Wont you stop crying, your highness? Her graces words might make her out to be a very scary person but thats not the case at all. Oh! Why dont you ask her grace to read a fairy tale to you tonight? Im sure shell be more than happy to do so!

Edmund, who was cheering Tita up, winked at her. Clette snorted at him.

Well, I might have some free time..

Really?

Tita sniffled and furtively glanced at Clette. She, who was being stared at by his tearful eyes, didnt have the heart to refuse him.

Damn it, isnt it too unfair to have such puppy eyes?

Edmund, who had somehow figured out what she was thinking like a psychic, grinned.

Now your highness, go on.

Well, your grace, could- could you please read me a fairy tale.

Su- sure.

The answer left her lips as though it had a mind of its own.

Why does it feel like Ive just fallen into Edmunds scheme?

While such thoughts crossed her mind, Clette could not take back her agreement to Titas request.

What are you doing?

As soon as Tita was sent back to his room, Clette began questioning Edmund.

Fairy tale my ass! That kid is scared out of his wits of me. I didnt even say anything and he immediately burst into tears despite the fact that I even smiled at him.

Your grace, could you please show me that smile?

Clette complied, smiling brightly at Edmund just like she had done earlier in front of Tita. Edmunds face stiffened. He spoke after a short moment of silence.

Just wear your poker face, your grace. That would be much better. Ive witnessed a sight I never should have.

Hes lived for long enough hasnt he?

Clette seriously agonised over his life and death. Edmund, who had no clue of the thoughts in her head, consoled her.

At any rate, stop worrying so much, your grace. His highness really likes you.

Thats not possible. Im telling you Edmund, he doesnt say a word to me despite how chatty he is towards you.

Edmund smiled softly at the grumbling Clette.

There are times where one cant talk much in front of a person they like, your grace. Dont waste your time worrying about this and go to his highness already.

Hah, I dont know what to do anymore. Just know that if Tita cries again, the blame will fall on you, and you alone.

That day, Clette quickly wrapped up her work and headed to Titas room, in order to not be too late. She carried an unamusing fairy tale book in her hands as she approached his room.

Knock, knock, knock.

After a little hard knocking, the door opened. Clette looked down and there, in the opened doorway, stood a tottering Tita.

May I enter?

Ah, yes!

As Clette entered the room, Tita dashed back to his bed. She sat by his bed and opened the book. Clette did not want the atmosphere to worsen more than it already had due to their useless small talk, and instead decided to get straight to the point. Clettes face crumpled as she gazed at the fairy tales title. Of all books she could have grabbed, it had to be one titled The Snow Queen.

Only

Of all the many books there were, why is it this one? If someone else was here, I would be thought of as a narcissist.

Excuse me, your grace, but could it be that youre still very upset with me?

Tita asked Clette this very carefully after he saw her face pucker. Afraid of making the child cry again, she hurriedly smoothed out her harsh expression.

Thats not the case.

Clette decided to read Tita the fairy tale since she had already brought it with her. She placed the oil lamp closer to the book.

Once upon a time, in a land of ice, lived a snow queen. She was an ill-tempered, mean and cold woman.

Say what?

Although the content seemed weird to her, Clette decided to continue reading the fairy tale. As if to add sound effects to the story, a blizzard, just in time, rumbled from outside the window.