《It Seems Like I Fell into a Reverse Harem Game》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Louise and I¡¯m working here as a chambermaid from today!¡±


    A beautiful woman with brilliant silver hair and clear crystalline eyes was greeted with vigor. Even Irene, who rarely smiles, was seen grinning broadly.


    Normally, Irene would rarely smile.


    Even worse, the last time she truly laughed out loud was about half a year ago.


    But now, she was cordially welcoming Louise, along with the other people from Lavrenti¡¯s mansion who gathered here, to welcome the new maid with the favor from her heart.


    Because, the woman in front of Irene now is the original female protagonist, Louise, whom she had been waiting for so long in this life.


    Finally, the heroine is back.


    ¡®Finally! How long have I been waiting for this day!¡¯


    Louise shyly approached and spoke to Irene, who was singing delightedly inside.


    ¡°M-Miss Irene, I heard that you are my senior and the only chambermaid in this mansion. Please take care of me.¡±


    She uttered in a heroine-like, gentle tone.


    Although it had already been the seventh time she had heard this greeting without a single mistake, Irene patted Louise¡¯s shoulder with a soft look without any hesitation.


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll have to work hard, but let¡¯s try our best.¡±


    Usually, she would just roughly nod her head, but she wanted to give Louise encouragement today.


    Today was the day Irene would hand in the letter of resignation she always carries in her arms, and finally, get out of this damn game.


    It was the day.


    * * *


    A devastating harem otome game, ¡´ Love or Die ¡µ


    The world in which Irene was unintentionally transported into during her gameplay, and where she currently found herself in was controlled by none other than¡ª


    Knox, the mafia group that ruled the underworld.


    The world of Knox, where everything was shrouded in a veil, was the setting of the game called ¡´ Love or Die ¡µ, where the aristocratic household of Lavrenti Garro was situated.


    Louise, the heroine who came with a letter of recommendation from the owner of the mansion where she originally worked, became entangled with three men of the Lavrenti Family, wherein they exuded an alluring yet dangerous atmosphere¡­


    ¡­That was the game¡¯s description.


    So, what is Irene¡¯s role here?


    She is an extra.


    Like the heroine, she was a character of Lavrenti and a mannequin-like being who says, ¡°Good morning, Louise!¡± every time you turn on the game.


    Oh, of course, she¡¯s an extra, but there is a role she had to play.


    She¡¯s the save point.


    By talking to Irene, the gameplay will be saved.


    But, that¡¯s just a part of the game system.


    ¡®Whatever it is, I¡¯m tired now.¡¯


    Irene took out her resignation letter from her arms, which she had placed in a fine envelope. Afraid it might have got wrinkled.


    It was the letter of resignation she had been carrying.


    When she first entered the game, Irene thought she would be able to return to reality soon.


    ¡®I thought Louise would just have to find the real male protagonist, the ultimate goal of the game.¡¯


    There was a reason why ¡´ Love or Die ¡µ was a devastating otome game, as you can tell from just its name. This is because the ending is either you die or become impoverished by falling in love with the male protagonist.


    Still, this game had a real male lead.


    The final boss hidden in the storyline, something like that.


    So, Irene thought she would be able to return to reality when she saw the ending where the heroine found the male lead and fell in love with him.


    ¡®What if¡­ the real male lead doesn¡¯t exist?¡¯


    Irene was now living her seventh life in ¡´ Love or Die. ¡µ


    After going through all six endings, she was now in the seventh.


    She watched Louise meet the three male protagonists, as she went through the ¡®Love Ending¡¯ and the ¡®Die Ending.¡¯


    ¡­No, it wasn¡¯t just watching. She actually even helped orchestrate the endings.


    Nonetheless, the results were devastating.


    ¡®I am not going back to reality, this is like an infinite loop¡­¡¯


    Every time she saw the ending, Irene would return to the moment she was possessed into the game for the first time. And this was her seventh regression after seeing all the six endings.


    In other words, regardless of the ending, Irene was completely trapped in this game.


    Realizing that she could no longer return to reality, she decided.


    ¡®Let¡¯s quit the game and live my life.¡¯


    Since Irene knew she couldn¡¯t live properly, she will now live her life like it is her own from now on. She will start by getting out of this house.


    And today, the female protagonist, Louise, finally arrived as a new employee. Today, when the game began in earnest, was the day she decided to turn in her letter of resignation. Initially, she wanted to quit a little earlier, but she couldn¡¯t submit her resignation because the only chambermaid in this mansion was Irene.


    But, that was not the case anymore.


    Why? Because the new chambermaid, Louise, is here!


    ¡°Hoo.¡±


    Still, Irene was a little nervous about giving her resignation letter since she had accumulated affection from working at the mansion for such a long time. After all, she was a person who spent a lot of time here.


    ¡®If I leave, the masters might feel a little feel down.¡¯


    However, they will soon forget about her and fall for Louise. Because¡­ that was the game¡¯s system.


    Irene took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door of the office.


    A cool yet heavy voice asked back.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Oh, this voice is the First Master.


    ¡°It¡¯s Irene, Master.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Irene. Come in.¡±


    The cold voice quickly softened.


    The owner of the voice was a strict and cruel person, but strangely, he was always kind to her, so it wasn¡¯t surprising.


    Irene silently pulled the door outward and opened it, as she had been accustomed to, then closed the door behind her back before greeting the man in the room.


    To be precise, to the men in the room.


    The sunlight pouring in from the window filled one of the office walls, where three handsome men were standing inside.


    ¡°Hello, Irene. Today¡¯s napkin was folded in the shape of a tulip. Did you not like the rose I folded?¡± A man with a smile as bright as the pouring sunlight greeted her warmly.


    Curly ash-blonde hair and gentle eyes with slightly lowered ends, his face seemed as though he was constantly smiling.


    Just by looking at his face, you might think he wouldn¡¯t even harm an ant, but that man is actually Knox¡¯s leader, who runs like a mad dog when he holds his sword.


    ¡°What brings you to me, Irene? Is there anything you want?¡±


    This time, the man sitting in front of the desk in the office asked, in a voice mixed with pressure and coolness.


    He was a ¡®gentleman¡¯s example¡¯ in everyone¡¯s eyes. However, in reality, he was a ruthless underboss who kills even a child without hesitation when he strips off a good day.


    ¡°Well, no, brother. Rea came to see me. Think about it, Rea. Didn¡¯t you want to see me?¡±


    Even with a gentle smile, the man could not hide all his ferocity as he approached Irene, calling her Rea as if they were friends.


    He was the youngest of the three. Though at the same time, he was also the most dangerous of the three as well.


    Although the other two mainly use knives as their weapons, this man, who is one of Knox¡¯s executives, even uses his teeth to bite and attacks his opponents.


    Even though these three people are incredibly dangerous, but if you look at them from the outside, you can say that they are from a family with excellent genes¡­


    Well, goodbye to all these handsome faces.


    Irene opened her mouth calmly. ¡°I came to see the First Master.¡±


    Disappointment flashed across their faces, except for the man sitting at the desk in the office, but Irenea put down the envelope in her hand in front of the desk without hesitation.


    ¡°It¡¯s a letter of resignation. I¡¯m leaving this mansion.¡±


    As soon as she finished her words, the faces of the three men were distorted.


    * * *


    Irene recalled the last ending she saw.


    Die Ending of Louise and Lavrenti¡¯s eldest son, Ahivalt.


    After Louise, who loved Ahibald but betrayed him and fled to the enemy base, he jumped into the base through a handful of soldiers.


    Then, with a tattered body, he appeared in front of Louise, bleeding profusely.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even funny. Did you think you could leave me with that, Louise?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Ahivalt¡­ Your blood¡­¡±


    Ha. A short, breathless breath fell from his mouth.


    ¡°Louise. If you were by my side, I would have promised you peace forever.¡±


    Ahivalt crept up and hugged Louise as if in bondage.


    ¡°I only needed you, but you didn¡¯t need me.¡±


    There was a sound of flesh tearing. He slashed Louise on the back with a sword.


    The long sword ripped apart not only Louise, but also his body. Despite the bleeding, Ahivalt smiled.


    ¡°I love you, Louise.¡±


    And so, the two died, and Irene, who was watching the scene disguised as a soldier, returned with tears filling her eyes. Of course, after returning, she shed tears for a different reason.


    There is a reason, obviously, for her sudden recollection of this scene.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even funny. Did you think you could leave me with just a piece of paper, Irene?¡±


    That was because Ahivalt suddenly recited the lines from the ¡®Die Ending.¡¯

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    ¡®I just wanted to retire. Though why is he saying the same lines as when he was betrayed¡­?¡¯


    Irene stood still and blinked her eyes confusingly.


    The eldest son of the Lavrenti family, the soft-spoken protagonist who allowed her to enter the room a while ago, has now turned into a gentleman with an unceasing sense of pressure.


    ¡°I will pretend I never saw this resignation letter.¡±


    ¡°But, I am leaving this mansion.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t allow it.¡±


    ¡°W, why?¡±


    The moment Irene uttered a voice of protest, her hands were caught.


    A smile as luminous as the sunlight.


    It was Otis Lavrenti, the second son of the Lavrenti family, who grabbed her hand. He was also a man who knew the joy of life to often fold a bunch of roses out of colored paper and left them in Irene¡¯s pocket unnoticed.


    And Otis, who has such a scary and composed look in her seventh life in [ Love or Die, ] has never seen Irene in his eyes before.


    ¡°Irene, are you really going to leave?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then, take me with you.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes? That is impossible.¡±


    ¡°I will buy you a house.¡±


    Oh, that¡¯s a bit harsh.


    When Irene couldn¡¯t refuse right away, Otis took another sip and began to lay down his words.


    ¡°Irene, you don¡¯t have to work. As long as you have tea time with me once a day, I will get you a luxurious four-story mansion and decorate the house with different roses every day. Do you like fountains, too? What about the garden? If you desire, I will also build a horseback riding course in the mansion as well. We will hire three of our best chefs so you can enjoy a different dinner every day.¡±


    Oh, that is really hard¡­


    ¡°Otis. Shut up and get out.¡±


    She was awakened by the sound of a cold voice that scratched the nape of her neck as if growling. Irene almost replied that she would do so inadvertently.


    As soon as she realized the situation a while ago, a cold sweat ran down her spine.


    ¡®I almost fell for it¡­¡¯


    When he whispers in a languid voice, it was as though she was possessed without realizing it. Besides, she couldn¡¯t deny that the offer was too sweet. If it hadn¡¯t been for the sudden interruption, she might have accepted the offer of his proposal.


    The owner of the voice was, of course, Ahivalt.


    Ahivalt, who had been sitting at the office desk a while ago, pushed Otis away and approached her.


    ¡°Irene. Ignore Otis¡¯ fuss. A guy who doesn¡¯t have that kind of money is just bluffing.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, brother? Do you think I don¡¯t have that much money?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m certain it¡¯s less than mine.¡±


    He replied indifferently before bowing his head and made eye contact with Irene.


    ¡°Did I do anything to upset you? Or was it someone else? You seem to be doing well, what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°There is nothing saddening that is happening. It¡¯s just time for me to leave now.¡±


    ¡°I know that you don¡¯t have anyone else.¡±


    That¡¯s right. It was bothersome to give a family to an extra like Irene. So, she was an orphan who had been working here since she was a child.


    ¡°I think I will be able to set up a small cafe if I get paid for my retirement. I could get a house available for rent as well.¡±


    ¡°¡­ So, you mean. After leaving this place, you plan to live in a rented house?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Obviously, the three brothers were having the same thoughts, ¡®Why a cafe? Why does she want to live in a rented house?


    As Irene stood silently, trying to grasp what was happening, she could hear the sound of crumpled paper. The sound came behind Ahivalt.


    ¡°No way, Rea. Why do you have to live like that?¡±


    Rodion Lavrenti, the youngest member of the Lavrenti family and the little devil character, was seeking Irene¡¯s resignation letter.


    ¡°¡­Third Master. Isn¡¯t that my resignation letter?¡±


    ¡°No, isn¡¯t it garbage?¡±


    ¡®No matter how you look at it, this is definitely my letter of resignation¡­¡¯


    Still, Irene couldn¡¯t say anything in front of Rodion, who was casually referring to her letter as trash without any remorse. Because the people here were people who killed dozens of people on a regular basis.


    She never thought that it would be so difficult to retire.


    ¡®No, I had thought of holding on¡­ Because I grew up with the male protagonists from a young age.¡¯


    She grew up together and took care of them. Since Irene was the only child working in the mansion at the time, she was often their playmate. Perhaps, it would have been possible to use the title ¡®friend¡¯ if it had not been for their position of master and maid.


    Of course, she didn¡¯t do it with her pure heart from the beginning of her life.


    ¡®At that time, there was another purpose¡­¡¯


    Later, however, the purpose seems to have become rather unclear.


    ¡®But, I didn¡¯t expect to be rejected so fiercely.¡¯


    Because, friends and things like that are all a thing of the past.


    From a moment when they became adults, the male protagonists of ¡´ Love or Die ¡µ began to distance themselves from her. Maybe they thought it was the right distance to take with Irene, the maid, as an employee of the mansion.


    ¡®It¡¯s not unusual for the male protagonists to change their minds like that in the meantime since they have been away from the mansion for several years.¡¯


    So, Irene kept her distance without saying a word. After all, it was not her friendship with the male protagonists that mattered anyway. She had been maintaining a relationship that¡¯s just moderately sweet.


    ¡®Then, why are they holding on to me like this¡­?¡¯


    Irene only blinked her eyes before taking a step back.


    ¡°My resignation letter is crumpled, so I will write a new one. Please wait.¡±


    ¡°Rea, you haven¡¯t answered my question yet.¡±


    Rodion, who threw the crumpled resignation letter into the trash can, approached with a grin on his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of living out there like that? Huh?¡± He continued, ¡°¡­All right. Do you have to go out to live? If you ask for a raise, I can give it to you.¡±


    ¡®If you ask me this, I have nothing else to say¡­¡¯ Irene¡¯s eyes fluttered.


    What should she answer here to get permission to retire safely?


    When you can¡¯t think of something right, it¡¯s always better to just make excuses for your dreams.


    Finally, she opened her mouth casually. ¡°I wanted to open a cafe. I have always wished to decorate the interior my way and serve the coffee and tea I wanted.¡±


    ¡°So, you are not leaving because you don¡¯t like us?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    At the obedient acceptance, Otis hid his ferocious look and smiled brightly like an angel again.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s fine. What do you have to think about? Isn¡¯t that right, brother?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Ahivalt gave a rare, soft smile.


    Even though he was under pressure, he seemed more merciless than most people. However, when he smiled softly like that, he resembled a well-rounded gentleman.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just say that earlier, Irene?¡±


    He added briefly, before waving the bell that had been placed on the table.


    The butler, who heard the bell, ran quickly and opened the door.


    ¡°Did you call me, Master?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I know that the annex on the west side is empty now, but is there anyone else using it?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. I was thinking of converting it into a warehouse.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t turn it into a warehouse¡ª¡±


    With that, Ahivalt smiled loosely and turned his gaze towards Irene. He opened his mouth while fixing his gaze on her.


    ¡°Decorate it into a cafe.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­?¡±


    This was said by Irene, not the butler.


    ¡®I just want to get out of this house¡­?¡¯


    Though, it seemed like she had no choice.


    When he came behind her, Otis grabbed her shoulder from behind and said with a smirk. ¡°Come on, Irene. Do you want to come with me? Let¡¯s decorate the cafe together. I will get anything Irene wants.¡±


    ¡°What? No, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Only you? I¡¯m coming, too. Rea, let¡¯s go together.¡±


    ¡°Rodion.¡±


    A threatening voice came from behind Irene¡¯s shoulder.


    It was obviously Otis. Though for some reason, it felt like Ahivalt?


    Irene wished she could have seen his expression, but unfortunately, Otis was standing behind her, so she couldn¡¯t see his face.


    One thing is for sure, it couldn¡¯t have been a very good look. As Rodion, who was trying to follow them for the moment, immediately lowered his tail.


    ¡°¡­I will look for coffee beans.¡±


    ¡°No, Rodion. You have a place to go today. It looks like there¡¯s a fight in Delton. They have been attacking first.¡±


    At Ahivalt¡¯s words, a bloody aura rose in Rodion¡¯s innocent eyes.


    ¡°Delton? Are those bastards crazy?¡±


    Irene, who has worked as a maid for three years and has lived in ¡´ Love or Die ¡µ seven times, knows fully well what ¡®Delton¡¯ means.


    A miscellaneous gang that formed a gang in the Southern section of the underworld. It was famous for gathering only sinful people, and this is the first episode allocated to Rodion.


    Rodion comes back with an arm injury after wiping out Delton, and Louise takes care of him.


    And it is the first event that Rodion and Louise¡¯s love began to blossom.


    Otis interrupted the conversation.


    ¡°Well, there has got to be a guy who¡¯s been inciting this. Why are we sending the little ones in first?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. So, Otis, you should go, too.¡±


    Hmm?


    Irene blinked her eyes.


    Originally, it was only Rodion, right? Why is Otis going as well, now? Does Louise have to take care of both of them, then¡­?


    But, there was no time for Irene to wonder. It was because Ahivalt, who had finished his neatly spoken words, approached Irene and removed Otis¡¯s hand, which was holding her shoulder, like dust.


    His face was painted with a graceful smile.


    ¡°Irene, I¡¯ll decorate the cafe with you.¡±


    Is it just my feeling that Ahivalt is trying to kick Otis out, somehow?

 Chapter 3

    I stopped in my tracks.


    The maid opened the door that was blocking my way. Beyond that, she opened one more door.


    The four women and one man who had been dragged through the curtain were waiting for me there.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    To be exact, there were four people. That was because one had fainted and was lying on the floor. The door closed behind me.


    ¡°I apologize. Should I wake them?¡±


    ¡°That is fine. Let them be.¡±


    My mouth tasted a little bitter. I too had to acknowledge that I had used the fear and terror that the ¡®princess¡¯ had left me as an inheritance, in order to make this happen.


    I wasn¡¯t a particularly wise, or particularly just person. I just knew that I was in a position where I had to try.


    ¡°¡­.. Do you acknowledge your wrongdoings?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Maybe it was because they had been given time to think, but it seemed like they had more or less accepted the position they were in. They were resigned, but they were calm.


    ¡°I will not kill you.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    I looked down at their confused, pale faces and continued to speak.


    ¡°However, I am not saying that I will simply let you go. It¡¯s only right that you pay for your crimes.¡±


    ¡°With what¡­..¡±


    ¡°Be my eyes and ears. Bring me everything, rumors about me and talk that doesn¡¯t reach my ears.¡±


    It seemed that they hadn¡¯t understood.


    ¡°Officially, you will be dismissed, so leave the palace tonight and await my instructions. You must not be seen by anyone you worked with here. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°From now on, you will work in another palace. If you hide anything from me, or if I discover that you lied to me then I will kill you.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Your lives belong to me now. Do not forget that. The only path left to you now is to swear your loyalty to me.¡±


    To be honest, I had purposefully selected people who came from a poor background or had no relatives and put them in the front line so there would be no chance of my plan being discovered later on. But they would probably never know.


    It would probably be good to dismiss the guards who had been involved in this plot as well. I wouldn¡¯t be able to completely stop them from saying something, but it would still be best.


    ¡°Allow me to escort you.¡±


    Suddenly, my eyes went to the maid who had always been serving me right by my side. As I walked out into the hallway, I turned around and asked,


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°It is Hess.¡±


    I filed the name away in one corner of my mind.


    ***


    ¡°I think she¡¯s amazing.¡±


    Right then, the nearby maids dropped what they were carrying with a loud clatter. It was a rare emotional response in this icy palace.


    ¡°W- What did you say?¡±


    One of the maids glanced at the pieces of the broken plate scattered on the carpet before she asking with a dumbfounded expression.


    ¡°I said I think she¡¯s amazing!¡±


    When there was no response, she spoke again.


    ¡°I think that Her Highness is a much more amazing person than I thought!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say it again¡­ Ah, I can¡¯t breathe.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°You want me to perform CPR on you?¡±


    ¡°My heart¡¯s pounding¡­.¡±


    Daisy didn¡¯t even seem to notice the shock that the other maids had received and continued to smile brightly.


    ¡°Daisy, why don¡¯t we rethink that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-who are you calling a- a- am-¡°


    ¡°Her Highness!¡±


    ¡°You could have at least pretended to hesitate!¡±


    ¡°Did you eat something weird?¡±


    ¡°Including what happened today¡­ I just get this feeling. That she¡¯s going to be the next emperor!¡±


    Daisy¡¯s eyes sparkled.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯ve only been here for a couple of days. I¡¯m begging you to wake up! If you keep this up, you¡¯ll die! We¡¯re going to have to hold your funeral!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, okay! There¡¯s no doubt that I¡¯ve been blessed to be able to work for someone like her¡­.!¡±


    The maids experienced heart-wrenching agony while attempting to persuade Daisy, but they failed.


    Despite being hush-hush, news of the so-called ¡°Hall of Death¡± incident from that day spread through the royal palace like wildfire. The reason was that it had been handled surprisingly cleanly and sophisticatedly considering the princess¡¯s usual temper.


    No one knew of the missing five¡¯s whereabouts. It was more terrifying because normally the princess would arrange a cruel and public execution for anyone who crossed her followed by display of the severed head.


    It was possible that they were experiencing something worse than death. The maids shivered.


    The rest of the people who had been trapped in the hall were released at dawn the next day. There were no orders regarding what should be done with them. They were simply put back to work, which they did absently like people who had experienced a nervous breakdown.


    There were diverse aftereffects among those affected, from suddenly bursting into tears to being overly guarded to continuously mumbling something under their breath while their hands shook. One thing was clear. They would never lay their hands on anyone again.


    ¡°A blessing?¡±


    At that moment, someone spoke in an incredulous voice from behind. It was Yuriel.


    ¡°Can you say that after seeing what happened?¡±


    Yuriel was one of the few guilty parties who seemed unaffected by the ¡°Hall of Death¡±. Daisy didn¡¯t back down and pressed onward.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what happens when you do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°How would you know since you¡¯ve never experienced it yourself? Don¡¯t think that Her Highness¡¯s wrath will never be directed at you.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s not true? Her Highness forgave my misconduct when it was an accident. I¡¯m going to work really hard for Her Highness, so there won¡¯t be any punishments, you see?¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    ¡°Wait, Daisy¡­. She forgave you for what¡­.?¡±


    A maid who looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown despite not having been in the ¡°Hall of Death¡± asked of Daisy. She was clutching her chest.


    ¡°I stepped on it!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Her Highness¡¯s dress! And Her Highness went all whoa!¡±


    ¡°Cough!¡±


    The person next to the maid was ready to catch her as she fell backwards. Daisy opened her eyes wide.


    ¡°Are you okay? What¡¯s wrong? Are you sick?¡±


    ¡°You just shush for now.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why? What did I do?¡±


    Daisy protested, pouting her lips.


    ***


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Sunlight poked in from between the curtains. Having just woken up, I had found myself a nice view.


    To think that a beauty like this was sleeping with his head resting on my arm, the rest of his body snuggled deep in the covers. I was worried that my eyes would get accustomed to being so blessed. How it was possible to not get tired of seeing the same thing, I didn¡¯t know.


    Truly, the most entertaining thing in the world was a beauty¡¯s face.


    The conclusion I¡¯d reached was such truth that I couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Because of that, his brows twitched then furrowed crookedly. I supposed that it was about time for both Nadricka and I to get up.


    I lifted my finger and poked a white cheek. The squishiness of it was adorable.


    Nadricka opened his eyes.


    ¡°Ah, are you awake?¡±


    At the sight of my face looking down on him, chin resting on my hand, Nadricka blinked a few more times. As I lifted the corners of my mouth and smiled slightly, Nadricka sleepily returned my smile.


    When had it started. Sharing a bed with him so naturally.


    It had just kind of happened while I was desperately trying to adjust to life here, but since it wasn¡¯t entirely a bad thing, I had decided to enjoy it. Plus, it was lonely sleeping alone in a strange place.


    I had been able to sleep more deeply because of the warmth I felt in my sleep.


    ¡°Good morning, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you too.¡±


    Thinking about it, he was incredibly smooth. Seeing as how I had ended up so accustomed to sharing a bed with him at night despite being so on guard with everyone else during the day.


    The beauty slept so soundly with that innocent-looking, serene face. And that was why it was even more suspicious.


    He could have casually brushed up against me at any time, but nothing at all had happened. It was like he could read my mind because he never stepped over that line.


    Nadricka lifted my messy locks, and kissed them, closing his eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Doesn¡¯t it smell?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Just, since it¡¯s hair and all.¡±


    Nadricka¡¯s face was saying that he had no idea what I was talking about. I shrugged my shoulders and laughed.


    I had asked because it was just hair, and yet he was touching it like it was some kind of fragrant flower. I couldn¡¯t just come out and ask him if he liked this woman that much.


    I looked away quickly from Nadricka who was still blinking up at me.


    It was one of those mornings where I didn¡¯t want to get up from bed.


    ¡°Should I tell them to bring breakfast, or would you like to bathe first?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. But it¡¯s a hassle.¡±


    I mumbled with my face buried in my pillow.


    Really, it was such a hassle. I didn¡¯t want to do anything today. It felt like my batteries were completely dry. Seeing as I still felt this way despite a good night¡¯s sleep it was probably accumulated fatigue.


    Wouldn¡¯t taking a day be fine.


    ¡°Then¡­. Should I assist you?¡±


    ¡°Assist me?¡±


    I recalled his table manners from when he was desperately copying me. I had been using a random fork, not knowing the etiquette of this place, but the sight of him frantically copying me without realizing.


    ¡°How would you like to bathe first?¡±


    A bath? I guessed he hadn¡¯t been talking about breakfast.


    But, a bath? He wants to assist me with a bath?¡±


    While I was hesitating to reply, Nadricka sat up.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll prepare it for you right now. Stay here, please.¡±


    Prepare?


    As I stared at him dumbly, he got up from the bed and rolled up his pants to his knees. And then he began to unbutton the top buttons of his shirt.


    ¡°Nadricka.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°When you say you¡¯ll prepare a bath¡­.¡±


    His white torso was revealed as his shirt dropped to the floor. He approached me and gently sat me up.


    Like a baby, I was half enveloped in his embrace. It seemed he knew what he was doing because it wasn¡¯t at all uncomfortable.


    ¡°Yes, I will assist with your bathing.¡±


    For some reason, I knew it.


    ¡°I can do it well.¡±


    It appeared he hadn¡¯t forgotten my distrustful expression from before because he soothed me, his words filled with certainty.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it well for you.¡±


    As I thought, it was strange. If he had said this to me the first time we¡¯d fallen asleep together in the same bed, I would have rejected him. But it was only today, after I had gotten used to him, that he was suggesting it.


    Various thoughts flitted through my brain, but soon after Nadricka picked me up and I laid my head on his shoulder tiredly and closed my eyes. I was too comfortable around him.


    Then again, wasn¡¯t it human nature to fall for the seduction of someone as pretty as this?


    The bathroom was filled with hot steam.


    All this time, I had been washing myself after dismissing even the maids. As a result, I had struggled with where to use what. But coming here with some man, it felt new and completely different.


    He set me down on the floor.


    Then, looking into my eyes, he undid the tie around my waist with fluid movements.


    The tightly fixed robe came apart and revealed the slip inside. He moved behind me and after removing my robe, dropped my slip down to the floor.


    As our eyes meet, Nadricka smiled sweetly.


    ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s a little unfair.¡±


    As I lifted one foot, Nadricka seized the fallen slip and as I lifted the other foot, he picked it up while he asked,


    ¡°What is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the only one not wearing anything.¡±


    Maybe he noticed that I was speaking out of slight embarrassment, but Nadricka gave me a small smile.


    ¡°Please make yourself comfortable.¡±


    His expression said that he knew how bewitching his face was. As well as how to use that to his favor.


    ¡°I feel weird when I¡¯m with you.¡±


    ¡°That is wonderful to hear.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    For the first time, he merely smiled without speaking.


    ¡°Why do you keep smiling?¡±


    ¡°¡­.. Do you not like it when I smile?¡±


    ¡°No¡­. It¡¯s nothing like that.¡±


    We stopped talking momentarily.


    I followed him to the ready bath and lowered myself in. I couldn¡¯t hold back a whimper at the perfect temperature.


    The water up to my chin, I calmly watched Nadricka¡¯s experienced movements.


    ¡°Did I often have you help when I bathed in the past?¡±


    ¡°I did not always do it for you, but Your Highness did have assistance every day.¡±


    Nadricka replied softly, his eyes lowered.


    I could guess what that meant. I decided to not mention it any more.


    Even if only for the sake of the sly concubine who wanted to monopolize the princess¡¯s love while her memory was gone.


    ¡°Please bring your head here. I will wash your hair for you.¡±


    His hands began to gently and throroughly massage my hair. I closed  my eyes and let out a pleasured moan before shutting my mouth. The sound just now was a little strange.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Whether he had heard it or not, Nadricka continued to enthusiastically wash my hair. I cleared my throat in embarrassment.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    When I opened my eyes at the sound, I was inwardly surprised to see Nadricka right in front of me.


    ¡°We have to wash your body now.¡±


    ¡°Please put your hands on my shoulders.¡±


    I put one hand on each of his shoulders and stood. It was only possible because he had lowered his torso a little.


    Just like that, Nadricka began to gently rub my body with a soapy towel in one hand. First my arms, my underarms, hips, belly, and then back up from there¡­


    I curled my toes.


    Nadricka¡¯s breath kept grazing my chest. Almost as if he was doing it on purpose, his hands moved slowly and swept over the same spots again and again.


    I breathed out deeply through my nose, my mouth closed. My shoulders shivered a little. He probably felt it through my hands on his shoulders.


    I was beginning to feel annoyed at him for pretending like he didn¡¯t notice.


    Then, he straightened, put his hands on my back and pulled me to him. His left leg slid swiftly between my legs. The towel stroked my back gingerly and came up to the back of my neck before moving down to my butt.


    As I instinctively took a step forward to avoid the towel, my body brushed against his. Of course he was still clothed, but it was immediately obvious to me that he was excited.


    Before, he had been completely dejected but today it seemed he was at peak energy.


    I had ended up having improper thoughts. I didn¡¯t know if he knew my lips were twitching in amusement right next to his ear, but he began to pour lukewarm water over me. I grabbed his wrist.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    Even his deliberately ignorant voice was delightful.


    I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. Once our lips had touched, his own parted as if he had been waiting for this. Our tongues tangled together and I gripped his hair between my fingers.


    At first Nadricka pulled me in tight by the waist, but noticing me bouncing on my toes, he bent his knees and lowered his face.


    I felt a small laugh escape him on my lips. I swallowed even that breath and planted small kisses on his mouth, cheeks, and chin.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    And here I¡¯d thought I was completely taking the lead. My legs had almost buckled in the moment. Nadricka¡¯s hand moved purposefully.


    Nadricka successively kissed my nose and forehead. And then pressed his lips back to mine. I was now completely leaning my whole weight against him.


    As my shoulders jolted, he patted me with the hand wrapped around me as if to reassure me. I urged him on impatiently.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take it slow.¡±


    ¡°With whose permission?¡±


    He let out a laugh on top of my head. But his hands remained cautious.


    As I lifted his chin to kiss him, Nadricka turned his head and avoided me. My face red from the heat, my patience low, I frustratedly pulled on his hair. He laughed as he kissed my cheek and my ear, and my neck.


    No more of that, I want to kiss.


    While I pounded his back to try and make him understand, he lowered his face.


    I whimpered and rested my chin on his head.Feeling my whole body heat up was uncomfortable. Though there was more pleasure than discomfort.


    A wet sound lodged itself in my ears. Because we were in the bathroom, the sound collapsed in on itself and rang out. If someone heard, they would think he was sucking on something delicious.


    I wondered if it actually tasted good? But I decided not to ruin the mood just to satisfy my security.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    I opened my eyes with difficulty and responded,


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do you think you can stand on your own for just a moment?¡±


    He lifted his head and whispered into my ear. As I nodded my head, he carefully helped stand me up from where I was leaning against him. After he had made sure that I was standing upright on my own two feet, Nadricka wasted no time kneeling in front of me.


    He then took my hands and made me hold the sides of his head. I instinctively clutched his neck as if to pull him in close.


    ¡°What are you¡­¡±


    I felt him breathe out onto my skin. My shoulders trembling, I stopped what I was about to say, and tightened my grip on his head.


    As I teetered, he used both hands to clasp my thigh and calf and hold me up. I repeatedly threw my head back before lowering it when I felt myself run out of breath.


    He was extremely, extremely skilled and experienced. There was no reprieve from the waves of pleasure.


    All of a sudden, it was like my vision was flickering white.


    Of course, that was just a figure of speech. It also meant that it felt that good. For a second, my breath caught before it came out in a rush.


    Maybe it was because it was immediately after I had released all the tension in my body, but my whole body was exhausted. I felt my overheated body cooling down.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    As I opened my eyes, I saw Nadricka¡¯s surprised face looking up at me. I also saw my hands which were tangled up in his now messy hair.


    ¡°Oh, sorry about that. I was out of it.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I was talking about¡­..¡±


    Nadricka reached out a hand and brushed my cheek from where I was half folded over. It seemed that I had been feeling it so much that a few tears had squeezed out. He carefully caressed under my eyes.


    I copied him and rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. And then I did my best to tidy up the disheveled hair on the back of his head. Nadricka gave me a slight smile.


    I returned it with my tired face.


    ¡°We need to finish washing you up, right?¡±


    Nadricka planted a soft kiss below my belly button and stood up.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t think I can stand.¡±


    At my words, Nadricka didn¡¯t delay in lifting me up and setting me down on the long bath bench prepared in the corner.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    It was like he had prepared it beforehand knowing this would happen. I looked him over weakly but soon settled back and received his ministrations with a satisfied expression.


    But was it alright to be the only one enjoying myself?


    I momentarily felt some moral responsibility, but it was startling how quickly my drowsiness overtook me. It was beyond my control.


    ¡°So there are days when you ask to eat together first.¡±


    The emperor seemed in an exceptionally good mood today too. Of course, I didn¡¯t care one way or the other. I had sought him out because there was something I wanted.


    ¡°I have a favor to ask of you.¡±


    ¡°What is it? Tell me.¡±


    His tone was innocent, like he didn¡¯t have any idea what it could be. It made sense now that he had never once checked up on me after entrusting me with what was a matter of national significance.


    I had to wonder if it was really fine to leave the management of this country in the hands of these two siblings. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if the country collapsed during this generation.


    ¡°I would like to have counsel.¡±


    ¡°Counsel?¡±


    The emperor opened his eyes wide.


    Yes, I know. That this isn¡¯t something that you would expect to hear from this princess¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Please provide me with someone.¡±


    ¡°You mean to say¡­¡±


    ¡°This is a good opportunity to establish strong relations with Rothschild. I need someone who is knowledgeable about foreign affairs as well as general geography.¡±


    I had spent several days studying and deliberating on my own but if I went on like this, I would be going nowhere fast. There was no way I could begin preparations when I knew basically nothing.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    A ripe cherry tomato fell off the emperor¡¯s fork and rolled across the table. Seeing him more shocked than I expected, I continued as if to justify myself.


    ¡°Of course¡­ It is not easy humbling myself, but I thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad to try it out at least once.¡±


    ¡°I-Is that so?¡±


    The emperor was quiet for a while. He rubbed his chin over and over while mumbling something under his breath before lifting his head.


    ¡°You have someone specific in mind¡­.?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    I furrowed my brow due to not being able to hear him over the distance. But then he suddenly slammed down a fist and began nodding vigorously.


    It was a pity that I was the only one here to see this.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I have just the teacher! Yes indeed.¡±


    ¡°If you could explain what you mean¡­¡±


    ¡°I know what you mean now!¡±


    Before I knew it, I had lost the flow of the conversation. I waited for the emperor to provide a proper explanation but I knew it wasn¡¯t likely to happen.


