All right. ”

Although Annan was a little concerned about what the "afterimage" was, he still nodded and didn't ask much.

He knew that Kaphne had transcendent sentience. It's normal for her to be able to see the world that ordinary people can't.

…… Speaking of which, he still doesn't know much about Kaphne.

But at this moment, Annan suddenly had a flash of inspiration in his mind.

He asked, "Kaphne...... Is there anything you want or enjoy? ”

Annan inquired about Kaphne's preferences, which were practically unrelated to his plans.

This is Annan's plan to take advantage of Kaphne's young age and lack of wariness of himself...... Ask for information that can be used outside of nightmares. After all, it's just a nightmare, and when it's over, Kaphne won't remember anything that happened.

In that case, even if the nightmare ultimately fails...... Annan got the key information, and it will not seem too much of a loss.

When Kaphne heard this, she was stunned.

She was silent for a while, then replied in a low voice, "I want ...... A gift. ”

“…… What gift? ”

"Birthday present."

She replied softly.

The transparent glass-colored pupils make her always look like an emotionless puppet. But only at this time, Kaphne seems to have a little more "human flavor".

Kaphne turned her head slightly, but the expression on the delicate and immature face of the puppet was very complicated: "Today is August 8th...... It's Your Majesty's birthday, and it's my birthday. My birthday and that of His Majesty the King are on the same day.

"But no one remembers my birthday. They will only remember His Majesty's birthday......

"I think the only way to do that is to be king...... Birthdays will have the meaning of being remembered. ”

But not before Kaphne finished.

Annan began to grope for himself.

Seeing his behavior, Kaphne was a little stunned.

…… Is he, really going to give himself a gift?

But then a little urgency and anticipation was born in her heart.

Her father was busy with His Majesty's birthday from the moment he woke up in the morning.

He hadn't even said happy birthday to Kaphne.

And her mother, too, didn't care about Kaphne's birthday.

Also before Kaphne got up, her mother was gone—as if the world had evaporated.

And it is precisely because Kaphne feels lonely on the day of her birthday that she will ...... in the presence of foreign guests Go through the secret room to the garden and paint.

"I do have a gift for you......"

Annan replied affirmatively.

He had checked it before—Annan didn't have any weapons on him to defend himself, but he had a blue ring, a badge, and a marble.

When activated, this badge can immediately summon the Winter Hand in a nearby area; The ring, on the other hand, is a spell crafted from the Duchy of Winter, which can detect hostility and actively use it, and can also force all nearby hostile units to freeze for a period of time - it contains the element of frost, which can only be used once and must be recharged again.

Neither of these things can be given to Kaphne.

But that gem marble can.

【Frost Eye】

[Type: Material/Orb/Gem (Blue)]

[Description: A specialty of the Duchy of Winter, a jewel that keeps cold even in boiling water]

[Effect: Actively used to attempt to dispel mind control and hallucinations.] 】

[Effect: When equipped, keep the brain awake at all times, so that the holder's mental state becomes stable.] 】

[Cost: Each time the active effect is used, the holder's body temperature will drop by one degree for one day.] This cost is stackable. 】

Blue material is not precious...... Annan's own spells and materials basically start with dark blue, mixed with purple and gold. For example, the ring and the badge are all purple spells.

It wouldn't seem too strange to give such a gift.

And it's beautiful...... It's like ice-blue glass marbles, and it's beautiful. It's just right to give it to the little girl.

It usually sits in Annan's inner pocket, and Dmitry will not be asked where it has gone for a short time - anyway, after the nightmare, Annan can go.

And according to Annan's memory......

After about a year or two, after Kaphne became transcendent.

She will become aware of the existence of Denton, the Dream Stealer.

At that time, Kaphne directly overloaded the curse on her body and let herself be highly eroded by the curse...... to be able to resist the Dream Stealer's mind manipulation ability.

…… If only Caffoni could have such a treasure in true history. I don't think there is a need to commit such a dangerous act.

"Here you go."

With this in mind, Annan handed the marbles in his arms to Kafni.

He explained in a low voice, "This marble can disarm mind control. If you take it with you, you can also refresh your mind and stay awake...... It doesn't work much for me, but it's a good thing for you.

"Don't use too much, or you might get sick with a cold. It is best to put it in a gemstone box and use it once a day at a certain time. ”

“…… Is it a curse? ”

Kaphne, who was only trying to ask for a gift, widened her eyes in shock.

Originally, she just wanted to ask for a copy of Annan's gloves or accessories as a souvenir.

After all, with Kaphne's perception of her status, she felt sad...... When Annan returns, they may never see each other again.

Annan was the first person of her age after her birth to not think of her as a monster and was afraid and disgusted with her...... She is also the only one who, including her parents, thinks her paintings are beautiful from the bottom of her heart.

He was Kaphne's only friend.

But unexpectedly, Annan gave it to her directly...... Something not so ordinary.

The coolness of touching this "marble" alone tells Kaphne that it is nothing but extraordinary.

Although Annan was able to hold multiple spells, it was because of the scarcity of blood in the Winter family. But at this time, Noah's royal family had not died to the point that there were only three heirs left...... Their heirs are numerous. And because the old king was so able to live, almost every heir had many heirs.

As long as the eldest princess Elizabeth, who is still single, and the fourth prince who has only one daughter are exceptions.

For Kaphne, who has not yet become a transcendent and has a very low status in the royal family, this is indeed a precious gift.

It was so precious that she didn't even dare to accept it.

Annan realized Kaphne's entanglement and vague inferiority, and couldn't help but sigh secretly.

You're a princess...... Is that really okay?

"Take it," replied Annan forcefully, "and when you see me again, give me a gift of the same value."

"Without further ado, I'll go first—you have to remember to draw. The sound could be a little clearer. ”

“…… Good. ”

Kaphne whispered.

She clenched the orb in her hand and felt a touch in her heart.

Chapter 3! Update complete!

Owes more -1, currently 27!

Strive to continue the three watches tomorrow!

(End of chapter)