Baby Pharmacist Princess

As soon as I stood at the door, Grandfather spoke.

He must have sensed me approaching or maybe he was eagerly waiting for my arrival!

Hueyton, who had opened the door for me, gently inquired, “Shall I bring something to drink? Would you like the truffle tea you had last time?”

“No… just lemon juice,” I replied.

Truffle tea is a bit much for a child, you know! Even if Grandfather’s pantry is overflowing with truffles, I prefer lemon juice.

“Grandpa… oh!”

I dashed into the drawing room, calling out to Grandfather, but came to a screeching halt with a loud squeak. Luckily, Sir Rabjamun caught my staggering body, preventing a fall.

‘An Ammon?!’

The drawing room was filled with a huge and massive snake creature. On closer inspection, it didn’t seem alive; servants were behind it, positioning the taxidermy.

But why was this here?

I sighed in relief and approached Grandfather.

“Cherry was scared.”

“It’s nothing, just a taxidermy.”

“What is this?”

“Ammon. Your father will soon be leading a hunt to deal with these creatures.”

It’s incredibly large. Seeing it at four years old is quite different from seeing it at fifteen.

‘Hmm, how should I react to this?’

Crying and sniffling isn’t my style, nor does it seem royal. After a moment’s consideration, I clenched my tiny fist and… hid behind Grandfather.

“Bad Ammon! Go away! Shoo!”

“Ha, are you using me as a shield?”

“Grandpa has to protect his granddaughter.”

“If you can’t speak, don’t bother.”

Everyone fixing the Ammon taxidermy chuckled.

I know I’m the weakest here. Knowing one’s place and limits helps one live a long life!

“But what should I do? I’m not going on the Ammon hunt.”

“Then Dad will protect me.”

“Hmm, a mouth that only speaks truth. Eat something sweet.”

Grandfather frowned and pushed a jelly into my mouth.

Why else would there be jelly in the drawing room? It’s for when I visit. It was a new scene that hadn’t existed before, so I happily munched on the jelly.

‘Our Grandfather is really handsome.’

He looks no older than Dad, except for the white hair.

“Do you know the weak spot of an Ammon?”

“No…?”

Of course, I know, but I should pretend I don’t. Today is my first time seeing an Ammon.

Grandfather beckoned me and pointed to the Ammon’s belly.

“Come and touch the outer skin.”

I already know. It’s tough. It boasts a hardness of 9, just below diamond. You can’t cut it with a regular knife.

As I patted the Ammon’s black outer skin, Grandfather lifted me up. He didn’t hold me gently but hoisted me like luggage, causing me to flail.

“Look into its eyes.”

“Ah! Scary.”

I buried my face in my hands as I looked at the giant, red eyeball the size of my face. This time it wasn’t acting; I genuinely felt a chill despite knowing it was made of glass.

“The weak spot of an Ammon is its eyes. It has poor eyesight, so it doesn’t notice if you approach from behind. But it senses vibrations, so if you ever encounter an Ammon alone, don’t make a fuss.”

“Okay.”

“If you stay still and hold your breath, it won’t notice you. But if you try to run with those short legs, the vibrations will lead the Ammon right to you.”

“Eek!”

Scary!

Although I know how to deal with Ammons from experience, hearing and seeing it from a child’s perspective gave me goosebumps.

After finishing his warning, Grandfather clicked his tongue as he looked at me.

“How are you lighter than the bottle of Uslum wine you brought?”

That’s a bit much…

“Your father doesn’t feed you properly. Today, you will have dinner with your grandfather.”

Suddenly?

Well, it’s fine with me. I’m meeting Sihat later at dawn, as usual.

Back on the ground, I straightened my clothes and had a sudden thought.

‘Is Grandfather… lonely?’

Today is the last day of December. Yet, no one else came to visit him.

‘Am I the only one visiting?’

Even though there’s a banquet tomorrow for the New Year, shouldn’t people still come today to pay respects?

After pondering for a moment, I sat not opposite Grandfather but right next to him on the sofa.

“What is it?”

“Here, by Grandpa’s side, is Cherry’s spot.”

“Weird kid.”

Grandfather reached for the ceramic bowl full of jelly and handed it to me, his expression saying, ‘If you insist on sitting here, then fine.’

But why is the corner of his mouth twitching up?

‘He must feel a bit lonely and bored.’

If you spend a lifetime with Grandfather, whether you’re close or not, you know a few things for sure.

