice, shrill with panic, cut through the air. "Luka's nose is broken. Someone get the royal physician." A third cry rose above the rest. "Get her. Stone that outcast to death." ***** Jane ran like the wind, the icy air whipping past her ears. Olivia, clinging to her shoulder, shot a look behind them. In the distance, her eyes met Sophie's. Sophie had not moved. She stood apart and watched in silence, wrapped in her rich furs and an air of chilly indifference, as if the frantic scramble before her was a mildly diverting play. Olivia's survival or suffering was clearly of no consequence to her. Olivia and Sophie were born on the very same day, at the very same hour, yet they lived in different worlds. Olivia battled hunger. She wore rags, and scraped through each day like a beggar. While Sophie knew only indulgence. She was swaddled in silk, feasted on delicacies, and lived a life untouched by hardship, looking down on everyone from her place of privilege. 'So arrogant. So vicious,' Olivia thought, her eyes darkening as a sly smile touched her lips. 'Just wait. I'll make you regret ever messing with me.' "Your Highness, they're gaining on us." Jane's voice was tight with panic as she kept glancing back. Sophie remained silent, her silence only emboldening her lackeys as they closed in, bold and unopposed. Olivia's mind raced until a sudden crackle of static cut through her thoughts. [Scanning Host data... Infant Care System 1.0 Binding succeeded.] Her vision wavered briefly before a translucent display panel flickered into view. No time to examine it. "System, I need a way out now." Her tone was so offhand that it seemed to trip the system. [Newbie reward being distributed.] Instantly, a small, ordinary plastic whistle materialized in Olivia's palm. [Ordinary Plastic Whistle: A child's toy. Can be blown twice. Each use summons a random entity. What appears is not up to you. ] With no other potion, Olivia didn't hesitate. She raised the whistle to her lips and blew. With a sudden whoosh, a gust of wind ripped down the street, tearing pants right off all the boys and sending them swirling through the snowy air. Olivia caught a flash of color and did a double-take. 'No way. Are those Luka's neon pink boxers?' The kids were frozen, totally stunned. Olivia just blinked. 'Seriously? What kind of joke toy is this?' She didn't wait and blew the whistle again, and in a sudden blur of yellow, something shot past Jane before she could even blink. Before Jane could make sense of it, chaos erupted behind them. Screams and wild barking filled the air. She spun around to see a large, wheat-colored dog tearing through the snow, howling as it chased the boys. Anyone who slowed down was instantly pounced on. And just like that, those high-and-mighty brats lost the last shred of their dignity, right down to their underwear. Against the vast white snow, all that remained was a parade of pale, bare butts on full display. Olivia stared at the spectacle and joked, "Well, look at that." Jane nearly choked trying not to laugh. These kids were gonna be scarred for life. As the wind howled and the snow swirled, Olivia's childish commentary only made the boys' wailing louder and more pitiful. And the moment the dog appeared, Sophie's personal maid had already whisked her away. She was the royal family's treasured princess. If she was even frightened, heads would roll. ***** Soon, the area around was deserted. Jane let out a sigh of relief. "Who would've guessed? Butter's not usually friendly, but when the chips are down, it really comes through. What a good dog." The whistle vanished. Olivia went completely limp in Jane's arms. All the fear and struggle had completely drained her already fragile body. Her small face was ghostly pale as she clung to Jane's neck, her voice weak and trembling. "Jane, let's go back. I'm so cold, and so hungry." But before she could finish, a stabbing pain tore through her chest again, sharper than before. Blood gushed from her mouth in a thick, crimson stream. "Your Highness!" Jane cried out in terror. Clutching Olivia tight, she broke into a desperate sprint toward their dilapidated shack. Olivia's eyes were shut tight, her lips tinged with blue. Each shallow breath barely lifted her chest, and with every exhale, a frothy trickle of blood escaped her lips. She had sunk into a deep unconsciousness, her mind adrift in a blank, white space. Before her, a personal information panel hovered. [Name: Olivia] [Race: Young Olive Sapling (A freshly sprouted, plant-type infant.)] [Health: Internal Bleeding. The impact with the snowbank ruptured your spleen, causing severe and ongoing internal hemorrhage.] Olivia's heart leaped into her throat. "So what happens with internal hemorrhage?" she asked, her voice trembling. The system made a goofy face and stuck out its tongue. "You'll kick the bucket, honey." Then, as if worried it had scared her, it quickly added, "But don't sweat it. Just finish your quests and you'll be right as rain in no time." Without bothering to explain what those quests were, it kept flashing the display panel again and again. Olivia let out a small sigh of relief, seeing there was a fix. She tapped the "Race" field on the display. "My name is Olivia, but that doesn't mean I'm, well, an olive, okay?" The System sounded positively affronted. "Of course you are. I've scanned your soul, and you are definitely a baby olive tree." Olivia was speechless. Changing tack, she shot back, "You're the System. Can't you just, I don't know, conjure up a miracle cure for this?" The System's tone switched to something official and bureaucratic. "All growth-related issues must be resolved by the host. The System cannot generate medical supplies out of thin air." Then, its voice brightened with artificial pep. "Come on, you can do it. You're the best!" Olivia fell silent. 'Seriously? Going straight from hard mode to a death flag? Can I get a break here?' After a moment, she managed a dramatic, sarcastic whisper, "Must be nice, being a System. No injuries, no blood, and no pain. Meanwhile, here I am, fresh off the transmigration truck, and I can't even get enough food." The System was completely thrown off. 'Whoa, is she trying to guilt-trip me now?' Chapter 2 Dragonstone Resonance Olivia remained unconscious, a dull ache pulsing in her head and chest as fragmented memories flickered through her mind. She'd been a tough orphan in her old world, fighting for every scrap. Now she was a princess, exiled to a remote palace. Yet even as King Edward's daughter, her life was so pitiful that she didn't live half as well as a pet dog here. 