All my wars were for her

"Before the ogre prince became a legend of war, he was just a boy who wanted a friend"

The morning sun filtered softly through the high windows as Lana stepped into Hana's room. On the side table, a few scraps of last night's food still remained. She walked quietly to the bed and smiled at the peaceful sight: Hana lay curled up, her arms protectively wrapped around her daughter.

Lana leaned in and whispered gently, "It's time to wake up."

Hana stirred, slowly opening her eyes before sitting upright. Lana gave her a small nod. "Today, I'll show you the palace—and the work you'll be doing."

Hana nodded quietly. Lana smiled. "Good. Follow me."

Before she could rise, Acasia began to cry softly in her arms. Hana hesitated. "Can I have some milk? She's hungry."

Lana shook her head reassuringly. "Don't worry. We're starting the day with breakfast. Come on."

They made their way to the servants' dining area—a spacious hall bustling with life. Several female ogre servants sat chatting over their morning meals. Hana and Lana found their seats, and breakfast was promptly served. Lana called over one of the serving maids and gently instructed her, "Bring some warm milk for the child."

The maid nodded and returned shortly with a small bottle of milk. As they ate, Lana stole a glance at Hana carefully feeding her daughter from a glass.

"Have you stopped producing milk?" she asked softly.

Hana looked down, a little embarrassed. "Yes... I think it's because of weakness."

Lana's tone turned maternal. "You need to eat better. She needs you strong."

Hana nodded gratefully and began eating.

A small group of curious servants gathered near them, drawn in by Acasia's tiny, alert eyes. The baby blinked at the unfamiliar faces, studying them silently before giggling and reaching out with her tiny hands.

The ogre women melted at the sight, letting out delighted laughs as they made playful faces to entertain her. At first, Hana tensed—but then she saw the smiles, heard the laughter, and something in her heart eased.

One of the servants asked hesitantly, "C-Can we hold her? Just for a little while?"

Hana's smile faded for a moment as she glanced at Acasia—her daughter now reaching eagerly for the girl's face. She turned to Lana, who simply nodded with a smile. Hana looked back at the servant and, after a pause, handed her daughter over gently.

"Sure."

The group of women huddled around Acasia, playing with her, laughing as she giggled and tugged at their fingers and hair. For the first time in days, Hana felt her fear slowly loosening its grip.

After breakfast, the baby was returned to her, still giggling in her arms. Lana and Hana continued their walk through the palace. Lana explained different areas, introducing Hana to the layout and staff. Eventually, they reached the kitchen.

"This is where you'll be working," Lana said, stepping in. "Queen Agony is curious to try your cooking. And this way, you'll stay close to your daughter."

Hana bowed low. "Thank you… for being so thoughtful."

"No need to thank me," Lana replied warmly. "These are the Queen's orders."

Hana looked up, eyes gleaming with relief. Lana smiled. "Now, let's see your skills. The King and Queen will be waking soon. You'll be preparing their breakfast."

Hana blinked nervously. "B-But I don't know where anything is, or what I'm supposed to cook—"

"You can make anything," Lana said calmly. "But make sure there's something sweet. Both Queen Agony and young Prince Mork have a sweet tooth. The maids and other cooks will assist you."

Hana nodded with a determined breath.

Lana gave a last smile. "Good. I'll take my leave then."

Once alone, Hana set Acasia near a safe wall and said softly, "Stay here, love. Mama has to work."

She got to work, assisted by the helpful kitchen maids, but it wasn't long before Acasia crawled over, tugging at the hem of her dress with a joyful laugh.

Hana looked down, half-laughing herself. "You want to play, hmm? But Mama's busy right now."

She gently set the child back, but just as she turned, she froze.

A small figure peeked from behind the kitchen door. For a brief, cold moment, Hana's heart skipped—she wrapped her arms protectively around Acasia.

The figure stepped forward.

It was a child. A boy with intense eyes. His expression wasn't threatening—just curious.

Hana's breath softened as her guard lowered. She recognized him.

It was Prince Mork.

He stood silently, staring at Acasia, his wide eyes filled with innocent wonder—and Acasia, as if sensing something familiar, looked up at him with equal curiosity.

Hana bent slightly, respectfully. "Is there anything you wish for me to do, my Lord?"

Still focused on Acasia, Mork spoke quietly. "Can you tell her to be my friend?"

The question echoed through Hana like a bell in a silent hall.

She blinked, stunned. "W-What?"

Mork finally looked at her. "I don't have any friends," he said simply. "Most people are scared of me because I'm a prince. And the rest? They only follow me because my mother told them to."

Behind him, a few servants peeked nervously through the door. Mork glanced back—just once—and they vanished instantly.

Hana lowered herself to his level, heart aching just a little. "Well... in that case," she said gently, "I think she would be happy to be your friend."

She turned to Acasia. "Would you like to be Lord Mork's friend, my love?"

Acasia didn't understand the words, but seeing another child—older than her but still unfamiliar—she giggled and stretched her hands toward his face.

Hana smiled. "Looks like she does."

Mork's expression brightened—just slightly—as if joy was a new sensation he didn't quite know how to handle.

And then, like any playful child, Acasia suddenly reached forward, grabbed Mork's cheeks, and stretched them with all her baby strength.

Everyone gasped.

Hana quickly pulled her daughter back. "I-I'm so sorry, my Lord! She doesn't know—"

But when she looked up, Mork was laughing.

His cheeks were red, but his smile was real, wide, and full of something pure. Acasia crawled out of her mother's arms and moved closer to him.

Hana watched the moment—stunned, uncertain, but deeply moved.

She stood quietly. "Very well then... I should get back to work."

As she returned to the stove, her eyes often drifted back to them playing together on the kitchen floor like they'd known each other forever.

And for the first time in a long while, the palace felt just a little more alive.