King's Most Favourable Daughter – The Third Princess, Lady Nyima
It was Lady Nyima's birthday.
The imperial garden was alive with celebration. Lanterns glowed softly against the night sky, music floated in the air, and the finest guests of the realm gathered to honour the King's most beloved daughter. Dancers twirled in silk, singers filled the night with melody, poets recited verses, and the sound of instruments echoed like whispers of joy.
Amidst the grandeur, the Grand Vizier, Mister Zangmo, rose from his seat. His voice carried with reverence as he addressed the King and the Princess:
> "The kingdom of Lumeria, the land of light, is blessed with a ruler who loves his people and protects this realm. And today, we are reminded of another blessing—our talented Princess. Her gifts in literature and art are known throughout the kingdom. On this twenty-second birthday of the young girl I've watched grow since childhood, I wish her a great future. May she bring honour and contribution to our country. Long life and good health to our Princess."
With his words, the banquet was officially concluded.
---
The night grew quiet. Guests departed one by one, and the grand festivities faded into silence.
In her courtyard, Princess Nyima paced back and forth in front of her chamber doors. Her thoughts were restless until the creak of the wooden gate caught her attention. She turned sharply.
Kenji entered casually, unaware of her presence.
"Where have you been? It's already so late!" Nyima's voice rang out.
Startled, Kenji froze at her sudden confrontation.
"I… I—"
"What? Just answer me!" she snapped impatiently. "It was such a long banquet, and you vanished in the middle of it without a trace. Now you return at this hour? Don't tell me you're running some fishy business behind my back!"
Kenji stammered hurriedly, "No! I wouldn't dare! There's nothing like that… it's just—"
"What?"
"I had brought something for you, but one of the maids accidentally broke it while cleaning my room. So I had to go back again to buy another."
Nyima's eyes narrowed. "You people are so careless."
"Me?" Kenji asked, confused.
"Yes," she shot back. "Both the one who placed things carelessly, and the one who dropped them while cleaning."
Kenji lowered his head. "I'm sorry."
"Forget it." She extended her hand towards him. "Show me what you brought."
He placed a small bundle wrapped in cloth gently into her palm. Curious, Nyima unwrapped it. Inside lay a set of delicate glass bangles.
"What about the previous one? Were they also glass bangles?" she asked.
"Yes," Kenji admitted. "But the design was different."
Nyima sighed softly. "Who gifts bangles to their owner?"
Kenji fell silent, unable to reply, standing frozen before her.
"Forget it. It's already late. Go and rest. I have some work for you."
"What work?" Kenji asked.
"You'll know in the morning."
---
Later, inside her chamber, Nyima sat before her mirror. One by one, she slid the glass bangles onto her slender wrists. The candlelight caught their sheen, and she noticed their colour.
"Aqua green?" she whispered. "It doesn't even match any of my dresses… but still—it's not bad. Its colour is… pleasant to the eyes."
It was early morning. Kenji stood quietly outside the door of Princess Nyima's chamber, his posture straight, his gaze lowered.
When the door finally opened, Nyima stepped out, her eyes falling on him with mild surprise.
"How long have you been standing here?" she asked.
"Around two hours," he replied softly.
Nyima sighed. "I was too tired and overslept. It's not something serious—you didn't have to wait since early morning."
"It's fine," Kenji said calmly. "It's my job."
She nodded, studying him for a moment as though something stirred in her mind. Then her voice turned formal again.
"Yeah, it's your job. Then wait another two hours here, and after that, go to the inspection department. Here—take my token. They'll allow you in. Just check the register of the previous month. Someone complained they haven't been maintaining it well. Got it?"
"Yes, Your Highness," he answered, bowing slightly.
Nyima lingered there, gazing at him as if silently hoping he would say something—anything. But Kenji remained still, head lowered, eyes fixed on the floor.
Her chest tightened with unspoken disappointment. She turned and walked away.
Her personal maid, Pema, approached with curiosity. "My lady, why did you ask him to wait another two hours?"
Nyima's reply was casual, almost indifferent. "No reason."
Pema frowned. "Without any reason?"
"Hmm," Nyima murmured, giving no further explanation.
---
By nightfall, the imperial palace glowed with rows of burning torches. Guards marched across the courtyards, their armor clinking as they made their rounds.
Kenji walked alone through one of the long corridors when a voice called from behind.
"Mr. Kenji!"
He turned, spotting Pema hurrying toward him. "Miss Pema! How can I help you?"
She laughed lightly. "No need for that. Lady Nyima asked me to change your cleaning servants. Since they're new, you might get confused after going home—that's why I came to inform you."
"Oh, about that! Thanks," Kenji said with a small nod.
"It's fine," she replied. A curious glint flickered in her eyes. "By the way, why did Lady Nyima ask you to wait another two hours this morning?"
Kenji's expression remained calm. "I don't know."
"Then why didn't you ask?" she pressed.
He shook his head slightly. "I won't. My duty is to obey her, not to question her."
Pema raised her brows in surprise, staring at him as though he were some strange, unfathomable creature. Finally, she gave a small smile and said, "Alright then, as you wish." With that, she turned and left him standing alone in the dimly lit corridor.