'What a poor girl,' she thought. Too weak to rouse herself, she felt the System boot up its user manual in her mind. Its full name was the Infant Care System, though Olivia saw no trace of actual care. All it did was nag her constantly, which was completely useless. A deep wave of disappointment washed over her. The System explained, "The System is divided into three parts: a personal info panel, a quest panel, and a locked Kids' Play Zone. "Quests come in two types: daily side quests and main growth quests. They refresh automatically. If you want to get better, you'd better start grinding." Olivia made a face but reluctantly tapped open the task panel. Two new quests had just appeared. [Side Quest: I Need Sunshine to Grow.] [Description: You need photosynthesis. Get outside and soak up some sun. It's time to grow.] [Rewards: 1 Dragonstone Fragment.] Olivia was totally confused about the quest. [Main Quest: Internal Bleeding.] [Description: You took a nasty hit and your organs are damaged. You're bleeding internally. Get medical help, now.] [Rewards: 5 Dragonstone Shards (guaranteed)] Olivia's eye gave an involuntary twitch. Every single reward was just another "Dragonstone Shard." 'Great,' she thought. 'Broken Dragonstone, huh? So I have to collect, like, a million pieces of this thing?' The System gave a light, cheerful laugh. "The more you collect, the healthier you'll be. You'll grow up big and strong in no time." Olivia just stared, too drained for a comeback. "Forget the motivational speech. How about some actual rewards? Gold, jewels, or something useful. Or at least a few more handy gadgets like that whistle." The System turned serious. "Dragonstone is what keeps you alive, sweetie. Don't take it lightly." That finally got through to Olivia. The side quest sounded simple enough, but she was human, not a houseplant. She grumbled about how idiotic the System was. Photosynthesis was not in her skill set. And that just left the main quest, and that one looked like a serious grind. ***** Olivia woke after what felt like an eternity. She stared blankly at the ceiling. Snow drifted in through the cracks, and her chest ached so badly she couldn't lift her arms. Jane slipped inside, carrying a basin of warm water. "Are you feeling better, Your Highness?" Olivia ran her tongue over her lips, the coppery taste of blood still there. She looked away, her voice barely a whisper. "My body might be healing. But inside, I'm already gone." The fact that Olivia could still crack such a morbid joke gave Jane a small wave of relief. She sat gently on the edge of the bed. "Don't say such things, Your Highness," she soothed. She wrung out a hot cloth and laid it over Olivia's chest. The warmth seeped deep, right to her bones, and Olivia let out a soft, contented sigh. Olivia knew she needed a doctor, or at least some proper medicine. She started to ask, but stopped when she saw Jane's red-rimmed eyes. "My poor girl," Jane whispered, her heart breaking. "You are always so kind. Why is this so unfair? The other princes and princesses get everything, while you have nothing. You're so ill, but we have no medicine. And the Royal Infirmary won't even see you..." "I'll be alright, Jane," Olivia said softly, deeply touched by her care. Here Olivia was, suffering, yet still trying to comfort her. It broke Jane's heart. But she couldn't even get near the Royal Infirmary. So she could only say, "Alright, I'll go beg the Royal Dispensary again soon." Olivia decided to press for more information. She put on an innocent face. "Jane, everyone calls me a bastard. Am I really not King Edward's daughter?" "You are," Jane insisted, her voice trembling. "You are his trueborn daughter." Olivia asked, "Then why am I treated so differently from Sophie?" Jane's face fell. She sighed, "Your Highness, it's because you're missing something." That was it. Olivia felt a jolt of clarity. She had finally found the key. Jane leaned in, her voice an urgent whisper. "Your Highness, if a pearl the size of an egg ever appears above your head, tell me immediately. It's an Innate Dragonstone. Princess Sophie has one. All true royals are born with it." Olivia's pulse thrummed in her ears. "Innate Dragonstone? But if it's supposed to be there from birth, why have I never seen it?" "I don't know," Jane admitted, shaking her head. "It wasn't there when you were given to me. But your late mother, Consort Sierra, swore you were born with it, a translucent, white stone." Jane's gaze was unflinching. "Your Highness, you have to believe her." Olivia nodded, but her mind remained blank. She couldn't picture the man who was supposed to be her father. "Jane," she finally asked, "what is the king actually like?" "His Majesty is the strongest ruler in Castarria's history," Jane replied, her voice hushed with reverence. "His Innate Dragonstone revealed the Golden Dragon mark when he was only three. They say he's as clever as he is powerful." Her tone grew more confidential as she continued, "But for all his strength, he has very few children. You and Princess Sophie are his only trueborn heirs. The rest around your age are distant cousins. "Here, it's the Dragonstone that defines your royal blood. And the clearer the mark it bears, the stronger your right to the throne." On this topic, a thread of genuine curiosity tugged at Olivia. "The first king's Dragonstone bore a crown," Jane continued. "His successor's showed the family crest, and His Majesty's is the Golden Dragon. All are symbols of sovereign power." "What about everyone else?" Olivia pressed. "What kind of marks do they get?" "Oh, all sorts," Jane replied. "The current Grand General has a sword on his stone. The old records mention devices like scrolls, quills, and wax seals. Usually, it reflects what you are destined to excel at." Her eyes softened, shining with hope as she looked at Olivia. "Your Highness, I know yours will be something wonderful, too." Olivia prodded her System silently. "Alright, so what's on my Dragonstone? The royal crest? Also the Gold Dragon? If you're really trying to put me on the throne, fine, I'll go with it. Being a queen sounds great." The System didn't answer. Instead, an image appeared in her mind: a perfectly round, crystal-clear Dragonstone, glossy and flawless. Suspended at its very center was a single, tiny olive branch. Olivia stared, utterly speechless. The System's voice chirped with fake cheer. "To restore your Dragonstone, you must collect 999 missing shards. Go get them." A wave of utter despair washed over her. "Just 'go get them'? How?" The System stayed silent. The task of getting 999 shards seemed impossible. Olivia turned and gripped Jane's hand, her voice thick with frustration. "Jane, I feel awful. It's too much. It's too hard." Jane immediately pulled Olivia into a tight hug, trying to offer comfort, but her own eyes welled up with fresh tears. 