    The man truly moved at his own pace.


    The emperor gazed at me warmly, swept up in his own emotions. I twisted my face in annoyance.


    ¡°I am only asking for an advisor, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Naturally I will not tell Juranne that you asked for him! You do not need to worry.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    In the end, I gave up on asking and closed my mouth. Exactly when I had I say I wanted this person? Juranne? Who?


    I replayed the conversation but I didn¡¯t think I had said anything that could be taken as a hint. They must be an incredible scholar or something, then.


    I felt a little uneasy but I decided to wrap up for now. It was best to limit my time speaking with the emperor.


    ¡°I have another request.¡±


    The emperor was gazing at me with satisfaction as if he was looking upon his very cute little sister. I felt my annoyance build but I fought not to show it.


    ¡°That is¡­¡±


    He even put down his spoon and put his chin in the palm of his hand, to show he was listening attentively.


    ¡°Anything. Anything you want.¡±


    The emperor crinkled his eyes in a smile. Suddenly, the thought crossed my mind. I wasn¡¯t actually his real sister or anything.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Before I realized it, I had avoided his eyes and opened my mouth. In order to speak the words I¡¯d prepared beforehand.


    ¡°We should clarify the prince¡¯s place.¡±


    ¡°You speak of Velrod?¡±


    His brows came together in a deep crease, and a wholly different light glinted in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes. As there is no longer any reason to keep him by my side ¨C¡°


    ¡°That maid¡­..¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. It is nothing.¡±


    He covered his cheek with his palm and turned his gaze away. The way he stroked over his cheek and the back of his neck was a little odd.


    ¡°¡­.. I have decided to observe that woman. She seemed to want to stay in my palace. I will see what she does.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, do you perhaps know her?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? You should know that I received a report about it as well.¡±


    Is that really all?


    I swallowed back the words that threatened to burst forth. Surely it was nothing. So there was no need to say it.


    Following a short silence, the emperor spoke once more.


    ¡°¡­¡­..Black hair.¡±


    ¡°And red eyes.¡±


    I pictured the woman¡¯s eyes. It felt almost rehearsed when the prince¡¯s darker and more somber red eyes flashed before my eyes right after. Like an old keepsake¡­


    ¡°And her name.¡±


    The emperor tapped his fingers on the table a couple of times. His eyes looked as if he was stroking over something in his memory.


    ¡°It is Yuriel.¡±


    I had felt ill watching so I finished his words for him.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yuriel. Yes.¡±


    And then the emperor spoke the woman¡¯s name.


    Feeling a sense of foreboding, I clenched my fist underneath the table.


    But as if to say it was an unnecessary worry, the topic immediately turned to something else. As I set off after finishing my meal with the emperor, I addressed the maid by my side.


    ¡°Hess. I must know something.¡±


    ¡°I am listening.¡±


    ¡°I said there was someone who had transferred to the emperor¡¯s palace?¡±


    It was one of the people I had sent out before in secret to gather intel.


    The emperor might already know my purpose for chasing them away. Since it seemed that he received reports about nearly everything that went on in my palace.


    But he wouldn¡¯t scrutinize their actions while he felt favorably toward me. And of course he wouldn¡¯t make a big deal out of it either. As he had probably planted people in my palace too, we were even.


    ¡°Have them find out if Yuriel¡­ and the emperor have met before.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    She only raised her eyebrows slightly at the unexpected command and quietly retreated.


    A little unsettled, I suddenly stopped in my tracks before I realized that I had arrived at the entrance of the garden where I had had that terrible experience.


    After that, Essen and I hadn¡¯t seen each other. LIke a mirage, I felt like what had happened under the tree had been forgotten. Including the last bit which had impressed me on so many levels.


    It was probably better never to see each other again if we could help it.


    Suddenly, a cold wind blasted me. When I turned my head, the door to the garden was wide open. The one who had opened it was a young maid. She was familiar.


    ¡°Daisy?¡±


    When I called her name, the maid grinned.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the door?¡±


    ¡°I thought you might want to go for a walk.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that I really wanted to, but as I felt the wind pierce me to the bone, it didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea. The air of this world was quite surprisingly clear and refreshing.


    Before I stepped out into the field, I turned around.


    ¡°Leave me, all of you.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    When I turned my head back around, Daisy was staring right at me.


    ¡°¡­¡­You can stay.¡±


    As if she had been waiting for those words, the girl once again burst out into a grin. I had thought it before but she was a little strange by the standards of this world. And I didn¡¯t hate that. In fact, I liked it.


    As I set out into the garden, I mostly agreed to Daisy¡¯s various suggestions. It was obvious that they were things she herself wanted to try.


    As a result, I ended up having my teatime in the middle of a flower garden that seemed to stretch out for miles on end. The mat we had laid on the field was warm and because the wind didn¡¯t blow here, it wasn¡¯t that cold.


    When I asked, she told me it was because it was a ¡®magically managed¡¯ object and place but I closed my mouth after that in fear that my ignorance would be exposed.


    But more than that, saying it¡¯s ¡®magic¡¯, did she really mean that magic?


    I was tilting my teacup while thinking that I would ask Nadricka once I went back inside when it happened. I felt a subtle but tenacious gaze. Of course, it wasn¡¯t directed toward me


    ¡°Do you want some?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Daisy vigorously nodded her head. I turned up the corners of my mouth in a smile and pushed the plate of cookies in Daisy¡¯s direction.


    The more I looked, the more she seemed like a small animal. It appeared that Daisy didn¡¯t even need a drink of water as she shoveled the cookies into her mouth.


    Watching her wordlessly, I took out the spare teacup and poured in some tea.


    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡±


    As expected, Daisy eventually had something go down the wrong way and began to pound her chest as she coughed. I swiftly held out the prepared teacup.


    ¡°Slurp!¡±


    ¡°¡­..It¡¯s hot so you need to drink carefully.¡±


    Having tried to gulp it down all at once, Daisy was already grabbing her lips and moaning in pain.


    Without a word, I took the cup out of her hands and began to blow up on the tea. Truly, the maid was such a handful.


    Daisy stuck out her tongue only to bite it and tear up. It seemed she had burned her tongue as well.


    As I held the teacup back out, Daisy sobbed.


    ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯re so, kind uhu¡­..¡±


    I squeezed my knees to my chest, then I rested my chin on them and laughed.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­. I haven¡¯t really thought of myself that way.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so nice to that person too!¡±


    ¡°That person?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I- I mean¡­¡­¡±


    It seemed she couldn¡¯t think of a proper address because Daisy¡¯s words trailed off.


    ¡°Are you talking about Nadricka?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°And why not just use his name.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you see. ¡­..You¡¯re right. Why didn¡¯t I?¡±


    What am I supposed to say if you ask me that.


    Daisy kept tilting her head from side to side before finding the answer herself.


    ¡°Oh! I think I picked it up because everyone else just refers to him as that person. If you say that person then everyone knows that you¡¯re talking about that person.¡±


    She must be talking about the servants. It seemed she might be telling the truth about picking it up since she had continued saying that person throughout.


    ¡°Hmm, I think that everyone just can¡¯t get a good sense of what to call him.¡±


    ¡°Why? He was the first concubine to enter the palace, so he¡¯s lived in the palace for some time now.¡±


    ¡°That is¡­.¡±


    For some reason, Daisy hesitated and searched my reaction.


    ¡°Since he didn¡¯t become a concubine through the normal process¡­. But then they can¡¯t just use his given name familiarly either.¡±


    If it wasn¡¯t through the normal process?


    ¡°In this case, one would usually call him by his last name but that person doesn¡¯t have a last name either.¡±


    No last name?


    ¡°So¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. As he used to be a slave.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When I didn¡¯t respond, Daisy barreled on, shrugging her shoulders.


    ¡°To be honest, I think they probably started calling him that to distance themselves from him. Despite everything, they¡¯re saying that they¡¯re at least above him in status.¡±


    I had vaguely thought about it. That since it was a society based on a caste system, there might be a slave caste too. But I didn¡¯t think that would be someone this close to me.


    ¡°Haa, I repent too! I know I shouldn¡¯t do it.¡±


    After the slight surprise faded, I began to recall each one of his behaviors. Along with the words ¡®sex slave¡¯ that Robia had whispered that night.


    It appeared that because of a stupid reason like that he was the weakest person in the palace. And he probably thought that it was something he had to bear with.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Your Highness¡¯s. Right?¡±


    That was the reason he had desperately grabbed onto my ankle. Because he hadn¡¯t been born with the status to protect himself. He had always been standing on the edge of a cliff. So that he could only hope for reckless salvation.


    It happened as I was thinking this.


    Ding!


    The system window which had been so quiet lately appeared in front of me along with the notification sound.


    The target has been selected.


    Confirming.


    ¡®Princess Yeldria Viotte Cecilia¡¯


    Target locked.


    Attempting weakness discovery (2 remaining).


    Scanning. 8%¡­¡­¡­


    30%¡­¡­¡­..


    88%¡­¡­¡­..


    You have failed to discover a weakness because you lack justification.


    Weakness discovery (1 remaining) has been consumed.


    Will you try again? Y/N


    I hurriedly stood up. I thought I had heard sounds from the bushes so I looked closely but there was no one. Where was she hiding?


    If that wasn¡¯t it. What if she wasn¡¯t here?


    Yuriel pressed ¡®N¡¯. The window turned off before coming back up.


    TIP/ If you want to increase your chances of success, try discovery during a critical moment.


    There was nothing in this world that could be called my weakness.


    ¡­¡­Except for Nadricka.


    ¡°Yuriel!¡±


    Yuriel had been walking quickly but stopped in her tracks. When she turned her head she discovered a young man who was breathing hard, possibly because he had run after spotting her.


    A man with refreshing features, white cheeks, cynical eyes, and who had at one time belonged to Yuriel. He fixed his glasses while taking a few steps toward her.


    ¡°Why are you here, Robia?¡±


    The two had met in the hallway outside of the princess¡¯s bedchamber. Robia had not yet given an adequate response to her request to help her meet the princess.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to ask, Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I told you to wait.¡±


    ¡°Until when exactly?¡±


    Yuriel folded her arms.


    There was no one stupid enough to trust his words now that his affection level had been reset. Yuriel held back a snort.


    They still needed each other. That¡¯s why Robia was also maintaining this relationship and pretending like his feelings hadn¡¯t disappeared.


    ¡°How am I supposed to wait and trust you when you¡¯ve only been telling me to keep waiting and haven¡¯t even taken any action?¡±


    ¡°You know that nothing will change even if you press me like this.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t think you can do it, just say so. Do you think I don¡¯t have another way besides you?¡±


    At those words, Robia grabbed Yuriel¡¯s shoulders and spoke reassuringly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just get angry and trust me. I¡¯m the man you love, right?¡±


    Yuriel was speechless.


    ¡°And if you only tell me why you¡¯re trying to meet her, then I might even be able to find a better way. It¡¯s not wise to meet the princess when the situation-.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been able to see the princess even once after that, have you?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    He snapped his mouth shut as if his tongue had been stabbed.


    ¡°Maybe you still have lingering feelings for that woman?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I don¡¯t want to see you get hurt again¡­. You know, don¡¯t you? Why Her Highness has left me alone even after finding out about our relationship.¡±


    Yuriel stepped in close to Robia while grasping the hem of his shirt. She looked up at him.


    ¡°It means she has no interest in you.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Not even the slightest bit.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the only one for you back then and now as well. Am I right?¡±


    Yuriel whispered as if to interrogate him.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Then she meticulously searched the silent Robia. Fine, it seemed he didn¡¯t know either.


    The reason the ¡®princess¡¯ had changed.


    The princess had become a completely different person overnight. From the air she had to her smallest movements and mannerisms and each and every expression she made, everything was different.


    Ultimately, it was the reason that Yuriel had been able to preserve her life, but unexplained variables were always followed by anger.


    It¡¯s only a game. I¡¯m the protagonist.


    Then shouldn¡¯t everything work for me!


    She hated it. Everything that was getting in her way. Especially the changed princess.


    If the aftereffects of coming interfering here by ¡®force¡¯ were just now being revealed¡­.


    It didn¡¯t matter. If she was going to give up after only this much, she would never have come here.


    Yuriel counted the remaining days in her mind. Based on the status window, another capturable target would be arriving in the capital soon. Before then, she had to become the princess¡¯s personal maid. And after gathering all of the ¡®leads¡¯¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll talk somewhere else.¡±


    Robia said after sneaking a glance toward the princess¡¯s bedchamber.


    ***


    ¡°Nadricka?¡±


    I hurried to my room but I was unable to see the person I wanted. The room was empty.


    ¡°Hess.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Where did he go?¡±


    The maid knew immediately who I was talking about. It made sense seeing as how Nadricka had basically been living in my room these past few days.


    ¡°He returned to his original place of residence.¡±


    ¡°He returned?¡±


    I plopped down onto the edge of the bed, folding my arms, and sank into thought.


    Just a few moments ago, Yuriel had failed to discover my weakness. In other words, she probably still didn¡¯t have any idea what my weakness could be.


    I should see how things progressed for now. If something happened, the system window would show for me too.


    ¡°When did he go?¡±


    I felt the maid hesitate for a second.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°It is nothing. It was because he had gone out before once. But he only returned to his residence a short while ago.¡±


    ¡°He went out? Do you know where?¡±


    ¡°¡­.Should I look into it?¡±


    For a moment, I was struck by the sense of having become the pathologically jealous husband who keeps tabs on his wife. Nadricka was allowed to go out too.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    There was no rule that he had to stay in the stuffy room all day waiting for me. I felt a little embarrassed and rubbed my throat.


    ¡°Go outside.¡±


    I sent the maid out before falling onto the bed. I could feel the softness over my closed eyes.


    ¡°He¡¯ll probably come back before I fall asleep¡­¡±


    It might even be good thing. It was common sense that it would be more dangerous if we were always together.


    Now that it had gotten to this point, it was better to stay apart for awhile. When he came back tonight, I would explain the situation so he wouldn¡¯t get too surprised and suggest sleeping apart for now.


    I had various thoughts while organizing what I would say to Nadricka.


    But deep into the night, he never came.


    ¡°Hey you. What are you doing in front of there?¡¯


    Today as well Robia discovered the figure prowling outside of the princess¡¯s bedchamber. Their shoulders flinched a little and when they slowly turned around, Robia scrunched his brows at the unexpected individual.


    Wasn¡¯t that the princess¡¯s sex slave? What was he doing here in the morning?


    ¡°¡­¡­I apologize.¡±


    Robia stretched out an arm to block Nadricka¡¯s path as he attempted to pass by him. Nadricka stopped in his tracks before glancing at Robia. Robia leaned toward him with other hand in his pocket.


    ¡°¡­¡­What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I could ask the same. What are you doing in the palace at this time of day?¡±


    Robia twisted his face while lowering his outstretched hand.


    ¡°A sex slave like you who should live as a doll, coming only when called for, dares to hang around the princess?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not! A slave anymore.¡±


    At Robia¡¯s taunting, Nadricka had raised his voice in a sudden temper, but he immediately lowered it perhaps because he had become aware of his surroundings.


    ¡°Do you think your dirty past will be erased too?¡±


    ¡°Her Highness-.¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you want? It seems that you think she¡¯s yours because you¡¯ve been favored these last few days. Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself. Conduct yourself according to your position.¡±


    ¡°That is between me and Her Highness. I don¡¯t want to hear someone else tell me what¡¯s right or wrong.¡±


    ¡°Spiteful bastard. I guess you¡¯re not even embarrassed by your own dirty body?¡±


    ¡°¡­..!¡±


    The rumors were widespread. They said that the princess had finally fallen for her lowly concubine and wouldn¡¯t even look at another man because of it.


    Even though he was sure she was just giving him her attention out of curiosity like with the prince and would soon tire of him and kick him out, Robia wasn¡¯t sure what to do about the rage that boiled inside of him.


    He was barely hanging on because this was the princess who didn¡¯t know how to love. And he believed that wouldn¡¯t change.


    Did that lowly slave really mean nothing to the princess?


    What about the actions she had taken for him the other day?


    She wasn¡¯t someone who would do something so troublesome. Normally she would have just taken everyone¡¯s heads. Including that sex slave¡¯s.


    Why hadn¡¯t she killed them.


    It would have been easier if they had been expelled from the palace. No matter how you tried to spin it, they wouldn¡¯t be in their right minds having to live inside the palace with everyone else after being marked.


    Letting them live to torment them. More than a punishment it was closer to stubborn retribution.


    Why ¡®retribution¡¯? What had budded in her heart to make her seek retribution?


    Robia saw an emotion there. But he denied his own hunch.


    ¡°Then what about you?¡±


    Then, for the first time he heard a voice of firm resolve from the pale-faced slave.  And it was accompanied by hard and sharp eyes that strongly signaled his intent.


    ¡°What right do you have to say that?¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°Do you think someone who betrayed Her Highness and hasn¡¯t even sought forgiveness has the right to lecture other people?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I know. I know, how could someone like me dare? But at least I¡¯m not an animal like you who doesn¡¯t know loyalty or gratitude!¡±


    Robia momentarily forgot his words. His pride was hurt. All because he couldn¡¯t respond head-on to the words that lowly man was spitting out.


    ¡°Then are you saying I should beg for forgiveness I won¡¯t receive?¡±


    ¡°Of course you have to! Even if¡­ you end up being thrown away. Although that has nothing to do with you.¡±


    ¡°Someone like you¡­. What does someone like you know¡­.!¡±


    He was laying his heart bare, squeezing out his voice in a howl. But before he could finish Nadricka brushed past him, blowing cold air in his wake.


    Robia lifted his palm and buried his face in it. His breathing became ragged.


    What do you know. He had pleaded and begged hundreds, no, thousands of times.


    For her to love him, to just accept him, to at least let him stay by her side, and if not that, to very occasionally come see him. To please not throw him away.


    The smaller and more insignificant his wish became, the more wretched his feelings. Then when he thought he couldn¡¯t get any more miserable, he had experienced something far worse.


    But what the hell do you know about me to speak like that.


    ¡°Shit¡­.¡±


    He could say that because he had never been thrown away. But Robia was no longer¡­. No longer.


    His heart ripped into a dozen pieces, like cloth. He felt nauseous. Robia suppressed the feeling. Like he always had. But it didn¡¯t get better.


    ¡°You were here?¡±


    Hearing the voice, Robia slowly lifted his face from his hand. His bloodshot eyes found a familiar face. It was the princess¡¯s maid.


    ¡°Her Highness is waiting.¡±


    With those words, everything ended. Robia felt almost okay. He shivered at the feeling of his pain seeping out of him like so much rice water.


    No, it was more accurate to say that he was breaking little by little even in this moment.


    It seemed that his fate was to be completely destroyed before he could rest, even while he was writhing in pain.


    He mocked himself, but anticipation ultimately dragged up the corners of his mouth.


    ***


    ¡°Mr. Juranne has arrived. Would you like me to tell him to come in?¡±


    I lifted my chin and checked the clock. The advisor provided by the emperor had arrived slightly behind schedule.


    ¡°Yes. Quickly escort him in.¡±


    The door opened and I heard the sound of smart footsteps. I straightened in my chair out of politeness. And then I turned my head.


    The teacher came and stood in front of me.


    ¡°Robia?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°¡­.Robia?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As I stared at him blankly with my mouth wide open, Robia¡¯s brow developed a deep furrow. He brought out the books he had at his side and placed them on the table.


    ¡°What exactly is the problem?¡±


    ¡°Um.¡±


    ¡°I heard that you were seeking a teacher for guidance.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Does it bother you that it is me?¡±


    ¡°Your name is-.¡±


    ¡°It is Robia.¡±


    ¡°Then, what about Juranne?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    Robia stared at me wordlessly before beginning. He breathed out deeply through his nose and took off his glasses. He laid the back of his hand over his eyes for a moment before replacing his glasses.


    For some reason his calm eyes looked like those of someone who was completely pissed.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡±


    ¡°I am Robia Juranne, Your Highness.¡±


    He said and smiled sweetly like a fairy.


    ¡°Then, shall we start?¡±


    It was a smile bright enough to light up a room. I swallowed hard and thought.


    Is that your last name, you jerk.


    Finally, everything made sense. That is to say, the emperor¡¯s weird reaction and all-knowing look.


    So basically he had thought I wanted him to make an excuse to stick to a concubine who didn¡¯t love me anymore, but whom I was too prideful to approach myself?


    What in the world. I wondered how exactly the emperor saw his younger sister.


    Robia icily opened up his book and began his lecture. It seemed like he didn¡¯t even want to meet my eyes.


    You think you¡¯re the only one thrown for a loop. I am too¡­


    While sighing multiple in a row inside, I tried to keep it from showing on my face.


    ¡°Are you paying attention?¡±


    ¡°¡­..I was listening.¡±


    It felt like the temperature was 4 degrees lower only around Robia.


    ¡°Then would you explain what I just said?¡±


    It looked like he wouldn¡¯t let it go. With no other choice, I quickly skimmed over the pages of the book that we had opened.


    ¡°The growth of our nation was based on the establishment of a colonies acquired through wars of conquest and the enormous amount of tributes received from them, ¡­. this subsequently contributed greatly to the establishment and reinforcement of imperial power?¡±


    Robia made a displeased face but maybe because I had given the right answer, continued the lesson without another word.


    ¡°Why do you think there was no other way to grow besides taking such an atypical route?¡¯


    The moment I went to take another peek, Robia shut the book. I stared at his large, white hand laying on the book¡¯s cover for a moment before lifting my gaze.


    ¡°Because of a lack of farmland?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, exactly. In the early days of our country, the amount of grain harvested from farmland was insufficient compared to the population. Also, as there was no farming technology to deal with it, the available farmland only decreased with the passing of the year.¡±


    ¡°But there must have been a limit to plundering it.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Soon, another method emerged. What do you think it was?¡±


    It was like he had been waiting to ask the question. In the proceeding silence, my eyes and Robia¡¯s met.


    He didn¡¯t avoid my eyes but it didn¡¯t seem like he was really looking at me either. His eyes were mechanical, like they could be looking at my pores.


    ¡°The use of human resources to develop farming technology?¡±


    His response came one step late.


    ¡°What human resources exactly do you think?¡±


    ¡°Did they employ colonials without discrimination?¡±


    Suddenly, he looked at me strangely. Although he finally looked human with the emotion swirling in his eyes at last, I felt uneasy thinking I might have made a mistake.


    ¡°¡­.Please think over it again.¡±


    After that, he closed his mouth tight.


    His posture was perfect enough to be impressive. I could also feel his weariness from having lived a life surrounded by paper and ink. And his tone which was respectful but neutral.


    I wondered if he was purposefully only like this with me or if he was just that kind of person.


    I hazily recalled that day. His drunk face as he hung onto me, crying, almost seemed like a dream. Because the man who stood before me in the morning light was a completely different person.


    The emperor had done something really unnecessary.


    Because despite not having any personal grudges toward Robia, he had unknowingly hurt him.


    ¡°Overall, the center part of the continent where the Orvitte Empire is located is in a cold climate with high elevation, so even if there is land, the grain often freezes. And climate isn¡¯t easy to overcome.¡±


    When I didn¡¯t respond, Robia elaborated slowly. Suddenly, a memory flitted through my mind.


    I had asked Daisy about it because only that place strangely had no wind and was warm. The answer I had heard then.


    ¡°¡­¡­Magic.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. It was quite difficult to hear that answer, Your Highness.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t even angry because it was more refreshing than I¡¯d expected to hear him taunt me in that emotionless voice. It felt like being doused by truth. I strangely found myself accepting it.


    It might have been because I had actuallywitnessed his skill. To say he was simply the princess¡¯s concubine, Robia¡¯s knowledge spanned all fields and was extremely detailed. I couldn¡¯t help but be filled with admiration.


    ¡°Our country, which was gradually feeling limited in its development, took steps to counter the atmosphere of rejecting and destroying magicians at the time. This was due to the characteristics of the national stance that originated from the myth of the country¡¯s founding which eventually led to a system focused on cultivating and protecting talented individuals and¡­¡±


    ¡°The myth of the country¡¯s founding?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It is also widely known as the story of the red dragon, and the dominant view is that it was passed down through folk legends. To briefly explain, it is an epic in which a dragon descends one day to the chieftain ¡®Khal¡¯. As a result, she becomes revered as a shaman and¡­¡±


    She?


    The founder of the nation was a woman? That piqued my interest. To think that this was a country founded by a woman.


    ¡°Like all founding myths, this one ends with the founding of the country. We might say that the existence of ¡®magicians¡¯ was exposed early on when the foundations of the country were established, for they included the acceptance of new foreign ideas about ¡®things which cannot be seen¡¯.¡±


    To think that this game was set in a nation revived with ¡®magic¡¯ in a world where ¡®magic¡¯ and ¡®magicians¡¯ existed. Might there not be a possibility that Yuriel had been given magical talent? Thinking about it like that, my skin grew cold.


    ¡°This has raised the question of whether the nation¡¯s founder Empress Khal was a magician, but I believe it is unlikely considering that a magician has been born into the imperial family only once in a thousand years of history.¡±


    Robia¡¯s words weren¡¯t registering clearly. Whatever the case, there shouldn¡¯t be a need to worry about things that hadn¡¯t happened. Since I didn¡¯t know for certain yet.


    Robia continued speaking while putting his finger on a map spread out wide between us.


    ¡°As magic developed, geographic limitations began to break down.¡±


    He started in the Orvitte Empire in the center of the continent. Robia moved his finger to the border of the empire.


    ¡°Movement of soldiers, provision of military supplies, easy adaptation to the climate¡­ That is how the empire¡¯s borders have expanded to here.¡±


    There were 16 small countries bordering the Orvitte Empire. And of those, 10 had come under the empire.


    ¡°Truthfully, it would have been possible to increase our territory further. However-.¡±


    ¡°We converted them to colonies?¡±


    ¡°Yes, correct. What do you think is the reason?¡±


    The answer came easily after I had more or less grasped his intent.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s because it takes money to maintain a country as well. We would have to support a greater number of troops for the expanded territory, plus it would take an astronomical sum just to collect taxes.¡±


    ¡°You are correct.¡±


    He said while nodding his head.


    ¡°We cannot simply think about troops in terms of numbers. Troops are also expensive to maintain, so in most countries, in the event of war, they recruit soldiers through a process similar to a forced draft. In addition, in the case of an absolute monarchy, if we blindly subjugate the territory, the natives resist fiercely, and taxes often go missing.¡±


    Robia¡¯s finger moved once again toward the far east. Located there was the Rothschild Empire, which was as fattened as Orvitte. Several small countries bordered it to the north including,


    ¡°The Borne Kingdom.¡±


    It was the nation that had fallen during this last war.


    Everything was because of the princess¡¯s fickle nature. That her concubine had gone there to die, that he had fought to survive there for years on end, and that the place had been turned to ruins.


    ¡°Rothschild has always seen the Borne Kingdom as prey. Simply said, it was because they were the land of milk and honey. The climate was mild and unlike Velrod-.¡±


    ¡°Velrod?¡±


    Robia pulled back his hand and spoke as if it were an insignificant matter.


    ¡°Yes, as a colony it is quite profitable for us because of its abundant mineral reserves. It is said that gold, silver, all kinds of rare jewels, and even some amount of marble are buried there.¡±


    I mumbled.


    ¡°I thought Velrod had completely disappeared.¡±


    ¡°It has disappeared. The nation of ¡®Velrod¡¯.¡±


    Robia briefly looked at me, then said,


    ¡°What is that expression are you making.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what expression I was making.


    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re feeling guilty.¡±


    ¡°Why, can I not?¡±


    ¡°Towards Essen Velrod, you mean.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    Robia was quiet for a moment, then,


    ¡°It is hard to believe.¡±


    He said spitefully.


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re being sincere, that incident was not entirely your fault.¡±


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true that His Majesty treasures Your Highness, but he only acts after considering the practical benefits. You desired Essen Velrod while His Majesty desired the mineral reserves of that land. To put it simply, you had an understanding.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    I was pretty na?ve to believe that the workings of a nation would be so easily influenced by the princess alone. However, that didn¡¯t change the fact that this incident wouldn¡¯t have happened without the princess.


    ¡°Guilt doesn¡¯t suit you. There have already been countless such times. Do you intend to apologize to all of those people? Now?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Finally, I understood what he was trying to say.


    Many more things than you would expect in this world can be rectified. However, if there is one thing that can never be fixed even if the world split in two, that¡¯s probably the human heart and emotional wounds.


    Robia was trying to say that it was already too late.


    But for some reason, to me it sounded like he was complaining. If you¡¯re not going to comfort me, don¡¯t comfort anyone. Don¡¯t pity anyone.


    Could it be that he was once again, toward the princess¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about the impossible. It¡¯s just that¡­. People can¡¯t change without guilt.¡±


    That is what I thought.


    ¡°Guilt doesn¡¯t benefit the victim. But Robia. It could prevent the same thing from happening the next time.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s important.¡±


    In the end, his poker face crumbled like a sand castle.


    ¡°Who exactly¡­¡±


    Robia leaned over while gripping his knees with his hands. His patience in trying to seem like he didn¡¯t care was finally running empty.


    His face darkened. And his neatly styled blonde hair fell over his forehead.


    ¡°Who exactly made you like this?¡±


    His voice, which he was fighting hard to keep cold, sounded precarious. He looked gaunt.


    ¡°I think it would be best to end it here for today.¡±


    ¡°Is it Nadricka? Have you fallen for him?¡±


    Robia looked up in my direction to check my expression and crooked the corners of his lips. He straightened.


    ¡°Let us stop here like you commanded.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡±


    We spoke at the same time. And our words were communicated clearly to each other.


    ¡°I feel sorry for him. My heart keeps going out to him. ¡­.But what¡¯s changed is my own will.¡±


    I spoke while looking up at Robia. He looked away at those words. His expression said he regretted asking.


    ¡°¡­..I will recommend you a number of books. Since I have assessed how much you know, if you want to follow along with the lessons, you will need to read all of them by the next lesson.¡±


    Robia quickly scribbled something on a piece of paper and set it down on the table before turning around.


    He strode over to the door where he opened his mouth to speak.


    ¡°Because of something like that! If you were going to fall for someone like that, it was only right for you to love me first.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to get compensated for your lost time from me, Robia.¡±


    ¡°¡­.You¡¯re the same as ever, saying cruel things so easily then and now.¡±


    ¡°That might be true.¡±


    If I considered how easily I had adapted to this world, this body.


    Suddenly, I couldn¡¯t remember what my previous world had been like.


    Damp air hung in the room. The reddish light of the sun stretched out in long shafts. White smoke flowed out of the silhouette of the woman¡¯s lips.


    ¡°So, who did you say was here?¡±


    The woman raised her white, naked body from the bed.  She hung the pipe between her fingers and allowed a maid to assist her with draping on dark red, gold patterned clothes.


    The woman¡¯s chest expanded and contracted as she sucked in the tobacco smoke deep into her lungs. The smoke was now falling at her feet.


    ¡°Mr. Juranne has come.¡±


    Bowing a good distance from her, Robia swallowed nervously.


    Although he had failed to satisfy the princess that first night he had become her concubine, he was confident. If he was only given another chance, he would definitely¡­


    The woman¡¯s red lips parted.


    ¡°Juranne? Who¡¯s that?¡±


    Glossy red hair spilled down with an elegant tilt of her head.


    ¡°¡­¡­.!¡±


    Robia gasped out a breath as he came to. He was in his room. Robia touched his forehead before covering his eyes with his hands. It was still dark outside.


    His dreams had forced him to relive the moment he had most wanted to forget.


    ¡°Then, what about Juranne?¡±


    ¡°I am Robia Juranne, Your Highness.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t even the first time.


    That the princess had failed to remember him.


    Robia choked out a faint breath.


    It¡¯s okay. If she forgets, he can just remind her. As long as he could be by her side, truly.


    ***


    The white-haired old man was sleeping in a corner of the library. I guessed that he was the one responsible for the capital¡¯s library as well as the librarian, but even as I took a seat, he didn¡¯t move a muscle.


    I took out the books Robia had recommended and began skimming over them while I waited.


    Soon, a servant quietly approached me.


    ¡°What I asked you to look into?¡±


    ¡°No one has seen Yuriel Rose. I also checked with a maid who works in His Majesty¡¯s bedchamber, so I believe this information to be accurate.¡±


    ¡°You did well.¡±


    Once more, I looked down at the book. I felt their presence swiftly retreat from me.


    Yuriel and the emperor haven¡¯t met yet?


    I shut the book. Either way, I needed to get to work.


    ***


    Robia¡¯s lectures continued after that. After splitting like that the first day, Robia continued to come see me and Robia was someone who perfectly executed his duties. Due to that, I was able to learn many things.


    ¡°Thank you for today as well.¡±


    ¡°I only did my duty.¡±


    Robia responded awkwardly and lowered his eyes.


    I stared intently at the side profile of Robia¡¯s face while he gathered his books and stood up. His whiteface and deep-set eyes truly did have a gloomy charm to them. His lashes cast a shadow over the dark green of his eyes.


    But all of a sudden, his eyelashes twitched. ¡­.It appeared that he was slowly beginning to be annoyed by my staring.


    But even so, he didn¡¯t turn his head in my direction. Our eyes would meet if he did. It was hard to tell if he wanted to turn or not.


    Seeing him like this, I wondered about his past.


    By that I meant how he had lived before he decided on the path of being shut inside the palace, staying up all night while only seeking love, considering how he was intelligent enough to teach royalty.


    ¡°Were you a scholar?¡±


    ¡°I was a librarian.¡±


    ¡°Librarian?¡±


    I opened my eyes wide. I yelled and pointed at him as he stood holding books at his side.


    ¡°It suits you!¡±


    He replied while looking at me with an indescribable expression.


    ¡°¡­..Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Do you maybe want to do that work again?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Have you never thought about it?¡±


    ¡°Should I think about it when it¡¯s not something I can do even if I wanted to.¡±


    ¡°How do you know I wouldn¡¯t help you?¡±


    ¡°¡­..A concubine who has been thrown out cannot take up a public office.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I heard that they¡¯re exiled most of the time, and if not, they have to live the rest of their lives in chastity.¡±


    I wondered if Robia hadn¡¯t had any other choice because of that. After becoming a concubine that is.


    ¡°But that won¡¯t happen to you.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying that if you want it, whether I throw you away or keep you at my side, I can make it so you work normally. I can, me.¡±


    ¡°If I want it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. There¡¯s no saying I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Even though I¡¯m a concubine who committed adultery?¡±


    I froze. I hadn¡¯ expected Robia to bring it up with his own mouth. And that frankly.


    When I looked back Robia was looking at me with sincere eyes. They were lukewarm and held no anger.


    ¡°¡­.I said I wouldn¡¯t ask you about it, so that matter is over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I supposed it is. Since you do not have any interest in me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you being so kind to me again?¡±


    ¡°I never-.¡±


    He interrupted.


    ¡°What I want is Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Will you still grant me what I want?¡±


    Is that something that someone who admitted to adultery should be saying¡­


    For a moment, Robia stared as if to bore a hole into me before politely bowing his head.


    ¡°I will see you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Yeah.¡±


    He exited the room nonchalantly. I ran a hand down the back of my head.


    I had never been kind.


    But if he had interpreted it as kindness.


    That was a problem.


    Did that mean he had fallen in love with the princess again. That is to say, with me.


    It was ironic, and it shouldn¡¯t be happening.


    I stood up after waiting for him to get some distance away.


    I had somewhere I needed to go. Because I had to take responsibility for my words.


    I wrapped my shoulders and arms with the shawl which had been draped on the sofa, and opened the door.


    Thunk. The door got stuck somewhere. As I squeezed my way through the open door, I saw a figure move out of the way in surprise. It was Robia.


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    For some reason, he looked like he had been standing in a daze.