Chess, Go, checkers, mahjong.

He likes at least one of these games.

I raised my hand while munching on the jelly.

“Grandpa, do you want to play chess with Cherry?”

“Do you know how to play chess?”

“I play with a dragon all the time. I’m very good.”

“Hmm, challenging the Emperor.”

“I even beat the dragon.”

“Where did your manners go?”

“…yes, sir.”

I glanced at him cautiously, but Grandfather only chided me with words and didn’t seem truly displeased.

“Fine, that sounds good. Bring the chessboard.”

I know what this is. It’s Grandfather’s tactic of pretending to be indifferent but actually enjoying it!

Why are grandfathers like this?

I looked at the jewel-cut chess pieces and the grand chessboard and thought, ‘This is serious.’

“I’ll let you go first.”

“Grandpa, don’t regret it!”

Phew, busy, busy.

I have to solve quests, entertain those seeking me out, write a book with Myerden, and meet Sihat.

Can a four-year-old’s life be this busy?

* * *

Chess with Grandfather continued until the sun began to set.

‘I played better than expected, surprising him.’

In the end, Grandfather pleaded to play again tomorrow but seemed disappointed when the chamberlain reminded him of the banquet.

‘I should visit him often.’

Even though I didn’t win a single game out of 19, it didn’t bother me. I was just there to keep Grandfather company.

“Princess, would you prefer cat or dog pajamas tonight?”

Shami held out the clothes, her eyes sparkling. But my answer was already decided.

“I’m not a baby anymore. I don’t want animal pajamas. I’ll wear a nightgown.”

“What?”

“Nightgown!”

With my insistence, Shami brought me a simple, comfortable nightgown without decorations, jewels, or frills.

“I want the pink one.”

“The puff sleeves are adorable. This is cute too! Our Princess looks good in everything!”

Shami quickly brushed my hair and said, “By the way, Shami, could you bring me a bottle of Uslum wine?”

“…You’re not going to drink it, are you?”

“No! I need it for an experiment.”

“It’ll hurt your stomach if you drink it.”

I won’t drink it, Shami.

Alcohol is bitter and unpleasant for children. Juice is perfect for kids.

“When you grow up, juice doesn’t taste good anymore. But you live a long life as an adult.”

“Oh my.”

“Drink alcohol when you’re an adult. I need it for something serious.”

“I trust you, Princess.”

Shami smiled, hugging and patting my back.

“Yes, childhood passes quickly. I’m proud and sad to see you growing up so fast.”

“Even when I grow up, Shami is still my Shami.”

“Of course. I’m your maid.”

Shami went to the kitchen and brought a bottle of Uslum wine. I placed it under my bed and lay down.

“Have sweet dreams tonight.”

“You too, Shami!”

I wiggled my toes, waiting. Until everyone was asleep and the house was quiet around three in the morning.

Staying awake wasn’t hard because I played with my familiars under the covers.

‘Three o’clock is perfect.’

Dad would be asleep by then.

Idsys hadn’t returned from the Foreign Ministry, and Gergys falls asleep the moment his head hits the pillow.

Finally, the appointed time arrived.

I slipped my feet into my slippers, bought the key to Dragon Shop Street, and drew a heart in the air.

‘Sihat! Here I come!’

* * *

The market street was bustling more than usual.

Maybe because it was the New Year, many dragons were out shopping. There seemed to be a new shop… that might explain the crowd.

But I wasn’t interested in that. I had one goal!

‘Though we didn’t set a detailed meeting place, Sihat will probably be…’

Likely in front of the shop?

‘Good. I have business there too.’

I had briefly thought about it earlier, but I truly intended to start a Dragon Home Shopping network.

Home shopping sells all sorts of things, including health supplements, right?

With an open mind, you could consider medicinal liquor as a health supplement.

“Hello!”

“Welcome… Aren’t you that kid from before?”

“It’s been a while!”

As I energetically entered the shop, the owner recognized me.

“It might feel like a long time for you, but to me, it feels like seeing you again after an hour.”

“Then it’s even nicer! We’re like friends who see each other every hour!”

I cheerfully ran to the counter, acting familiar. The owner, intrigued, set down her newspaper and rested her chin on her hand.

“So, what brings you here today? Do you need something?”

Yes, indeed.

I smiled and confidently placed my hands on my hips.

“I do. How about investing in a brand-new business idea at a low cost?”