'Okay,' Olivia thought, shoving her own feelings aside to think. 'The original Olivia was dumped in this backwater palace for one simple reason: no Dragonstone, and her mother died giving birth to her. So who comes out on top? Sophie and her mother, obviously. 'Without a Dragonstone, I can't prove my royal blood, which makes Sophie the king's one and only heir. She gets to live the royal high life as his pampered favorite, with every luxury handed to her. 'But first, I need to deal with this internal bleeding. The whole Dragonstone drama can wait.' Softening her tone, Olivia spoke into Jane's shoulder. "Jane, when you go to see Sophie's mother, you must say exactly what I tell you. Word for word." ***** Olivia's organs were still malfunctioning, and she drifted in that foggy space between sleep and wakefulness. When she finally opened her eyes, the winter sun was streaming in, lighting up half the bed. Butter had wandered into the room. It circled her, its nose twitching with curiosity. All Olivia really knew about it was that it belonged to the old servant in the remote palace, a pampered pet who lived a life of comfort. Olivia stared at the sunlight, her mind stuck on one weird word: "photosynthesis." She shifted her little legs with effort, carefully settling her feet into the patch of sun. She lay still for a moment, then grimaced and rolled onto her back to soak up the rays. She baked in the sunlight for a while, but her internal quest tracker remained completely dark. Thinking hard, she opened her mouth and began taking deep, deliberate breaths. Her insides throbbed again, and the familiar metallic taste began to rise in her throat. Butter shoved its nose right up to her, sniffing intently as if inspecting a crime scene. Then, Olivia's stomach gurgled. It was followed by a sudden, percussive pfft. A whole symphony of gas, high notes and low, erupted directly into Butter's bewildered face. Caught completely off guard by the gaseous assault, Butter yelped in shock. It shot Olivia a look of pure terror, tucked its tail between its legs, and fled the room. Olivia lay there, stunned. Then the System buzzed. [Side Quest: Photosynthesis completed. Nice work, Olivia.] [Rewards: 1 Dragonstone Fragment] [Description: 20 Fragments = 1 Dragonstone Shard. Keep up the photosynthesis for 20 days to unlock the Kids' Play Zone. Little ones like you deserve some fun and games.] The Dragonstone Fragment was tiny, but it shimmered with the same luster as the real thing. Olivia stared at it, and then unclenched her hand. The shard shot toward her head as if pulled by a magnet, vanishing instantly. The grinding pain in her gut subsided, and she felt a trickle of real strength return. The System chirped cheerfully, "See? Told you! Dragonstone really does speed up your recovery." Hearing that, Olivia finally felt a spark of motivation for these quests. She needed more Dragonstone Shards. ***** At the Celestial Palace, the very instant Olivia claimed her shard, Edward was reviewing memorials when a sharp pain clenched his heart. A low hum vibrated the air. His Innate Dragonstone, egg-sized and etched with the Golden Dragon sigil, materialized against his will. An invisible force pulsed outward from him, shattering porcelain throughout the hall in a deafening crash. "Your Majesty," Franklin Nelson, the Chief Servant, cried out. Edward, his strikingly handsome features tense, frowned deeply, his thin lips pressed into a severe line. Franklin risked a glance at the Dragonstone and felt his blood turn to ice. He instantly averted his eyes, not daring to look again. The stone was webbed with cracks, and a significant piece had sheared clean off. A moment later, the Innate Dragonstone vanished. "Your Majesty," Franklin ventured cautiously, "shall I summon a doctor for you?" Edward's sharp gaze lifted slightly, his voice cold. "It is merely Dragonstone Resonance. Do not raise an alarm." 'Dragonstone Resonance?' Franklin gasped inwardly, his legs giving way as he collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud. 'That phenomenon can only be triggered by one of true royal blood.' "The resonance originated from that direction," Edward stated, his eyes shifting toward the northwest. "Which palace lies there? And who lives there?" Franklin stiffened. "Your Majesty, that is merely one of the remote palaces." 'A child living in a remote palace? Princess Olivia? She actually triggered a Dragonstone Resonance with His Majesty?' The realization left Franklin utterly shaken. Chapter 3 Show Me Your Innate Dragonstone At Everdawn Palace, in Consort Grace's private quarters, Jane stood with her head bowed low in silent submission. Seated on a throne, Grace, Sophie's mother, sipped her sherry with regal elegance. Her eyes were captivating, alluring whether she smiled or not. "An Innate Dragonstone?" She let out a soft, dismissive laugh. "Are you telling me that little wretch actually possesses one?" Jane didn't dare to look up. "My Lady, I saw it with my own eyes. It was floating right above her head. I couldn't possibly be mistaken." In response, the crystal sherry glass flew from Consort Grace's hand. The strong, sticky wine splashed across Jane's face, stinging her skin. She cried out, but dared not wipe or cover it. "You contemptible wretch." Grace's voice was icy with contempt. "How dare you lie to me." Jane trembled violently, her body folding in on itself. "Mercy, My Lady! I would never dare deceive you. That wretch was coughing up blood all day, and I stayed with her. I swear on my life, I saw the Dragonstone." Grace was already aware that Sophie and her friends had buried Olivia in the snow. Normally, a death in such a remote corner of the palace would be of no consequence. But if Olivia truly had a Dragonstone, letting her perish could pose a problem. 'No.' Grace dismissed the thought. 