    ¡°¡­.I was just about to leave. But if you open the door like that-.¡±


    ¡°Should I knock when I open the door to leave my own room?¡±


    ¡°¡­..No.¡±


    He hesitated before asking.


    ¡°Where are you headed to?¡±


    ¡°Hm. The training grounds?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.The training grounds.¡±


    ¡°They said they were right next to the knights¡¯ quarters.¡±


    Briefly, he and I stood dumbly in the hall.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you leaving?¡±


    ¡°Are you not bringing along any servants?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Even though I waved a hand for him to go, Robia hesitated but didn¡¯t budge. He tightened his mouth into a thin line before extending a hand toward me.


    ¡°Would you like me to escort you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Like. It was a subtle word.


    Robia reached out his hand further. I wordlessly gazed at his clean palm.


    ¡°¡­¡­Fine.¡±


    I responded and turned my back on his outstretched hand.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Thank you.¡±


    Robia increased the length of his strides until he had overtaken me. I began to walk behind him as he strode forward silently.


    My palace was in the eastern part of the imperial city, but the knight¡¯s quarters weren¡¯t too far from it in the northeastern part.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    At my okay for him to leave, Robia stared at me intently.


    ¡°May I ask who you are planning to meet?¡±


    I let out a small sigh and laughed.


    ¡°I came to see the Knight Commander.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean Sir Dippet?¡±


    His looked surprised. Then with an awkward look in his eyes, he asked.


    ¡°May I accompany-.¡±


    ¡°If I accept your request.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Does that mean I¡¯m being kind to you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­No.¡±


    I ended up laughing again.


    I felt a hint of desperation from him. I became suspicious of the princess¡¯s relationship with the Knight Commander.


    Had she slept with him? Multiple times? Or maybe they had had a bad break up.


    From what Nadricka had told me, the princess didn¡¯t have any long-term relationships, any ¡®lovers¡¯, so I didn¡¯t think it could be that.


    Before I had realized it, Robia was already taking the lead. I didn¡¯t give my permission yet though.


    Either way, I would find out soon enough.


    And when we arrived at the knight¡¯s quarters, the moment I met the eyes of the Knight Commander beyond the open door, I discovered the truth without much trouble.


    ¡°What brings you to this lowly place.¡±


    A man who looked no older than thirty years old, stood there, his ultramarine uniform buttoned up to his chin. He wore a red-handled longsword at his waist, and his hair, which was cropped short enough to see his scalp, made quite the impression.


    Although he bowed his head at me, it was, how to say it, hard not to see it.


    This man didn¡¯t just despise the princess. He hated her.


    ¡°Who¡­.¡±


    ¡°This is my concubine.¡±


    When I said that, he looked at me, unable to hide a sneer.


    ¡°Ah¡­. Is that so?¡±


    At that, Robia stepped forward while furrowing his brows.


    ¡°I think you should introduce yourself.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Introduce yourself. This is the first time we¡¯ve met.¡±


    The man snorted, but the laughter didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    ¡°It is nice to meet you. I am the Knight Commander of the royal palace, Leo Dippet.¡±


    ¡°Sir Dippet.¡±


    When he called his attention, Leo glared at Robia with a glance to the side before leading me to a seat.


    ¡°What brings you here.¡±


    He got straight to the point before I could even sit down. Was he thinking of throwing out the princess if she had come for an insignificant matter.


    ¡°I know an official document was issued. I came to check it out with my own eyes.¡±


    ¡°Ohh. That.¡±


    The matter of Essen¡¯s position I had asked the emperor to handle had been resolved with an official document ordering the knight promotion exam to be opened in the near future. Now he would be free to work internationally, save up money, and leave when he decided.


    Of course, that was assuming he passed the promotion exam.


    At one time, he had been held in high esteem by the citizens of his land as the most honorable knight the royal family had produced, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.


    I had just wanted to scout out the place where he would be staying. If it was okay. If he wouldn¡¯t be uncomfortable.


    ¡°You probably know who I have in mind. Is there an adequate spot?¡±


    ¡°Through the upcoming promotion exam, won¡¯t everyone go to a spot that suits their abilities.¡±


    ¡°¡­..If you think I¡¯ve come here to ask for special consideration, it¡¯s not like that so why don¡¯t you calm down.¡±


    ¡°Is that right, is it a misunderstanding?¡±


    As it turned out, you could be effectively sarcastic even with a serious tone.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I even ask if there¡¯s an adequate empty post within the knights in the imperial palace?¡±


    ¡°They are only empty posts that will soon be filled.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about the upcoming celebration for the victorious troops. Since there will no doubt be those who earn positions in recognition of their distinguished services¡­¡±


    As if he had been waiting for me to trail off, Leo made a suggestion.


    ¡°Ah, come to think of it, doesn¡¯t Your Highness have an order of knights that you personally oversee. If you put him in there-.¡±


    ¡°How dare you speak to the princess that way!¡±


    Robia who had been sitting next to me suddenly got angry. The two glared at each other fiercely.


    ¡°My personal order of knights?¡±


    ¡°Yes. While you are here, you should take a look around and if there is an empty seat, let us know.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    Although I couldn¡¯t understand Robia¡¯s resentment, I at least recognized that the man was mocking me.


    When I judged that there would be no benefit to continuing the conversation, I stood up from my seat without any regrets. I hadn¡¯t come here today to fight him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s end this here.¡±


    ¡°But Your Highness¡­.!¡±


    ¡°I am busy because the victorious advance troops will be returning soon so I will have to excuse myself. Please forgive me, Your Highness.¡±


    Leo got up, walked over to a desk on the other side, and began reading over some documents. I let out a laugh and exited the room.


    That level of rebellion didn¡¯t even tickle.


    I took Robia, whose face was set in stone, and headed to the number 6 training grounds where my personal order of knights was apparently located. On the way, we were silent, but ultimately Robia was unable to hold it anymore and opened his mouth.


    ¡°You needed to fix his habits with this opportunity. Isn¡¯t he Sir Pacis¡¯s close friend.¡±


    Ah. It only took a moment for me to figure out where his hatred came from. I hadn¡¯t expected him to be close with the second concubine who had been sent to war. Then did that mean we hadn¡¯t rubbed skin?


    ¡°But do you know?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean.¡±


    ¡°Did he and I sleep together?¡±


    Robia stopped in his tracks suddenly. Because of that I had to walk a few steps ahead of Robia before turning around.


    ¡°How should I know if you two slept or not?¡±


    ¡°Why are you angry?¡±


    ¡°I am not. And there is no reason I should be.¡±


    ¡°¡­..But you still are.¡±


    ¡°Please just leave me alone!¡±


    It was then. The moment I entered the training grounds, people popped out from God knows where to crowd around me. To be more specific, mostly shirtless, well-built young men.


    ¡°Your Highness! You are beautiful today too!¡±


    ¡°Would you like to have dinner-.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, do you remember me? That time, that night-.¡±


    This was on the tamer side.


    ¡°Your Highness! Please step on me as you pass by! It is my wish to be stepped on by Your Highness¡­¡±


    ¡°My body is unable to forget Your Highness. Please take responsibility for me!¡±


    There were these kinds of unbelievable confessions too.


    It couldn¡¯t be explained unless they had all eaten something strange. Or maybe they were experiencing a group hallucination. Maybe the princess had fed drugs to the well-built knights-to-be.


    At that moment, Robia stepped forward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pester the princess. She has not come to see you today.¡±


    Meanwhile, I had quickly proceeded on my way.


    ¡°But, Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°Your Highness! I love you.¡±


    ¡°I can stand it up for a long time now, Your Highness!¡±


    What are you standing up now.


    At those words, my neck almost twisted. Robia expressed his annoyance in an frustrated voice.


    ¡°Move out of the way.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t see what¡¯s in front of me at all.¡±


    The love troops who hadn¡¯t budged an inch even when Robia had spoken in annoyance split to either side like the Red Sea with one word from me.


    With a sour expression, I began to walk between them. I whispered to Robia.


    ¡°Why are they like that? Have they gone insane?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m sure there are people who are truly head over heels for Your Highness. However, most are knights-in-training who come from poor backgrounds that are hoping for a chance at a life of luxury by associating themselves with you. Of course, it was Your Highness who encouraged them despite knowing all of that.¡±


    I let out a sigh that rose from deep within me. It wasn¡¯t easy living in someone else¡¯s body.


    The love troops didn¡¯t block the way after that. They only stood a distance away and tried to lock eyes with me.


    A small number tried to get in Robia¡¯s way, whisper to each other while pointing fingers, and jeer at him behind his back.


    Robia only glanced at them with contempt in his eyes but didn¡¯t respond otherwise. But the more he ignored them, as if they were trying to compete with him, the jeering also got worse.


    Since they were too afraid of bothering me, had they decided on mocking someone they saw as easy or what.


    I also didn¡¯t understand why Robia had followed me out here. There was no way he wouldn¡¯t have known this would happen.


    Then, a man much bigger than Robia started following him before pulling his shoulders back as if to show off his chest and pushing up against Robia. Robia held fast to approach of ignoring him but he was slowly being pushed to the side.


    ¡°Hey you.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Me?¡±


    The man delightedly grinned at me with teeth. I sighed then walked ahead with Robia¡¯s hand in mine.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, then beat it, the lot of you.¡±


    The man¡¯s face paled with the smile still on his face. He took a few steps back. The men who had gathered around me hesitated as well before scattering at my firm attitude.


    ¡°I understand why they are acting this way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised to see you defend someone else. Then are you saying that what they were doing was right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. It isn¡¯t new to me¡­.. I am just sorry that I showed you something like this, Your Highness.¡±


    It was like he was trying to read my mind.


    ¡°They¡¯re worked up because lately Your Highness haven¡¯t come at all. It has been a long time since they gave up on becoming knights, their families are nagging them to do something, and they were sidling up to you in hopes of at least securing their place as a concubine but¡­. They were just taking it out on me, who was like a thorn in their eye.¡±


    To even call that an excuse. Why was the person who was itching to kill Leo just a while ago so indifferent when it came to jeering directed at himself. I clicked my tongue.


    ¡°If it was going to be like this, why follow me.¡±


    ¡°Hiding in fear of the words of losers like them doesn¡¯t sit right with me.¡±


    Saying that, Robia stuck out his chin as if to boast, which made me laugh.


    ¡°I suppose being a little prideful suits you.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Before I had realized it, I was feeling better and I turned my gaze.


    The number 6 training grounds with its high white walls gave off a more exclusive feeling compared to the other places we had passed by on the way. When my arrival was announced, the tightly shut iron door slowly opened with an unpleasant sound.


    As I walked in through the half-open door, I was greeted by a completely unexpected sight.


    As if he were sunbathing, one man lay half-naked on top of a cloth which had been spread over the dirt floor of the training grounds.


    I stopped. Robia followed me in, and breathed out through his nose in a temper when he saw it.


    ¡°Are training grounds usually used for sunbathing?¡±


    ¡°There is no reason why not.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean¡­¡±


    I guess that was true.


    ¡°Hurry and get up!¡±


    Right then, a man who appeared to be the overseer ran over hurriedly and kicked the man who was sunbathing. The man made a pained sound and grabbed his belly.


    ¡°Her Highness has arrived!¡±


    But when he heard that, as if he had even forgotten his pain, he jumped up. And he saw me.


    ¡°Your Highness! You are here!¡±


    The fabric that had just barely been covering the bottom part of his body weakly dropped down to the floor. The thing of the man who as running toward me dangled. Did the men of this place have no shame.


    ¡°Yes, first¡­. Cover that up.¡±


    At last, after coming to stand before me, he obediently brought both hands to the middle. But maybe the command was unusual because he glanced at me.


    They were supposed to be an order of knights directly under the princess but weren¡¯t they too open? Was it okay for them to be so familiar? No, this wasn¡¯t something that could be explained by a mere sense of familiarity.


    From afar the overseer was running while shouting loudly.


    ¡°Gather around quickly! Her Highness has arrived! What are you all doing! Quickly! Hurry and get out here!¡±


    Within seconds about twenty men poured out of the building. It was obvious that they had been taken by surprise. This was because the majority weren¡¯t even dressed properly.


    Anyhow, they swiftly lined up before me and snapped to attention. One of them caught my eyes then trembled and dropped the sword he was holding.


    ¡­ Were these people really knights? Not to mention, members of the order directly under the princess¡¯s control?


    I looked at Robia with the question in my eyes but he had steadfastly been avoiding my gaze since some time. I was forced to look back at the men.


    And I discovered a certain characteristic that I wanted to ignore.


    They were all beautiful. They were handsome or refreshing or sensuous. That is to say, they were beauties with their individual charms. To top it off, unlike the sweaty knights from other places, they were clean and their skin was also white and unmarked.


    At that point, I got a sneaking suspicion.


    This is probably¡­..


    The overseer brought a horse and asked,


    ¡°Will you be going hunting?¡±


    Hunting? Okay, if the princess¡¯s hobby had been hunting and the order had been formed for the purpose of accompanying her on hunts, I could somehow understand.


    ¡°You can just take the lad you want. I can prepare him quickly, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°The lad I want?¡±


    ¡°Ah! The fellow at the end still hasn¡¯t recovered from his broken ankle from last time.¡±


    When I looked in the direction they were pointing, it was the man who had dropped his sword when our eyes met just a moment ago.


    ¡°Of course, it does not matter if you take him out but it will be uncomfortable to play. Since the ankle he broke is for maintaining the position¡­¡±


    Ankle? Maintaining the position?


    ¡°If you¡¯re talking about what happened last time¡­.¡±


    I trailed off my words and glanced at Robia. In the end, he lowered his head to my ear and explained.


    ¡°I understand that you were having relations on top of a horse when that man fell off.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    My shriek rang out in the training grounds. I was momentarily unable to close my mouth when I saw the men who were even more surprised by my outburst.


    Before my shock had even subsided, Robia was kindly informing me of details I didn¡¯t really need to know.


    ¡°Did you not say an orgy at the hunting grounds is an exquisite treat.¡±


    When did I. I never said anything like that!


    I felt as if the blood was rushing to my face. I was dizzy from the shock.


    ¡°Then again everybody has that tied up so it is not a problem.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Tied up what?¡±


    ¡°Is not every man in the palace being strictly contained so that no accidents occur? And they receive regular checkups as well.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t hold back my question.


    ¡°You too?¡±


    Robia looked down at me with contempt in his eyes.


    He said every man in the palace. Since I¡¯d heard that the emperor was already infertile, I guess that really meant all of them.


    I once again took in the sight of the bewildered men who were nervously waiting for me.


    ¡°The reason I came here today.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Is not to go hunting.¡±


    I drew in a deep breath.


    ¡°I will be disbanding this order as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°What do you¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you throwing us away, Your Highness!¡±


    At my sudden declaration, the men began clamoring. Right at that moment, I saw a man saunter out of the building.


    Copper skin that shined as if rubbed with oil, a firm build, black waves, and somehow hair-raising yellow irises. He was a beast-like man. And so he easily stood out.


    But illuminated under the sunlight, the man¡¯s expression was completely the opposite. Lethargic and tired, it was the face of a playboy that couldn¡¯t be bothered.


    Coming to stand at the end of a line of ten, the man put one hand in his pocket before shifting most of his weight to one foot.


    ¡°Your Highness, please say something!¡±


    I realized I had forgotten to speak while staring at the man. The man¡¯s hair was messy and he yawned.


    ¡°Whatever it is, we will take responsibility! Please forgive us, Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°Forgive us, Your Highness!¡±


    Finally, I ripped my eyes away from him.


    ¡°Did I say I would kill you or something?¡±


    ¡°However!¡±


    ¡°What is the reason for your existence?¡±


    ¡°For¡­ Your Highness¡¯s pleasure¡­¡±


    I sighed and swept back the hair that had fallen to my forehead.


    ¡°Can you call that an order of knights?¡±


    They exchanged looks and looked as if they were trying to predict my next move but said nothing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you the way to get saved. Whether you originally had the qualifications to become a knight or not, participate in the upcoming promotion exam. If you pass, you¡¯ll remain as a member of the palace knights.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you fail, you can just leave the palace. Of course, if you would rather not take the exam, you may leave now.¡±


    ¡°But, Your Highness! How can we pass! The test that the knights-in-training out there slip up on every year¡­!¡±


    ¡°Then what is your reason for staying here and being supported by the country?¡±


    Their faces hardened. It seemed they had finally seen the reality that this order might really be disbanded.


    ¡°Are you going to say that you didn¡¯t know this would happen? How long do you think you will remain beautiful? Can you receive my favor for the rest of your lives?¡±


    ¡°We¡­. but where are we supposed to go now.¡±


    ¡°We will do anything Your Highness commands! Truly, we will! How can you do this to us?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that you want to continue living like this?¡±


    The silence struck like a lightning bolt. All of the voices which had been loud in their sadness and feelings of being treated unfairly hid their presence.


    ¡°Are not the things built up through favor taken away easily like this? Do you really want to continue this life? Say you persuade me today, then what about tomorrow? Or the day after that? What are you going to do then?¡±


    ¡°I have¡­ no place to go back to!¡±


    There was a piercing cry. The men began explaining their situations.


    One had first come into the palace as a servant, one was a secretary, another had been a milk delivery man in the capital, while yet another was the youngest son of a baron, and¡­.


    ¡°That person might not have any worries, but we are different!¡±


    That person?


    They turned to look at the man from before who was now absentmindedly staring up at the sky. As more eyes came to focus on him, the man slightly furrowed his brows before lowering his head.


    ¡°That person¡¯s teacher is the Knight Commander of the royal palace so he will be fine!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I heard he was the Vice Knight Commander¡­¡±


    I walked over to him.


    ¡°You were what?¡±


    The man looked me straight in the eyes and answered,


    ¡°It is true.¡±


    ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is that Leo Dippet is¡­.¡±


    ¡°He is my teacher.¡±


    In that moment, I again found myself understanding the Knight Commander¡¯s hatred. I made an effort to ignore him and hurried to wrap things up.


    ¡°F¨ªne, I suppose if you want to start other work you¡¯ll need money.¡±


    As though that were the correct answer, the continued clamoring died down within moments.


    ¡°I will give you enough monetary support that you won¡¯t be disappointed. I will send out an official document soon so anyone who wants to give up on the promotion exam may take the money and leave. Or you can use the money to get knight training.¡±


    A low murmur filled the space but it was a completely different atmosphere from before. The men looked at each other and talked quietly amongst themselves.


    It happened when most of the gazes that had been concentrated on me had dispersed. One of the men suddenly charged toward me.


    ¡°Do you believe that you can compensate for my time with that! I can¡¯t leave! Please accept, accept me as your concubine!¡±¡±


    I retreated backward in surprise but he threw himself at my feet. He grabbed onto my ankles and refused to let go.


    ¡°Your Highness! You cannot do this to me! Did you not treasure me! You liked me! Isn¡¯t that right!¡±


    When I tried to pull my foot out in my surprise, his eyes seemed to widen before he shot up and attempted this time to embrace me.


    ¡°Augh!¡±


    But his hand which had been reaching for my waist bent backward.


    After that, because my view was obstructed I wasn¡¯t immediately able to know what had happened. As if to protect me Robia had turned around and was standing in front of me. For a moment, my and Robia¡¯s eyes met.


    When I moved past Robia I saw the man rolling on the floor while calling out in pain. In front of him was, in the same stance as before, the ¡®former¡¯ Vice Knight Commander.


    ¡°Oh, pardon me.¡±


    With his hands in his pockets, he delivered a sharp upward kick to the man rolling on the floor. It made a heavy sound. The man couldn¡¯t even cry out properly because of the intense pain.


    ¡°Ugh! Ugh!¡±


    Only the tightly constricted sounds momentarily circled around us.


    ¡°Suddenly receiving a notice of expulsion and seeing you right in front of his eyes, it¡¯s not surprising for at least one person to go mad. Please take care of this situation, Your Highness. I¡¯ll. Make sure. To. Coax him. Well.¡±


    He left spaces between his words and each time, kicked the man.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond and only continued kicking the man. I sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of everything so why don¡¯t you stop. You might really kill him at this rate.¡±


    As I gave my permission, he smiled just once for the first time.


    ¡°I¡¯m paying attention to where I¡¯m hitting him so you don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    He grabbed the collar of the unconscious man and began to drag him back to the building.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    He looked back.


    I was curious. Everyone was in a state of chaos because of the sudden occurrence, and it was a natural response to be unable to accept it like the unconscious man. But he at least had shown a consistent appearance of calm and disinterest.


    ¡°Are you okay with all of this?¡±


    ¡°I wonder,¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably that I ¡¯look¡¯ okay,don¡¯t you think.¡±


    Soon after, he disappeared into the building. On the dirt floor of the training grounds, the pitiful remnants of the man were left as two lines.


    Robia stood next to me and said,


    ¡°He was both the youngest Vice Knight Commander and also the first of commoner origin. His name is Sieger.¡±


    I suddenly felt a bitter taste in my mouth. It was about time I got back as well.

 Chapter 4 - tillp3

    It was a room where almost no light reached. Essen was sitting back in a chair, and in his lap, Yuriel had buried her head and was crying. Essen caressed Yuriel¡¯s hair and kissed her forehead.


    ¡°If you keep going on like this, you¡¯re the only one who¡¯ll suffer, Yuriel.¡±


    His voice was soothing. But even with that low voice, Yuriel rejected his touch and continued to sob.


    Yuriel was pounding Essen¡¯s knee with her fist when she looked up. When he finally saw Yuriel¡¯s furious, tear-stained face, Essen scowled.


    ¡°What exactly is it you want that you¡¯re acting like this.¡±


    ¡°I said I couldn¡¯t tell you!¡±


    ¡°Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°Please, help me, Essen.¡±


    Yuriel brought his hand to cup her palm and said,


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s going to change. We just have to do like we always have. I¡¯m still going to be by your side, and you love me, too, right?¡±


    ¡°Do you¡­ hate that woman? Why?¡±


    With her jaw clenched, Yuriel nodded her head.


    ¡°You do too! You feel the same as me, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Essen was quiet. At the end of his silence, he opened his mouth.


    ¡°¡­.If you say that you¡®ll give up everything and that you¡¯ll leave with me now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d probably shake your head, right?¡±


    Essen was quietly gazing at Yuriel¡¯s face when he hugged her then murmured while caressing her hair.


    ¡°I understand. Let¡¯s do what you want.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So please, don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Now alone, Essen suddenly turned his eyes to the official document lying on top of the table. He had already read multiple times the document which had arrived at dawn, but still he found himself picking it back up.


    The paper on which the schedule for the palace knight selection exam was written, a document permitting carry of a sword, and a short note that carried no hints of its sender.


    [Hope you have no regrets about your decision.]


    Even though it was only the one sentence, it wasn¡¯t difficult for him to guess the sender. Because it felt like he could hear her voice right this moment.


    Suddenly, like a person who couldn¡¯t take it, Essen roughly gripped the scabbard of the white blade at his hip.


    It was the royal sword engraved with the insignia of the former nation of Velrod, now erased from the map. He didn¡¯t know that she would return this sword.


    All of a sudden, it really felt like something in the past. Everything that had happened¡­.


    Yes, all of it.


    Ding!


    The game window that no one could see now or in the future appeared and disappeared.


    ¡°Unforgetting Heart¡± is on standby for activation.


    Activating¡­. 0%


    Because you have a record of failing to access it, the item is being converted to a state of forced sleep.


    Conversion complete.


    ***


    After sending Robia back, I had been heading back to my chambers but the closer I got, I could hear the noises. Although the voice was lowered in fear that someone would hear, it was a tone of fierce beratement.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only restricted from coming near the bedchamber, but I am a servant of this palace! Why are you preventing me from being even here?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s blatantly obvious that you were waiting in the hall leading to the bedchamber? Don¡¯t make a scene and go back!¡±


    ¡°We have no choice. Let¡¯s drag her out for now. Quickly drag her out!¡±


    My eyes met Yuriel¡¯s as she was being dragged out by both arms. I had thought she¡¯d been quiet these past few days but she was already creating another incident.


    I slowly walked in her direction. Soon enough, the servants discovered me and bowed their heads deeply.


    ¡°What is all this?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness! I have a proposal!¡±


    The servants who had opened their mouths to respond closed and opened their mouths like a goldfish. It was because Yuriel had rapidly made her move.


    I stopped for a moment before passing her by without a second glance.


    ¡°Your Highness! Please listen to me! It is about Essen Velrod! You will regret it if you don¡¯t hear me out!¡±


    I looked behind me.


    ¡°What are you doing? Follow.¡±


    With my eyes, I dismissed the others who were holding onto Yuriel. Yuriel glared at each of them in turn and scurried over to follow.


    I took Yuriel and arrived at the reception room of my chambers. When I smoothed my skirts and leaned back into the sofa, even though I hadn¡¯t said anything, Yuriel knelt in front of me of her own will.


    ¡°Although I do not know the reason you spared me, please allow me to repay that grace.¡±


    ¡°Grace?¡±


    I laughed at the obvious ploy.


    ¡°Are you asking me to make you my personal maid?¡±


    ¡°I have talked it over with Lord Velrod.¡±


    Yuriel looked up at me with self-satisfaction. And eyes filled with the certainty and hope that I would not reject her. But the words that came from her mouth¡­.


    ¡°He said that he would attend to Your Highness every night as before. Didn¡¯t you like him?¡±


    Her cutely smiling face couldn¡¯t be more nauseating.


    I automatically clenched my fist.


    ¡°¡­.If you value your life, stop right there.¡±


    Don¡¯t make it so I won¡¯t feel guilty for killing you.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you told him before coming here¡­. but is that something you should be doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure what you¡¯re trying to say¡­¡±


    ¡°How can you tell that person to sell his body for your sake?¡±


    What expression did you have when you told him to go into the bedroom of another woman, not to mention his enemy, every night for your sake?


    ¡°What do you want exactly for you to go that far?¡±


    ¡°¡­.Isn¡¯t it Your Highness that has more that you could ever want?¡±


    I gave Yuriel a piercing look.


    ¡°Does it bother you that I own even that? Should I tell him to give Your Highness his heart too?¡±


    Yuriel said, like a person who couldn¡¯t fathom why I was angry.


    ¡°¡­.I will never let things go the way you want.¡±


    I proclaimed quietly. While looking into Yuriel¡¯s eyes, while observing her face as if to confirm it, while memorizing everything about this moment.


    ¡°So give it up.¡±


    Ding!


    An unknown bug has occurred!


    You have discovered a new branch point.


    Due to the princess¡¯s change of heart, a hidden ending has been activated.


    You can select the hidden ending ¡®Happiness of Now¡¯(000).


    You can escape the long shadow of death and the whirlpool of destiny.


    And you will eternally give up on endless honor and unimaginable fortune.


    The unfinished routes that were in progress will be closed.


    -Unfinished routes : Robia Juranne, Eclot Pacis


    You will not be able to go back so please choose carefully.


    Will you select ¡®Happiness of Now¡¯(000)? Following your selection, you will immediately enter the ending?


    I lost my words. Hurry and choose, Yuriel. The one opportunity for both of us to live.


    Although I didn¡¯t know if that would result in us receiving eternal rest, returning to our original world, or being left here forever.


    Since this is the only happy ending where both of us will end up alive.


    ¡°What is there for someone like me to give up? I was only trying to help Your Highness¡­¡±


    But what Yuriel did was.


    The hidden ending ¡®Happiness of Now¡¯(000) will be destroyed.


    She chose ¡®do not select¡¯. Without a hint of hesitation.


    I stared at Yuriel in disbelief.


    On nights where I couldn¡¯t sleep I had wondered. Maybe you were like me, brought here when you didn¡¯t want it. Maybe you were being forced by some inescapable, unseen something to proceed with the captures and play this game.


    Because the only ones who could see this damn game window were you and me. Because that meant that I wasn¡¯t the only outsider in this world. Because secretly, that was such a relief.


    I had thought that at some point I might be able to tell you everything and ask for your help. I wondered if there was no reason for us to be fighting. So I had always held some hopes for you.


    But if you truly were wishing for my death. If that was your immutable truth and clear desire.


    ¡°Your Highness. If you ever change your mind, let me know. If your nights are lonely. Any time.¡±


    As though she was certain that I would definitely seek her out again, Yuriel confidently stood up.


    ¡°Thank you for hearing me out. I am grateful for your great magnanimity.¡±


    ¡°That will never happen. Tell him that.¡±


    At my words, her smiling face momentarily fell apart but Yuriel quickly fixed her expression.


    She walked out on her own two feet.


    The door closed.


    Finally, I accepted it. Although Yuriel and I had started out the same way, right now we were walking completely different paths. Therefore, we could never be on the same side in any instant, and we were undeniably, enemies.


    I wasn¡¯t going to run. I wasn¡¯t going to let anything be taken away, and I wouldn¡¯t let anyone fall into ruin.


    Ding!


    Will you use the skill ¡®Sincere Voice¡¯? Y/N


    You have used the consumable item ¡®Focus(1)¡¯.


    You have used the consumable item ¡®Interest(3)¡¯.


    Eloquence increases by 200%.


    The servant ¡®Kyle¡¯ is convinced by your eloquence.


    Failure! They do not have the desired information.


    Desired information? What exactly did that mean?


    I sat up. Yuriel probably couldn¡¯t even imagine it. That I was spying on her game window. And this would someday save me.


    About ten or so minutes later the same game window popped up. And.


    The servant ¡®Yuri¡¯ is convinced by your eloquence.


    Failure! They do not have the desired information.


    The servant ¡®Evan¡¯ is convinced by your eloquence.


    Critical! ¡®Interest¡¯ is super effective.


    Success! You have acquired the information.


    Will you check the acquired information? Y/N


    ¡®The stair landing on the east side of the hallway on the third floor with the princess¡¯s bedroom¡¯


    The moment that window popped up, I ran outside of the room.


    ¡°Daisy.¡±


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re not supposed to be here.¡±


    Daisy scrunched her face as soon as she saw Yuriel.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you under a restraining order?¡±


    ¡°I guess you haven¡¯t heard. I came in with Her Highness.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that scene you made out in front?¡±


    With a smile on her face, Yuriel quietly ground her teeth.


    ¡°Anyway¡­ the order was just reversed.¡±


    ¡°It was reversed?¡±


    Yuriel slowly approached the bottom of the stair landing where Daisy was.


    ¡°Like you said, Her Highness was a benevolent and compassionate person. Because our conversation went well, I¡¯ve been assigned to be her personal maid starting today. And now I¡¯m on my way to do my first task.¡±


    ¡°¡­.But why are you getting so close?¡±


    ¡°Because there¡¯s something I need to talk to you about.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Her Highness was saying how her time alone with you was so delightful.¡±


    ¡°Wow, she could have told me that herself. Her Highness is too much!¡±


    Daisy put her hands on her cheeks and twisted her body from side to side. For a moment, the corner of Yuriel¡¯s mouth trembled but she immediately put herself in order.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why but she said she had something she wanted you to do in secret. You only need to deliver this note. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°To whom? Now?¡±


    Yuriel gripped Daisy¡¯s forearm and pulled.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a suggestion but a command so it would be good to follow it. Of course, if it¡¯s you, you¡¯ll definitely do it, won¡¯t you? You said you would work hard for Her Highness.¡±


    Daisy nodded her head in slight bewilderment. Then, with a satisfied smile, Yuriel lowered her voice and whispered,


    ¡°Right now in the outer palace¡­¡±


    Right then, Yuriel¡¯s wrist which had been holding the note was lifted up high.


    ¡°What?¡±


    At the strong pressure, Yuriel scrunched her face and turned her head then froze.


    ¡°What do you mean what. It¡¯s me, Yuriel.¡±


    The one who was clutching Yuriel¡¯s wrist, and looking down at her with a slow smile, was the princess.


    The princess easily took the note in Yuriel¡¯s hand and waved it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I remember ordering anything?¡±


    Yuriel stared at the princess in disbelief.


    I let her arm go and stepped back.


    ¡°Shall I see. This command I supposedly gave.¡±


    I kept my eyes on Yuriel while I slowly opened the note.


    ¡°Your Highness, I was, so what I mean is¡­.¡±


    Yuriel¡¯s pupils shook continuously. I slowly read the words written in the note out loud.


    ¡°I am sending her as a welcome gift in hopes that you recover well from the fatigue of your travels. ¡­.The girl is still young and thus knows nothing but she should suit my lord¡¯s tastes.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness! I, I can explain! Please-.¡±


    ¡°You will understand what I mean when I say you do not need to return her. Enjoy her to you heart¡¯s content and take care of the cleanup yourself¡­.¡±


    Unable to read it to the end, I crumpled the paper in my hand. My clenched fist trembled.


    I had heard the news that, starting a few days ago, nobles from the provinces had been coming up to the capital to participate in the Grand Assembly.


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    Plop. At the same time that my hand opened and the crumpled paper dropped to the floor.


    ¡°Kek!¡±


    This little.


    With the same hand, I grabbed Yuriel¡¯s collar. Yuriel teetered one, two steps toward me.


    ¡°Yuriel, Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°This is good. Really.¡±


    If it had been the original princess, this much wouldn¡¯t have been even surprising. I crooked my lips and laughed.


    ¡°People would surely believe I did it after the fact.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You thought that too, which is why you did it. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Seeing her keep her mouth shut like a clam and her gaze lowered now that she felt at a disadvantage, I felt my anger rise.


    Since she had acted immediately after leaving the room, it meant she had planned it. A plan directly targeting this girl.


    ¡°Exactly what is your reason for doing this? What benefit do you get from doing that to that girl?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    Yuriel was consistent in her lack of response. No doubt she was furiously thinking of how to get herself out of this situation.


    But she wouldn¡¯t be able to find a solution. That was because I had no intention of laying my anger to rest, no matter the reason.


    Ultimately, Yuriel¡¯s face crumbled and she bit her lip.


    Ding!


    Will you attempt Weakness Discovery(1)?


    Attempting. 3%¡­¡­


    21%¡­¡­


    ¡°Answer, now!¡±


    I gripped Yuriel¡¯s collar tighter.


    78%¡­¡­


    91%¡­¡­


    Weakness Discovery was successful!


    Weakness Discovery(0) has been consumed.


    Will you check the ¡®Weakness¡¯? Y/N


    Now that I thought about it, the first time I had seen the ¡®weakness discovery¡¯ window, I had been alone with Daisy.


    I hadn¡¯t even considered it but if she had witnessed that scene¡­¡­


    Then it was my fault. That the girl had almost become a victim.


    [A Useless Weakness(017)]


    [Character] Daisy Peren(16)


    Although it wasn¡¯t a failure, it¡¯s a poor enough weakness to make one think you might be barking up the wrong tree. Using this weakness will only make the princess angry so it is advisable that you do not scratch at it and make it a boil but rather eternally bury it. If you value your life, that is.


    Yuriel¡¯s face darkened.


    Upon seeing the sight, an irritable laugh burst from me before I quieted.


    I felt Daisy scared and deathly still at my anger but¡­.


    ¡°How do you see her?¡±


    I pressed on without giving Yuriel a chance to respond.


    ¡°How could you do this kind of thing! How can you be so low!¡±


    I shook the hand holding onto her collar. Yuriel looked straight up into my eyes and shouted,


    ¡°It was all for Your Highness! I just wanted to be of help to you! I wanted to be forgiven for my past mistakes! It¡¯s true! The nobleman I was trying to send that girl to controls the real power in the south and-.¡±


    ¡°Yuriel!¡±


    Even to my ears, it was a vicious outburst. Enough to make the walls ring. How much more disappointed do I have to be in you for this all to end?


    I closed and open my eyes. A just barely calm voice flowed from my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m so grateful that you care about me so much.¡±


    Even to Yuriel, the words were out-of-the-blue.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯m thinking about it, it¡¯s not a bad idea.¡±


    Suddenly, from beside us, Daisy began to hiccup.


