I’m The Only Granddaughter Of The Strongest Duke [Novel] Chapter 49

Chapter 49

The wheels turned smoothly, accompanied by the coachman’s rhythmic cries of
“Hyah!” as he urged the horses forward. I leaned against the window, watching
the landscape blur past. The Ferdinand estate, where I had spent the last week,
grew smaller and smaller until it was nothing more than a speck in the distance.

Looking back, I hadn't actually stayed there all that long.
But it feels like a lifetime.

Moreover, I already felt a tug in my chest, the urge to return there as quickly
as possible.
In such a short span of time, the Ferdinand estate had begun to
feel exactly like home.

I recalled the vow I had made on my first day at the estate.

Back then, I had decided the Ferdinand estate was disqualified. But not anymore.

Now, the gardeners smiled warmly and handed me flowers whenever they saw me.
The maids and servants watched over me with constant concern, terrified I might trip
and hurt myself. Whenever I managed to run a distance without falling, they
would beam and cheer for me; every day, they complimented my golden hair as they
braided it.

Everyone at the estate was kind to me. So kind, in fact, that I had almost
forgotten the coldness of the people I had first encountered.

To be honest, it was enough to make me think I could truly grow to love that
place. I kept looking back toward the spot where the mansion had been until even
the horizon swallowed it whole. The wind through the window teased my cheeks
incessantly.

“Come now, Eve. Take my hand and step down.”

Grandfather, having exited the carriage first, reached back for me. Without
thinking, I reached out and grabbed his hand with both of mine.

I’m pretty sure that wasn't how he meant for me to take it. But Grandfather
didn't seem to mind; he simply scooped me up into his arms and set me down on
the ground.

“There. Careful now.”

Thanks to his steady hands, I landed gracefully. Excalibur was securely strapped
to my back.

“It was a good idea not to wear a dress,” he remarked.

“Yeah, hehe. I think a dress would have been way too uncomfortable.”

The maids had dressed me in a white shirt, a vest, and a pair of shorts that a
young boy might wear. The outfit was perfect for movement, which was ideal given
that I had a showdown with a group of Heroes today.

[Just how much of a 'showdown' are you expecting to have…?]

‘Let’s go, Excalibur. Your role is very important today.’

I ignored Excalibur’s sarcasm and offered him a word of encouragement. In truth,
the most critical part of today’s plan rested on his shoulders. Did he know
that? He had been acting especially arrogant today, but for once, I didn't pick
a fight with his ego.

“Take my hand.”

Grandfather offered his large, sturdy palm. Holding onto him tightly, I
cautiously lifted my head and looked around.

The buildings were towering and ancient. Every decoration was perfectly aligned,
and knights clad in armor engraved with the crest of the Calixte Empire stood at
attention, while a few nobles nearby were already whispering and staring at me.

I felt a little intimidated by the unfamiliar, heavy atmosphere, but I tried my
best not to show it as I trotted along beside Grandfather. He led the way with
practiced ease until we arrived at the heart of the palace: the Imperial
Audience Chamber.

I had imagined this moment a thousand times, but now that the actual meeting was
imminent, my heart began to race.

The Hero.

To me, he was a villain, but in the pages of the original book, he was the
protagonist, a champion of the people. Perhaps it really was more "correct" for
an Ego Sword to belong to someone like him rather than a girl like me.

Finders keepers.

I was lucky enough to be born as the daughter of the continent’s greatest weapon
master, and thanks to that, I was gifted a talking sword for my eighth birthday.
To put it simply, I was born with a silver blade in my mouth.

So, dear Heroes, even if you fail to obtain the Ego Sword today, please don't be
too discouraged. Just go find a different sword.
Or, in your next life, try being born as the son of the world’s best blacksmith.

As I regained my composure, Grandfather nodded to the knights guarding the
chamber. They bowed to him and slowly pushed open the massive doors.

I squinted as a flood of light poured from within. Even though it was broad
daylight, a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling sparkled
relentlessly, scattering light in every direction. It felt as if I were walking
out of the night and into the high noon sun.

“Whoa.”

But after a moment, my eyes adjusted. Once I could see clearly, the first thing
I noticed was a long red carpet. It stretched far across the hall, and at the
end of it…

“So, you must be Eve.”

On a huge shiny gold throne sat the most wonderful and powerful-looking man
I’d ever seen. The moment he saw me, the Emperor clapped his hands once
and beckoned to me.

“Come here, Eve.”

When I hesitated, Grandfather gave my back a gentle, encouraging nudge.

“It’s alright, Eve. Go ahead.”

With his permission, I trotted across the red carpet and stopped before the
Emperor. And, uh…

[You have to greet the Emperor!]

“I—I greet the Sun of the Empire. I’m Eve Royce!”

“Yes, Eve. It is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard much about you from
Syeobold. I understand you were recently reunited with your grandfather.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Is this your sword?”

The Emperor showed immediate interest in Excalibur, who was still strapped to my
back. I nodded vigorously, unfastened the cloth securing him, and held the blade
out for the Emperor to see.

“Yes, this is my sword. His name is Excalibur-calibur, but I just call him
Excalibur for short.”

“Hahaha! Excalibur-calibur! What a fine name. Truly a name worthy of a child
carrying the blood of Syeobold and Astrit.”

[In what world?]

The only being who actually hated his own name offered a timid protest, but
Excalibur’s voice didn't reach the Emperor’s ears.

“I know it couldn't have been an easy decision to give others a chance to claim
your sword, Eve. Thank you for making such a difficult choice.”

“Oh, it—it was nothing! I’m really okay with it.”

“Hmm. You are quite small. You said you were eight? You look younger than seven.
Eve, come here and sit.”

The Emperor patted his lap.

“Don’t overthink it. Come, sit.”

I eventually approached him with tentative steps and carefully sat on his lap.
However, to avoid the sacrilegious act of putting my full weight on the Emperor,
I used my heels and my core muscles to hover my bottom just above-…

“Hahaha, it’s alright to sit properly.”

“Whoa!”

But the Emperor simply pulled me down to sit firmly on his knee, and all my
efforts went up in smoke. I finally gave up and settled in.

Auntie Nelson, I’m sitting on the Emperor’s lap right now.
Yet, I haven't been executed for treason, and honestly, it’s actually quite soft
and comfortable.
Aside from the fact that I’m so nervous I feel a little nauseous…