'Impossible. That bastard could never possess a Dragonstone.' At that moment, a maid entered, gliding forward to murmur something into her mistress's ear. Jane strained to listen, just barely catching something like "Celestial Palace." And in a heartbeat, she saw Grace's expression transform. After a long pause, Grace spoke coolly, "Very well. I will trust you this once." She turned to a maid. "Spring, summon a royal physician. Go check on Princess Olivia." She placed a deliberate emphasis on the word "check". Jane let out a shaky breath of relief. 'Finally. Princess Olivia will be fine soon.' Grace gave a slight nod. "Spring, you go with them. Check it yourself." Anyone would see a Dragonstone at first sight, so Grace was sure she would know the answer soon. Once the hall was empty, Consort Grace's expression turned to ice. She turned to her most trusted attendant. "Start a quiet rumor. "When Sophie was playing in the snow near the remote palace today, her Innate Dragonstone manifested unexpectedly. It triggered a bloodline resonance with His Majesty. Be discreet about it." ***** Jane returned with Spring, Grace's long-faced maid, and a royal physician. Spring entered first and peered from a distance. A small, frail figure was curled tightly in a heap of filthy rags. It was Olivia, her breathing shallow and weak, her limbs drawn in close. She looked utterly broken, as if she wouldn't last the day. "Ugh, disgusting," Spring muttered, flicking her sleeve dismissively. She turned to the physician. "Well, don't just stand there. See if you can wake her up." The physician checked Olivia and shook his head. "She's barely with us. She's got internal bleeding and organ failure. It's highly unlikely she'll regain consciousness anytime soon." Spring covered her nose, fanning the air impatiently. "Just write a prescription. I need her awake by the time I come back tomorrow." With that, she hurried out, unable to stomach the room's cold, heavy gloom a moment longer. Jane kept her head lowered, fists clenched tightly out of sight. The physician's expression softened with pity. After writing the prescription, he instructed his apprentice to dispense it daily so Jane would only need to fetch it. As he stepped outside the palace, the physician hesitated and glanced back. After a moment of thought, he gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and turned toward the Celestial Palace. Olivia's condition was critical. He felt he had to tell someone close to King Edward, if only for his own peace of mind. Whether Edward heard about it, or what he chose to do after that, was no longer the physician's problem. ***** That night, Olivia finally took the medicine that actually began to heal her. Jane leaned in, her voice a worried whisper. "Your Highness, Spring returns tomorrow. Consort Grace won't let this go until she sees your Dragonstone with her own eyes. What do we do?" Olivia's plan had worked. Spreading the rumor about the Innate Dragonstone had gotten them the medicine. But Grace was no fool. A short delay was one thing, but this lie could not hold forever. 'If we're caught deceiving Consort Grace, the punishment would be severe,' Jane thought, terrified. Olivia, however, had a plan. "Jane, the longer Consort Grace is unsure about my Dragonstone, the safer I am." Those in power were naturally suspicious. Olivia was convinced her missing Dragonstone was linked to Grace and Sophie. And she made out the plan. That doubt was her shield. As long as it existed, Grace would only test and probe, not strike to kill. It meant facing some trouble, but staying alive was what mattered. This level of cunning was far beyond a typical five-year-old. Olivia checked in with her System. "System, am I acting too mature for my age?" "No worries," the System chirped back. "Any royal born with an Innate Dragonstone is labeled a genius. They'll just think you're a prodigy, and that's all." 'So being different makes you a genius,' Olivia thought. 'It seems they give Castarrian royals a very generous benefit of the doubt.' ***** Three days passed. The ache in Olivia's organs had dulled, and her Main Quest [Internal Bleeding] was now 30% complete. She'd also learned she only earned rewards from the first round of photosynthesis each day. Though the System insisted she should keep at it, claiming frequent photosynthesis would help her grow bigger and stronger faster. Olivia wasn't buying it, though. After three days, she had collected three Dragonstone Fragments in total. Thanks to them, she felt much stronger, well enough to get out of bed and even take a few shaky steps. For those three days, Spring had arrived like clockwork. Each time, Olivia played her part perfectly: frail, barely conscious, and never once letting on she was actually awake. But by the fourth day, Grace had run out of patience. At first light, Spring arrived with two burly servants and hauled Olivia out of her room, not even giving her a chance to properly wake up. The winter sun shone brightly in the courtyard, but the air remained bitterly cold. Servants held Olivia aloft, her feet dangling above the ground. Spring flung a ladle of icy water over her. "Show your Innate Dragonstone, you little bastard." Olivia shuddered violently, her face turning a ghostly white. Jane rushed forward, frantically wiping the water from Olivia's face. "Spring, please, she's still weak. Can't you give her more time?" Spring gave a cold, sharp laugh. "Her Ladyship is merciful, but she will not be made a fool. If that Dragonstone doesn't appear today..." She let the threat hang, and then grabbed Olivia's chin. "You little brat. You don't have one, do you? This is all a trick to deceive Her Ladyship." "No, it's not a trick," Jane cried, her voice shaking. She knew this would be harsh. But seeing the blood well up where Spring pinched Olivia's skin filled her with panic and a surge of rage. Yet Olivia didn't cry. She was eerily calm. "The law is clear," she stated, her voice flat. "Only true royal blood bears an Innate Dragonstone." She slapped Spring's hand away. "A servant has no right to see it." Her voice was quiet, almost childlike, but her sharp eyes sent a chill straight through Spring. Spring instinctively shrank back. For a heartbeat, she felt the same stark dread she only ever felt in Edward's presence. But soon, Spring's face twisted with rage. "You insolent brat," she snarled, sending Jane sprawling with a sharp kick. "I'm here on behalf of Consort Grace. Show some respect." Then, remembering her mistress's instructions, a vicious smile spread across her face. "You think I can't do anything to you?" She grabbed Olivia by the collar and hauled her toward