    I let go of Yuriel¡¯s collar and picked up the paper. Then I grabbed Yuriel¡¯s hand, pulled it toward me, and made her clutch the paper.


    ¡°You go.¡±


    Smiling sweetly, I clasped her hand in both of mine and patted it.


    ¡°Pardon¡­..?¡±


    I didn¡¯t let go when Yuriel instinctively tried to pull her hand out and I said,


    ¡°You-.¡±


    ¡°Yuriel. Leaving your assigned place, are you in your right mind?¡±


    I heard an unfamiliar voice.


    When I slowly looked back, a woman in an old fashioned outfit with half-white hair styled high and not a strand out of place, along with the comparatively familiar head maid of my palace, were standing there. When the head maid met my eyes, she bowed her head deeply.


    ¡°¡­.Your Highness.¡±


    The woman next to her also showed her respect one step late. Although she had made a show of not seeing me in her search for Yuriel, I could conjecture the truth quite easily. That she had done so in order to cut me off.


    ¡°Who is this?¡±


    ¡°This is the head maid from the emperor¡¯s palace.¡±


    Ahh. I remembered seeing her pass by the emperor¡¯s side a few times while we dined.


    I got a bad feeling. Why had the head maid of the emperor¡¯s palace come to find Yuriel?


    The woman came closer and standing next to Yuriel, she lowered her eyes and said,


    ¡°Your Highness. She made a breach of etiquette. Please forgive her.¡±


    Afterwards, in a way that suggested she was keenly aware of my eyes, she began scolding Yuriel.


    ¡°No matter that you were trying to carry out orders, this is the princess¡¯s palace. You must not act of your own volition. Is that not why Her Highness is so displeased?¡±


    ¡°Head maid.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    Ding!


    [The Emperor¡¯s Interest ¨C 1]


    The emperor is very curious about you who have stolen two of the princess¡¯s men and yet have survived the princess. He wants to know about you. As long as his curiosity continues, no one in this palace can harm you. Not even the princess.


    However, because the emperor is very fickle he quickly tires of most things. While his curiosity continues, successfully have 6 Fateful Encounters with him.


    [Remaining Time for the Event]


    1 day 23:59:09


    (*The event time may be renewed.)


    [Current Progress]


    Number of Fateful Encounters : 0/6


    [Reward Upon Successful Completion]


    ¡®Yelfortz Enze Cecilia¡¯ Special Route Open


    ¡­..A special route will open, for real?


    It was the first time the words ¡®special route¡¯ had come up. And wasn¡¯t ¡®Yelfortz¡¯ the name of the current emperor and the princess¡¯s brother.


    I had thought I had felt chills but there was a reason. It seemed the emperor really planned to kill his sister.


    Of course, there was no way I would leave it at that.


    So what was making me angry in this moment wasn¡¯t something like that.


    ¡®As long as his curiosity continues, no one in this palace can harm you. Not even the princess.¡¯


    Taking advantage of the fact that my grip had loosened, Yuriel pulled out her hand. The note once again fell to the floor.


    The head maid nimbly picked up the note. And she skimmed over it expressionlessly.


    ¡°I apologize for troubling you, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I asked to get an apology?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, everything was the emperor¡¯s-.¡±


    ¡°I have no intention of giving Yuriel up. At least not with her body in good condition.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t really going to send her in Daisy¡¯s place. But I had to make it so Yuriel would never want to do something like this again.


    ¡°Your Highness. Please calm down. His Majesty separately ordered this servant to do so. If you want to punish someone, please punish me since I was the one who delivered His Majesty¡¯s orders to this girl.¡±


    Ridiculous. Yuriel had done it for her ¡®weakness discovery¡¯. There was no way the emperor had been involved with that.


    In summary it was like this. If you punished someone following the emperor¡¯s orders, it was no different from an insult to the emperor himself.


    Right now, in front of me, she was using the emperor¡¯s name to save Yuriel. Because she was someone the emperor was interested in.


    ¡°The emperor ordered it? Can you say that even after reading that?¡±


    You only learned what Yuriel was trying to do after reading that note.


    ¡°I do not dare to understand His Majesty¡¯s intention, but seeing as how Your Highness has been indifferent toward the rural nobles, I wonder if he was not trying to establish connections for you even to the extent of borrowing your name.¡±


    Could you make it any more obvious that you¡¯re lying.


    ¡°As the emperor would like to see this girl again, if you could postpone the punishment for her coming here in defiance of your orders¡­¡±


    Seeing her speak so smoothly without changing her expression, my insides boiled.


    ¡°Even so! Even if it is the emperor! You cannot take my servant as you please. I must see the emperor right this moment. I cannot hand her over before that! You there!¡±


    The soldier who had been standing at the end of the hall scrambled over to the landing.


    ¡°Detain her!¡±


    In that moment, I was truly the princess. I turned around and began walking.


    Before I knew it, I was running, and I threw away my heels which were in the way.


    Soon, breathing hard and barefoot, I arrived in front of the emperor¡¯s palace. The soldier who had been standing guard jumped in fright and even before he said anything, he flung open the door.


    I proceeded to the hallway where the emperor¡¯s office was.


    I saw someone hastily run over from the opposite side and charge into the emperor¡¯s office.


    Was I too late. Even as I gasped for breath, I chased after them half a step late.


    A servant in green was already whispering something in the emperor¡¯s ear.


    I plowed barefoot through the soldiers and servants who didn¡¯t dare to stop me ¨C I probably made quite the sight ¨C and came right up to the emperor¡¯s nose.


    ¡°Ah, Ria. That is¡­ No, why do you look like that?¡±


    Then, bam!


    Purposely making noise, I put my hands on the armrests of the chair the emperor was sitting in.


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Y, yes.¡±


    ¡°You called for Yuriel?¡±


    ¡°¡­.You must be very angry because I gave that order without you knowing.¡±


    Lies. How could someone who called himself an emperor.


    Even if I tried to press him about his real purpose here, it was impossible that he would tell me the truth.


    I lowered my head more and looked down into his eyes. The emperor¡¯s face, which was covered by my shadow, scrunched as if he were feeling troubled.


    ¡°Yuriel will not be coming.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    The emperor¡¯s face gradually hardened.


    ¡°Are you saying that you will disobey my command? I didn¡¯t have much time so I used your servant for your sake, but I will make sure something like this doesn¡¯t happen again so¡­.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it should not. And, I was not talking about that.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She disobeyed my restraining order. I am thinking of handling this according to imperial law. It is not urgent, is it? Or, do you need that girl now? Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°¡­..Alright. That was certainly her mistake.¡±


    ¡°I will not kill her so do not worry, and please rescind your command that she come immediately.¡±


    ¡°¡­..I will do so.¡±


    I slowly straightened my upper body. The anger which had been sloshing in my entire body had subsided, but with my whole body I felt that a hard, hot lump had formed beneath my heart.


    Even though I was looking over it now, I would not forget this. Ever.


    I was about to turn around but unable to hold back, I said one thing.


    ¡°Have you fallen for her.¡±


    The emperor¡¯s face became filled with surprise. Not like a guilty person, but rather, like someone who had never considered the possibility.


    But¡­. it would soon become like that.


    Ding!


    You have entered the ¡®Confinement¡¯ state.


    The event ¡®The Emperor¡¯s Summons¡¯ will automatically be canceled.


    Did it say she needed 6 fateful encounters.


    I knew. The truth that those would not be fateful encounters.


    The emperor had already changed.


    Darkness was distinctly dying the inside of the room. I sat back in my chair and massaged my brows.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°They say that she received nine lashes.¡±


    Yuriel had been caught while trying to do something in the hall outside my bedchambers, which she had been restricted from accessing. I had heard that she had been sentenced to flogging as an appropriate punishment for the crime.


    If it was nine lashes, it would be painful for some time to stand and walk or sit. Since her muscles would have ruptured.


    I was quiet for a moment before I asked.


    ¡°And Daisy?¡±


    ¡°She has been told to rest up until tomorrow. And she has returned to her quarters now.¡±


    ¡°I understand. You may leave.¡±


    I raised up my tired body and walked to the bed. Like a doll with its strings cut, I fell onto the bed.


    Then I naturally remembered.


    Today too. He hadn¡¯t come today too.


    If he wouldn¡¯t come I could just call for him. Since he was my concubine.


    But¡­.


    If I thought about what happened to Daisy today, there was no guarantee that Yuriel wouldn¡¯t target Nadricka in the future.


    My head throbbed.


    I should, keep a little distance. From him.


    Truthfully, the person Nadricka was seeing wasn¡¯t me but the princess. And even if I treasured him, he would only remember me as the princess. The truth that I had tried to keep at bay creeped into my thoughts and filled my head.


    Wasn¡¯t the reason that he wanted my love because I was wearing the princess¡¯s face too.


    I closed my eyes.


    ***


    Click.


    Nadricka carefully opened the door and stepped inside. Moonlight was spilling into the dark room.


    He stopped on his way to the bed.


    The princess was sleeping curled up at the edge of the bed. He hesitated as he approached.


    He wordlessly stared at her cheek, pale in the moonlight, before kneeling in front of her.


    ¡°Your Highness¡­..¡±


    His eyes held a mix of emotions. Nadricka put his hands under the princess¡¯s neck and knees and laid her into a comfortable position. He cautiously pulled the covers up to her chin and then, slowly lowered his head.


    Not daring to breathe, he brought his lips to the princess¡¯s forehead before drawing back.


    ¡°Please, have sweet dreams.¡±


    ***


    ¡°No.¡±


    With a stern expression, I stole Robia¡¯s wine glass. He furrowed his brows as if he couldn¡¯t understand the reason.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to drink in front of me?¡±


    As if he had just remembered what he had done to me in a drunken fit, he embarrassedly withdrew his hand.


    ¡°How much exactly did you have to drink then?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Robia pretended not to hear me and poked at his innocent salad with his fork.


    ¡°Tch. You were at least cute when you were drunk.¡±


    I said to myself. He choked on his salad.


    I laughed and drank a sip of wine. Robia coughed a few more times before he finally lifted his head.


    ¡°Do you want me to hit you on the back?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    It was lunchtime by the time the lesson had ended, so we were eating together.


    Robia continued coughing as he pulled his water glass to himself.


    Right then, the door burst open. Dragging along a maid who was trying with all her might to stop her, Daisy rushed in.


    ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Daisy collapsed in front of me and bowed her head.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t throw me away!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean.¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me to go to another palace! Huu huu.¡±


    Daisy, who had been speaking normally, began crying as her emotions surged.


    ¡°Everyone is so eager to get out of this palace but why are you crying?¡±


    There was the incident from before and she was probably shocked so I had just been trying to send her to another palace.


    And Yuriel would just go into the emperor¡¯s palace even if I sent her away. Plus, it was even more worrying not having her where I could see her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to another palace! I want to stay by Your Highness¡¯s side!¡±


    I had only reached out a hand to calm her, but Daisy jumped into my arms. I had to admit, it was cute how her body was all warm from crying.


    This girl and her tastes¡­.


    I could tell from the way Robia, who was usually expressionless, was giving Daisy a strange look.


    Well, whatever.


    ¡°Fine, do what you want. I don¡¯t dislike you either.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    Daisy called out to me joyfully. Meanwhile, the maid who had been brought in front me while trying to stop Daisy was darting her eyes uneasily and backing away. When our eyes met and I nodded my permission, the maid showed her obvious relief and escaped.


    I softly caressed Daisy¡¯s messy hair. What would I do if I didn¡¯t at least have Daisy.


    ***


    Ding!


    You are freed from the state ¡®Confinement¡¯.


    You remain in the state ¡®Weakness¡¯.


    Essen Velrod has come to take you to your room. Will you go with him? Even if you may be unable to discover a hidden event in the process?


    A. Refuse.


    B. Return together.


    C. Ask him to stay with you because you want to walk for a bit.


    I was leaning against the headboard of the bed with my legs crossed. Blue moonlight poured in from between the curtains and was wetting my feet. I motionlessly observed the system window.


    I knew for sure that she would try something the moment was set free from jail. At times like these she gelled so well with the system window.


    Where will you go?


    A. The garden of the main palace


    B. The emperor¡¯s bedchambers


    C. ¡®Yuriel Rose¡¯s¡¯ room


    I pulled on a thick brown overcoat and set off from my room. The soldiers who were guarding my room saluted me.


    They asked me if I wanted them to follow but I said that I would go alone. I couldn¡¯t show them the rough side of me.


    The garden at night was full of the sound of wind. Following the wind which seemed to hold its breath, the swaying leaves screamed while bumping against each other.


    I stood silently while I was watching Yuriel approach from far away. Yuriel seemed not to notice me as she leaned against tree trunks and stepped with difficulty.


    In the middle, she collapsed once or twice and each time seemed to spit out curses while hitting the ground.


    Sure, it must hurt. She probably hadn¡¯t gotten proper painkillers so walking like normal was impossible.


    I recognized the emperor absentmindedly standing in the moonlight at the bottom of the hill behind me. Although I didn¡¯t know what was bothering him so much that he had decided to come out for a walk in the middle of the night, I had no intention of allowing the two to meet.


    Let the system be plagued with bugs for all I care.


    As Yuriel was about to pass me by without seeing me I called out to Yuriel.


    ¡°Yuriel.¡±


    Yuriel flinched and looked back at me. I confirmed shock and fear weakly flash across her face.


    ¡°Are you planning to kill me?¡±


    ¡°Why would I show you my face if I were going to kill you?¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this to me?¡±


    ¡°You were the one who started it.¡±


    I crossed my arms and tilted my head back as I leaned against a tree. Yuriel squarely met my eyes and responded.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I just thought it was weird.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Why you spared me. I thought you might be trying to do something about Lord Velrod but it doesn¡¯t seem to be that. Why?¡±


    She was a special one as always. Particularly the way she could ask why I¡¯d spared her without changing the color of her face.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you like this because you know the reason?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing all kinds of things because you think I won¡¯t kill you.¡±


    Yuriel suddenly smiled sweetly.


    ¡°Like I thought, there¡¯s something you¡¯re hiding from me. Right? Or maybe I already know the secret.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    I stood up straight and slowly walked to her. I hung my arms from Yuriel¡¯s shoulders and tilted my head to her ear.


    ¡°When I feel like you¡¯ve done enough to kill you, you¡¯ll die.¡±


    In the dark, our eyes locked. Reflected in Yuriel¡¯s red irises and black pupils, I could see my blue eyes.


    I clasped Yuriel¡¯s face and brought my face right in front of her nose.


    ¡°Think carefully. Think and think some more, Yuriel.¡±


    Yuriel stared at me as if entranced. And she showed an ambiguous smile.


    ¡°Thank you for the warning, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Then should we see how well you understood it?¡±


    I quickly distanced myself from her and laughed. As my laughter subsided, I commanded.


    ¡°Get out of my sight right now, Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°I receive your command, Your Highness.¡±


    Yuriel bent her knees slightly at me in response.


    Yuriel returned, just like that. I skimmed over the place where the emperor had been standing dumbly, but the emperor had also disappeared.


    Congratulations! You have encountered the emperor!


    What?


    I doubted my eyes when I saw the system window appear in front of my eyes the moment I arrived at my room.


    You have collected ¡®Fateful Encounter¡¯ #1.


    TIP/ The event period will be adjusted according to the duration of the Encounter. Try to extend the Encounter for as long as possible.


    You encountered the emperor pacing outside your room. At the unexpected encounter, the emperor is quite shocked. This is because he believed that you would surely be sleeping inside of your room. If you don¡¯t catch him now he may escape?


    A. Pretend not to know who he is.


    B. Tell him to come into the room with you.


    C.Faint.


    Yuriel selected C. Then again, there was no one who would leave a passed-out person.


    Critical! Affection raises by 99.


    Critical! Affection raises by 80.


    Critical! Affection raises by 80.


    Critical! Affection raises by 100.


    I glared at the system window that continued to pop up. Seemed he was completely prepared to fall in love. The rate at which he was developing feelings was really something.


    You have achieved the necessary affection level to open the route.


    Had things really come to this point.


    Was there no way to evade it. It felt like I was being told that no matter how I struggled, what was meant to happen would happen.


    It might be that the one I had to fight wasn¡¯t Yuriel but the entity beyond the system window.


    You have not yet achieved the necessary achievements to open the route.


    Note/ ¡®Fateful Encounter¡¯(1/6)


    You have acquired a lead.


    Leads you have collected until now(4/5)


    Will you check the acquired lead right now? Y/N


    Lead? I knitted my brows when I saw the unfamiliar system window.


    It seemed I wouldn¡¯t even be able to sleep well at night from now on. I ground my teeth.

 Chapter 4.2

    There was the sound of scratching against glass. It wasn¡¯t incredibly loud but it was enough to be annoying.


    Having been unable to fall into a deep sleep, the moment I opened my eyes, I looked around for the source of the sound. At the window nearby, I found a yellow-eyed hawk.


    Its wings outstretched, the hawk swooped down and scratched the glass with its nails once again. I raised up my body and opened the window so the hawk could enter.


    With the sound of flapping wings, the hawk descended into the room and perched on one of the bed posts. I watched with interest as it folded its wings and preened.


    Was it the princess¡¯s hawk?


    But if that was the case, it would make more sense for a perch to be in the room.


    When I didn¡¯t react, the hawk stretched out its wings and let out a low cry like it was cross.


    Only then did I discover the narrow wooden container tied to the hawk¡¯s leg. And inside, as expected, was a rolled-up piece of paper.


    When I carefully approached and took out the paper, hawk flew out of the window again, as though it had completed its duty.


    On the paper was written a date and location.


    ¡°Aidan Fran?¡±


    Then, I suddenly heard Daisy¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Would you like some cake?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Wearing an apron like she had come in to clean, Daisy was peeking from behind my back.


    ¡°I like them too! Aidan Fran! Their cakes are really good, haha.¡±


    A note secretly delivered to the princess¡¯s bedchamber and a cake shop outside the palace. It couldn¡¯t be a stranger combination.


    At least, it was clear I was being called.


    If that was true, there was someplace I had to go first. Maybe I had been waiting all this time for a reason to go to him.


    ¡°So this is what your room is like.¡±


    Shoulders which had been facing away from me jumped more than was necessary. Nadricka turned around and upon seeing me, opened his eyes wide. I leaned against the doorframe with my arms crossed as I gave him an easy smile.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t coming so what could I do. I had to come myself.¡±


    ¡°That is¡­.¡±


    I walked over to him and spreading both arms, drew him into a hug. Nadricka also bent to return my embrace.


    I put my chin on his shoulder and noted that his room was smaller and drabber than I¡¯d expected. It was too dreary to be a room someone called home.


    Still, I liked it because it smelled like him. Without skipping a beat, I pushed Nadricka back. When his legs caught on the bed causing him to fall backward, I cast my shadow over him.


    ¡°Should we sleep in your room tonight?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, but, I¡­.¡±


    I had been half-joking but he stumbled over his words, a distressed look on his face.


    I wanted to see into his mind. He had wanted to be by my side not so long ago, so why was he trying so hard to back out now, I wondered.


    But before that, I had something else to ask.


    ¡°Nadricka.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Do you know about Aidan Fran?¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°Then do you know if the princess ever secretly left the palace?¡±


    ¡°Ah.That did happen. But¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Tell me.¡±


    ¡°You periodically brought drugs into the palace¡­. But not even I know where you got them from.¡±


    ¡°Drugs?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡±


    That¡¯s not something you would be able to deal in legally.


    ¡°Did I take them?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    She did drugs. The princess did.


    ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Are you okay? There¡¯s no way I did them alone.¡±


    ¡°I¡­.. The drugs didn¡¯t reach me.¡±


    It was a point of relief amid the misery.


    I sat up and arranged myself into a seated position on the bed, then let out a sigh of relief. Nadricka followed suit and cautiously said.


    ¡°Is there possibly a problem or¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ah. From now on, don¡¯t come to my room.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    I only registered Nadricka¡¯s expression after the words had already left my mouth. I pulled his head to my chest.


    ¡°Because I¡¯ll come to you.¡±


    He briefly hesitated before nodding his head. I still didn¡¯t know why he had stopped coming to my room.


    ***


    After that day, both the emperor and Yuriel showed no movement.


    Since the ¡®event period¡¯ had been so greatly extended because of the last ¡®fateful encounter¡¯, I guessed they felt there was enough time to act carefully. The few times the system window popped up, it was about Essen.


    Whenever I saw Essen¡¯s name, a part of me felt uneasy but I did my best to ignore it. It wasn¡¯t something I could get involved in.


    As a result, I had finally been able to relax when it happened.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been so upset lately.¡±


    Daisy grumbled as she shoved one of the cookies on my plate into her mouth.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because of those weird rumors about Your Highness.¡±


    When I thought of the princess¡¯s previous deeds, it wasn¡¯t all that strange. It was true that it had been quiet nowadays, so it was possible that suppressed rumors were just now leaking out.


    ¡°Everyone is going on about how Your Highness has been interested in girls lately!¡±


    ¡°Pff!¡±


    I spit out the tea just as I was about to take a sip.


    ¡°¡­..Girls?¡±


    ¡°Exactly! You don¡¯t know how they¡¯ve been whispering about Your Highness being unusually particular about keeping some girl at your side. But when I chase after them to tell them off, they scatter just like that! With their mouths shut tight!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    I merely looked at Daisy. Daisy didn¡¯t seem to have the faintest idea that those words were about her. It wasn¡¯t even the truth, so there shouldn¡¯t be a need for me to say anything unnecessary.


    ¡°Lately, Your Highness has been completely family-oriented, rather than causing scandals!¡±


    It felt strange to be complimented for being family-oriented, having fallen into this unfamiliar world, while I was possessing someone else¡¯s body.


    Before I knew it, Daisy had refilled my cup and was holding it out to me.


    ¡°And also¡­..¡±


    ¡°Also?¡±


    ¡°They say Your Highness¡­¡­ No, I don¡¯t want to say this bit.¡±


    ¡°Why are you stopping?¡±


    ¡°But still.¡±


    ¡°Should I call in another maid and ask them instead?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unfair! Ah, no, that¡¯s not it¡­.¡±


    Daisy pouted her lips then watched for my reaction.


    ¡°They¡¯re saying that you are buying and collecting slaves.¡±


    After checking our surroundings, Daisy leaned in close and added in a low voice.


    ¡°And only young boys at that! And they say that all of them will die before the sun sets.¡±


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s such a strange rumor!¡±


    It was definitely an upsetting rumor. And there was even the relatively concrete deadline of before the sun sets too.


    It actually was close to the end of the year. If someone was really taking action, I already knew who. Yuriel.


    Ding!


    Lacking all grace, the system window appeared right at that moment.


    [The Last Prince of Velrod ¨C 12]


    Quest complete!


    Congratulations.


    [Current progress]


    Weakness discovery 1/1


    Successful scandals 3/3


    Of course. I wasn¡¯t even surprised.


    If there was one thing that was bothering me, it was whether the rumor was really just a meaningless scandal.


    You have acquired quest rewards.


    ¡®Sincere Voice¡¯(Passive) proficiency will increase, ¡®Sensitivity¡¯(Passive) will level up (Lv. 4), ¡®Orgasm¡¯(Active) proficiency will increase


    ¡®Orgasm¡¯ is an active skill? I tried not to make a weird face.


    You have obtained a lead.


    Leads obtained up to this point (5/5)


    Congratulations! You have obtained all leads.


    The obtained leads will be combined. 14%¡­.


    Combination successful.


    Will you check it now? Y/N


    ¡®The confiscated item is in the princess¡¯s bedchambers.¡¯


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡±


    I handed the platter of cookies to Daisy and gave her a command.


    ¡°You may leave now.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Yes!¡±


    Without pausing to rest, I began to search the room. I could guess that the ¡®princess¡¯ had done something, but I didn¡¯t know what.


    She confiscated an item? She had taken something belonging to a mere maid, and was keeping it in her room of all places.


    I stilled. Was it possible the princess before me had a secret that Yuriel couldn¡¯t be allowed to discover.


    One thought led to the next.


    What if everything had already happened and only the revelation was left?


    Then what could it be. Right now, all I could think of was the fact that she was a drug addict, and possibly¡­. that rumor saying she was going to kill the slaves.


    None of those seemed like something that Yuriel would be involved with.


    No. What if Yuriel had found out? And had the evidence confiscated from her by the princess?


    But if it was really that, then there was no way the princess would have allowed Yuriel to live. The woman who had been playing around with her concubines no less.


    I swept back some strands of hair that had fallen into my eyes. I ran my hands through my hair a couple of times. And I thought frantically.


    About what exactly the scenario of this ¡®game¡¯ could be.


    What was Yuriel¡¯s endgame?


    What I could be certain of was, Yuriel was assisting in the princess¡¯s ruin. In fact, it was possible she would take the princess down with her own two hands. And what she needed in order to do so.


    Legitimacy, and support.


    To be frank, it wasn¡¯t that difficult. If you looked at the capturable targets, they were people who opposed the existing royal family and¡­


    I could guess that, following their capture, they would naturally topple the princess or kill her.


    Actually, the nobles would welcome such an ending the most, having stayed silent only because the princess was the sole heir to the throne, despite their many complaints.


    If someone would only light a spark over that old and dried up wood pile. If they would only create an opportunity.


    The path the game and the system window were leading me to flashed before my eyes. Along with the path the protagonist must walk. That¡¯s why there were ¡®weaknesses¡¯ and ¡®rumors¡¯ and the princess¡¯s ¡®men¡¯ who could be witnesses.


    Ding!


    An unexpected quest is beginning!


    Eclot Pacis, the head of the advance forces who will be returning to the capital for the victory celebration. He is awaiting your final reply. His letter to you contains a request, but accepting it is your choice. Hurry and send him a reply.


    What Eclot Pacis desires is the personal information of Princess ¡®Yeldria Viotte Cecilia¡¯.


    A. Give it to him.


    B. Do not give it to him.


    Yuriel hesitated for a brief moment before selecting A.


    That he had been exchanging letters with Yuriel over a long period, and was trying to learn personal details about the princess right before entering the palace.


    These were the reasons that I wasn¡¯t excited for Eclot Pacis¡¯s return.


    It wasn¡¯t just one or two things I had to be worried about.


    I wondered if I could really do this.


    I felt myself being pushed forward by some unknown force.

 Chapter 5

    I prepared to go out before the sun rose. It didn¡¯t seem I would lose my way because the moonlight was so bright.


    Although I was a bit uneasy because it would be like confirming the rumors, I quietly called Daisy into my bedchambers.


    Seeing my simple attire for the first time, Daisy opened her eyes wide and pointed at me scoldingly.


    ¡°What are you wearing!¡±


    I was wearing a maid¡¯s uniform.


    ¡°What kind of¡­ role play is this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I thought there was something wrong my ears.


    ¡°After doing that with that person all night¡­.. How!¡±


    Confronted with Daisy¡¯s fussing, I put a hand on my forehead.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not? How is it not?¡±


    The excitement in her eyes made me very uncomfortable. Before her misunderstanding got any worse, I hurried to get down to business.


    ¡°I¡¯m going outside the palace.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I feel bad about this¡­.. But I cannot think of who else I can ask to do this besides you.¡±


    ¡°Please tell me what you want me to do! I can handle anything!¡±


    ¡°You have to make sure no one comes in.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Anyone¡­. Anyone? Even that person?¡±


    I ignored her question.


    ¡°You have to make it seem like I¡¯m in this room. You can probably say that she won¡¯t let anyone else in because she¡¯s not feeling well. And because I¡¯ve been keeping you close, no one should suspect you.¡±


    It seemed she was only now putting the pieces together.


    ¡°I told you. That I¡¯m going outside the palace. If I don¡¯t come back even after the sun comes up then¡­.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness! Are you going someplace dangerous? Please take me with you too!¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be dangerous, and I should return soon, but just in case I¡¯m say_.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t die, Your Highness!¡±


    Close to tears, Daisy wrapped her arms around my waist. I sighed.


    ***


    ¡®Aiden Fran¡¯. In front of me was the sign with scrawled handwriting.


    Because it was early morning, all of the shops along the street were closed, including ¡®Aiden Fran¡¯. However, I smoothed out the hood pulled low over my face, slowly walked over and pushed on the door.


    The door was not locked.


    I slowly entered. Soon, in the darkness, a woman with a gaunt face stepped forward and bowed her head low.


    ¡°My deepest apologies for employing such discourteous means to invite you. However, we are also in a difficult situation¡­. It hasn¡¯t been easy obtaining drugs lately.¡±


    I observed the woman closely. She didn¡¯t seem like the person in charge of this business.


    ¡°Please follow me.¡±


    I followed the woman through another door. Sitting at a wooden table was a man who smiled sweetly when our eyes met. The man was excessive in his reception as he stood up and spoke.


    ¡°Who is this! Have you lost a little weight?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Anyhow, I am sure it must have been difficult for you because the drugs were cut off.¡±


    Maybe it was due to the soul swap but I had been just fine. Of course, I wasn¡¯t going to say this out loud. I examined the man calmly. Was he the one in charge? I couldn¡¯t tell.


    There were two reasons that I had to take the risk and come out here personally.


    It would be most accurate to call this a ¡®symbiotic relationship¡¯. I got drugs, and they got insurance for their business.


    So, if I happened to stop coming in, they would have kept trying to contact me by other means, and along the way, it could have been exposed to other people as well.


    The other reason was to personally verify their true nature. Things like how large their organization was, who their boss was, and if they were at a scope that I could manage if I arrested them. If there was a way to handle everything so they wouldn¡¯t spout any nonsense.


    ¡°And the drugs?¡±


    ¡°They should have arrived in the capital by now.¡±


    What?


    ¡°Even if you are displeased, there is nothing we can do. This is our policy. Please head back once we get news that they have arrived.¡±


    I understood now. It was because it was in the princess¡¯s power to confiscate the drugs, arrest the mules, and dissolve the organization before anyone could blink an eye.


    If they just sent the drugs again and were discovered, the princess could extricate herself and throw them to the wayside. So, until they were safe, until they had on record that the drugs had been delivered intact into the princess¡¯s hands, the princess had to patiently wait in their den.


    If she wanted ¡®drugs¡¯ that is.


    This might be the princess¡¯s ¡®weakness¡¯ that the system window wanted. No doubt if I hadn¡¯t come, the princess would have continued to show symptoms of addiction and been found out by Yuriel.


    ¡­¡­In other words, I was fulfilling my role as a ¡®bug¡¯.


    ¡°If you are bored¡­.. Would you like to see the new boys we have brought in?¡±


    As soon as he¡¯d said those words, the sound of iron being dragged came from the door on the far side.


    When the door opened, I saw a man with iron chains around his feet. After he came in, right behind him was another man wearing a similar expression, and so on.


    They knelt in front of me in a line. All had unfocused eyes and some kind of rags draped over their bodies. Their eyes were empty and their faces were gaunt. I turned my head.


    ¡°Why? Is there nothing that catches your eye?¡±


    He was over the top with his disappointment.


    ¡°I know that I prepared them according to your tastes¡­. You said that you found slaves who had done the rounds more than new ones¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    Seeing their wretched state, I could make a payment and buy them. Then, when it came to freeing them or whatever else, I could come up with a good excuse and let them go.


    But was there any guarantee they wouldn¡¯t become slaves again? With their identities being uncertain, what could they do to make a living in the capital?


    But when I considered bringing them to my palace, I thought of that rumor. Seeing as how a part of me suddenly shivered in fear, I didn¡¯t have a good feeling about it.


    Could I take responsibility for them until the end?


    ¡°Where did these things come from?¡±


    Thinking that I was showing interest, the man smiled sweetly once again and answered.


    ¡°From Velrod.¡±


    I bought them right then and there.


    Things had taken longer than I expected. The sun had already risen and outside was noisy with the sound of chatter. I pulled my hood even lower.


    ¡°Did you come alone?¡±


    For a moment, I looked with contempt at the man who seemed to be always smiling without good reason.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s not the case. It¡¯s just that you seemed more uneasy than usual so¡­.¡±


    He called out behind me when I turned around without replying.


    ¡°I will wash them up and send them to you before day¡¯s end.¡±


    I didn¡¯t say anything.


    The further I went down the main road, the more people there were. Even though it was the morning, strangely enough, there were people gossiping or standing around together.


    Right then, a single loud cry from far away spread through the crowd and set off a big commotion.


    I pedaled backward into an alleyway and tried to make out the source of the ear-shattering sound. Then I realized that everyone was looking in one direction.


    From far away, along with the neighing of horses, I discovered a group approaching.


    Flower petals were scattered from every side fluttered. I found the man with dark blue hair at the end of that group. And I recognized him in an instant.


    ¡°I thought that it would at least be tomorrow before he came¡­..!¡±


    At that moment, feeling like he was looking this way, I turned around quickly and began to run.


    I had to hurry back. To the palace that would be in an uproar preparing to welcome that group at that.


    ***


    ¡°His Majesty is waiting for you.¡±


    At the entrance of the outer wall of the palace, a servant was waiting to escort them. The soldiers and knights who were wearing armor dismounted from their horses. The man spoke to the servant and to the saluting troops.


    ¡°I will see Her Highness first. Go ahead without me.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? But¡­.¡±


    The man did not repeat himself. He dusted off his boots and straightened his collar.


    After checking his cuffs and the hem, he turned to one side. It was in the direction of the princess¡¯s palace.


    They watched as he strode forward before turning to look at each other. Of course, that only meant verifying that the people next to them were just as shocked.


    In any case, the man continued walking. Straight ahead, neither his neck or his eyes straying to either side.


    ¡°You cannot.¡±


    The one who stood in front of him was the head maid of the princess¡¯s palace. It was a face that the man had seen even before leaving for the battlefield.


    From the now older head maid¡¯s face, he could his own absence.


    ¡°You cannot enter.¡±


    ¡°Did she say she would not see me.¡±


    ¡°She did not say anything¡­.¡±


    The head maid shook her head. Apparently, there was no answer.


    ¡°And has she not left a message either.¡±


    ¡°Yes. She has not shown herself since this morning, and there is only a maid girl in the room ¡­..¡±


    ¡°I must see for myself.¡±


    ¡°You cannot! She will punish you again!¡±


    Her face white with shock, the head maid blocked the path of the man who was trying to enter the palace.


    ¡°The person who should support and oversee the comfort of the princess is thoroughly incapable, I see.¡±


    At the man¡¯s cold expression, the head maid couldn¡¯t say anything.


    The man quickly went into the palace. He pushed past those who swallowed their screams at the sight of him, and without even getting lost once he arrived in front of the princess¡¯s bedchambers.


    After seeing him, the servants who were standing in front of the door hurriedly backed up out of his way.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    The sound of someone taking a breath could be heard from the other side of the door. As well as urgent footsteps. That was probably the maid the head maid had mentioned. The man raised one eyebrow.


    ¡°Your Highness. Are you okay.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry and open the door.¡±


    At those words, the servants who were standing out of the way dissuaded him with one voice.


    ¡°Open it.¡±


    ¡°But without Her Highness¡¯s permission¡­.¡±


    ¡°Bring the key. Or would you rather I rip open this door.¡±


    At that moment, the door made a creaking sound and slowly opened.


    When he turned his head, there was a sweating maid holding the open door.


    ¡°S-She asks you to comein.¡±


    ***


    With a quick glance to the side, I checked that the maid¡¯s uniform I had hastily taken off was safely tucked under the bed. And trying my best to not show how breathless I was from running here, I sat while leaning against a bed post.


    The tall man suddenly entered the room without even the sound of footsteps. He lifted the curtains and came inside. For a moment, I couldn¡¯t tear my eyes away from him.


    For a moment, his short hair was black. No, his hair had been navy blue under the sun so that was probably more accurate.


    The curtain slipped past his hand and drooped back down. Between us, the sunlight decreased even more.


    His eyes, which were deep-set like some mineral, stared at me intently. Those eyes also shined a bluish black. Soon, he knelt down on one knee in front of me, his posture upright.


