Since those early days, my life could be described as... stable.
Wake up. Cry. Get fed. Sleep. Cry again. Sometimes I'd pee randomly just to send a warning to overly chill nannies.
But as time went on, I started to notice... I could sit longer, babble clearer, and most importantly observe.
This world is beautiful. But also... weird.
Like this morning, when someone carried me out to the garden.
"Look, Ariellee~ the blue flowers are blooming again~"
One of the maids shoved a flower toward my face, her voice squeaky like she was using some baby-talk TikTok filter.
I stared at the flower silently...
Then, with as much grace as a baby could manage, I lifted my tiny hand and smack.
Pushed the flower away.
The maid froze.
And in under two seconds, my sister appeared out of nowhere, like a ninja with the title "Sworn Guardian of the Baby."
"What happened?" Aristelle asked, eyes narrowing like she was interrogating a war criminal.
"N-nothing, Young Lady... I was just showing her the flower…"
"She doesn't like flowers," Aristelle said curtly.
"WAAAEHHH!!" I chimed in, not because I hated flowers, but mostly because I was startled.
Aristelle lifted my hand. "See? Her hand pushed it away. That's a signal."
...Sis. I'm not a Wi-Fi antenna.
Ever since I could sit up properly, Aristelle started "chatting" with me more often.
By chatting, I mean: she talks endlessly, and I nod along like a podcast guest pretending to know what's going on.
"So, our family has three estates: one in the north, one in the south, and one in the Ice Mountains."
Me: "Aaahh... brrr..."
"The northern one is the safest. If things in the capital start getting... unstable, we'll move there."
Me: silent. Blank stare. Focusing like some enlightened baby monk.
"If war breaks out, you're coming with me."
...Uhh, what?
"Don't worry. I've started archery training."
She pointed at a toy bow beside my crib. Child-sized. Pink. Decorated with ribbons. And... a plush fox head dangling from the end.
"This is 'Azalea Arrow.' I named it myself. It's sharp if you imagine it is," she said with dead seriousness.
I could only stare at it.
Sis... the name is scarier than the weapon.
One day, she put me in a baby carriage and dragged me all over the palace.
No nanny. No maid. She said it was a "secret mission."
"This mission's goal is to identify who respects the young noble properly," she declared.
...Sis. I don't even have teeth yet.
As she pushed the carriage slowly, she scribbled notes into her tiny notebook.
"I suspect Lady Letitia. She bowed only 30 degrees not 45."
Me: drooling.
"And Uncle Erich? He touched your hand without permission. Bad record."
Me: giggling softly because her fingers were ticklish.
Suddenly, she stopped the carriage. "Wait... someone's coming."
A male servant appeared, carrying a tray of fruits. He smiled politely and bowed gracefully.
"Good afternoon, Lady Aristelle. The Young Miss looks healthy today."
I stared at him, trying to appear dignified as dignified as a baby could be then let out, "Brrrppp..."
Aristelle nodded. "Score: 8 out of 10."
The servant blinked. "E-excuse me?"
"If you want a 10, don't make her burp again."
…I feel like I'm being rated like a luxury hotel meal.
But there was one moment that felt... warm.
One afternoon, after our "baby inspection" mission, I was cranky. Tired. I wanted to be held. But not by just anyone.
I wanted my sister.
"WAAAH!"
A maid rushed in, panicked. "Your Highness, she "
"Leave," Aristelle's voice cut in from the doorway. "I'll take care of her."
She walked in, face as calm as ever but her eyes... soft.
"What is it?" she asked quietly, gently touching my cheek.
I squirmed. Whined. Pointed at her hand.
She sighed, then slowly picked me up.
And just like that... I calmed down.
"...Clingy little thing," she muttered. But there was almost... a smile in her voice.
I nestled against her shoulder, and for the first time, I thought:
I want to grow up with her.
But then...
"Tomorrow we start practicing on the wooden horse. If you fall three times, no biscuits."
...Hold on. Am I a Spartan trainee now?