the yard. "No Dragonstone today, and you'll learn what happens to liars in this house." Olivia, small and helpless, was no match for Spring's strength. Terrified, Jane scrambled after them. "Stop! Let Her Highness go this instant." They soon arrived at the Serpentine Bridge, not far from the remote palace. At this time of year, the lake beneath was a solid sheet of ice, gleaming white. The servants broke the ice near the shore daily to keep the fish from freezing. Spring hauled Olivia to the water's very edge until Olivia's toes were soaked in the freezing water. Glaring down, Spring said coldly, "Show us the Dragonstone, you little bastard." Chapter 4 King Edward Gasping, Olivia clung to Spring's wrist. "You can't kill me. And you won't get rid of me this easily. Just wait—" Enraged, Spring abruptly let go. Olivia plunged into the water with a loud splash. "Your Highness!" Jane cried out in horror and rushed forward. Spring clapped her hands as if brushing off dirt. She turned to the other servants. "Hold her." Then her cold eyes locked back on Jane. "I'm not done with you." Olivia could swim, but her child's body, still weak from a recent illness, was no match for the frozen lake. After a few feeble kicks, her strength gave out. Just then, a series of barks erupted. A yellow blur shot past, knocking Spring off her feet before splashing into the water. It was Butter. Right behind the dog came an old servant with a deeply scarred face and a limp. The web of marks was unsettling, almost frightening, but otherwise he seemed perfectly ordinary. Yet the sight of him made Spring go deathly pale. Her eyes widened in shock. "O-Oscar?" she stammered. Oscar Grant shot her a piercing glare. Without a word, he tore off his coat, dove into the freezing water, and together with Butter, hauled Olivia back to the shore. The cold seeped into her bones, freezing Olivia's thoughts into a sluggish haze. Through the numbness, she felt something cold and wet nudge her cheek, accompanied by a soft whimper. The sound finally pierced the fog in her mind. Forcing her eyes open, she was met with a terrifying, scar-ravaged face. She was totally thrown off. "Your Highness," Jane whispered urgently from nearby. "This is Oscar, Butter's owner. Butter fetched him, and together they pulled you out." Olivia's head cleared instantly. It didn't matter who Oscar was. Anyone who could help her was a potential ally. She needed to secure that help now. She buried her face in Oscar's chest. "I'm so cold," she whispered, trembling. "Why did she want to drown me?" Her eyes, already puffy and red, held a child's deep, bewildered pain. Oscar stiffened. He looked down at the shivering girl in his arms, then silently wrapped his dry coat tighter around her. Her arms were as thin as a little child's. The terrible thinness made her eyes look huge and her chin frighteningly sharp. What could a child this small have done to deserve this? He didn't know. Butter, not wanting to be left out, wriggled its way in. With a happy whine, it began enthusiastically washing Olivia's face with its warm tongue. Olivia was momentarily speechless and froze. Seeing Oscar's attention was elsewhere, Spring's eyes darted around, searching for a chance to slip away. But before she could take a step, Oscar's gaze snapped back to her, cold and piercing. Spring tried to stand her ground, but fear had already taken hold. Thinking fast, she invoked the only shield she had. "Oscar, I-I was just following Consort Grace's orders. Delivering medicine, that's all! It was all a misunderstanding, I swear." Oscar rose to his feet and drove his foot hard into her stomach. "Shut your mouth," he snarled. "Hiding behind Consort Grace? You have a death wish?" With those words, he crushed her excuse completely. "Now get out of my sight." Helped up by a trembling servant, Spring clutched her aching middle and scrambled away, stumbling and half-crawling in her haste to escape. Spring served Grace. Oscar's former status still held enough sway to make her retreat. But that was the limit of his influence now. He was now just a scarred old servant, wasting away in a forgotten corner of the palace, waiting for his time to run out. ***** Once everyone else had gone, Oscar crouched to meet Olivia's eyes. "You don't have to be afraid, Your Highness," he said. He tried to smile, but it only made his scarred face more unsettling. "She won't dare come back today." Something stirred in Olivia. Sophie and Grace called her a little bastard. But Oscar called her "Your Highness" with respect. It felt different. She tugged gently on his sleeve. "Really? And what about tomorrow?" Oscar fell silent. Olivia understood. She didn't complain or fuss. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him in a hug, her voice still soft and young. "You're the best, Oscar. And Butter is a good boy." Oscar could only stare, at a loss for words, while Butter let out a happy bark. A bitter wind swept across the frozen lake, and Olivia, already weakened, couldn't handle any more stress. Oscar supported Jane, who carried Olivia, and the three of them, plus Butter, made their sodden, chilled way back toward Olivia's palace. None of them noticed Edward, wrapped in a black cloak, watching everything from a distant pavilion across the ice. Franklin kept stealing glances at his master, nervously standing on his toes to peer at the lake. Once the group had left, he leaned in and whispered, "Your Majesty, shall we... intervene?" Edward's strikingly handsome face was impassive, the falling snow dusting his cloak with a faint powder of white. After a long pause, he flicked his sleeve, turned, and strode away. "Do as you see fit." Franklin stood still for a moment, watching Edward's retreating back and completely failing to understand what was going through Edward's mind. He walked over to the spot Edward had just vacated and stared out at the frozen landscape, deep in thought. His eyes drifted down to the wooden railing. There, pressed clearly into the wood, were five deep fingerprints. Franklin's eyes widen. 