    Having rushed over from the battlefield, the toes of the man¡¯s shoes were worn-out and his uniform was dull, but even without acting exceptional, he appeared disciplined and noble.


    The eyes that looked up at me were calm and sure with pure intention, so when he extended his palm toward me, I happily had my hand on his.


    Someone like this was communicating with Yuriel?


    He lowered his dark eyelashes and closed his eyes. He placed his slightly cold lips on the back of my hand. Then, he looked up at me directly and spoke.


    ¡°Your servant Eclot Pacis, reporting that I have carried out all orders and returned.¡±


    Unconsciously, I said.


    ¡°You came back alive.¡±


    And then I immediately regretted it. Because it felt like I had said something I shouldn¡¯t. It almost sounded like sarcasm.


    But the man looked at me with clear eyes.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    For some reason, his response touched me. Maybe because it was the response of a man who had returned from far away. Returning from a journey that was meant to result in his death, he was so upright and unshakeable.


    ¡°Welcome¡­.. back.¡±


    With those words I put my hand on his shoulder, and as soon as I did, I read the deep exhaustion in his eyes.


    The anguish and grief that had piled up over the years spread out slowly. Though it was soon put in order.


    Even during this, the man was polite and calm.


    ¡°Is that so.¡±


    Although the words may have seemed dry to some, they felt genuine to me. He was simple. Although his face showed a bit of age and hardship. I could believe it.


    No, in actuality, I couldn¡¯t believe it.


    The fact that he didn¡¯t resent me, the ¡®princess¡¯, even the slightest bit.


    ¡°Have you been well all this time.¡±


    His wordless gaze brushed past my skin. Even this quiet concern was seemed separated from reality.


    When I slowly nodded my head, Eclot stood up. Automatically, I lifted my head to follow him.


    He spoke.


    ¡°There is a rebel in this palace.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    As though he really thought I hadn¡¯t heard him, he repeated himself to a fault.


    ¡°There is a rebel in this palace. We must root them out.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what¡­¡­.¡±


    Eclot summoned the maids outside the room. And he spoke.


    ¡°Will you leave this to me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°There is a rebel in the palace. Will you permit me to root them out.¡±


    He must have really thought I was an idiot because he had just repeated the same words for the third time.


    I¡¯m asking you to tell me in detail what exactly you¡¯re planning to do¡­.


    I had opened my mouth to say something when I met his eyes. Swept away by an indescribable feeling, I ended up murmuring.


    ¡°¡­¡­If you want, fine.¡±


    After that, things proceeded at lightning speed.


    As though he had been planning this for a long time, he gathered all of the servants in an inner palace hall ¨C which just happened to be that hall from before. Then he instructed the soldiers to search the servants¡¯ quarters.


    Resting my chin in my hand, I was waiting to see what all of this was about while sitting back in a chair at the end of the hall. Eclot was prudent but merciless.


    He took something out and clutched it. Suspecting what it was, I lowered the hand away from my chin and straightened my upper body.


    One by one, Eclot began comparing the handwritten papers taken from the servants¡¯ quarters to it.


    ¡°¡­..What is that?¡±


    ¡°There is someone who leaked Your Highness¡¯s personal information to me. This is the evidence of that.¡±


    It was a letter. And I was pretty sure I knew what it was.


    It took literally no time for Eclot to swiftly find the matching handwriting, and for Yuriel to be found from among the servants and dragged out in front of him, where she even fell. Literally.


    ¡°E-Eclot?¡±


    Yuriel looked up at him with an expression that said she couldn¡¯t begin to understand the situation.


    But Eclot only glanced at Yuriel with a cool expression and all the emotion of hearing someone call out your name before turning to face me.


    In his hand was the evidence. Yuriel¡¯s letters, which she had probably spent a good deal of time and effort in writing, were being treated like ¡®Exhibit A¡¯.


    ¡°She continuously approached me, Your Highness¡¯s concubine, attempted to push me in a direction that would harm Your Highness, and leaked Your Highness¡¯s information to me therefore-.¡±


    ¡°You! You asked me for it!¡±


    Yuriel grabbed Eclot¡¯s leg.


    ¡°I believe it is right to permanently expel her from the palace.¡±


    But he finished without budging an inch.


    I opened my mouth then closed it again. I couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of it. It was an opportunity to get Yuriel out of my sight, but was that okay?


    Was that a wise decision? It could be easier to handle things when they happened if I kept her close by.


    Reading my indecision, Eclot shook Yuriel off and walked over to me. He knelt on one knee and looked up at me.


    ¡°¡­¡­I need time.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What are you worried about?¡±


    At those words, I reflexively gripped the armrests.


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    He placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head.


    ¡°I will do it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­What will you do?¡±


    ¡°Everything that is troubling you, shaking your composure. Whatever it is, even if it goes against the right path, please eliminate everything. I will handle it all.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I will do everything.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. I knew they were words I couldn¡¯t believe.


    ¡°What are you afraid of? And what are you worried about?¡±


    The questions he had asked in the beginning changed and came back to me once again.


    ¡°I will protect you.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Eclot.¡±


    ¡°Please give the command.¡±


    I extended a hand toward Eclot. Watching his hand lift up mine, I spoke.


    ¡°Do as you have said.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness! Isn¡¯t this different from what you said! In this place, I¡­.!¡±


    I saw Yuriel¡¯s hopeless and furious face. Strangely enough, I felt peaceful.


    Don¡¯t ever come back here.


    And it really felt like it was possible.


    ¡°Eclot! How could you do this! To me! Me! Do you know what hell I went through because of you! Eclot!¡±


    ¡°To prevent her from coming back, give the guards her identification documents.¡±


    The soldiers saluted and disappeared. Soon, Yuriel who had been screaming in rage, was also expelled from the hall.


    My surroundings became peaceful.


    Ding!


    [The Knight of the Border ¨C 9]


    Quest fail!


    A penalty will be imposed.


    The ¡®Eclot Pacis¡¯ route will be completely destroyed.


    ¡®Notoriety¡¯ is created.


    ¡®Notoriety¡¯ increases.


    You acquire the title ¡®A shameless person who only knows how to steal from others¡¯.


    Ding!


    You are expelled from the palace!


    State ¡®Expulsion¡¯ is maintained.


    I had been dumbly looking at the system window when I heard his voice ring out in my ears.


    ¡°Please punish me now.¡±


    ¡°What punishment?¡±


    ¡°No matter if it was a test, I sought out and acquired Your Highness¡¯s information so-.¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    At my words, Eclot silently closed his mouth and looked at me.


    ¡°Are you trying to run away after saying you¡¯ll protect me?¡±


    ¡°I am not.¡±


    ¡°Then just stay. Next to me.¡±


    He slowly parted his mouth.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    It happened 7 years ago when the marquess closed their eyes from a long chronic illness.


    As the heir, the marquess¡¯s only son, a young man with a promising future as a knight, came before the emperor for the first time in order to receive the title to the marquessate.


    Noble blood, and renowned skill and character.


    Among the senate in the interior and even the smaller rural aristocrats, there were none who could look down on him.


    Thus, his official debut which occurred just as he had reached his thirties transfused new blood into a political sphere that was like stagnant water.


    Then one year later, acknowledged for his distinguished services in stabilizing the border through exceptional diplomatic ability and a timely show of force, he rose to the position of Knight Commander.


    It was the first time since the country¡¯s founding that a marquess had seized the position of Knight Commander of the royal family, that which could be called the foundation of the royal family. The rising factions began to gather around him.


    Thus, it came to be that there was no one left in the capital who did not know his name. As the key figure who, true to his name, would lead the country into the future, he received everyone¡¯s envy. To the extent that the emperor himself was irked.


    Since it was like this, there was no way the matchmakers would leave him, a rare bachelor for his age, alone.


    Dozens of noble houses tried to push for marriage with a daughter of their house. And among those, one really seemed like they would accomplish their goal.


    This was because he himself had fully recognized the necessity of stabilizing his position and cooperating between houses, given it was the valuable hand in marriage of a marquessate.


    However, during the princess¡¯s eighteenth birthday celebration banquet, he lost all of his projected future glory and power and everything else besides.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡­. A birthday present?¡±


    Asking this, the princess soon pointed to where he was standing indifferently in the middle of the banquet crowd.


    Everyone dissuaded him. They whispered that he had the authority to disobey.


    But he showed no hesitation at the command to become the princess¡¯s second concubine. He simply bowed his head squarely and deeply.


    Everyone said he had gone crazy. The person who had been steadily treading the path that no one and everyone was envious of had, in a single morning, stuck his head in the mud.


    At first, shocked by the ridiculousness of it all, the people decided to rectify the situation. But when he suddenly left the marquessate to a distant cousin on his mother¡¯s side and stubbornly crawled into the palace, the people began to whisper one after another as if they had been waiting for this moment.


    He wants the position of the emperor¡¯s son-in-law. He¡¯s secretly planning to use the princess. A prostitute who sold his body for power. The disgrace of the aristocracy¡­.


    The emperor ignored all of it. Inwardly, he might have thought it was all well and good. Knowing the emperor¡¯s true feelings, the princess was able to have him without any problems.


    But the empty spot he left behind was too big. The political sphere once again stagnated and the young factions were disbanded. The now empty position of Knight Commander was given to one of his favored subordinates.


    Soon, no one cared about the concubine who had become the princess¡¯s and was staying in the princess¡¯s palace.


    On the other hand, the emperor¡¯s power became more entrenched. The princess was a woman who knew how to use artfully use the emperor. She had gotten her man, and so brought the emperor peace of mind, all while looking ahead to the time when she would be on the throne.


    The people began to fear the princess more and more. Even when the princess wasn¡¯t present, no one said bad about her.


    But the people did not know. That, in the place closest to the princess, beyond the invisible shade, there was someone who genuinely cared for and advised her.


    That there was someone who wasn¡¯t afraid to try fixing the princess¡¯s chaotic palace life, irregular meal schedule, and violent temper.


    Before six months had passed, a war against the Borne Kingdom on the border was suddenly declared.


    And the commander of the advance forces, Eclot Pacis.


    He left on the long road with his troops, not a single magician in tow. The princess didn¡¯t even watch his departure from far away. Even if they couldn¡¯t see it, everyone knew what the princess was doing in the room shrouded by heavy curtains.


    The people all predicted his death. With the voices that had in the past predicted his promising future as a leader.


    But as if to once again mock everyone¡¯s belief, Eclot Pacis returned. To the princess¡¯s palace.


    ***


    Two teacups were placed between us. Soon, a light dessert was placed down.


    Finally, Daisy winked at me and left the room.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    I¡¯m going to lose my mind.


    ¡°Will you not take it up.¡±


    Without even looking at his teacup, he looked at me directly and asked. I furtively looked away and grabbed my teacup.


    ¡°¡­..You should also take yours. I heard this tea is good for relieving fatigue.¡±


    I said with difficulty.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He quietly drank the tea while savoring it. I had been drinking however I wanted, but he drank like a painting, as if he were following standard procedure for a tea ceremony. I glanced at his proper hands and wrists, slightly raised chin, and the thick line of his neck.


    ¡°¡­¡­Were you hurt anywhere?¡±


    ¡°I was not.¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    At my incredulous tone, he quietly lifted the corners of his mouth. His almost smile jumbled up my insides.


    ¡°There were several times I found myself in danger, but I am alright now.¡±


    ¡°¡­..You were in danger.¡±


    ¡°There was one time that I almost had my throat cut.¡±


    ¡°There was an enemy ambush that day¡­. The result is that I am unhurt, as you can see.¡±


    When he had finished, he sipped his tea like he had said nothing important.


    ¡°¡­¡­That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    At my words, he raised his eyebrows and examined my face.


    ¡°¡­¡­..Is that so.¡±


    He smiled with an expressionless face. There was no love in his eyes. Like the dark and deep sea, they were filled with only warmth and loyalty.


    ¡°You did not resent me while you were there, in that place?¡±


    I finally asked.


    ¡°There was something troubling me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Whether what was in Your Highness¡¯s heart was victory, or my death.¡±


    There was no way he didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Or if it was both victory and my death.¡±


    The princess had sent him to die.


    ¡°Everyone said it was my death.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°However, I did not receive Your Highness¡¯s order to die. I only received the order to fight.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Thus, I have returned in order to request an answer.¡±


    Eclot rose from his seat and knelt on one knee at my feet.


    ¡°Do you wish for me to die.¡±


    It was ridiculous. That he seemed ready to end his life if the princess commanded it.


    Although there was no way that was true.


    ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯re right.¡±


    So, I responded in the princess¡¯s stead. His deep blue eyes did not reveal any emotion and looked up at me with a hidden slyness (?)


    ¡°Are you angered by the betrayal?¡±


    ¡°Not so.¡±


    ¡°Do you feel resentful?¡±


    ¡°Not so.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you filled with hatred?¡±


    ¡°Not so.¡±


    Like it was a promised question, I continued.


    ¡°Why¡­ did you become my concubine?¡±


    They said that if he had wanted to reject it, he could have. In a conflict with the emperor, the nobles would have taken his side. But without even starting, he had bowed at the emperor¡¯s feet.


    ¡°I do not know what you are saying.¡±


    ¡°Living the rest of your life as my concubine, it could not have been your ambition, no?¡±


    ¡°¡­.. Protecting the royal family¡¯s safety. Then and now, I am doing the same work.¡±


    Finally, I asked.


    ¡°Do you love me?¡±


    ¡°If you command it.¡±


    He submitted to me without hesitation.


    ***


    I refused my meals for an entire day. I stayed in bed without moving one inch.


    I repeated the cycle of saying it was cold and asking for a stove, then tossing off my clothes and loudly yelling that it was hot. The servants shakily collected clothes as wet as though they had been dripping cold sweat.


    I crawled inside my covers and closing my eyes, paused for breath. I couldn¡¯t think of another way.


    Where exactly were the drugs that had been moved to the palace?


    Because I had no way of separating who was complicit and who was not, I purposefully acted like an animal and let news of my withdrawal symptoms spread.


    When someone came into the room, I threw dishes or other objects that were on the table. I also chewed on my fingernails.


    The servants quickly adapted to my temperamentality. In fact, as if this were my original self, they didn¡¯t even act surprised. I was the one who felt embarrassed and constantly felt the need to crawl under my covers.


    The night was long, and someone came into the room that no one had dared to enter. They knelt and quietly called out to me.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    I pulled off my blanket. It was the maid Hess.


    Hess took out something wrapped in white cloth and brought it close to my face.


    ¡°Hurry and take this¡­..¡±


    I sat up. I gripped the thing wrapped in white cloth along with the hand holding it.


    ¡°And the location?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I am asking if you changed the location where this was hidden!¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, if you take more than the daily limit then¡­.¡±


    I grabbed Hess by the collar and pulled her in. Hess¡¯s head snapped up to look at me.


    ¡°You have to move it, you have to take it outside of the palace.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°Find a way, quickly. It is okay even if it¡¯s small amounts at a time.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    Hess¡¯s expression was peculiar.


    ¡°You must do it secretly.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡°First, double check that the location is secure.¡±


    Hess had brought it from outside of my room. That meant the hidden location was not my room.


    In that case, I wondered what ¡®lead¡¯ Yuriel had been looking for. The one that was supposed to be in my room¡­.. Although there was no way to know now that I had thrown Yuriel out.


    Hess left my room. I glared at her as she did so, then gave the signal with my eyes. Daisy who had been hiding behind my closet quietly nodded her head once and then silently began to follow Hess.


    It would be great if she was entirely on my side, but I needed to prepare for the worst. No one could guarantee that any answer she gave was the truth.


    I hoped that nothing would happen to Daisy.


    Right then, I heard a knock at the door.


    Another knock.


    The door slowly opened, and the moonlight revealed a familiar head. It was Nadricka. His eyes widened as they met mine.


    ¡°Were you worried?¡±


    At my words, he closed his mouth tight before quickly coming to kneel on the floor next to my bed. He reached out his hand and I pulled him up onto the bed.


    He practically dove into my embrace. Within moments, my shoulder was wet. His arm around me tightened.


    He must have been really worried. I could tell by the way he had disobeyed my order to stay away from my room, although he had only snuck in during the middle of the night.


    ¡°Shall we sleep together for once?¡±


    I asked while patting him on the back.


    ***


    In the peaceful bedchamber, only the sound of breathing could be heard. Silently staring at her profile as she lay sound asleep, Nadricka cycled through stretching out his hand then withdrawing it out of fear of waking her up.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Ultimately turning to face the ceiling, Nadricka laid his arm on his forehead and closed his eyes.


    He thought he would go crazy from how bothered he felt. Just existing by her side, it felt like all the hair on his body was standing on end. Being in Her Highness¡¯s room, in Her Highness¡¯s bed, next to Her Highness. Nadricka often stayed up all night in disbelief.


    She probably couldn¡¯t even imagine. That he only closed his eyes in the morning when she awoke.


    And there wasn¡¯t any moment as thrilling. When those drowsy and clear eyes silently checked out his face as he pretended to be asleep. When he tried to judge the shortened distance between himself and the shadow that traced a line across his face.


    Nadricka let out a heated breath and turned on his side. Then his movements which seemed to momentarily stop started.


    With a low breath, he put his hand beneath the blanket and curled up his body a little more. Silently, his lowered brows twitched.


    There was the sound of fabric slipping, and bit by bit the sound of his breathing became more uneven. As if he were trying to suppress the sound, there was a long, muffled moan.


    He stopped his movements as if to take a breath, and then carefully scanned the quiet of the bedchamber. Her Highness¡¯s breathing behind him was peaceful and regular.


    Shortly, he furrowed his brows. His cheeks were flushed red as Nadricka bowed his back even more, his expression that of exhausted endurance.


    His movements were clearer than before as they steadily gained speed. His shoulder and arm lightly rose and fell and moved the blanket on top. It happened when he had buried his face in his pillow and was letting out a succession of sticky breaths.


    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±


    An unfamiliar hand suddenly tunneled into his pants and grabbed his bottom part. Feeling someone¡¯s skin on his back, their breath on the back of his neck, Nadricka stopped breathing.


    ¡°It got wet.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Nadricka shivered with terrible pleasure, and let out a breath. He got chills on the back of his neck. However, his heart squeezed with the alarm and fear of being discovered.


    The owner of the playful voice still had her chin on his shoulder as she let out a slow laugh and moved her hand.


    Nadricka¡¯s face was hot and burned like it was on fire.


    ¡°Did you touch yourself beneath the covers without me knowing, in my bed?¡±


    ***


    At first, I wondered what in the world the sound was. Lately, I hadn¡¯t been able to sleep deeply, so it only took a moment for my eyes to open at even the faintest sound.


    Of course, I wasn¡¯t completely awake so after assessing the situation, I was startled and found my gaze lasering into the trembling back. The round head, bowed neck and curved back really suited my tastes.


    After that, well¡­. I hugged him from behind and my palm became wet.


    ¡°I-I apologize¡­.¡±


    Nadricka¡¯s cheeks, which were red from excitement, became wet with tears. I stared at him intently.


    ¡°What are you apologizing for?¡±


    ¡°I-I, Your Highness, I¡­¡­ Please forgive me¡­..¡±


    Nadricka was already kneeling on the bed in front of me.


    All of a sudden, I remembered the day we had first met. He had been crying and begging for forgiveness like this then too.


    Nadricka straightened his clothes one by one.


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Pardon¡­..?¡±


    ¡°I think I know why you did it, but I want to hear it straight from you. What¡¯s the reason?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    His mouth was shut tight to keep from crying, and his face was filled with sadness. I wanted to throw myself onto him and whisper all sorts of things into his ear but now was not the time.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At this point, I was the one who was having trouble holding back.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    In the end, I urged him. Nadricka closed his eyes tight before speaking in a shaky voice.


    ¡°I-I wanted to sleep¡­. Because, I wanted¡­. Because I wanted to sleep with Your Highness. Every, every night, it was¡­. It was getting too hard to hold back¡­.¡±


    That was enough. Unable to keep my laughter in check, I pushed his shoulders.


    Nadricka fell backward. His tousled golden hair on top of the white sheets delighted me to no end. Along with his round eyes which largened in surprise.


    ¡°Then why were you playing with the blanket instead of coming to me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    His face reddened again. And then his expression gradually faded.


    ¡°I¡­. I¡¯m satisfied with just making Your Highness happy¡­.. You can just, use me like that.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°My, what I mean is, my own happiness¡­.. I wouldn¡¯t¡­ I wouldn¡¯t dare to ask Your Highness. But I couldn¡¯t control myself. So I apol¡­.¡±


    When his voice began shaking too much, Nadricka shut his mouth without being able to finish what he was saying. With my fingertips, I wiped the tears from his eyes.


    ¡°Why are you apologizing for that?¡±


    ¡°I-I-I shouldn¡¯t enjoy-.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    For the first time, he turned his head to the side and avoided my gaze. His face clouded over with resignation and resentment.


    ¡°Your Highness knows¡­..¡±


    ¡°What do I know?¡±


    ¡°That I¡­. That I was a sex slave.¡±


    I stared at him dumbly, unable to comprehend the meaning of his words.


    ¡°Be-Because you would hate it¡­.. And so I was, I was trying to control it.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Who says I¡¯ll hate you because you were a sex slave?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    He looked up at me with a dumbfounded expression.


    ¡°I like you.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I want to sleep with you.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Pardon?¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m holding back. Because you¡¯re crying like this¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Surprised, he stopped crying. And as soon as his tears had visibly dried, I laughed playfully.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ I-Is it really okay?¡±


    ¡°If you want to do it with me and I want to do it with you, then what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°Still¡­..¡±


    I slowly lowered my face toward his, which had been looking up at me as if caught in a trance. I stopped just as our noses were about to touch, and saw his Adam¡¯s apple bob. I laughed softly.


    ¡°But, how did you find out that I knew?¡±


    ¡°In the garden¡­.. I¡¯d gone out to see Your Highness, and I heard you speaking with a maid.¡±


    Come to think of it, it had started that night. Nadricka not coming to my room.


    ¡°Did you, want to hide it from me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    I had guessed that would be the case. Because while he had tried to teach me many things since I¡¯d lost my memory, he had never spoken about himself unless asked.


    So, I hadn¡¯t wanted to tell him that I knew. Not to mention, it wasn¡¯t that important to me. If had known that it would make him so anxious and miserable, I wouldn¡¯t have hidden it.


    With my hands on the bed to either side of Nadricka¡¯s head, I bent my arms to kiss his forehead. And his eyelids, which fluttered closed as I came close. And his lips.


    We stayed like that for a while before our lips parted and interlocked more deeply. I shifted my weight on his belly. A moan surged from his throat.


    He reached a hand to my back and hugged me tightly. Like a child trying not to be separated.


    The tight joining of our lips flowed into a light kiss. Making sound, our lips came together several times.


    Only when I had moved my hand to beside his head and lifted my head did our eyes meet again. I stuck out my tongue and lightly licked my lips.


    The eyes on my tongue were intense, but when I looked down at him, breathing hard with his flushed cheeks, ears, and lips, I felt a shiver run up my spine.


    I smiled and lowered my head to his nape. He groaned and gripped the bedsheets.


    ¡°Your Highness¡­..¡±


    ¡°If you call me that one more time¡­. I¡¯ll punish you.¡±


    ¡°But¡­.¡±


    I playfully nipped at his earlobe, and he shivered, unable to finish his sentence. Seeing him with his eyes shut tight, shivering and unconsciously responding to me, I found my excitement growing as well.


    ¡°¡­..Ria. Call me Ria.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t think of an adequate nickname. I just thought I would like it if he didn¡¯t call me Your Highness.


    ¡°But¡­. haa.¡±


    ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°How could I, say your name¡­.¡±


    His chest rose and fell. His defined shoulders and thin but hard body were slowly reddening. I stroked his body as if it were a work of art. He shivered.


    ¡°Ri-Ria¡­¡­¡±


    He let out a heated breath as though it was becoming hard to control himself, as he looked up at me. I didn¡¯t know if I could stand it.


    So, I whispered into his ear.


    ¡°From now on, when we¡¯re alone, call me that. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­..¡±


    I raised my head and looked into his yes. His eyes sparkled excitedly in the dark.


    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t like being called Your Highness.¡±


    At my words, he made an indescribable face. Seeing the worry flash in his eyes, I laughed and lowered my hand again.


    ¡°Eek!¡±


    He responded as though it were the first time he was experiencing everything.


    ¡°¡­¡­Did I not do this for you before?¡±


    Dizzily, Nadricka bit his lip and tried to speak steadily.


    ¡°Yess, not once, be-before¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a bad feeling. I licked his lips and put one hand under his hips. I went a little lower. He shivered uncontrollably.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to answer?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yess! R-Really!¡±


    ¡°This too?¡±


    This time I touched the front. He let out a strangled moan, and screwing his eyes shut, shook his head.


    ¡°Your Highness, please, Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I continued as if I hadn¡¯t heard him. He looked at me with teary eyes and spoke cautiously.


    ¡°R-Ria¡­..¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to punish you.¡±


    I moved back and took up a place between his legs. Then I bent his knees and placed a kiss on top of them.


    ¡°I apologize¡­¡­¡±


    I heard him mumbling softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think so. I think you need to be punished.¡±


    I lightly kissed his lower belly. As I did so, he tensed his lower belly. I laughed quietly and moved my head down further.


    Suddenly, he closed his legs, squeezing me tightly between them. Though he immediately opened them again.


    ¡°You did it for me last time, so today¡¯s my turn.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t, ah!¡±


    He threw his head back.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Nadricka made dying sounds while falteringly reaching out his hand toward me.


    ¡°P-Please, y-you can¡¯t¡­.. ah! Hah!¡±


    His hands, which had flinched back after grazing my face, finally came to rest on my face and shoulders, seemingly at a loss for what to do.


    Then, as though he weren¡¯t confident he could control his strength, he reached for the sheets in surrender.


    Along with his intermittent moans, his hips continued to shake, and his open thighs trembled with the effort to keep them open. It felt like the thought that he shouldn¡¯t touch or hold me in any way was still dominating Nadricka¡¯s mind.


    I loved his kindness and respectful affection toward me, but I had no intention of having relations with him while he was unable to accept and pursue his own pleasure.


    It could be that it just felt unfamiliar. Seeing how anxious he was despite how much he was enjoying it.


    My mouth felt numb. To be honest, it wasn¡¯t a size that I could handle on the first try.


    Suddenly, I coughed.


    At the sound of my coughing, Nadricka immediately sat up in horror, and his face red, clumsily clasped my face and plead with me.


    ¡°Please stop, I¡¯m begging you, Ria, please, ah¡­¡­¡±


    When our eyes met, he was suddenly at a loss for words. It seemed that the visual stimulation was too much. His pained expression disappeared and his eyes darkened.


    As he bit his lips, I could see the immense chaos as well as the sharply raging conflict in his eyes. Along with what decision he would soon make.


    Nadricka slowly stroked my cheek with trembling hands. I liked the partial frown on his face, and his shaky breathing.


    I obediently lifted my head in the direction his arm guided me, as he swept his thumb over my wet lips then kissed me.


    I wrapped my arms around his neck and responded passionately. It was the first time he had kissed me first.


    Our lips joined then fell apart. Our tongues entangled, and grazed past teeth and the roofs of our mouths as we tilted our heads and kissed each other again and again. His hands which were trembling from nerves carefully and urgently stroked my back.


    ¡°Ria.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    We were both breathing raggedly. Despite calling out to me first, Nadricka continued biting and sucking my lips as though speaking were a waste of his time.


    ¡°Mmm¡­..¡±


    Our bodies were line up against each other and I let out a succession of languid moans. Like he was pecking at feed, he traced the line of my neck and shoulders with his lips. It was affectionate but persistent.


    ¡°¡­..I really like you.¡±


    He murmured with his face buried in my shoulder. I thought I could hear him laughing for a moment beyond the sound of my breathing.


    At some point, I had stopped moving, simply resting my chin on his shoulder. Whenever his fingers moved I whimpered and hugged his neck tightly.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°No¡­..¡±


    ¡°Then, please.. touch me more¡­.¡±


    I laughed even as I let out a moan. As my hand slipped down his spine, he hurriedly grabbed my wrist and put it back on his shoulder.


    ¡°Not there¡­.¡±


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want to before, but now you¡¯re being picky about where?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    Nadricka wordlessly moved his hand. I laughed faintly and leaned my head against his cheek.


    ¡°Ria¡­.¡±


    He looked at me with downturned eyes.


    ¡°Now that it¡¯s come to this¡­. I¡¯m not going to say I can¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°As you should. I would have been mad otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Ria.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­ Am I really alright?¡±


    ¡°What are you so uneasy about.¡±


    I touched my forehead to his and asked silkily. I could see the last shadow of hesitation in his eyes.


    ¡°What if¡­. I¡¯m the only one who likes you?¡±


    It was a shy and foolish question, asked like had forgotten everything that had just transpired.


    ¡°I like you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re precious to me. Really. I can¡¯t say how deep those feelings go¡­. But they¡¯re real.¡±


    He seemed surprised before he laughed, the smile reaching his eyes.


    ¡°I¡­..¡±


    He supported my back then pushed me backward. He put his hands on the bed next to my head and climbed on top of me.


    During all this, Nadricka didn¡¯t forget to put a pillow underneath my head.


    ¡°Nadricka?¡±


    I could smell his heady scent from his neck. His tensed shoulders caged me in. His breath reached my ears.


    ¡°But I love you.¡±


    It happened at the same time that he said those words.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    I screwed my eyes shut. His voice whispering in my ear was arousing.


    ¡°Those are my true feelings¡­..¡±


    He placed a soft kiss on the shell of my ear. I gasped and looked up at him.


    As he lifted his head from my ear, his laugh was shyer and lovelier than anything in the world.


    Nadricka stared at me for a moment, then bowed as if to embrace me. Our lips connected again.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡­¡±


    His movements weren¡¯t too expressive or hurried and there was nothing unnecessary to them. It felt like he knew where to do what so that I would feel it.


    As our rhythm became steady, the pleasure began piling up like a wave.


    We couldn¡¯t stop laughing. Even though we were breathing heavily, whenever our eyes met, we ended up laughing.


    It felt like it would never end. In the end, maybe because the bed was being pushed back little by little, I could hear the sound of the floor being scratched.


    My mind was becoming mush.


    ¡°Ria, is it good? Do you feel good?¡±


    Once in a while, Nadricka would ask me worriedly. As though he were desperate to hear my answer despite knowing everything. Then I would respond over and over that it felt good.


    ¡°I¡¯ve, always, always been, thinking, I¡¯ve, always wanted to, wanted to be together, like this¡­..¡±


    We held each other.


    Before I knew it, my vision went white, flickering before going back to normal. Nadricka exhaled softly from above me.


    ¡°Ria. How was it?¡±


    Nadricka whispered while placing kisses all over my face.


    ¡°Mmm¡­.¡±


    I didn¡¯t have the energy to respond. I was tired and drowsiness was overtaking me. It wouldn¡¯t do to make a habit of falling asleep right after.


    ¡°Are¡­. you not going to give me an answer?¡±


    Nadricka looked up at me while affectionately licking my ears and neck. I smiled with my eyes closed.


    ¡°¡­¡­.It was good.¡±


    Nadricka gave me a smooch. Then kissed me deeply. Dawn was breaking.


    What woke me up was small kisses on my forehead, brows, and the top of my head. Without opening my eyes, I tunneled into his embrace even further. I could feel Nadricka laughing without sound. His hands softly stroking my head felt nice.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    At my answer, Nadricka pulled the covers over me. Then he hugged me and gently patted my back.


    It was the first blindingly peaceful morning in a long, long time.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    Right then, I heard a maid call me from beyond the curtains. As I refused to move, Nadricka sat up a little instead.


    ¡°What is the matter?¡±


    ¡°Sir Knight has come to offer greetings to Her Highness.¡±


    ¡°Sir Knight?¡±


    ¡°Sir Eclot Pacis is requesting to see you.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­. Wait a moment. I haven¡¯t washed yet. No, at least my clothes¡­.¡±


    Greetings. In any case, he wasn¡¯t a normal person. I forced a laugh, and throwing back the covers, sat myself up. Immediately, Nadricka hugged me from behind and buried his face in my neck.


    ¡°Are you going?¡±


    He said while softly rubbing his face on my neck, and I laughed.


    ¡°No.¡±


    After standing up to put on a simple gown, I gave Nadricka, who had been following me with his eyes, a light kiss and sat back on the bed.


    ¡°Tell him to come in.¡±


    In the brief moment between the door opening and Eclot coming into view, Nadricka quickly hugged me from behind and began to enthusiastically place small kisses on my neck. His head snuggled underneath my armpit and then his lips were teasing the inside of my arms and my hips.


    I was laughing because it was ticklish when my eyes met Eclot¡¯s. I became a bit embarrassed and quickly pushed away Nadricka¡¯s face with my hand.


    ¡°Ah¡­.. good morning?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I apologize. I thought you had awoken and have committed a grave error.¡±


    ¡°Nah. I was already awake. And if it was such a bother, I wouldn¡¯t have let you in.¡±


    ¡°Is that so.¡±


    As we were talking, Nadricka languidly rested his chin on my shoulder and fiddled with my hair.


    Feeling Eclot¡¯s gaze slip over to Nadricka, I laughed bitterly. This was quite the awkward situation.


    Receiving a concubine¡¯s greetings while lying in bed with another, naked concubine shouldn¡¯t be a common occurrence, but I might have gotten used to this world because I found it cute how Nadricka was stealthily showing his displeasure while sticking to me.


    ¡°Did you have a good night.¡±


    ¡°Well, as you can see.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you have anything left to say?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I have a request.¡±


    ¡°Is it an urgent matter?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then, um, it¡¯ll be fine if we talk after I wash up, right?¡±


    He was quiet for a moment before he bowed his head and responded.


    ¡°I will wait for you.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Now, what was it you wanted to tell me?¡±


    Wearing a bath robe, I sat across from him and crossed my legs. He was waiting for me in the exact same position as when he had first arrived.


    ¡°May I inquire the reason for sparing Yuriel Rose?¡±


    So he wanted to get right into it, I see. I laughed bitterly and responded.


    ¡°What reason was there to kill her?¡±


    ¡°She is guilty of the crime of contempt against the royal family.¡±


    ¡°And is that not the reason I sent her out of the palace?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    Eclot leaned a little in my direction and lowered his voice.


    ¡°Is it possible that the woman has discovered your weakness.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°If you tell me then I-.¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    He shut his mouth. However, his eyes were still full of firm faith.


    ¡°Was it so strange that I did not kill Yuriel?¡±


    ¡°According to the law, it is not appropriate to-.¡±


    ¡°Why, because it doesn¡¯t make sense to you how I could so easily drive a loyal subject like you to your death while being unable to do anything about a mere child? Is that why you thought she might hold my weakness?¡±


    ¡°If I have displeased you-.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m obligated to give you an explanation.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­That is not so.¡±


    Eclot immediately rose from his chair and got on his knees before me.


    ¡°In my fear that I would not fully be able to protect Your Highness should you be hiding something from me, I was too forward. Please forgive me.¡±


    I didn¡¯t have to lay on the sarcasm so thick. More than that, he shouldn¡¯t be kneeling over it. However¡­.


    Yuriel wasn¡¯t just another servant to me. Because she was the only person who was close to my secret. In the moment, I had ended up putting up my guard.


    I wasn¡¯t sure how to treat him. It was awkward to be on the receiving end of loyalty so strong that not even death was off the table, and it made me uneasy to know that I wasn¡¯t its true object.


    It felt like at any moment he would yell ¡®you¡¯re a fake¡¯, draw his sword, and kill me.


    ¡°If you only give the command, I will handle it quietly.¡±


    You¡¯re saying you¡¯ll kill her, Yuriel.


    He was saying that he would get rid of ¡®the source of my troubles¡¯ just like they did in the books and movies. I didn¡¯t feel as guilty since she wouldn¡¯t be dying in front of me. It could be solved with a nod of my head.


