The Empresss gentle voice made me tear up inside.


    Why are you making me do this?!


    The Empress spoke again with a tender voice.


    Theres no need to feel pressured. Just say what day you want it to be.


    ..no, how can I not be pressured in this situation? The two people I cherish the most want me to pick between them


    I-I am a maid of the Empresss pce, should I side with the Empress or Damian?


    I was plunged into deep agony.


    Damian however nudged me and spoke with a sullen tone.


    I still havent received a proper birthday present from you yet.


    ..pardon?


    If your birthday bes the day we first met, Id be very happw.


    Damian nced at me with a wistful look, his speech blurring near the end.


    The Empress watched what transpired, her face contorting slightly.


    W-well you cant say no to that!


    I then averted my attention to the Empress with my mind made up, giving her a long awaited answer.


    Ill make my birthday on the date set by the crown prince.


    The Empress widened her eyes upon hearing my answer, directing her gaze to Damian.


    Prince, that was a dirty move!


    The Empress protested but my choice was made and the smile on Damians face was definitely one of a winners.


    Im sorry, Empress.


    But today is Damians birthday, isnt it? He should have at least one proper gift from me.


    The Empress, who protested for some time, suddenly pushed the tip of her lips.


    It was a wicked smile.


    Your highness, you know what? The world can be very cold.


    .What do you mean by that?


    If its to win Charlizes heart, Ill try my very best.


    The Empress raised her nose at Damian and dered proudly.


    Hey, are you two still not done yet? How long are you both going to argue?


    On a side note, the Duke seemed to have given up all hope in correcting his sisters actions.


    Nevertheless, he continued to watch thepetition between the Empress and Damian.


    I guess its not his problem?


    The Empress bowed down to meet me at eye-level, asking a question in a voice as sweet as honey.


    You know Lize. Is there anything you want?


    WhatI want?


    Yup. Im thinking of getting you a present for your birthday.


    Huh, is this her attack strategy?!


    At the generosity the Empress showed me, I unknowingly blushed.


    But, apart from that..


    Im sorry but its not my birthday yet? I replied with embarrassedughter.


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    However the Empress responded by shaking her head firmly.


    Your birthdays been uncelebrated five times so far, hasnt it?


    Yes?


    Even if its unlikely to celebrate all five, Id like to celebrate your birthday at least once.


    The Empress was determined to not let this go.


    I quietly read the room.


    Then if the Empress insists.


    Well, there is something I want.


    Yes, Lize. Just tell me anything! If you want, Ill even pick a star from the sky for you!


    The Empress spoke with great enthusiasm.


    Even if the male protagonist of a romance novel were to appear before me, nothing can be as exciting as this.


    I too..I want to study like the crown prince.


    Study?


    Her eyes widened in surprise upon hearing my answer.


    I nodded my head slightly.


    I want to be a maid who the Empress is not ashamed of.


    My inability could burden the Empress.


    On top of that, Im taking care of Damian, the crown prince of the empire who will someday rule.


    Compared to the nobility of the people I served, my rank was that of an ordinary woman.


    And the general rmended knowledge for women in the pce is being able to read and write.


    Of course, itll be a little different when you reach the level of senior maid..


    Would it mean that I couldnt be a high-ranking maid?


    No, it just means that I have to start studying if I want to be more than just a normal woman.


    Lize.


    Still lost in thought, I slowly raised my head.


    The voice of the Empress, as she called to me, was full of emotions.


    You want to be a maid Im not ashamed of..


    Hwa, your Majesty, the Empress?


    Its really touching that my Charlize thinks of me so much.


    Charlize, you think of me so much, Im really touched. Your birthday present is supposed to be for your benefit but you want to better yourself for me


    The Empress couldnt withhold her emotions and embraced me tightly, lifting me up a bit.


    Well, uhm. As long as the Empress is happy..


    I quietly embraced the Empress for what seemed like forever.


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    Ill see that you get a teacher.


    Really?


    Yes. Just dont forget, youre perfect Lize.


    Having said that, the Empress ced me down, acted yfully, winking one of her eyes mischievously.


    I reciprocated with a broad smile, that is until I felt a cold energy emanating behind me that sent chills up my spine.