'Wait... His Majesty's hand is resting right here. So these traces are his? It all makes sense now. When Princess Olivia fell through the ice, His Majesty actually wanted to save her himself.' Thrilled by his deduction, Franklin called out to the disappearing figure, "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll see to it immediately." Edward didn't break stride or look back, vanishing swiftly into the curtain of falling snow. The smile dropped from Franklin's face in an instant, replaced by a look of hard authority. With a sharp gesture, he called over several guards, and then fixed Spring with a cold smirk as she walked toward him. ***** Spring was still rattled, glancing over her shoulder every few steps. It wasn't until she was sure Oscar was gone that she pressed a hand to her chest and let out a shaky breath. The young servant trailing her looked confused. "He's just an old servant with some scars, isn't he? Why are you so scared of him?" "Idiot," Spring retorted. "Oscar served Consort Belle, one of the highest-ranking consorts. He made a fortune for her. People say most of her wealth is still hidden somewhere to this day. Even Consort Grace tried to get him on her side." The young servant's breath caught. Before Spring could say another word, Franklin stepped in front of her. She looked up, saw him, and her heart began to race. Franklin's voice cut through the cold air. "Seize her. Give this wretched servant a good lesson." Spring shook violently. "Franklin, please. I was only following orders—" "You have a death wish," Franklin spat, delivering a sharp kick. "You still won't shut up, even now?" He dragged Spring to the edge of the icy lake, slammed her head against the ice over and over until it cracked, then forced her face into the freezing water. Franklin sneered, "You vile creature. Today, you'll learn exactly how it feels to drown." ***** The next morning, Olivia woke to find Oscar in the courtyard speaking with Jane. The usually deserted, run-down palace was now bustling. Five or six young servants hurried in and out, carrying food, clothing, charcoal, and tools for roof repairs. Olivia even noticed several imperial physicians waiting to check on her again. She stood in the doorway, watching Oscar thoughtfully. He approached and whispered, "I didn't arrange any of this." After a slight pause, he added quietly, "His Majesty saw everything at the lake yesterday." Olivia understood. 'So that 'father' saw me fall in yesterday,' she thought, her lips curling in annoyed distaste. She followed Oscar's glance and saw someone awkwardly pressed against the wall in the corner. He wasn't even trying to hide properly, his shadow clear in the daylight. Olivia gave Oscar a questioning look. "A servant," he murmured softly. 'So Edward couldn't be bothered to come himself and just sent a servant to lurk around?' Olivia mused scornfully. 'The servant hiding like that? Maybe Edward really doesn't want to acknowledge me. Well, good, I won't acknowledge him as well.' But Olivia's smile turned sugary as she hugged Oscar's leg. "Good morning, Oscar. No wonder I woke up feeling lucky. You're here." 'I don't want Edward anymore, and this one's a golden ticket. Who would say no to an easy life? All it takes is a little sweet talk, and that's what I do best,' she thought. Behind the wall, Franklin couldn't help but grin. 'Man, she's smooth and sweet.' Olivia called toward the corner, "I've got a secret, but I'll only tell the one who's nicest to me." 'Listen to that. Too cute,' Franklin thought, his heart melting. Oscar leaned down, playing along. "Oh? And what's the secret?" Olivia lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, I'm actually a little olive tree. I don't need to eat. I just soak up sunshine and grow big and strong." Oscar stared at her, stunned. Behind the wall, Franklin felt a sharp, painful twist in his chest. Oscar said gently, "Your Highness, you're human, not a tree." Olivia tilted her head, all innocence. The System told her that and she bought it. "But I really am a little tree. I have to breathe in the sun every day, or I won't grow tall." The courtyard fell completely silent. Olivia glanced around and sighed inwardly. 'Typical. Tell the truth and no one believes you.' Jane turned away, quietly wiping her eyes. 'My poor girl, what has she been through these five years?' Franklin's eyes reddened. 'She's been so hungry that she thinks she's a tree, living on sunlight instead of food. What kind of life has she had? She'd rather be a tree than a burden.' His heart broke. He nearly stepped out, but held back as he didn't know what Edward would do. "Alright." Oscar soothed, patting her head. "We'll get you plenty of sunshine, and you'll grow up strong." Olivia just tilted her head and gave a flat, unenthusiastic, "Okay." ****** Franklin never showed himself, but he made sure Olivia received everything she'd been missing and even worked things out with the other young servants. Even so, he couldn't resist watching her from afar and grinning. 'She's just so adorable and well-behaved,' he'd think, his heart swelling. A quick glimpse of Olivia was enough to brighten his whole day. 'She's the best, absolutely amazing. And so tiny, like a little doll you just want to hug.' His heart would melt every time. Franklin's good mood lasted all the way back to the Celestial Palace, but it evaporated the moment he saw Edward's face. It was as cold and severe as ever, and just as handsome. Edward sat perfectly still, expressionless, his attention fixed solely on his work. Hovering nearby, Franklin stole glances at Edward, hesitating. When Olivia fell into the lake yesterday, Edward gripped the railing so hard he left marks in the wood. And yet, since then, he didn't say a single word about it. Franklin simply couldn't figure out what Edward was thinking, especially with the whole Dragonstone Resonance complication. He was still agonizing over how to broach the subject, so lost in thought that he didn't even notice Edward was looking at him. After waiting a while, Edward stared at Franklin. 