    ¡°¡­¡­Are you willing to do whatever I order you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I could order you to die right here, right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    He didn¡¯t even seem surprised. The composed look in his eyes was that of someone who had already considered such a situation.


    I wonder if you would really die if I told you to. Why are you willing to go so far? Why?


    ¡°I said that I had desired to kill you out of hatred for you. But do you have no will of your own? Do you really want to do all of this in front of someone like that?¡±


    ¡°I am simply doing my duty.¡±


    ¡°If I suppose your words to be true, do you believe that is normal? The idea that I could easily do away with your life if I felt like it? That you would wholeheartedly surrender to that?¡±


    I wanted to know his true feelings. And so, I proceeded to drive him into a corner.


    ¡°There is no space to doubt that the duty of a subject is to be loyal to the royal family. How could you say loyalty is wrong.¡±


    At one time, I had tried to imitate the princess. But even if I did, nothing changed. Neither the princess¡¯s destined death, nor the lives of those innocents that would continue to be lost up until that very moment.


    If what he was showing me were his true feelings, then I could guess that he would have ended up dying while standing by that damn princess, like a fool. That¡¯s why I felt even more frustrated.


    ¡°¡­¡­You asked me the reason. Fine, I will answer you.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Essen Velrod. That man said he loved that woman.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°The man who wholeheartedly offered up his body to me for the sake of his land and people, threw all of that away and was caught trying to escape with that woman.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, who among these was wrong?¡±


    I saw my face reflected in his eyes. The princess¡¯s, and now my, face.


    ¡°It was I.¡±


    ¡°That is not so.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say so?¡±


    ¡°The crime of the one who dared desire Your Highness¡¯s possessions and forgot Your Highness¡¯s grace is truly great, moreover it is illogical to suggest that Your Highness has done any wrong in forgiving her and-.¡±


    ¡°That is enough.¡±


    I felt that we weren¡¯t on the same page and put a hand on my forehead.


    ¡°So, what was this request you wanted to make?¡±


    ¡°¡­..I heard that previously, dozens of servants dared to assault Your Highness¡¯s concubine. As you have not meted out any punishments, I ask that you allow me to kill them all and put their heads on display.¡±


    ¡°I deny your request.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°You have only been back for a few days, but you know the ins and outs of my palace well.¡±


    ¡°But Your Highness, you must kill and make an example of those who have dared show contempt against the royal family. Laying hands on one who is in servitude to Your Highness is an unspeakably serious crime.¡±


    ¡°That is enough. I have decided to take responsibility, so cease this. Have I not also laid hands on another¡¯s spouse? Will you also cut me down?¡±


    The princess¡¯s personal order of knights, full of beauty to entertain the eyes, existing for the sole purpose of fun. Among their ranks were men who had a wife and children.


    ¡°Receiving Your Highness¡¯s favor is life¡¯s great joy.¡±


    ¡°Who said that? That it is such great joy. Since when did ¡®receiving favor¡¯ involve the other person¡¯s intent?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness. This is necessary. By establishing the authority and solidifying the position of the royal family, it is necessary to thoroughly crack down on those responsible so there are no repeats of this incident. Only by doing so will you be able to rule over the people in peace.¡±


    ¡°You are saying that it is ¡®necessary¡¯ to kill them, not for the suffering my concubine has endured, but solely to maintain the structure known as the royal family. That isn¡¯t right.¡±


    ¡°This is not a matter of right and wrong. What is important is determining whether it is necessary for Your Highness, who will rise to the highest authority. You must give swift and clear punishments for rebellious elements, and definite rewards for loyalty.¡±


    Suddenly, I thought of how I had come to be debating him. There wasn¡¯t any reason I shouldn¡¯t accept his way of thinking.


    When it came to him¡­. I think I want to apologize in the princess¡¯s stead. To tell him that the order he received was unfair. No matter the reason. But he kept saying that it wasn¡¯t something to apologize for.


    ¡°¡­..In that case, you are not right for me. Just necessary.¡±


    His eyes, which had been sparkling without a hint of suspicion, lost their light in that moment.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°In that case, who will give me their heart.¡±


    When I opened my eyes here, when I realized that I was the only one on my side, what ate away at me was terrible loneliness.


    I was on the receiving end of everyone¡¯s hatred, and I was facing a predestined death. The feeling of standing alone in that fog, not knowing who to trust and who I needed, was still fresh.


    I had needed help then. I had needed not someone who would show me the way, but someone who would stand in that fog with me. Someone who would, when I reached out my hand, take hold of it.


    ¡°I have not approved it. You should head back now.¡±


    Though his head was bowed, I felt like he was trying to hold onto me.


    But soon, that feeling faded, and Eclot dusted off his seat and stood up.


    ***


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­You don¡¯t seem happy.¡±


    ¡°Do I?¡±


    I let my head drop onto Nadricka¡¯s shoulder and closed my eyes.


    ¡°Did that person cause you pain?¡±


    I was able to laugh a little due to those words.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that. I was thinking about Essen.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°He stayed back in the palace to be with her¡­.. But you know, Yuriel ended up being expelled¡­.. I was thinking that he¡¯d feel miserable seeing the worst side of the woman he loves.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should go see him once¡­.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Would that really help?¡±


    I let out long sigh.

 Chapter 6

    It had happened a few years ago.


    ¡°Listen here.¡±


    The sunlight was blinding. The wind was cool enough, and the far away rustling of leaves could be heard.


    ¡°Ho! Can you not hear me!¡±


    Lying comfortably in the field, the young man with messy, curly, black hair made no movement. The face of the knight-in-training, the son of a well-to-do family who had exerted himself from the early morning in order to come get the man, turned red.


    ¡°You there!¡±


    ¡°You there?¡±


    From the motionless, lying form facing the other way came a sudden, savage reply. For a moment, the knight-in-training looked surprised, but he soon spoke with a brazen expression.


    ¡°Why did you ignore me if you were awake?¡±


    ¡°This little bastard¡­..¡±


    With one side of his face sporting an impression of the grass, the young man scowled and sat up. The knight-in-training instinctively took a step back.


    ¡°You wanna die, that it?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­W-what vulgar manner of speech!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°The Commander asked for you so you should hurry up! V-Vice Commander!¡­¡­Sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you after, okay?¡±


    With bits of grass stuck all over his back and bottom, the young man walked over to where the knight-in-training stood and whispered while placing an arm around the man¡¯s shoulders.


    After checking that the knight-in-training¡¯s face had gone pale, he swaggered down the road. He could see two horses tied to the fence at the bottom.


    Jumping onto his horse, he got further and further away. In the direction of the palace in the distance.


    Then before long, the young man was picking his ears in front of the Knight Commander.


    ¡°What? Did I hear you right?¡±


    The Commander¡¯s face twisted. However, Leo did not say anything about the young man¡¯s rude attitude, where he normally would have. As the Commander¡¯s silence dragged on, the young man¡¯s clear face finally began to contort as well.


    Leo Dippet covered his eyes with his hand. He turned to the window with a miserable expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me¡­¡­ to entertain¡­.. that crazy woman?¡±


    ¡°Sieger!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s me we¡¯re talking about, Commander! I was slowly dying as a beggar amid rowdy street urchins! But despite all the discrimination and dismissal I became the royal family¡¯s gold badge-wearing Vice Commander! That¡¯s the kind of person I am, but what now? Do what?¡±


    ¡°Please, Sieger!¡±


    ¡°Are you insane? You think I came all this way to be a prostitute?¡±


    It was the voice of someone who was ready to kill. The Commander turned around and dissuaded him.


    ¡°Calm down. At least, at least for now, you must obey the royal decree. This is, the only way, you¡¯ll live.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, why do I have to!¡±


    Sieger kicked the desk next to him. The desk toppled backward noisily, cracking before splitting in two.


    ¡°Sieger, please. Listen to me carefully.¡±


    The Commander grasped his shoulders, which were heaving in agitation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t draw attention to yourself. Stay low, and bear with it. Try and do what she tells you to, okay? You must show obedience. I heard that she has a hobby of squashing those who resist. If you get caught up in that for nothing then your life¡­.. Please just think about looking after yourself. Okay? Then I¡¯ll definitely¡­.. definitely get you out.¡±


    ¡°Commander.¡±


    Sieger¡¯s under-eyes turned red. His shoulders shook with a mixture of anger and injustice, sadness, and resignation he didn¡¯t want to acknowledge.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up. Ever. Understand??¡±


    The Commander¡¯s voice was shaky and sounded wet.


    ¡°What did you say when you came under me? You said that if you were going to take up a sword, you might as well become the best.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll swear on my life that I will get you out. You can do it. Becoming the best.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    The young man known as Sieger had been with Leo for a long time. So he knew him well. The guy he knew was someone who would choose to break over bending.


    ¡°So¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Commander, I think this country is insane.¡±


    Sieger mumbled. As he knelt and clutched onto the pant leg of his benefactor.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­..¡±


    The Commander wasn¡¯t even able to cry loudly. He could only painfully express his despair and keep down the sobs that continually threatened to pour out.


    ***


    Sieger let out a laugh. While packing his things in the small room that had served as his living quarters for the past year, he had thought of the past for a moment.


    ¡°Can¡¯t trust that Commander. He said he¡¯d save me. But if it¡¯s like this, aren¡¯t I just helping myself?¡±


    He didn¡¯t have many possessions. From the beginning, he hadn¡¯t been attached to the place. Carrying two swords and a few clothes, Sieger headed to the knight¡¯s quarters.


    The entire time he was walking, he felt the prickling sensation of eyes on him. Sieger thought of the princess. That crazy bitch was off her rocker.


    For him, it had been good news. They said that crazies didn¡¯t live long, so let her just bite the dust already.


    Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, having escaped from his sickening life as a prostitute, Sieger thought that today at least, he would gladly obey an order to lick the ground of the training grounds. In any case, it would be better than licking the princess¡¯s breasts.


    Of course, if someone really ordered him to, he was prepared to tear their mug into pieces. Sieger¡¯s eyes sparked like a coyote¡¯s as he glared at each one of the figures treating him like some spectacle. They were mostly familiar faces. That¡¯s why it sucked even more.


    For now, things had turned out well on account of the princess going off her rocker. However, there was no way to know what else she would make him do. Really, just when he¡¯d thought she hadn¡¯t been coming around, she¡¯d popped out of nowhere only to declare the dissolution of the order of prostitutes. He wanted to pick her brain.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    That day, when he¡¯d seen the princess again after so long. Sieger almost hadn¡¯t recognized the princess. He didn¡¯t know the reason, but for a moment, he¡¯d thought she was a different person.


    Sieger praised his animalistic senses. He clearly hadn¡¯t gone rusty seeing as how he¡¯d immediately noticed she¡¯d gone insane.


    The first time he had held back for the Commander¡¯s sake, but if she tried to force him again, he was ready to kill that woman then gladly accept his own wretched death.


    ¡°Sieger!¡±


    Sieger waved his hand at the person who had come out to greet him. It was the Knight Commander Leo Dippet.


    ¡°Commander.¡±


    Sieger was pulled into the Commander¡¯s embrace. He let out a short laugh and greeted him.


    ¡°I am back.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­You did well.¡±


    ¡°But I thought you were going to get me out first?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    As Sieger retreated, Leo released his arms.


    For a moment, neither of them said anything. Sieger scanned Leo¡¯s subdued expression and laughed bitterly.


    ¡°I expected something like this. That even if I came back, everything wouldn¡¯t go back to the way it was.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Am I being demoted? I¡¯ll just think of it as going someplace quiet to get some rest. Which province is it?¡±


    ¡°Sieger.¡±


    ¡°Pretty heartless treatment of a comrade who made it back alive from a lousy situation if you ask me.¡±


    Sieger hadn¡¯t been even been treated as a human being while that woman kept him like a pig in a pen. He hadn¡¯t even expected the prideful knights who put honor above all else to easily accept someone who had fallen behind like that.


    Not to mention, Sieger had always been a blemish to them. Because he was a commoner. Moreover, he had been caught by patrol in one of those lawless districts for acting like a thug when Leo noticed him and took him in. Because of that, when Sieger was appointed to Vice Commander, many complained about unfair treatment and favoritism.


    ¡°I can convince them in no time. Then you¡¯ll be able to come back.¡±


    ¡°So, where do I go now?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Leo hesitated. After the princess¡¯s personal order of knights had been disbanded, everyone left while Sieger was left alone. He had stayed and taken the promotion exam, officially becoming a knight again. Many people were envious of him, but there was no ignoring his skill.


    But the high-ranking knights had pointed out that Sieger wasn¡¯t qualified to even take the promotion exam.


    ¡°You do not have to leave.¡±


    ¡°What? What¡¯s up with those guys?¡±


    ¡°¡­..You¡¯ve been assigned to the outer palace guards.¡±


    ¡°Guards? The ones who patrol the tower over there and the outskirts?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°In other words, they just hate the idea of me being a knight like them.¡±


    Sieger ruffled his hair once, looked up at the sky, and couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ***


    ¡°Your Highness, should I let them in?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I had just finished the homework Robia had assigned. I threw my pen onto the desk and stood up.


    Shortly, the door opened, and three men, whose appearance was neater than before despite still being skin and bones, came in with faltering steps. As soon as our eyes met, they got down onto the carpet and bowed their heads.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Surprised, I stood them up. When I touched them, they visibly trembled. They were the slaves from Velrod that I brought from those bastards a few days ago. I turned to the maid who had come in with them.


    ¡°Prepare rooms for them, and have them trained as palace servants.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re probably curious as to why I brought you here. Try¡­. to adapt to this place. I¡¯m going to let you live as servants. In this palace.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Why.¡±


    One of the three asked, looking directly into my eyes.


    ¡°Why, why¡­¡­¡±


    But there was no anger or hatred in his eyes. It just seemed like an expression of subdued fear.


    Pitying him, I reached out my hand. I was afraid that my sympathy would hurt them. But I couldn¡¯t not reach out my hand, and had made them come all the way here.


    ¡°Why, why¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I promise. That nothing scary will happen from now on.¡±


    Right then, a crooked voice flew at me from behind.


    ¡°You bought slaves.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    When I turned my head, I saw Robia leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. I laughed awkwardly and waved my hand at him.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Are you not of the age to know that it is foolish to buy slaves out of pity? Not to mention, it is illegal.¡±


    ¡°Are you condemning me? I already know, okay?¡±


    ¡°What condemnation.¡±


    ¡°Quite bold, too. Anyways¡­.. I had my reasons.¡±


    I¡¯d heard it hadn¡¯t even been ten years since slavery was abolished by law. Since the royal family hadn¡¯t shown any interest in making arrests, it was true that it was still popular.


    And now I had¡­.. Brought some into the palace.


    ¡°Anyways. Come in.¡±


    Robia came in close and examined the slaves. Then he responded in an emotionless voice.


    ¡°They are from the east. Are they from Velrod?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.You, would make it as a psychic.¡±


    ¡°What¡­.. psychic?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I guess you don¡¯t say that here.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Maybe because of the noise of our conversation, Nadricka, who had been sound asleep, sat up on the bed, his hair messy.


    ¡°¡­..Your Highness?¡±


    The maid took that moment to leave the room with the three men.


    ¡°You awake?¡±


    I went and sat next to him, then arranged his tangled hair. Nadricka sat still as I ran my hands through his hair. And then his stomach grumbled.


    ¡°¡­¡­Ah.¡±


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    Nadricka blinked his eyes before smiling and nodding his head.


    I was smiling back at Nadricka when I noticed Robia standing up against the desk with his arms crossed, as if to challenge us to keep going. I saw Robia open his mouth to make all sorts of sarcastic remarks then,


    ¡°Should we eat first?¡±


    I made the first move without hesitation.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t had lunch yet, right? Eat with us.¡±


    ¡°With us, you say.¡±


    Robia replied sullenly but I ignored it.


    The meal was prepared instantly. Nadricka was deferential, Robia was curt, and the food was good.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking this for a while,¡±


    At my words, Robia crookedly raised his eyebrows.


    ¡°You need to learn how to speak more nicely. You always look angry.¡±


    With my head tilted I turned toward Nadricka.


    ¡°Right? Nadricka.¡±


    Nadricka glanced at Robia then nodded in my direction.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°See, even Nadricka says so. Fix it.¡±


    Robia was nicer than you¡¯d think but he had the tendency to use harsh words. Though that inability to be honest was what made him cute.


    Robia¡¯s fork came down more forcefully than a minute ago. At that rate, he¡¯d break his plate for sure. The tomatoes on Robia¡¯s plate were spouting juice as they squished.


    ¡°Let us stop this and continue eating.¡±


    ¡°Stop what?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders and laughed. Nadricka followed me in laughing a little, when Robia¡¯s already chaotic eyes angled sharply and focused on Nadricka.


    I had thought that Nadricka would panic or avoid his gaze for sure, but it was a surprise when he lifted his head stiffly and met Robia¡¯s eyes squarely.


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    Robia snorted dumbfoundedly before turning his gaze to his plate.


    I tilted my chin and watched the two with interest.


    ¡°So, I have something to ask.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°You two fought, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Nadricka¡¯s eyes shook like his tongue had been stabbed. Robia only knit his eyebrows and scowled, but didn¡¯t seem too surprised.


    ¡°Why would I do something so troublesome?¡±


    ¡°Why? You know that thing that happens between concubines.¡±


    It seemed Robia understood instantly, because his face twisted. Seeing his disgust, I pretended innocence.


    ¡°You know, something like fighting over affection?¡±


    ¡°From the start, are he and I even on the same level? As if¡­¡­¡±


    Unexpectedly, the vehement response came from elsewhere.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s not like that! Not at all! Really!¡±


    It was Nadricka.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, that is, so what I¡¯m saying is, that person kept, to Your Highness¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°To me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Without knowing his place!¡±


    Without knowing his place!


    His voice was so loud that the words shook the ceiling and echoed through the room. Robia looked fed up.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You were really jealous, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    His face a bright red, Nadricka drooped his head.


    Yuriel had disappeared from my eyes, and the peace which had seemed impossible had come, but I felt strangely anxious.


    I thought I had been running straight ahead all this time, so it felt like I had missed something. Of course, it was just a feeling, and I could point to nothing concrete.


    I also absentmindedly laid on my bed for half a day thinking about Eclot¡¯s words.


    What was I supposed to do now?


    I had escaped the threat of death, but I was still in this world. Wearing the fake appearance of the princess. What am I supposed to live for now?


    My previous self was gradually being buried. Even so, that didn¡¯t mean I could become the true princess.


    ¡°Do not be like that and please accept them.¡±


    I wordlessly stared at the viscount who had come to see me along with his second son. He was setting out in front of me what he claimed was porcelain obtained with difficulty from the east.


    ¡°I said I wasn¡¯t interested.¡±


    ¡°However, just for Your Highness I went through some lengths to obtain¡­.¡±


    I waved my hand, cutting him off, then spoke.


    ¡°So, what is your real reason for coming here?¡±


    The number of times something like this had happened almost exceeded the number of fingers I had. But I couldn¡¯t just throw them all out.


    ¡°I wanted to request Your Highness¡¯s opinion¡­.¡±


    The man in front of me was the first who had actually brought his son along.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    His son was an adorable looking man with fair skin. He had been watching out for my reaction when the tips of his ears turned red and he stood up from his seat. I told you to tell me so why are you getting up?


    ¡°Your Highness. Before that, would you allow me to pour you some tea?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Somehow, he read my displeased silence as a positive sign, because he approached me and poured tea into the tea cup offered up by his father. Then, while taking up my tea cup, he stealthily drew his body close to mine and smiled with his eyes.


    Being forced to watch his father watch the sight with satisfaction was just.. I could tell that the original princess had accepted such bribes often enough.


    Suddenly, the father faked a cough and said that he should get going.


    Of course, the son didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of leaving. He was wearing wide leg pants and had quietly lifted his pant leg to show me the bare skin of his calf.


    So what?


    When I didn¡¯t respond, he pretended to accidentally spill his tea onto his chest.


    ¡­..That¡¯s probably hot, though.


    He made a big fuss about throwing off his shirt, then apologized while bowing.


    ¡°Enough. And you, bring a cold towel, since he might have been burned.¡±


    The servant who had been on standby behind me quickly exited the room. Besides misinterpreting my words, I hoped she wouldn¡¯t be so considerate as to let him and I spend quality time together by never returning.


    It seemed the man was in pain because his under-eyes were red and he was gasping and rubbing his chest. Then he looked up at me through bleary eyes. Now that it had come to this, it was giving me a headache to feign innocence.


    ¡°Why? Do you want me to take you?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    His face flushed red.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Saying that, he jumped up and into my arms. I was only asking, when did I say we should roll around together!


    ¡°Your Highness, the towel¡­..¡±


    I hurriedly stopped the maid who was trying to leave again after seeing us tangled up together on the sofa, and pushed the man¡¯s face away with my hand.


    Only at the end of the fiasco, after I had sent him back blubbering with the wet towel, could I finally pause for breath.


    I didn¡¯t know if the original princess would have enjoyed this kind of full body attack, but I didn¡¯t.


    I took back what I said about it maybe being okay to live like this. There was nothing shittier than living in someone else¡¯s body.


    ***


    ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    I got up in a flash. There was a loud knocking on the door in the dark of night, then Daisy ran into the room. After that I saw people gathered there anxiously with lamps.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Ah, so, I went to check today too because Your Highness asked me to, so¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Get to the point.¡±


    ¡°They hung themselves!¡±


    They were the ones who had laid their hands on Nadricka before. She meant that one among them had tried to hang themselves in their room. She said that the servant had been taken away and examined and thankfully would be okay.


    ¡°Your Highness, are you alright?¡±


    Finishing her story, Daisy inspected my face.


    ¡°Do I not look alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡±


    I did receive regular reports. And because Eclot had brought that problem up again, it was just yesterday that I had given the order to continue looking into things. If that hadn¡¯t been the case, they would have been found dead tomorrow.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    I had heard that a strange rumor was circulating among them. That the princess was playing around with them. That she was going to enjoy their suffering before killing them off one by one without leaving a trace.


    Part of it was my intent. I wanted to make it so they would tremble in fear and never be able to do something so terrible again.


    However, that rumor didn¡¯t stop there. From avoiding them, people went on to disdaining and ignoring them. They had thus been isolated. I thought that it was right for them to experience it.


    And ultimately, that had caused a young servant, who had done nothing except stand on lookout like their seniors had instructed them, to attempt suicide. And in doing so, they had beat out everyone else who had been far more malicious.


    Far into the night, the servant was unable to regain consciousness, then dawn broke.


    The more the incident was kept under wraps, the faster it spread through the palace. At dawn, two other maids who had been involved in the matter were captured while trying to escape.


    More than any other day, the atmosphere in the palace was different. The servants whispered under their breath, and there wasn¡¯t a single loud noise. Everyone was sunk with long-accumulated fear.


    I acknowledged that I had to do whatever I could to find another solution to the matter.


    Not what was right, but what was necessary in the current moment.


    ***


    ¡°What did you just say.¡±


    Eclot headed to the princess¡¯s palace as soon as he heard the news. The closer he got, he could see the servants from the other palace crowding together with nothing else to do. When they noticed Eclot, they made way for him and he was able to find the princess without much difficulty.


    The princess was standing straight. As if she was receiving all of the sun¡¯s rays on her own shoulders. She was calm but not cold.


    So Eclot was unable to draw any closer. In this moment, his master who had all of his esteem was unbearably unfamiliar.


    At first, he had simply thought that it was because he hadn¡¯t been by her side in so long. But where had those strange and strong eyes come from that were now stopping him in his tracks. He didn¡¯t know.


    Then, it happened.


    ¡°Cut them off.¡±


    At the princess¡¯s command, the armed soldiers moved together in perfect unison. It happened in the span of a breath.


    Axe blades cut through the right wrists of the four criminals whose heads were bowed Bestial cries mixed with blood as diffused out. Then, hunched over, they cried out in outrage.


    But it was calm.


    The even and straight gaze of the princess was like that.


    Eclot could not dare look away and watched that calm for a long time.


    The four leaders had their right hands severed. The bleeding was stopped and their wounds were bandaged before they were expelled from the palace. Everyone else who had been involved received seven lashes and were chased out.


    Standing in front of those who had screamed in pain and received notice of their expulsion, the princess spoke concisely.


    Pain is forgotten over time. That though your wounds would close up easily, you will not be able to forget your crime when you see your wrist. That such was their punishment.


    How had her eyes looked.


    Before he knew it, he was walking toward the princess¡¯s palace.


    Not even he could explain these feelings of his. He had always came with a reasonable motive but now, as if he was in a trance, as if he had lost his reason, like that.


    ¡°Where is she.¡±


    Despite the reply that she wasn¡¯t here, he couldn¡¯t help but ask the question. Despite knowing in his brain that she would want to be alone. The maid¡¯s face said she thought so too but without another word, she told him.


    The princess was in little frequented passage connecting to the loggia. Because the loggia was in a corner, it was rarely used.


    Leaning against a column, the princess was looking far into the distance. Though she soon turned her head when Eclot made his presence known.


    ¡°I greet Your Highness.¡±


    The princess gave him a brief smile. The sun was setting behind her.


    For the first time in a long time, Eclot found it difficult to open his mouth. He hadn¡¯t been like this even during his first audience with His Majesty in his youth.


    In the end, the first to talk was the princess whose gaze was focused on something far away. She appeared upset.


    ¡°In the end, it happened like you said.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you speaking?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness. Please do not be too concerned.¡±


    At those words, the princess let out a short laugh. Eclot got a little nearer. The princess stared at him before turning away.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I knew you would say that.¡±


    Eclot couldn¡¯t understand what was the problem.


    ¡°You said that it wasn¡¯t a matter of right and wrong. Nevertheless, tell me. Do you think this is right?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean.¡±


    ¡°My punishing them.¡±


    ¡°It is right.¡±


    Eclot answered right away. Because there was no way to know the heart of the one he served, he just responded with everything he had. Hearing those words, the princess sat on the balustrade with her back to the outside.


    ¡°Is it because servants scorned their superiors? Or is it because they forced themselves on someone who did not want it?¡±


    The princess only said words he couldn¡¯t understand. Nevertheless, his heart was anxious because he wondered at the meaning.


    He wished she would let him listen to her voice a little more. Foolish as he was, he wished she would teach him too. And thus, accept¡­ accept him. His mouth went dry.


    ¡°¡­¡­.I do not understand the difference.¡±


    ¡°If it is the first, then that is all there is to it, but if it is the latter, then anyone can be made to face the consequences of their crimes. Even the emperor himself.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    He called out to the princess, his voice laced with concern.


    The princess he had met after 5 years was somehow different. Had she changed in that time. That was a strange feeling.


    ***


    I couldn¡¯t understand. Because my heart was in turmoil, my mouth opened on its own.


    ¡°Why do you prevent me from apologizing?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    I wanted to know what exactly the princess was for him to be kneeling on one knee at my feet. A man who was a good ten years older than the princess at that.


    I watched the rippling light of the twilight sun spread out onto his dark blue hair, slight lighter eyes, and motionless shoulders. And I thought.


    I was enjoying something that wasn¡¯t mine.


    Even though each moment our eyes met, I wished he wouldn¡¯t be like that with my whole heart. And while I was wishing so, the thought crept into my brain.


    If he had to subordinate himself to someone and offer up his everything, if he had to¡­.


    ¡°I am going to ask you something right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Do you think you can give me an answer?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°If the method is wrong, it can be fixed. You can just find an alternative method. But if the motive is wrong, then do you not think the method will be wrong no matter which it is?¡±


    I watched as he listened intently with a serious look in his eyes. Seeing that face, which did not frown even once, I couldn¡¯t not ask.


    ¡°Therefore, I ask you, will you be my wrong method?¡±


    Like that, wishing that what I had done today wouldn¡¯t become a wrong motive, but simply an alternative method I had chosen.


    ¡°¡­¡­Or will you be my alternative method?¡±


    I put out my hand. In his pure eyes was only me.


    What are you thinking now.


    If he had to subordinate himself to someone and offer up his everything, if he would never change, if he had to give up even his own life for his master¡­..


    I would not see someone else become your master. I ended up thinking that.


    ¡°¡­..Your Highness, I will gladly become your alternative method. I will follow where you go. No matter where that is.¡±


    He responded while clasping my outstretched hand. So, I said again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t die.¡±


    The twilight sun that had dominated the moment went, and we wordlessly watched the darkness gather.


    The moment had arrived to adapt and move forward according to the ways of this place.


    ***


    ¡°What do you mean? He¡¯s on guard duty?¡±


    Robia didn¡¯t appear to be happy with the change in topic during lessons. However, he took off his glasses, placing them on the table, then leaned backed in his chair. It seemed he¡¯d decided to take a short break.


    ¡°Then did you think that he would be able to return to his original place?¡±


    ¡°You said it, he was the youngest as well as the first commoner to become Vice Commander¡­.¡±


    I stopped what I was saying. Robia nonchalantly massaged his neck and glanced at me.


    ¡°¡­..So that¡¯s why?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is why.¡±


    Robia¡¯s response was cold.


    ¡°There is no way that those who claimed his empty spot would return it gladly, is there? In the first place, people were constantly going on about how outrageous it was when he became Vice Commander.¡±


    ¡°Really, nothing goes the way I want.¡±


    I leaned back into my chair before suddenly being struck with a thought.


    ¡°But why am I only hearing this now?¡±


    ¡°Well, usually you do not care about this kind of thing, Your Highness. Is that not right?¡±


    For a moment, Robia¡¯s tone felt a little strange. But at once, he continued like normal.


    ¡°Since everyone who delivered pointless news died within the day, it is not strange that the servants would keep quiet.¡±


    I supposed there was no way the princess would have been interested in that kind of clean up. But to me, it was quite the problem.


    Right then, someone made their presence known outside the door.


    ¡°Sir Knight is here.¡±


    ¡°It is I, Your Highness.¡±


    Following the maid¡¯s words, I heard a familiar voice. I glanced at Robia and answered.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Eclot walked into the room as he normally did, then stopped when he saw me outside the bedchamber. To be exact, it was when he discovered me, and Robia who was sitting across from me.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    But Eclot walked over with familiar movements and paid his respects. As I reached out my hand, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against my fingertips.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I heard that Your Highness is directing the territorial negotiations with Rothschild. His Majesty said that I would be of help to Your Highness with matters related to the war.¡±


    Now that I thought about it, hadn¡¯t the emperor entrusted this to me in the first place so I would get along better with Eclot or something.


    ¡°But without getting some more rest? Recuperate from the fatigue of your travels for a few more days. Because Robia is doing a good job with helping me.¡±


    At those words, Eclot¡¯s gaze shifted over to Robia. Their eyes locked.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    The longer the silence dragged on, the stranger the atmosphere became. Without warning, Robia opened his mouth.


    ¡°It is the first time seeing someone who has had fewer audiences with Her Highness than me.¡±


    Eclot replied calmly.


    ¡°To be exact, it is not audiences you lack but shame, no?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Stop, both of you.¡±


    Eclot instantly shut his mouth, and Robia looked at me with dissatisfaction.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of my business whether you two fight, but how about you consider the time and place.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Apologies, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Can you come back later tonight? I have something to tell you. Right now, I¡¯m a little occupied, as you can see.¡±


    Eclot bowed his head as if in agreement and replied.


    ¡°I will do so. Then I will see you then.¡±


    It was when he was about to turn around. Out of nowhere, Robia butted into the conversation.


    ¡°It is alright.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Speak here. It is alright with me so say what you need now.¡±


    ¡°Robia.¡±


    Robia¡¯s face held no emotion, but he spoke quicker than usual.


    ¡°Why are you calling him separately? Is it something I should not hear? Because I let my eye wander?¡±


    ¡°Why are you bringing that up now?¡±


    ¡°If it is not that, then speak here.¡±


    ¡°Robia. Stop.¡±


    ¡°But, Your Highness!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t something to get so worked up over, so Robia¡¯s reaction was unexpected.


    I reached out a hand with the intent of calming him. Robia hesitated for a moment while looking down at my hand, before reaching out his own and carefully placing it on mine. I gave his hand a light squeeze.


    ¡°Calm down.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Your Highness, please do not get keep that man close.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Robia squeezed my hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust him. You cannot trust him. Do you understand me?¡±


    Before I could speak, Eclot¡¯s voice descended between us.


    ¡°Robia Juranne.¡±


    It was a chilly voice that had never been directed once toward me.


    ¡°In whose presence do you dare to show such discourtesy.¡±


    Robia glared at Eclot with wild eyes. He opened his mouth.


    ¡°Your Highness. Will you punish me?¡±


    When I didn¡¯t answer, Robia turned to look at me.


    ¡°I asked if you would punish me.¡±


    I felt a little put on the spot. Robia knew that my answer was already decided.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how it is, so stop butting in.¡±


    Eclot ignored him.


    ¡°Your Highness, you must punish him.¡±


    I sighed. And then I gave the order to leave.


    ¡°Both of you, leave.¡±


    To both of them.


    It happened as I¡¯d finished my preparations to go to bed. Eclot came to find me.


    ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±


    ¡°¡­..I apologize.¡±


    I sat up to greet him, but a shadow loomed over me.


    When I lifted my head, he had stridden over to me before I knew it. For some reason, it felt like we were closer than normal. I slumped back on the bed again and tapped the spot next to me.


    ¡°Do you want to sit here?¡±


    It was awkward having him stand. There was no special meaning behind my words but


    ¡°¡­..Yes.¡±


    Eclot was unbuttoning his uniform, which had been done up to his chin.


    Taking off his outer coat and placing it on the bed, he was now in a shirt and vest. He sat down next to me, and this time too, he was close enough for his arm to brush against me.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean.¡±


    I cocked my head to one side.


    ¡°You wanted to tell me something¡­..¡±


    ¡°Before that, you¡¯re being a little weird.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    He placed his hand behind my back then inclined his head toward me.


    ¡°¡­¡­.If I seemed awkward, I apologize.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not about whether you were awkward or not but¡­.¡±


    Eclot tilted his head more and spoke in a quiet voice. His breath grazed my cheek.


    ¡°May I touch you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    So what you¡¯re telling me is, this is that kind of situation.


    ¡­¡­Like this, without any warning? I was flustered because I couldn¡¯t guess his intentions.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking to kiss?¡±


    He nodded before his eyes fluttered closed. As his dark blue eyes disappeared behind his lids, he closed in. Our lips touched.


    They pressed together a little deeper before Eclot gently laid me back. With his hand supporting my neck, I found myself lying back on the bed.


    With our lips still together, he inhaled through his nose. Soon, Eclot opened his mouth and sucked in my upper lip, put his arms back and took off his vest. I heard the sound of clothes falling to the floor. Eclot brought his hands to the buttons of his shirt.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    I pushed on his chest. Eclot put his hands on the bed and moved back obediently.


    ¡°Did I send any signals that could have been misinterpreted?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Right now, you¡¯re trying to sleep with me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°When I asked if you loved me, you said no.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But still?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­ I have a duty to serve Your Highness as a concubine.¡±


    I put a hand on my forehead and then ran it through my hair.


    ¡°If anything I did displeased you then I will rectify it.¡±


    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, you¡¯re not doing this because you want to?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Eclot was quiet as though he were at a loss for words. It also seemed like he was searching for an answer. I sat up again. He retreated and sat down.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­However.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying there¡¯s no need.¡±


    I reached out and straightened his collar. Eclot stared down at my hands.


    ¡°Is it because of what happened earlier or¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not because I don¡¯t trust you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m planning on using you in a more valuable way.¡±


    I suddenly recalled how Robia had been strangely worked up during the day. I didn¡¯t know that ¡®let¡¯s meet later, just the two of us¡¯ would cause this kind of misunderstanding. I wouldn¡¯t know, not being in the business of calling men into my bedchamber at night.


    ¡°I really only called you to talk.¡±


    With an uncomfortable distance between us, I scratched my cheek.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, I don¡¯t plan on taking you. So yeah, I¡¯m sorry for making you misunderstand.¡±


    ¡°It is not something for you to be sorry about. Please take back your words.¡±


    He rose from the bed neatly. I watched him pick his clothes up from the floor with uncertainty.


    What is this feeling. This uncomfortable but hard-to-define feeling¡­.


    ¡°It is too late to talk. I will come find you again later. Please tell me then.¡±


    ¡°Um,¡­. Wait a moment.¡±


    As Eclot was turning around after saying his parting greetings, I grabbed his arm. Our eyes met again.


    ¡°¡­..Get back safely.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    In the moment, I looked down, and saw something I shouldn¡¯t. The place between his legs bulged.


    ¡­¡­


    I almost rubbed my eyes in disbelief.


    In my surprise, I quickly turned my gaze up to the ceiling. To think that it had become like that¡­.. It was really unexpec¡­..


    I followed Eclot as he headed for the door. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched him step out into the hallway when I grabbed his wrist.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Please, speak.¡±


    Unable to make eye contact, my eyes darted, and only after a long hesitation did I speak.


    ¡°It was good.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Is that so.¡±


    I let go of his wrist. He bowed his head in farewell for the final time, then the door closed.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    With my back against the door, I slid down and slumped onto the floor.


    What.


    What had I just said, and with that timing?


    This was the worst.


    I tousled my hair and buried my face between my knees.


    For some reason, it hadn¡¯t felt right to just send him off.


    Was this why they said a lecher couldn¡¯t make a benevolent ruler.


    No matter how much you try, if you don¡¯t have a clear head, then even a normal person can become a lech¡­¡­


    I slapped my cheeks with both hands.


    ¡°Get a grip.¡±


    Why had Robia said not to trust him? At the very least, it hadn¡¯t seemed like he was speaking out of mere jealousy.


    I sighed while getting up. It looked like I wouldn¡¯t be getting any sleep tonight.


    ***


    ¡°We¡¯re rotating! Sir! Please get up!¡±


    Sieger opened his eyes. He saw a gloomy night sky without moon or stars. And next to him were two sentries looking down at him. Sieger brushed off the dirt from his clothes as he got up and stretched his limbs.


    ¡°Ah, that was a good nap.¡±


    He was just about to pass by the sentries who still looked young, maybe because they were new, when one of them spoke.


    ¡°Sir.¡±


    Although the soldier next to him pulled on his companion¡¯s arm as if to tell him not to, when Sieger turned around, the man looked him square in the eye.


    ¡°No matter how upset you are from being demoted, it will be difficult if you keep acting like this.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I do not know if it seems lowly to you, Sir, but we have our pride. From now on, if I see any negligence from you while you are on duty, I will report you to our superiors straight away.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    For a moment, Sieger stared at them without speaking.


    ¡°As a commoner like you, I respected you. Sir.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like you don¡¯t now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    When there was no response, Sieger let out a short laugh and scratched the back of his head. His gaze went from the ground to the sky before coming back to the two sentries, where it stayed fixed.


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡­ Sorry.¡±


    Sieger turned around and began walking. Because he could clearly hear the sound of the two sentries arguing under their breath, the corners of his mouth turned up briefly, but his smile soon disappeared without a trace.


    Something had been bothering him.


    The gaze he had been feeling for a while suddenly disappeared. Sieger continued walking while concealing his feelings, but he gradually slowed down and came to a halt. He turned his head in the direction where he had felt the now gone presence.


    He couldn¡¯t begin to understand her true intentions. It was the middle of the night so she should be knocked out, but instead she was out here peeping.


    The one known as the princess.


    He had even pretended to fall asleep, but that woman had just gone back. After watching from afar as if she was trying to see how he was doing.


    He felt crappy. Because in that gaze, rather than murderous intent¡­.was worry.


    He couldn¡¯t say how exactly, but it was clear that woman had become weird.


    Sieger said those words over and over again then forgot them.


    ***


    ¡°Your Highness! Your Highness! I said! Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°Daisy, it¡¯s enough to call me once.¡±


    I replied, without looking away from my book.


    ¡°Are you not ready yet?¡±


    ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°The victory commemoration party!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s still far off.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? We have to go! I heard there¡¯ll be a lot of yummy food!¡±


    ¡°Wait, right now?¡±


    ¡°Right now!¡±


    I dropped my book as I was pulled up by Daisy.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t even washed my face.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay! Your Highness is pretty even if you don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Do you wash your face to look pretty?¡±


    ¡°Anyways!¡±


    As we were speeding down the hallway like that, we encountered Nadricka who had been on his way to my room.


    ¡°Your Highness? What are you¡­..?¡±


    I suddenly grasped Nadricka¡¯s wrist. And so Nadricka began to be pulled along with me by Daisy.


    ¡°What are we doing right now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    When I shrugged my shoulders, Nadricka opened his eyes wide and laughed prettily.


    ¡°You were playing with her.¡±


    ¡°Look closely. I¡¯m being dragged along right now.¡±


    ¡°But¡­..¡±


    Right then, the head maid came running from behind and shouted.


    ¡°Daisy!¡±


    ¡°Ah, what a relief. I guess I¡¯ll get to at least wash my face before going.¡±


    Finally stopping, we smiled at each other. And Daisy was scolded for some time by the head maid.


    With a sullen Daisy in tow, we came back to my room.


    ¡°So it was because of the victory commemoration party.¡±


    ¡°Right. What do you usually do at one of those?¡±


    I asked while caressing the head of a deflated Daisy.


    ¡°There will be a granting of medals, ranks, or land as a recognition of distinguished services. Afterwards, people get drunk, dance, and talk.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Nadricka laughed a little with a look that said he could guess what I was thinking.


    ¡°You still have to go. It will be helpful to let people see you.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­.. But having to laugh when it¡¯s not funny is more of a drag than you might think.¡±


    ¡°You do not need to laugh.¡±


    Nadricka softly tucked my hair behind my ear.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Because no one would dare ask that of you.¡±


    I let out a short laugh.


    ¡°Are you busy today?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°If you aren¡¯t, do you want to be my escort today? I heard last time that it was etiquette to attend as a pair.¡±


    ¡°¡­..With me? Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Why not.¡±


    I spoke casually while crossing my legs, when I felt Nadricka looking at me wordlessly.


    ¡°But are you well?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­. Just in case. You said that you were okay, but surely if you stop using then¡­¡­¡±


    Ahh. This was about drugs.


    ¡°Um! You two look so beautiful and all but may I say something?¡±


    Daisy¡¯s hand shot into the air.


    ¡°I think Hess has taken all of the drugs outside as Your Highness commanded. And the place where they were hidden before was the kitchen storage room. So I wanted to say there is nothing to worry about now!¡±


    ¡°And you weren¡¯t noticed?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°What is this about?¡±


    ¡°I judged that keeping drugs close at hand was dangerous. Anyways, you don¡¯t need to worry, since I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Even at my words, the worry didn¡¯t completely disappear from Nadricka¡¯s face.


    ¡°Like you said, who would dare put me in danger?¡±


    As I put my arms around his neck, Daisy made a big fuss about letting us be alone.


    I was heading out of the palace in the evening after finishing my preparations when servants began trailing behind me.


    ¡°Your Highness, just now in the palace¡­..¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    The head maid looked from me to where Nadricka was, as he headed outside. Noticing that I was watching her, the head maid quickly bowed her head.


    ¡°It is nothing. Please get into the carriage.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness! You have to bring a lot of goodies!¡±


    As if she were sad she couldn¡¯t come along, Daisy saw us off with a face on the verge of tears. I promised her I would and got on the carriage with Nadricka.


    Nadricka, whose palms were moist as though he were nervous, was wearing a dark blue suit, and a milky white corsage on his chest. It was a decoration that complemented his white blonde hair very well.


    ¡°Are you uncomfortable?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°Is it your first time?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..Yes.¡±


    If I had known this would be the first official appearance he would be making with me, I would have chosen a better occasion to bring him along.


    When we arrived, the venue was already crowded.


    ¡°Are we late?¡±


    ¡°That is_.¡±


    Nadricka¡¯s words were drowned out, and the magnificent sound of a trumpet filled the room. And after that came the voice of the herald announcing my arrival.


    In an instant, the crowd quieted. In the middle of that quiet, I walked forward accompanied by Nadricka.


    The crowd parted to make way for us. Everyone was looking at me. And they bowed their heads low whenever our eyes met.


    ¡°Because, it¡¯s natural for the main character to be fashionably late.¡±


    Nadricka whispered into my ear the words he hadn¡¯t been able to finish.


    I had forgotten while I had basically been cooped up in the palace, but I was taking in the princess¡¯s strong presence.


    ¡°Ah, Princess. Sister. Come up here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some food.¡±


    Before I could say anything, Nadricka withdrew and disappeared into the crowd. I didn¡¯t have much choice but to climb the stairs to the dais alone.


    Surrounded by royal guards, bodyguards, and secretaries, the emperor sat in the very center.


    ¡°You are just in time. This is a knight who has been acknowledged for his distinguished services during this past war. I confer upon you a title today and you have the honor of having the princess serve as witness.¡±


    ¡°I am moved to tears, Your Majesty! Your Highness!¡±


    The man bowed his head while on one knee.


    I really must have been late because with this final man, the conferment ceremony was over. I scanned the others who were standing off to the side, all splendidly dressed in uniform, but Eclot wasn¡¯t there. The emperor rose from his seat.


    ¡°You battle-tested warriors who have once again brought us victory, I have high expectations of you. I will be watching you, therefore eternally use your strength for your country¡¯s glory.¡±


    ¡°We receive your command!¡±


    ¡°¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Princess.¡±


    Right then, someone tapped my shoulder.


    Who?


    ¡°You should come play sometime. It¡¯s boring being by myself.¡±


    Saying that, the woman laughed lightly. It was the timing for me to say something, but since I didn¡¯t know who she was¡­¡­


    ¡°It is nice to meet you, Your Majesty Empress Hariel. It appears you accompanied His Majesty out.¡±


    The owner of the voice that had popped up out of nowhere was Nadricka. The woman looked a little surprised, and she seemed displeased at being addressed so suddenly. Although she swiftly fixed her expression.


    ¡°Your answer?¡±


    The woman looked at me instead of Nadricka and laughed.


    ¡°¡­¡­As you can see, I¡¯ve been completely head over heels for this boy lately so I don¡¯t have any time.¡±


    When I laughed while interlacing my fingers with Nadricka¡¯s, the woman covered her mouth with her fan and let out a laugh.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed to the point you are unrecognizable. Is this the power of love? I wish His Majesty would watch and learn as well.¡±


    ¡°That is outside of my power to do.¡±


    ¡°Figures.¡±


    The woman replied like that and laughed again. Then she went to the emperor¡¯s side.


    ¡°I worry I¡¯ve done something unnecessary by getting involved.¡±


    ¡°No, it helped.¡±


    When I said those words and laughed, Nadricka laughed as well, but it wasn¡¯t that bright of a smile.


    ¡°Um. Should we go get some rest on the terrace?¡±


    I was leading Nadricka by the hand when someone tore my wrist away. My body was forcefully spun around by the recoil. My hand was released from Nadricka¡¯s.


    ¡°Your Highness. It¡¯s been a while, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


    It was a man I didn¡¯t recognize.


    That wasn¡¯t surprising since I didn¡¯t know that many men in this world. Anyways, it was an unpleasant enough meeting that I wished he could remain a stranger to me.


    ¡°Let go.¡±


    ¡°Why? I was just trying to escort you since it looked like you didn¡¯t have a partner.¡±


    I was slowly starting to get irritated by how he was treating Nadricka like he was invisible.


    ¡°¡­¡­Get out of my sight while I¡¯m still feeling generous.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you haven¡¯t changed. You think I don¡¯t know you don¡¯t mean that?¡±


    He seemed drunk as he let out a trashy laugh and slyly ran his thumb along the inside of my wrist, giving me a wink as he did so.


    Fine. I could surmise what his relationship with the princess had been. With my eyes, I signaled the knight who had been coming over to fall back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that and let¡¯s go out, just the two of us and¡­..¡±


    Just like that, I stabbed my heel down into the foot of the pest of a bastard. Then I put some force into it and ground down.


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    The hand on my wrist loosened and the man staggered backward. In an instant, his anger boiled over and he raised a hand to me.


    I could hear the gasps of the people around us who had thus far been pretending not to be watching. I guessed that they themselves hadn¡¯t anticipated him to take it so far.


    But at that instant, something flitted past me and charged at the pest of a bastard. Then, they were rolling on the floor of the hall together. A large commotion followed, with the people they bumped into dropping their champagne glasses and etcetera.


    ¡°What, is this! Let go!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Nadricka?¡±


    While the pest was in agony from hitting the back of his head, Nadricka got on top of him and subdued him with an arm pressed to his throat.


    ¡°Fuck, crazy motherfucker, how dare you forget your place¡­..!¡±


    The pest flailed his legs and struggled to get Nadricka off of him. Nadricka stubbornly stuck to him.


    ¡°Nadricka.¡±


    The three of us had instantly become the center of the commotion, with the nobles starting to surround us.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°That youth must be insane doing that to Her Highness¡­..¡±


    ¡°Oh my.¡±


    ¡°Whose son is he?¡±


    I shouted again.


    ¡°Nadricka!¡±


    Only after the soldiers had tied up the pest did Nadricka peel himself away, teetering. He was breathing heavily as I approached him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    He didn¡¯t look okay.


    The pest wasn¡¯t even ashamed as he openly showed his hostility toward Nadricka.


    ¡°How dare you lay hands on me, me, you lowborn bastard whore! You¡¯re dead, you hear me!¡±


    I commanded the soldiers.


    ¡°Let him go.¡±


    The soldiers gave each other confused looks.


    ¡°Let go.¡±


    The soldiers seemed to realize that I was being serious, because they released the thrashing pest and fell back. I calmly grabbed the pest by the throat and pushed. As the pest¡¯s was cut off, he gripped my arm tightly. My expression didn¡¯t change as I tightened my hold.


    ¡°What are you¡­..¡±


    I whispered in a low, cool voice.


    ¡°Try to think a little.¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You think that just because you shook your hips above me that I¡¯m really below you now?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The pest¡¯s eyes filled with surprise.


    ¡°How bold of you to get on my nerves.¡±


    If something like this were to happen again, I wasn¡¯t sure how far I would go.


    As I let my gaze sweep over the crowd, those who made eye contact with me trembled as if they had received an electric shock and averted their gaze.


    ¡°But that bastard was the one who¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to cut off your tongue and feed it to you? Will that make you shut your hole?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness-.¡±


    The pest¡¯s hand that was clamped on my arm was moist.


    ¡°No. Bastards like you who like what¡¯s between your legs naturally shut up when it¡¯s cut off. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    I taunted, and sent my gaze down. The moment that he flinched and lowered his head to look between his legs,


    I released the hand I was using to grip him, and delivered a blow to the back of his head. The pest yelped and fell down in front of my feet.


    When he lifted his head from there, I slapped him like I had been waiting for it. The pest flopped backward and I issued a command while pointing at him.


    ¡°Pick that up.¡±


    The soldiers immediately tied him back up. Then they dragged him outside of the venue.


    Nadricka quietly took hold of my wrist.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­..That man is the son of Earl Pelant, one of His Majesty¡¯s favorites.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m the princess.¡±


    Nadricka shook his head in surrender and let out a sigh that sounded like a laugh.


    The nobles walked on eggshells around us as they began to scatter.


    ¡°Then¡­¡­ Shall we go to the terrace like we planned originally?¡±


    I let out a sigh only after we had gotten to the terrace and made sure the curtains were drawn. For a moment, my vision was dark.


    ¡°Are you really alright?¡±


    Nadricka asked worriedly.


    ¡°I just feel sorry. To you.¡±


    ¡°I apologize.¡±


    ¡°Why are you apologizing?¡±


    Nadricka laughed softly without looking me in the eye.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m embarrassed.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Because, not even being able to help your Highness, I¡¯m a burden instead¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true in the least bit. You¡¯re such a great help.¡±


    I reached out and pulled Nadricka into my arms. When he had charged the pest just a little while ago, I had been secretly surprised. I would never have imagined he would do that.


    As I patted his back, Nadricka buried his head in my shoulder and murmured.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m nothing¡­. That¡¯s why I¡¯m sad.¡±


    I hugged him tightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re not nothing to me.¡±


    ¡°More than that.¡±


    His voice was gloomy, but clear and resolute.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s become something more than that. You can do it.¡±


    ¡°I want to protect Your Highness too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it so you can. I promise.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I want to protect you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Your Highness doesn¡¯t know anything.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Are you sulking?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡±


    When I laughed under my breath, Nadricka unhappily rubbed his face on my shoulder.


    Nadricka left, saying he would bring something to slake our thirst, and I was left alone on the terrace.


    What I saw as I lifted my head was the clear night sky. I slowly took a step away from the sounds of the party that issued through the firmly drawn curtains.


    Was I on the right track? I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that I had completely assimilated to this place.


    I wondered if I would live out my life wearing the princess¡¯s skin, and eventually become emperor. And I wondered if that was my fate.


    I wondered if there really was no way to return.


    If I wanted to know that¡­. Ironically enough, I needed Yuriel. But that woman was my enemy.


    I reached for the railing behind me.


    No, I tried to reach for it. My hand fell through. In other words, I had just reached for thin air.


    I didn¡¯t even have time to scream as my body lurched backward. Jesus, I had wondered what kind of person fell from places like this, but I was that person. I had even been doing some serious deliberation. It was only the second floor so I wouldn¡¯t die, ri¡­.¡±


    I squeezed my eyes shut.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Huh?¡±


    When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was red eyes illuminated by the moonlight. The face obscured in shadows was familiar. I blinked.


    ¡°Uh, hi?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Um. It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    The one who had caught me when I fell from above was none other than Ettsen Velrod.


    Without a word, he put me down on the ground. For a while, we stared at each other as we stood some distance apart.


    Since he showed no reaction, I said suddenly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    He sighed.


    ¡°You¡¯re always saying that every time we meet.¡±


    Just like that time, a gust of wind blew between us. As if it were judging the unbridgeable distance between us.


    ¡°Did I really.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I let out a light laugh. Though he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, congratulations on formally becoming a knight.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Did you want me to thank you?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders.


    ¡°Never.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡±


    As Essen opened his mouth to say something, with perfect timing, I heard Nadricka¡¯s voice from the terrace from where I had fallen.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°Nadricka! I¡¯m here.¡±


    As Nadricka looked below the railing, I waved a hand.


    ¡°Your Highness? How did you get there? Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    Nadricka¡¯s face hardened as he noticed Ettsen standing beside me.


    ¡°I will go down.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll come right up! It¡¯s okay, stay there.¡±


    I was about to turn when I looked up at Ettsen¡¯s face for the last time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get going. ¡­¡­..Or do you want to come in too?¡±


    I didn¡¯t think he had been prowling around here for no reason. Since it appeared that a decent number of knights had come to the party today.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go in together, you can head in first.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    He gritted his teeth but didn¡¯t speak. It looked like I¡¯d messed up again.


    ¡°¡­¡­Okay. Then, take care.¡±


    In an instant, he grabbed my wrist gently as I was turning. I thought back to if he had ever been so careful in grabbing me. I was inwardly surprised as I looked up at Ettsen.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I have something to ask you.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Why are you helping me?¡±


    ¡°I already told you. I don¡¯t have any more interest in-.¡±


    ¡°Then you should have killed me.¡±


    Ettsen took one step closer to me.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Are you asking me why you¡¯re alive, right now?¡±


    In that aspect, he was similar to Yuriel.


    ¡°That day, you told me you were sorry.¡±


    He took another step. The tip of his boots touched me. I was about to take a staggering step backward but the heat from his hand around my wrist made me hesitate.


    ¡°Why? What exactly are you sorry for?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I know you and you are incapable of such emotions.¡±


    ¡°And how long exactly have we known each other?¡±


    I replied, giving my best attempt at a laugh, but he was unmoved. At that moment, I came to a realization.


    Ahh, he hadn¡¯t come to enjoy something like a party. He had come to see me.


    ¡°At the very least, I have seen your ugly true nature.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°So answer me. Why?¡±


    He uttered the question in a low voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Why are you helping me? I am asking why I am still alive.¡±


    I swallowed. I couldn¡¯t do what I had done last time. I had to stay strong.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what point there is in you knowing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I told you to forget it. This¡¯ll all be over as long as we don¡¯t see each other again, so why-.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that is possible?¡±


    He repeatedly squeezed my wrist. His voice was ragged while his words rushed out.


    ¡°You will never disappear from my sight! Do you know this pain?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°When I open my eyes in the morning, when I¡¯m eating and walking down the street, when I¡¯m laughing and when I¡¯m sad, and even when I¡¯m loving someone! Even when I fall back asleep. You never disappear! To me, you are¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°But you, so easily¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only butting in because it¡¯s awkward to keep eavesdropping.¡±


    In unison, Ettsen and I turned to look in the direction that the voice had come from. I saw a soldier standing at an angle with his back against the wall.


    I recognized the soldier¡¯s face as he walked out into the moonlight. He scratched his nose and lifted one corner of his mouth.


    ¡°Your Highness the princess, someone is waiting for you. From before.¡±


    Saying so, he pointed his finger behind him.


    Nadricka stood in the place he was pointing. When I gave him a small smile, Nadricka followed suit. Although it wasn¡¯t completely successful.


    I looked back at Ettsen.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to say. But still, isn¡¯t this peaceful?¡±


    A short silence followed. I could hear the leaves rustling in the wind and the sound of conversation from the party.


    ¡°You and I¡­¡­¡±


    I took two steps back from Ettsen.


    ¡°Keeping this amount of distance between us is probably for the best. So don¡¯t come any closer. Just stay there.¡±


    ¡°Did I¡­.. approach you?¡±


    The question seemed to be more directed to himself than me, and I ignored it. I left Ettsen and turned around.


    ¡°I waited but you did not come.¡±


    Nadricka said as I approached. It was like he had been waiting to say the words.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    When I turned my head back, Ettsen had already disappeared into the darkness. I righted my head and let Nadricka lead me.


    ¡°Thank you for showing me something good, Your Highness.¡±


    Before I heard that voice, that is.


    Anger flickered over his face as though he knew I had tried to pretend I hadn¡¯t seen him. I hadn¡¯t wanted to meet him again like this while he was standing guard at the party.


    ¡°Something good?¡±


    ¡°Then is it not?¡±


    It was Sieger.


    ¡°Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Since you have managed to bring him fully into submission after killing his family and ruining his country. Isn¡¯t it a good thing?¡±


    ¡°Submission? It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°Why? It looked like he was head-over-heels for you. He¡¯ll never be able to admit it. So he¡¯ll eventually die like that, a dried-up husk.¡±


    ¡°Sieger.¡±


    ¡°My name¡­..¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know it.¡±


    I let out a sigh.


    ¡°Are you angry because you feel like I ruined your life when it would have otherwise been smooth sailing, stepped all over your pride then threw you away like an old shoe? Do you feel lousy looking at him because it¡¯s like you¡¯re the one being brought into submission?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s-.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all fine. But Sieger.¡±


    Vivid yellow eyes like those of a wild animal looked squarely at me from beneath hair as black as night.


    ¡°You should know how to hide your hostility.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Sieger¡¯s breathing was rough.


    ¡°That way you might be able to stab me in the back later.¡±


    I passed by him.


    If I could end all of these past debts that way, it wasn¡¯t a bad deal. And as long as I was living as the princess, I had to accept such emotions.


    I wondered if it wasn¡¯t arrogance on my part to think that everything could be fixed in a single moment.


    And that was why Sieger was wrong. The emotions that Ettsen felt toward me couldn¡¯t be explained so simply.


    We had been walking without speaking when Nadricka suddenly said,


    ¡°I wish Your Highness could be happy. And that you would no longer be bound by a past you cannot remember.¡±


    Ahh, I remembered now. To Nadricka, I was someone who had lost their memories. I could see the faint scar on his neck.


    ¡°But that past is still me.¡±


    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not?¡±


    ¡°Yes, definitely.¡±


    He spoke in a sure tone. I chuckled.


    We finally made it back to the hall. It seemed like people were surprised by me suddenly popping out of from the entrance.


    We were laughing while facing each other when Nadricka¡¯s gaze suddenly focused ahead. When I looked in that direction, I saw a man standing quietly in front of the curtains at the terrace. He appeared calm from the back but I got the feeling he was concerned about something.


    ¡°Eclot.¡±


    He turned around with an expression of slight surprise, as though he hadn¡¯t anticipated hearing my voice coming from behind him.


    ¡°What are you doing over there?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I heard that there was an incident.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yeah.¡±


    ¡°Since you seem alright, I will leave you.¡±


    After politely paying his respects, Eclot slipped past me. It would have been fine to talk a little longer. It felt like he had gotten even more polite towards me. For a moment, I stared at his back as he got farther and farther away.


    The party was a riot. But there was no point. No one approached me. I was slumped on the long sofa near the wall and ate fruit and drank cocktails in turn.


    Of course, there were many people who ogled me. There were even some women. But even they stayed far away from me while talking amongst each other.


    That was when I discovered him. Someone who was in the same straits as me.


    People stared at him from a distance like they were viewing a monkey in a zoo and chattered amongst themselves.


    I jumped up from my seat and headed in his direction. As I was walking over, I heard the same tired things as before.


    That he had approached the princess with the intent of becoming the emperor¡¯s brother-in-law, but had had the bad luck of becoming a concubine and was now suffering the humiliation of being discarded in favor of another, low-born concubine. Those kinds of things.


    Eclot could have left the hall but was reluctantly staying in his seat. I thought I could hear his voice saying it was the duty of a subject.


    I had thought of him as someone who could confidently stand on his own. And I had treated him as such. I had resolved to make use of him in a more valuable way than just as a concubine. And I had decided that he would have to become someone befitting of that.


    But I had forgotten something. The fact that he was still my concubine couldn¡¯t just be erased.


    No matter how many honors he won, he couldn¡¯t be recognized without my approval. People wouldn¡¯t see him as anything more than a neglected concubine.


    He would have entered the hall alone. Even during a party meant to celebrate his contributions, he was in a position of mockery just because the princess wasn¡¯t by his side.


    I trusted him, and I treated him well. But I hadn¡¯t paid him my full attention even once.


    Eclot raised his head as he detected my presence, then opened his eyes wide. I smiled.


    ¡°Why¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to do my part as the wife.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    I knelt down on one knee before him. My dress splayed out on the floor. Then I looked up at him. His hands, which had been neatly placed on his knees, flinched.


    I stopped Eclot from standing up with a hand over his.


    ¡°¡­¡­Your Highness. Please stand.¡±


    While he was flustered, I reached out a hand toward him. I couldn¡¯t stop the smile from spreading on my face. I could be doing this because of the alcohol. But¡­¡­ I felt incredible satisfaction from surprising someone so wooden.


    ¡°Sir, may I have this dance?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    He blinked rapidly. However, Eclot¡¯s hands slowly wrapping around mine were warm and sure. I grinned.


    As I stood up, he also rose from the sofa. I put my other hand on his shoulder and standing on the tips of my toes, I whispered into his ear.


    ¡°The thing is, I don¡¯t know how to dance.¡±


    His eyes filled with a question. I laughed and led Eclot out into the middle of the hall.


    When I spun around, Eclot placed a hand on my waist to casually support me. I gently put my arms around his neck.


    ¡°So help me. I need you.¡±


    He gave me a slight smile. It was like a breath of fresh air on his ever-stoic face. Just in time, a new song was starting.


    ¡°I will do my best.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    ¡°Not so.¡±


    As soon as he said so, I stepped on his foot. He furrowed his brows ever so slightly. I really hadn¡¯t done it on purpose.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    However, Eclot simply nodded with an unwavering expression as though nothing had happened. Then he spoke as if he had been waiting for it.


    ¡°Would you¡­.. excuse me for just one moment.¡±


    ¡°What are you planning to do that would require me to excuse you?¡±


    I let out a short laugh and gave him a nod of my head.


    ¡°Try it.¡±


    Eclot gave me a quick smile and tensed his arms around my waist. And he began to move while almost carrying me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think my feet are touching the floor.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He was someone who didn¡¯t know how to joke around. Eclot responded like this, without tact. He whispered into my ear.


    ¡°To the right.¡±


    ¡°Um.¡±


    ¡°Three steps back.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No, you must move backward while spinning around. ¡­¡­.To the right.¡±


    Our rhythm was off so our feet would sometimes bump into each other, but because he was so good at leading, it didn¡¯t show. I enjoyed the music of his voice and rested my chin on his shoulder.


    The princess and her knight. Dancing, a party. It was an obvious scene from fiction.


    But that was the problem. He always led me into a fairytale. The ornate chandelier and radiant, gilded ceiling, glittering lights, dancing couples, and we were in the center.


    ¡°Please put your left foot next to my right foot.¡±


    Even that rigid voice was making my heart flutter.


    ¡°Hey, Eclot.¡±


    ¡°Please, speak.¡±


    ¡°I thought that I was the only one who needed you. I thought that was the extent of our relationship. Because I was receiving your loyalty¡­.. But relationships aren¡¯t one-sided.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°I was trying not to seek you for just anything, but I should have paid that much more attention to you.¡±


    ¡°That is not so. I¡­. am alright.¡±


    ¡°Still, call on me. Whenever you need me.¡±


    All of a sudden, I was struck by the desire to put my hand on his tired cheek.


    ¡°Because I¡¯ll go to you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The song ended.


    Everyone was staring at us.


    I had spun around so much that the world was still spinning afterward. Eclot escorted me to the sofa.


    ¡°It was fun. Spinning around like that.¡±


    Eclot had been watching me mumble while sagged on the couch when he took off. He came back shortly with a glass of water.


    ¡°I think it would be best to not dance anymore, Your Highness.¡±


    After I had drank a couple sips of water, he once again took the glass.


    ¡°Where is that man.¡±


    ¡°Nadricka?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..Yes.¡±


    ¡°He¡­. already left.¡±


    Eclot slightly knit his brows.


    ¡°He is showing such discourtesy toward Your Highness in a public-.¡±


    ¡°I think.¡±


    I met Eclot¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°He was making way.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He knew that I was worried about you. He¡­. is always so considerate when he doesn¡¯t have to be that I feel sorry.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Anyways, shall we go back?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­As you wish.¡±


    Sieger happened to see everything.


    That woman had showed up to the party with her golden-haired, slave lover. He admitted it. Sieger was surprised. He had never seen that woman laughing like that before.


    She was kind. Or at least, she looked it.


    So when Sieger found himself staring dumbly after the woman as she disappeared into the entrance, he almost punched himself in the eyes. All because of that laugh.


    When he saw that profile harmonizing with warmth and affection as he had never seen her direct at him, he doubted his eyes.


    It felt like he had been fooled by the woman. He felt anger well up in him at the thought that she was capable of treating someone like that.


    He hadn¡¯t been ignorant of the rumors. Everyone had been saying the princess was different. To be honest, it wasn¡¯t any of his business if she had changed.


    However, tonight he couldn¡¯t say that. Either he had gone mad or that woman had. One of those was certain.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    He considered the woman¡¯s bright expression from the day she had come to dissolve the order.


    There hadn¡¯t been anything different, so he didn¡¯t know why it was coming back to him.


    But Sieger hadn¡¯t forgotten. The things that woman had done. He recalled them one by one.


    When he mulled over his unforgivable hatred and anger, the woman¡¯s face from back then was washed away from his mind.


    She¡¯s still the princess. That crazy woman.


    And a little while later, Sieger witnessed a sight that strengthened his conviction. He sensed someone sneak into the courtyard behind the hall.


    Sieger didn¡¯t feel like moving, but he didn¡¯t want to see innocent people get hurt either, so he diligently headed over.


    Someone was standing in the dark without a single light around. At first, he didn¡¯t recognize who it was, but Sieger soon ascertained their identity.


    The last prince of Velrod.


    He had a sword at his waist. Sieger felt the danger of it. Just as he knew his own sword was dangerous.


    And as soon as he had thought that, he heard the sound of giggling.


    The woman was there on the second-floor terrace. Along with her pretty lover.


    Sieger scowled and turned his head when he figured out why Velrod was standing there.


    The man was looking straight up at the princess.


    His hand didn¡¯t even get near his hilt. For the longest time, Ettsen Velrod stood watching the two laugh and chat as they held hands as though he were stuck in place.


    Sieger felt lousy. He wondered if the man wasn¡¯t even allowed an audience.


    Sieger put enough distance between them that Ettsen wouldn¡¯t notice him and leaned against a wall. He was rifling through his pockets for a smoke when he noticed a strange movement from the terrace. Sieger witnessed Ettsen catch the woman like an act of fate.


    Sieger realized that he had quit smoking. He clicked his tongue and left his place.


    And there, he saw another one of the princess¡¯s men. It was that nerd who had been accompanying the princess before.


    He was prowling around the entrance of the venue and wasn¡¯t in formal dress. That man soon came face-to-face with the princess¡¯s blonde lover.


    The two looked like they were arguing, but quickly stopped as though they were aware of people¡¯s stares.


    The blonde lover quickly headed in the direction that Sieger had just come from. It looked like he was going to get the fallen princess. And he must have seen the same thing that Sieger had because he stopped in his tracks.


    All of them were annoying.


    And Sieger found himself picking a fight with the princess.


    ***


    I was able to leave the party early with the excuse that I was feeling tipsy. I wondered when everyone went to sleep since they ¨C the emperor included ¨C were still completely engrossed in the party.


    When the door to my room opened and Nadricka came out, I slumped on top of him.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Did you drink?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. A little. ¡­¡­.A lot?¡±


    Nadricka hugged me and walked backward. The door closed. He laid me down on the bed and sat next to me.


    ¡°Do you have something to say?¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    I rubbed my and smiled while stretched out a hand.


    He was about to lower his head when we heard the sound of an argument outside of the room. The door burst open and then closed.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Hess came in and bowed her head.


    ¡°I apologize, Your Highness. It was because he was obstinately trying to force himself in -.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..Mr. Juranne.¡±


    I sat up.


    ¡°Send him in.¡±


    As soon as Hess opened the door, two soldiers burst in, dragging Robia between them. His clothes were a mess unlike usual. When I gave the signal, the soldiers retreated.


    ¡°Stay here.¡±


    I left Nadricka where he was and walked toward Robia, but he swiftly approached me without waiting.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    His normally neat hair was drooping onto his forehead. Above his usually emotionless white cheeks his eyes were filled with raw emotion.


    ¡°Why did you not come see me.¡±


    So the last time I had seen Robia was.


    ¡°I told you not to trust him.¡±


    His voice couldn¡¯t contain the surge of emotion.


    ¡°I waited for you.¡±


    ¡°Robia.¡±


    ¡°You, I waited for you. Because I thought you would want to hear it from me. But you did not come.¡±


    I reached out a hand in order to calm him down but he caught it.


    ¡°Am I not even worth that much? At least before you met him again, before you laughed and talked with him in front of other people¡­.¡±


    The whites of Robia¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. However, I had to say my piece.


    ¡°I trust him.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Am I that untrustworthy? I wanted to redeem myself, I¡­. I was trying to redeem myself but was that all just meaningless to you?¡±


    Robia looked hollow.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t meaningless. It¡¯s just-.¡±


    ¡°Then please prove it to me right now.


    ¡°How?¡±


    Nadricka called out to me from behind.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    Robia glanced at Nadricka behind me before meeting my eyes.


    ¡°Please come with me right now.¡±


    ¡°Wherever that is?¡±


    ¡°Wherever that is.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Alright.¡±


    We were walking. We left my palace and walked along the main path for a while before turning onto a smaller path. I didn¡¯t know where we were going but I didn¡¯t ask.


    We were headed into a densely wooded area. Robia pushed away the branches hanging over my head but continued walking straight ahead.