'Usually so attentive, and today he's daydreaming with that silly grin on his face. What's on his mind?' Edward thought. Edward rapped his knuckles sharply on the desk. "You visited Olivia again?" Franklin jolted, the words snapping him back to the present. "Y-yes, Your Majesty. I dealt with that insolent servant from Everdawn Palace yesterday, and today I went to check on Princess Olivia—" But Edward had already turned his cold, distant gaze back to his documents, as if the inquiry had been nothing more than a passing thought. A dull ache settled in Franklin's chest, and he let out a soft, weary sigh. A long silence followed, Edward still not looking up. "Consort Grace has failed to control her servant," he said flatly. "Dock her stipend for six months. One more mistake, and she will be removed from consideration to oversee the household." Franklin blinked, momentarily stunned, and then quickly motioned for a young attendant to deliver the message. Another hour passed, then another. Franklin was drifting off, caught in a drowsy haze, when he vaguely heard a low murmur. "How does she look?" He was straining to listen when a jolt of awareness shot through him. His eyes flew open. Edward sat rigidly at his desk. Above him, the Innate Dragonstone hung suspended in the air. But Franklin's blood ran cold. The once translucent stone had turned completely black, as if devoured by the dark. Franklin's eyes widened in shock, pure terror etching itself onto his face. A sharp, brittle crack pierced the air as a corner of the Dragonstone fractured and shattered. The magnificent Golden Dragon pattern was now missing its tail entirely. "YOUR MAJESTY," Franklin screamed, panic tearing through his voice. Chapter 5 Papa Franklin trembled violently, shaking like a leaf in a gale. He scrambled forward, a desperate, broken cry wrenching from his throat. "Your Majesty!" He could do nothing but repeat calling Edward, over and over, any other words utterly beyond his reach. The candlelight in the hall flickered, throwing deep shadows across Edward's face. In the dimness, only the hard line of his jaw and his thin, rose-colored lips were visible. They were pressed into a faint, tight curve that faded into the darkness, leaving his expression distant and cold. "Enough," Edward said, his voice icy. "You talk too much." Franklin wiped his eyes, his voice trembling. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I can't help but worry. Your Dragonstone chipped again just now." Floating in the air was Edward's Innate Dragonstone, about the size of an egg. It was covered in jagged cracks, with nearly a third of it already gone. The stone was shrouded in a dark, murky haze, and only the dragon pattern still glowed with a faint gold light. Just moments ago, even the dragon's tail had broken away. In Castarria, those born with an Innate Dragonstone were considered true royalty. It was said the stone was a heavenly blessing upon the royal line, and every king was called the chosen one. But few knew the Dragonstone was more than just a symbol. It reflected its bearer's willpower and state of mind, revealing one's innate gifts and inner strength. If the Dragonstone shattered completely, it meant that royal's will was crumbling, their spirit broken. And once that happened, there was no coming back. Franklin shuddered, suddenly remembering that stormy night fifteen years ago, back in the late king's reign. He forced the thought away, too afraid to let his mind go any further. "It hasn't shattered yet, has it?" Edward's tone was frigid. "Save your tears for when it's gone." Even with his life hanging in the balance, his voice remained cold and detached. It was as if he cared nothing for anyone else, or even for himself. Franklin's heart ached at Edward's attitude. He crept forward and begged, "Your Majesty, please summon the royal physician and the Grand Prophet. We can't let it worsen." Edward slowly opened his eyes, and the Innate Dragonstone vanished instantly. Deep shadows fell from his lashes, sharpening his gaze into something colder and more piercing, like a predator's. Franklin broke into a cold sweat, his arms trembling. After a long pause, Edward finally spoke, his voice icy, "Keep your mouth shut and leave." The meaning was clear: Franklin was to take this to his grave. Not a word to anyone, not the royal physician, nor the Grand Prophet. Franklin left the hall and paused outside, looking back. Inside the brightly lit Celestial Palace, Edward had already returned to his work, his head lowered. His back was straight, his cold, handsome profile sharply cut by the lamplight, with one side bright and the other shrouded in shadow. For a moment, Franklin felt dazed. There sat Edward upon the high throne, yet he seemed less like a living man and more like a ghost haunting the palace halls. He couldn't help but think of Olivia. 'If she were by His Majesty's side, perhaps he might find some peace.' ***** Olivia's life was finally improving. Every morning she had milk, and her meals now included both meat and vegetables. Before bed, she was given light, easy-to-digest treats. She had brand new jackets and dresses, and with the firewood keeping the room warm, her hands and feet stayed cozy. Even the hole in the roof had been repaired. She was perfectly happy. With all the good food and care, her skinny, bean-sprout body started filling out in just ten days, her cheeks growing soft. Olivia was grinding her quests nonstop. She'd already collected sixteen Dragonstone Fragments, and each new one made her feel stronger. But her Main Quest had been frozen at 99% for two full days. Convinced she was doing everything right, she reached out to the System. The System just replied, "No bugs here, cutie. If the quest isn't completing, maybe the issue is on your end." Olivia clutched her chest dramatically. "That stings. I put all my hope in you, but you're turning me down." The System was at a loss for words. Olivia rolled over and went back to sunbathing. A while later, the System piped up in a sugary voice. "Sweetie, you're hurting me. It's us. We're the best." Olivia gagged in disgust. ***** "Your Highness, why are you sleeping out here?" Jane asked, returning with the meal. "The air is still chilly. You might catch a cold." Olivia turned with a bright smile. "Jane, what have you got me today?" Jane's smile wavered for just a second before she steadied it. Setting the table, she explained, "The Vesperlight Festival is in four days. His Majesty holds the annual dinner for the nobles and ministers then. So the royal kitchen is swamped with preparations. They've been keeping meals simple lately, and I'm afraid it's a bit plain, Your Highness." On the table sat a plate of hummus, a simple salad, and two pieces of rye bread. Olivia's gaze lingered for a moment, but she simply broke off a piece of bread and began to eat quietly. Now that Olivia wasn't going to press her, Jane let out a quiet sigh of relief, though inwardly she was seething. Earlier in the kitchen, she'd overheard some unsettling gossip. "I heard Princess Sophie experienced a Dragonstone Resonance with His Majesty." "They say only those of true-born royal blood can trigger it." "History says that once Dragonstone Resonance occurs, a king fathers no more heirs." "Goodness, does that mean His Majesty won't have any more children?" "Princess Sophie is His Majesty's only hopeful daughter." And then, Spring swept in, chin held high. She'd recently taken a beating and nearly died, but as Grace's head maid, she'd been saved. Since Edward took the throne, he had never crowned a queen. In practice, Grace held the reins, unofficially, but with all the authority of a queen. That was the source of Spring's unshakable confidence. When she spoke next, her voice was laced with smug superiority. "Princess Sophie is His Majesty's only rightful daughter, and her Dragonstone is nothing ordinary. "At the dinner party in four days, she'll be right up front with it on full display. If it resonates right there in front of everyone, it'll be your great honor." Jane was furious, grinding her teeth. She didn't want to stay. Head bowed, she hurried inside, just wanting to get the food and leave as fast as possible. But before she could slip away, Spring spotted her. Storming over, she knocked the tray right out of Jane's hands, scattering food across the floor. With a sneer, Spring hissed, "You better keep an eye on that bastard. Sooner or later, Consort Grace will make you pay." In the palace, everyone knew how the game was played. Spring had the full backing of Grace, the true power behind the throne. And Sophie, the king's only rightful daughter, was rumored to share a Dragonstone Resonance with him. But Olivia was just a poor princess, tucked away in a forgotten corner of the palace with no one in her corner. All the servants knew how to take sides. ***** The troublemakers never let up. Since that day, Olivia's circumstances had grown even worse. Jane was so worried about her that she spent every night tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Olivia wasn't surprised. In a kingdom where the king held absolute power, Edward called all the shots. If she wanted to truly change her fate, it all came down to Edward himself. On the third night, at 11:55 p.m., Olivia dashed into the courtyard, her timing perfect. She could hardly contain her excitement. The System chirped, "58 seconds... 59 seconds... Ding! Midnight." Olivia took a deep breath, puffing out her little belly as she strained with all her might. After what felt like forever, her face flushed bright red, and she stuck her bottom out. Pfft. A meek, almost apologetic little sound escaped. [Side Quest Photosynthesis completed. Reward: 1 Dragonstone Fragment.] [Detected 20 Dragonstone Fragments. Auto-combining into 1 Dragonstone Shard.] [Detected 20 days of Photosynthesis. Kids' Play Zone unlocked.] Olivia's eyes lit up. The previously grayed-out "Kids' Play Zone" on her display panel suddenly glowed to life. She tapped it eagerly. [Current Kids' Toy: 1 Presence Halo. Want to unlock more toys? Keep growing up.] Olivia stared, dumbfounded. Before she could even react, a gaudy, obviously cheap-looking pink plastic ring materialized in her hand. [Presence Halo: I'm the center of attention.] [Function: Can be activated 3 times. Guarantees the attention of your chosen target whenever used.] Olivia let out a disbelieving laugh. "Seriously? This is the big surprise?" The System chimed in, its tone annoyingly bubbly. "You got it. Aren't you just the cleverest?" With a deadpan expression, Olivia placed the gaudy plastic ring on her head. "Save it. I want to use it on Edward." She decided to test it on Edward first. One minute passed, then two, and then five. Nothing. The night wind whipped around her, feeling colder and more depressing than ever. Olivia scoffed, "I want a refund." The System's only reply was a pathetic whimper. Fuming, she stomped her foot and spun around, only to smack right into someone. She landed on her rear, utterly bewildered. Suddenly, a hand seized her by the collar and hauled her up. Her feet dangled in the air as she was pulled into the dazzling moonlight, coming face to face with a mysterious young man. His long, silver hair was a wild mess that obscured most of his features. But through the tangled strands, Olivia met the gaze of a pair of cold, inhuman eyes. They were a brilliant, unsettling green with slitted pupils. Olivia's breath caught. Right then, the System pinged. [Special character detected. Secret Quest activating...] Olivia snapped to attention. 'Wait, there are Secret Quests, too?' she mentally yelled at the System. "How much hidden stuff are you holding out on me?" The System dared not reply. 'But hey, every quest reward was Dragonstone Fragments' Olivia's excitement shot right back up, her eyes glittering with pure greed. Without asking who this guy was or how he'd gotten here, she blurted at the top of her lungs, "Papa, I'm your long-lost daughter!" Chapter 6 Papa Dopey "Papa!" Olivia was crying her heart out, as if her whole world would end without this man. The silver-haired guy just tilted his head, watching her bawl in silence. When her throat finally gave out, she stopped and just stared at him, eyes full of hope. To her surprise, he grabbed her by the collar, lifted her, and gave her a little shake like he was wondering why she'd gone quiet. "Dad," Olivia blurted out and then clamped her mouth shut. He shook her again. Olivia called out, "Papa!" and then went quiet again. He shook her once more. Olivia was left speechless and thought, 'Is this guy actually dumb or something?' She was getting so dizzy from all the shaking that she felt like she might puke. She clung to his arm with all four limbs like a koala. Suddenly, she caught a delicious scent of the braised chicken drumstick. After days without any real food, her little body was starving. Drool pooled in her mouth. Like a hungry puppy, she sniffed all over him, tugging at his clothes. "Big chicken leg!" Olivia yelped, lunging straight for the drumstick in his arms. But he was faster. She bit down and got nothing but air. She chomped her teeth a few times, confused about where the drumstick went. He dropped her to the ground. When she looked up, he was taking huge bites out of the drumstick. Olivia swallowed hard. "Papa, can you really finish a chicken leg that big all by yourself?" He glanced at her with those emerald-green, cat-like eyes and then turned his back, just like a silver-furred Maine Coon guarding its food. Olivia wiped her drool and circled around to face him. She put on her sweetest look and tugged at the hem of his black sleeve. He looked down at her. Olivia said, "Papa, you eat the meat, 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “learn more” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)