    Soon after, a large empty space appeared. I blinked. It wasn¡¯t just an empty space. I hadn¡¯t realized because it was night, but


    ¡°It¡¯s a lake.¡±


    The moonlight was glimmering on the calm surface of the water.


    ¡°Do you not remember this place?¡±


    I guessed it was someplace with memories of the princess before me.


    It stung a little thinking that. I looked far into the distance. Whenever Robia demonstrated his feelings so passionately, I felt myself being swept away by a wave. It was probably because I wasn¡¯t the real princess.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Who knows.¡±


    ¡°We met here for the first time.¡±


    ¡°Did you want to reminisce about the past?¡±


    ¡°You said that you would prove it wasn¡¯t meaningless.¡±


    Robia turned his back to the lake and faced me.


    ¡°¡­..That doesn¡¯t mean I love you.¡±


    A small ripple formed on his otherwise smooth expression. He laughed hollowly.


    ¡°I know that much.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    He slowly walked over to me and slowly grasped my hand.


    ¡°Your Highness. You told me back then. That you liked how I got so easily jealous without being able to be honest about my feelings. And so I did this to your hair¡­.¡±


    He tucked my hair behind my ear. Under the dark blue night sky, his green eyes sparkled mystically. I think I had thought so when I first saw him. That he was like a fairy.


    It was a magical and intelligent shade. It matched him perfectly. Illuminated by moonlight, the slender face and perceptive lips of the man absorbed in his memories were bringing me under their enchantment.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°Do you hate me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then, do you like me?¡±


    ¡°Robia.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Just once.¡±


    He let out an airy laugh but a tear fell from one eye. I pushed him away as he tried to kiss me.


    ¡°Why? Am I not even allowed to kiss you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I am undeniably your concubine.¡±


    ¡°Tell me. Why you said not to trust Eclot.¡±


    I believed that once I heard the reason, I would be able to solve the misunderstanding. I wasn¡¯t trying to disregard Robia¡¯s words. I only thought that there was no rush.


    I trusted Eclot, but I also trusted Robia. Having watched over him all this time, I knew that he didn¡¯t say things that he couldn¡¯t back up.


    ¡°¡­..Did you come with me because you wanted to know that? Right, I already know the answer. Then before that, please answer one of my questions first.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I want to hear what your answer would have been back then. You chose me, but there was one other person there too¡­..¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what he was talking about. I didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I am talking about Audren. It has been awhile since we have heard that name, no?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°You kissed him here.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    Robia quietly examined me as if trying to confirm something.


    ¡°But you chose me. I have always wanted to know. Why you chose me. It¡­¡­ could be that you simply wanted to see me go from happiness to despair. Nevertheless.¡±


    Robia lowered his head and softly placed a kiss on my hand which he still had clasped in his. Tears fell onto the back of my hand.


    ¡°I want to hear it. From your mouth.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Just tell me one thing. That you were more attracted to me as a man than you were to him. Just the smallest amount.¡±


    I could cover it up by saying I didn¡¯t remember. I didn¡¯t have the memory, and I could just push him to get the answer I wanted.


    However, the only people here were us, and Robia was clinging to the ghost of someone long gone.


    I hoped that he would finally be able to escape from under the princess¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That will be enough. With that, I will be able to achieve peace now as well.¡±


    I wanted to give him the answer he wanted.


    I wished that he would no longer linger on the memories of that day, that he would no longer hold them in his heart.


    ¡°Yes. That day, I ¡­..¡±


    Robia lowered his head.


    ¡°I liked you more.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Robia didn¡¯t move a muscle and kept his head lowered.


    ¡°Robia?¡±


    When he lifted his head again, all I saw were the tears that hadn¡¯t been able to fall from his cheeks whereas his eyes were already dry.


    In that moment, I felt instinctively that something was wrong.


    ¡°Audren Viod Cecilia.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It is the name of the emperor who passed away 12 years ago.¡±


    He removed his hand and straightened his body.


    ¡°Do not say you mistook the name. Since you and I never came here together in the first place. This was not the first place we met.¡±


    Robia replied and wiped away the remaining tears from his cheek. As if the tears he had shed just a moment ago had been a lie.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    In the end.


    ¡°Who are you.¡±


    In the end, it had become like this.


    ¡°Answer.¡±


    He gripped my arms. In a flash, I roughly shook them off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    At my words, his movements stilled. He looked me over. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.


    It, it wasn¡¯t like I hadn¡¯t expected this. I had spent long periods of time with him. I had spoken with him more than anyone, and at some point, I had stopped trying to hide myself in front of him. I had subconsciously concluded that he had accepted ¡®me¡¯ as the princess.


    Even when I occasionally showed ignorance about the most basic of facts, he hadn¡¯t regarded me strangely and had only sighed.


    And so, I would sometimes imagine a future like this. But it wasn¡¯t supposed to happen now. I had thought that even if he noticed, he would reach a more reasonable conclusion, such as that I had lost my memories. I had miscalculated.


    But how?


    I faltered.


    ¡°I lost-.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say you lost your memories.¡±


    I bit my lip. How? Why? Fragmented questions churned in my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re a different person.¡±


    He was sure.


    I stumbled back from him. He advanced in response, at which point I retreated again. He tried to come closer, but I raised my hand defensively.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come near me.¡±


    He looked as though he were regretting his actions somewhat.


    ¡°If I gave you a shock then-.¡±


    ¡°Fine, you¡¯re right.¡±


    It was quiet enough that my breathing was deafening.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Yeldria.¡±


    He clenched his fist tightly.


    ¡°So? What are you going to do?¡±


    He shook his head once again and tried to step toward me.


    ¡°I said not to come near me!¡±


    I tried to calm my pounding heart. I couldn¡¯t fall apart here.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­ I¡¯m not that woman.¡±


    The words dug into my heart like a blade. The words I had never said to anyone. No, the words I couldn¡¯t say. The deeply buried truth. The plain declaration that I was me.


    I actually felt relieved. More than any other time. To the point that I could cry.


    I breathed out deeply. I looked him straight in the eyes.


    ¡°Are you going to report it? That I¡¯m not the princess?¡±


    ¡°I never said-.¡±


    ¡°If not that, why did you make me confess? Why did you trick me? What do you have to gain that you even showed fake tears.¡±


    I shot out.


    ¡°¡­¡­You.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Not the princess¡­.. but you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to meet you.¡±


    Robia got on his knees where he was. He placed his hands on his knees and looked up at me. I discovered that his eyes were bloodshot.


    ¡°At first I thought that I had gone mad.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Had I fallen back in love with the princess. That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°However¡­.¡±


    Trying to trick me again.


    ¡°Lies.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°First it was the princess, then Yuriel, and now me? You just, just need someone to love.¡±


    ¡°That is not true!¡±


    ¡°Why? Why not speak to me informally like you just were. I¡¯m not even the princess to you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. You knew I was someone else, you wanted to meet me, you love me.


    It was laughable. I didn¡¯t even know who I was anymore. I was filled with anxiety every night because I couldn¡¯t even be certain myself if I had ever existed, or if I had always been the princess.


    Who are you to be so confident.


    ¡°If not that, how would you explain these feelings?¡±


    His reddened began to well with tears. His hands gripped his knees and his knuckles began to turn white.


    ¡°I already told you. You just need someone to have feelings for-.¡±


    ¡°I wish that was the case!¡±


    His voice gushed out, laced with frustration. He set his hands on the ground. Then dripping tears, he suppressed a sob.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Silence descended on us.


    ¡°How am I supposed to trust you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Robia lifted up his tear-stained face and looked at me. His eyes and nose were red, and he wiped his eyes with dirt-smeared hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you now, but you¡¯re the one who¡¯ll be in a bind if you were to report me. Who do you think people will believe? The emperor¡¯s blood-related sibling? Or the humiliated concubine who was caught cheating?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Just because I don¡¯t kill people doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t.¡±


    His hair fluttered in the wind. His shoulders seemed to rise and fall along with his clothes. The truth which had been so crushing was nothing special now that it had left my mouth.


    ¡°You¡­. are too kind.¡±


    For a moment, I thought I had heard wrong.


    In his eyes there was no anger, hatred, resentment¡­. or even sadness. Robia looked at me with worry.


    ¡°What are you trying to say.¡±


    ¡°To the point that you would lie about a memory you didn¡¯t have for my sake.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Despite how much you hate living as someone else, in that moment you became that woman for me. What do I know about you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You are noble and kind. The princess I know isn¡¯t like that.¡±


    He spoke as if he knew exactly where my anxiety stemmed from.


    ¡°The person I love is not the princess.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.I thought I trusted you.¡±


    He let his head drop before raising it.


    ¡°I know. That you will not be able to trust me anymore.¡±


    Robia extended a hand to where I stood some distance from him. In the moonlight, the tear stains on his face were clearly visible.


    ¡°Please give me a chance. I will prove myself to you. That you will be able to trust me.¡±


    I hesitated. But I couldn¡¯t draw nearer to him.


    In the end, Robia pulled back his hand when it didn¡¯t reach me. However, he hadn¡¯t given up.


    ¡°This is the reason I said not to trust Sir Eclot Pacis.¡±


    Now I knew. Robia had had the same suspicions as me. That Eclot¡¯s loyalty wasn¡¯t to ¡®me¡¯ but to the royal family and empire. In other words, once he knew that I wasn¡¯t a member of the royal family, Eclot would never choose me over his loyalty to the royal family.


    ¡°He is dangerous. He is a man who could take his own life for the sake of the royal family.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I know.¡±


    ¡°Then why-.¡±


    ¡°If he must serve a master.¡±


    It was only after speaking the words that I was convinced.


    ¡°I decided that it has to be me.¡±


    Robia was speechless for a while.


    ¡°The moment that he realizes you are not the real princess, he will be an enemy. He will cut you down.¡±


    ¡°¡­..I know.¡±


    ¡°Despite that?¡±


    Robia looked hurt. Without even dusting himself off, he stood up, teetering as he did so. When I reflexively staggered back, he tightened his jaw and bowed his head.


    ¡°Even if you do not want it, I will prove myself to you. So that there is no reason for you not to take me. I will make it so.¡±


    ¡°I already have-.¡±


    ¡°Please have me as well. I will not ask you to have only me. Why do you to try to have only one in your arms?¡±


    From his words, I recognized that he had laid everything down. He might have been prepared to do so for a while now.


    Thinking that, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to maintain eye contact and looked at the tips of my fingers as I spoke.


    ¡°Are you not afraid of me?¡±


    ¡°I find you loveable.¡±


    I let out a laugh that was like a sigh, and he smiled finally. With a tear-stained face.


    Like he had said, I was a fake. A fake princess. A fake Yeldria.


    Hiding the truth, I had received Nadricka¡¯s encouragement and devotion, felt remorse for Ettsen¡¯s wounds and acted like the real thing for his sake, and demonstrated to Eclot a princess¡¯s nobility.


    But for the first time, I was just me. I could be me. It was okay.


    Robia carefully approached me. I was crying soundlessly in place.


    Soon, he embraced me. I didn¡¯t trust him, but I still felt encouraged.

 Chapter 6.6

    ¡°You¡¯re back.¡±


    The door opened, and I saw Nadricka. I staggered over and stood next to him.


    ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±


    Nadricka didn¡¯t ask what it was. He just patted my back without a word.


    ¡°It is alright, take your time.¡±


    I slumped down where I was. Nadricka got to his knees, facing me. I looked at him.


    Just like Robia had, he tucked my hair behind my ear. I felt drawn to take his hand.


    ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±


    I realized I was repeating myself only after the words had already left my mouth. Nadricka quietly looked at me. I glanced behind me.


    ¡°¡­¡­Leave us.¡±


    I heard the receding steps of the servants outside. It seemed like the soldiers were moving away from the door as well. I cupped Nadricka¡¯s face in my hands.


    ¡°The truth is.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been hiding something from you.¡±


    His face was calm. Nadricka laid his hands over mine.


    ¡°Do you remember how I said I lost my memories?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    I had to say it. I had to confess it to him. I couldn¡¯t hide it any longer. Even if¡­. he would be hurt by it. I couldn¡¯t keep him in the dark.


    ¡°The truth is.¡±


    It was getting hard to maintain eye contact.


    ¡°¡­¡­The truth.¡±


    My head dropped.


    ¡°Ria.¡±


    It was the first time he had voluntarily called me by that name.


    ¡°Look at me, please?¡±


    His hands tenderly cupping my face, Nadricka brought my head up. Our eyes met.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me if it¡¯s hard.¡±


    Those words made me open my mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lie. All of it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I never lost my memories. I¡¯m not the woman you knew.¡±


    ¡°Ria.¡±


    He didn¡¯t look surprised. Seeing him so unfazed, I was incredulous. At the same time, I felt a little hollow. Because I had never once expected it.


    ¡°You knew?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    That there was a possibility that Nadricka already knew my identity. But that he would hide it.


    ¡°Why¡­.. No, how? Since when?¡±


    His hands tightened around mine.


    ¡°The day we first met.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°When you held my hands. Starting from then.¡±


    Since that day? In other words, he had known I wasn¡¯t the princess since the day I first fell here.


    He laughed sadly.


    ¡°It seemed impossible but¡­. it was even more impossible that you could be the same person.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°You did not want me to know.¡±


    ¡°But¡­. why? If you knew from the beginning, then why did you help me?¡±


    ¡°At first, I just liked being able to breathe freely. It felt like I had escaped from hell. I thought that at the very least you would not kill me.¡±


    Nadricka was calm and collected as he began his story.


    ¡°But after a point, I sincerely began to pray that things would continue like they had. I became afraid whenever you went to sleep. I wondered what I would do if when you woke up the next day, you weren¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That is why I couldn¡¯t say anything. Because it felt like the moment that I spoke the truth, everything would be ruined, and you would leave me and disappear to someplace far away.¡±


    He wrapped his hands around mine and slowly brought his lips over them.


    ¡°Why did I help you? You already know the reason.¡±


    A serene smile spread over his face. There was no way to tell who had embraced who first. His arms always managed to envelop me completely.


    ¡°And, how is it possible I would not know he¡¯d noticed as well?¡±


    Nadricka mumbled with his head buried in my neck.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you had that expression.¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°I just thought that he might have noticed as well.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Was I so obvious?¡±


    ¡°No. It is more like¡­.. he seemed to have feelings for you too. Not the princess, but you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    I hadn¡¯t realized Nadricka would have guessed that much. I wondered if he knew what Robia had told me today as well. I let go of him and looked into his eyes.


    ¡°Do you really think so?¡±


    ¡°If he didn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t have known. Ever. Just like everyone else.¡±


    ¡°But¡­..¡±


    ¡°That man has always been looking at you, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Just like I was.¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°That¡¯s not enough. I can¡¯t trust him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a smart person. The fact that he revealed it to you means that he has no intention of putting you in danger. In fact, he-.¡±


    ¡°But,¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid of accepting him?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°You keep coming up with reasons why you cannot accept him.¡±


    He had hit the mark. If I trusted Robia, if I shared my deepest secrets with him, then like he said, I would have no reason not to take him. He was my concubine, however¡­..


    ¡°¡­..I only need you.¡±


    ¡°Please do not be like that.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t be like what?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    I felt a sudden jolt of fear go through me at Nadricka¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Why are you like this?¡±


    Nadricka avoided my gaze.


    ¡°Why¡­¡­ Why are you being like this? You said you liked me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    My blood ran cold. I grabbed Nadricka by the shoulders. I was rambling. I lowered my head and tried to find his eyes.


    ¡°Is¡­¡­ Is it because I¡¯m not the real princess? Because it¡¯s been revealed now? Is it too much pressure for you?¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t like that!¡±


    ¡°Then why did you say that!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­.¡±


    Nadricka¡¯s voice trembled. I put my arms around his neck. I snuggled into him like I was afraid of parting and buried my head in his shoulder. His hands on my back had never been so anxious.


    ¡°I told you I would protect you. You don¡¯t have to do anything, I¡¯ll never put you in danger. So, so¡­.. you, you can¡¯t do this to me, you really can¡¯t¡­¡­.¡±


    I tried not to break down.


    ¡°That¡¯s why!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not listening, I won¡¯t listen.¡±


    I rubbed my wet eyes on his shirt while shaking my head, and he patted my back soothingly. His touch was this warm, so why?


    ¡°Please look at me.¡±


    I felt him bury his head in my shoulder. His hands around me tensed. The words that came next were tinged with far deeper emotion than I¡¯d been expecting.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    Tears soaked into my clothes.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid. I¡¯m so afraid. Because I can¡¯t protect you. Because I¡¯m nothing.¡±


    Each word was thick with emotion.


    ¡°You¡¯re only looking at me, you say you will protect me, but you are the one in danger!¡±


    Nadricka shouted.


    ¡°Why are you protecting me! I can¡¯t bear seeing you like this.¡±


    Nadricka pushed me away.


    ¡°So go tell him. Please accept him. Make him cooperate. Please keep yourself safe. For me.¡±


    How is that for you?


    ¡°You do not hate him, right?¡±


    ¡°Why¡­ are you saying that. Why that.¡±


    ¡°I do not want to lose you. That is why.¡±


    Nadricka spoke in a clear voice.


    I wasn¡¯t confident I could reassure Nadricka, no matter what I said. I realized that even if I said everything would be okay, or ¡®you¡¯re special to me¡¯, it would have no effect in putting his worries to rest.


    So, I started talking about something else.


    I talked about how I had lived in a different world, but how one day upon opening my eyes, I¡¯d found myself here. I talked about how scared I had been, and how much comfort he had given me.


    I didn¡¯t give specifics, like about Yuriel, or how everything here might be part of a game. I didn¡¯t want to burden Nadricka any more than that.


    As I was talking, Nadricka shifted our clasped hands a little. When I had finished, he asked,


    ¡°What do you look like?¡±


    The answer didn¡¯t come to me immediately. I frowned.


    ¡°Well¡­¡­. I had black hair and black eyes?¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Plain, right? Here¡­.. everyone is radiant.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still curious.¡±


    After that, he opened and closed his mouth several times as if hesitating. Then he asked,


    ¡°If you had a chance¡­..¡±


    Would you go back?


    Even though he left the question unfinished, I could hear it, and I couldn¡¯t give him a proper response.


    This time, he was the one who started talking.


    ¡°It happened the moment I met you, Your Highness¡­.. you.¡±


    He tightly clasped my hands.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t not fall for you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Like unavoidable fate.¡±


    Fate. I had never believed in it. Even more so after I had fallen into this place. But in this moment at least¡­¡­


    ¡°So, it¡¯s possible that he felt the same way as me.¡±


    It felt like my ¡®falling¡¯ here had been fate.


    ***


    ¡°It¡¯s freshly baked bread.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Yuriel laughed a little, and the boy who had delivered the bread blushed and disappeared into the kitchen. As soon as the boy left, Yuriel wiped the smile from her face and peered at the system window in front of her.


    The affection level of ¡®Rocky¡¯ has exceeded 50.


    A new route can be generated.


    (Remaining slots: 3)


    Will you generate a new route? Y/N


    Yuriel pressed N and snorted. How dare they look down on her? Yuriel was starting to get tired of this miserable inn.


    At that moment, the door opened, and a familiar silhouette stepped inside the inn. As the man crossed the threshold, the gold light illuminating his shoulders was erased by shadow.


    ¡°Over here.¡±


    The man glanced up with tired eyes, and walked straight toward Yuriel.


    The man who had been the prince of a now ruined country even walked differently than normal people. At least, it looked that way to Yuriel.


    ¡°Nothing happened?¡±


    Ettsen pulled Yuriel into his arms. Wrapped in his embrace, Yuriel caressed his back a few times without much sincerity.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s been fine staying here?¡±


    Yuriel did her best to laugh and nodded. Then she asked without delay,


    ¡°And that woman?¡±


    She felt Ettsen¡¯s arms tense.


    ¡°¡­..Why do you keep asking about that?¡±


    He drew his head back and met Yuriel¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°And why wouldn¡¯t I? Am I not even allowed to ask how much of a good time she¡¯s having after shoving me into this shabby, disgusting place?¡±


    Yuriel yelled sharply. Realizing that the only thing she had left was the man in front of her, she softened her expression.


    ¡°¡­¡­I was ruined because of that woman, but you never got angry once.¡±


    ¡°Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°Why? Why are you looking at me like that? If you really love me, do something. That woman made me a subject of mockery! Look at where I am now! I¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You have always been special to me. Even now you¡¯re-.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about right now! I get it, you¡¯re saying that since I was just another maid who got kicked around, things haven¡¯t gotten much worse for me compared to you, because you used to be a prince?¡±


    ¡°You know that I don¡¯t think that.¡±


    ¡°So? Should I be grateful?¡±


    ¡°¡­..Yuriel, I don¡¯t think you should have anything to say this time.¡±


    Ettsen didn¡¯t mention Eclot Pacis¡¯s name. Or Yuriel¡¯s reason for approaching him.


    Yuriel erupted in nervous laughter.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. You should know. You suffered too, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Even if they make the same mistake, some people become so miserable, while others get off easy. Why do I have to be the former? I¡¯m going to become the latter. Instead of suffering I¡¯ll-.¡±


    ¡°Yuriel. Calm down.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you hate it? This unfair world? Doesn¡¯t it seem damn ridiculous that they get to have good lives?¡±


    Ettsen was silent. It had been a while since he¡¯d noticed that the woman he loved might not have ever existed.


    But he wondered if he could abandon the woman in front of him. Whatever had been the truth and whatever had been lies, it didn¡¯t change the fact that she had been the one to free him when he was trapped in a world of hate and shame.


    ¡°I won¡¯t forgive her.¡±


    Ettsen cupped Yuriel¡¯s face in his hands. Anger and hatred swirled in the eyes of the one he loved so much.


    He recognized the emotions as those which had once boiled inside of him.


    ¡°Yuriel, please. Just leave it. Don¡¯t hurt yourself more.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If you want, let¡¯s go somewhere far away. I¡¯m officially a knight now, so I¡¯ll be able to receive an adequate salary from the provincial nobles. That¡¯s¡­¡­. enough for me, Yuriel.¡±


    She had said to forget. And to maintain a distance neither too short nor too long.


    To go their own ways.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡­ going to forgive that woman? Is that what you¡¯re saying? You?¡±


    ¡°No. I said I would forget.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re mad.¡±


    Now and then, Yuriel would get the feeling that she and Ettsen were different in some unknowable way.


    I hate her this much, but who are you to be so detached?


    Even his hatred was so detached that it made her want to retch. Ettsen had been this way since the first time she had met him.


    Choosing a life of being stepped on by the princess for the sake of your countrymen whose faces you don¡¯t even know? And what else? Saying you¡¯ll gladly die so spare me instead?


    But she ignored the feeling in her heart every time. After all, it didn¡¯t make sense for her to be jealous of someone whom she already had at her feet.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if they say I¡¯m mad. Because you¡¯re all I have left. So, let¡¯s just leave together already.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yuriel wanted to scream.


    Who said they wanted that? Why would I follow what you want?


    ¡°¡­..That woman will continue playing around with people like she wishes. How can you be so certain that we won¡¯t be one of them? You still don¡¯t know? You think that woman will really spare us? It¡¯ll be over the moment she says she changed her mind!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so na?ve? That¡¯s why she got the best of you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°People don¡¯t change that easily.¡±


    Ettsen became absorbed in thought as he gazed at Yuriel. It was true that there were things that didn¡¯t change. But sometimes, the more something seemed that way, the more easily it changed, leaving you feeling empty. Even though you had once believed it would never change.


    That included Yuriel, and the princess, and¡­.. himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me? Then do this for me.¡±


    Yuriel pulled Ettsen in by his collar. With their noses almost touching, she ordered in a clear voice,


    ¡°Kill that woman.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Kill her!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave with you. And forget everything.¡±


    Ding!


    You have made a request of ¡®Ettsen Velrod¡¯ beyond what he will allow. If he agrees, his affection level will be permanently reduced by 80%. If you withdraw your request, there will be no change.


    (Warning! Permanently reduced affection cannot be filled again.)


    A. Maintain current affection level.


    B. Accept the penalty.


    For the first time in a long time, Yuriel felt like the system window was on her side. If Ettsen succeeded in killing the princess, then he would die anyway, so affection level wouldn¡¯t matter at that point.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying you have to do it right away. But.¡±


    Yuriel grabbed his sword hilt at his waist and lifted the corners of her mouth.


    ¡°You should be prepared to do it at any moment.¡±


    Ettsen slowly removed his trembling hands from Yuriel¡¯s face. He had a dark expression as he murmured,


    ¡°I¡­¡­.¡±


    Yuriel waited to see what he would say. Going by the system window, he couldn¡¯t refuse Yuriel¡¯s order anyway. That was how it was set up.


    But Yuriel didn¡¯t know. That this was the kind of thinking that would make Yuriel just another player trapped in the system.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve ruined you, Yuriel.¡±


    Clinging to him, Yuriel whispered into Ettsen¡¯s ear,


    ¡°All the more reason for you to take responsibility.¡±


    Then she smiled crookedly.


    You think I¡¯ll let someone like you ruin my life?


    Who do you think I am. Why do you think I came here.


    She would see it through to the end. And she would definitely be victorious.

 Chapter 7.1

    It was the day of the preliminary meeting for the territorial negotiations regarding the Borne Kingdom. It was also where I would make my official appearance as lead.


    With servants in tow, I made my way to the chamber in the emperor¡¯s place where the meeting would be held.


    I was met with an unusual sight at the chamber entrance. A stocky, young man with a fair complexion was arguing with some soldiers. I got closer and asked,


    ¡°What is the problem here?¡±


    ¡°Ah, this person doesn¡¯t have permission to enter the meeting but he was making a ruckus¡­. We-We¡¯ll hurry and correct the situation now!¡±


    I stopped the soldier as he tried to lift the young man onto his shoulder.


    ¡°What is the problem?¡±


    This time, I directed my question to the young man. He stared at me with an expression that said he didn¡¯t know who I was. It was the soldiers who were put into an awkward position instead.


    ¡°Pardon us, Your Highness.¡±


    Hearing the soldiers¡¯ words, the young man¡¯s face morphed into an expression of horror. He looked up at me in disbelief and began backpedaling as though he dreaded the idea of being in the same place as me for even one second.


    ¡°Pardon¡­¡­ me. I will not¡­¡­ do this again. Then I will be on my-.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    He had piqued my interest. More specifically, I was interested in the object he had hidden behind his back once he had learned I was the princess.


    ¡°Give it here.¡±


    I extended my hand toward the young man. His face practically screamed ¡®I¡¯m screwed¡¯ as he reluctantly came closer. He slowly took something out from behind his back.


    The object that the young man had been hiding was a tattered book ripped here and there like it had been handled by careless hands.


    Honestly, it looked more like a couple pieces of paper bound together than it did a book. I turned over the first page and discovered Eclot¡¯s name written there.


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    Soon after, I returned the mass of papers to him.


    ¡°Bring that and follow me.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, Your Highness! Just this once! Please don¡¯t say to burn it! ¡­.. Pardon?¡±


    I laughed out loud.


    ¡°I said follow me.¡±


    He looked at me with eyes full of bewilderment as I stepped into the chamber. He hesitantly trailed after me.


    ¡°You are here, Ria.¡±


    The emperor had come as well. This was a bit unexpected.


    ¡°I am only participating so do not worry about me.¡±


    The emperor was sitting comfortably in the corner.


    I greeted the emperor with my eyes then took my seat at the front.


    ¡°We are much obliged, Your Highness. We are honored that you are here with us.¡±


    The nobles, who had arrived early, stood up one by one to greet me before sitting back down in their seats.


    Besides one young woman who was sitting next to me, they were all advanced in years. The age of those seated got younger the further away they were from me.


    I noticed Eclot among their ranks. When I greeted him with my eyes, he bowed his head in return.


    The secretary stood at attention next to me.


    ¡°The subject of this meeting is the territorial negotiations regarding the Borne Kingdom , therefore with regard to the Rothschild Empire, an allied nation,¡­.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Before we start, there¡¯s something we need to clarify first.¡±


    I said while raising my hand, and the secretary went silent. The secretary began sweating.


    ¡°From what I hear, Sir Pacis hasn¡¯t yet been rewarded for his distinguished services.¡±


    There was a reason that I hadn¡¯t seen Eclot at the start of the victory celebration.


    ¡°What is the reason?¡±


    One old man smiled with a face that said ¡®as expected of a young princess.¡¯ and offered a response. I think I remembered them saying he was the prime minister and only duke of the empire.


    ¡°Well, he is Your Highness¡¯s concubine. From the beginning, concubines were granted neither title nor land. It is an old practice, and such practices exist for a reason.¡±


    ¡°And what is that reason?¡±


    ¡°That is¡­¡­¡±


    The old man looked around the hall while smiling. Once everyone had smiled back in agreement, the old man looked back up at me.


    ¡°If concubines held power, how could there be effective governance of the nation? Due to a former emperor granting a favored concubine land near the capital-.¡±


    ¡°Do you believe me incapable of looking after a single concubine?¡±


    I asked intimidatingly, my displeasure obvious. The old man shut his mouth for a moment.


    ¡°So, your pitiful excuse for a proper reason is based on mere possibility. You must be joking. Are you sure the real reason is not that you are fearful of there being less land for all of you?¡±


    Fiefs granted to the spouses of royalty were usually inherited by their children, resulting in more and more land coming into the possession of individual members of the royal family. Although there were cases of land and money leaving by way of a spouse¡¯s relatives, they only made up a small part.


    Anyways, that wasn¡¯t the important thing here. I wasn¡¯t happy about it, but I had to make these people believe I was dead-set on pushing this through.


    ¡°Your Highness! Please compose yourself.¡±


    The old man spoke to me as he would a child throwing a fit. His efforts to calm my immediate anger were impressive indeed.


    ¡°Your Highness, am I right in thinking that you desire to reward your concubine in some way? Concubines are allowed luxury goods so-.¡±


    ¡°I desire to discuss how one who has made a great contribution to the nation should be compensated. Do you think I am here to play lovers?¡±


    ¡°However¡­..¡±


    ¡°However? I have been entrusted with full authority over matters related to the war by His Majesty. Will you still argue with me!¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless, the matter of bestowing a title or fief requires His Majesty¡¯s approval to¡­.¡±


    At that moment, the emperor, who had been quiet up until now, spoke up.


    ¡°I will not say anything about this matter. Talk it over with the princess.¡±


    The emperor being here in person was unexpectedly turning out to be a good thing. Because of that, the nobles had one less reason to continue being stubborn.


    ¡°So he says. Now what will you do? Will you say that you neither heard of nor saw Sir Pacis¡¯s achievements during the war?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    That¡¯s right, you can¡¯t.


    With a limited number of soldiers, he had accurately deciphered the hidden motives of the neighboring empire, which he took advantage of to form an alliance. He was thus able to solve the problem of the troops¡¯ defense and supplies, and he had continued on to win every battle he fought near the end of the war.


    They said that on the days that Eclot personally stepped onto the battlefield, the enemy¡¯s morale would drop dramatically. He had that much presence during the war.


    ¡°Then, let us ask what is his own will.¡±


    The old man had been more than happy to treat Eclot like he was invisible this whole time, but now he pulled the knight into the center of the dispute. Since the duke knew Eclot better even than I did, it meant he was confident that Eclot wouldn¡¯t ask for any compensation with regards to his victory.


    Fine, I had predicted as much.


    ¡°Come forward, Eclot Pacis.¡±


    At my call, Eclot rose from his seat and came to the front. He gave me an almost imperceptible shake of his head. He probably meant he was fine.


    But what to do? I¡¯m not fine,


    I responded inwardly.


    The old man stood from his seat.


    ¡°Do you wish to ignore time-honored custom and receive a title and fief suiting your military accomplishments?¡±


    I almost snorted, but I stopped myself. Eclot looked up into my face. He was asking me how he should answer.


    That¡­.. That wasn¡¯t part of the plan.


    I had thought that he would assert that we needed to follow custom. But he was telling me that he would wholeheartedly do what I asked. That he would do whatever I asked, whether I nodded or shook my head.


    First, I responded to the old man.


    ¡°What an unpleasant way of speaking. You certainly look ready to question his loyalty to the crown should he say he does.¡±


    ¡°We shall see where his heart lies once we hear his answer.¡±


    This old snake. He fit the description of someone who had managed to keep his power and a firm hold over the duchy despite looking at the age to complain about joint pain.


    ¡°Answer. Do you wish it? Or do you not?¡±


    Eclot broke his silence.


    ¡°Your Excellency whom I respect, why do you seek to hear my lowly opinion with two dignified members of the royal family and the other nobles here in front of you?¡±


    It was then.


    The stocky young man who had been tensely standing behind me ran out and bowed.


    ¡°Your Highness. May I say something?¡±


    That¡¯s right, I was wondering why he wasn¡¯t coming out. He¡¯d been patient, considering his personality.


    When my expression remained composed despite the sudden turn of events, the duke¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Tarshish!¡±


    A middle-aged man called to the youth in a shrill voice, before clapping his hands over his mouth in shock at his own outburst. It was obvious to me that the man, who was seated far away from me, was the youth¡¯s father. They looked identical. The man¡¯s face was white as a sheet as his gaze narrowed in on his son.


    ¡°Your Highness, that man¡­.. does not seem to have the right to participate.¡±


    I ignored the old man¡¯s words.


    ¡°Speak,¡±


    I said, and Tarshish immediately lifted his head while still bowed on the floor. Our eyes met. He pressed his lips together and sat up, looking like he had resolved himself for what he was about to do.


    Seeing as how the usually expressionless Eclot looked surprised, it confirmed that they knew each other. Tarshish spread open the mass of paper in his white-knuckled hands. And then he addressed the room.


    ¡°That day, we would have scattered.¡±


    They were song lyrics.


    That day, we would have scattered.


    That day, we would have broken into pieces.


    That day, we would not have seen anyone¡¯s back.


    Today, we will all die.


    Today, today, we will follow you.


    And so, that day, we will meet you again.


    That day, that day.


    ¡°I was a scribe who went on this past campaign.¡±


    Tarshish said, and glared at the group seated at the far end. They were the people who had received titles because of the war, and now sat side by side in their uniforms.


    Each avoided his gaze with a flustered expression. Among them was the man I¡¯d assumed was Tarshish¡¯s father.


    ¡°The song I just read to you was the song that the soldiers would sing every morning while burying their dead comrades. I was there. I witnessed all of the horrors and recorded them. I did it to communicate the horrendousness of war to posterity.¡±


    The old man scowled like he was displeased and turned his head away. He knew that there would be no advantage in interrupting Tarshish at this junction.


    ¡°But I was too na?ve. Those who died there, and those who came back, fought while carrying the nation on their backs. But if this nation that they thought had experienced the war alongside them is actually so ignorant to their pain and so stingy regarding their exploits then who would show loyalty to the crow-.¡±


    ¡°Tarshish.¡±


    I cut him off.


    ¡°State your purpose clearly.¡±


    Tarshish instantly realized his mistake and changing his mind, implored,


    ¡°Please, recognize Sir Pacis¡¯s distinguished military service!¡±


    I stared at the top of Tarshish¡¯s head and thought.


    If I was the original princess, you would have died the second you made that mistake, little boy. But I¡¯m not that woman. So, it looks like I saved you.


    ¡°Seeing this child, I have even greater conviction. I am pleased that he was able to overcome his fear. And I am seeing once again how enormous Sir Pacis¡¯s influence was on this war. What do you all think?¡±


    The nobles from this war glanced at each other. Then one of them snapped up with an expression of firm resolve.


    ¡°Please, recognize Sir Pacis¡¯s distinguished military service!¡±


    After that, several people stood and bowed their heads, shouting,


    ¡°Please, recognize Sir Pacis¡¯s distinguished military service!¡±


    Tarshish¡¯s face was glowing as he shouted again,


    ¡°Please, recognize Sir Pacis¡¯s distinguished military service!¡±


    ¡°Duke, do you still believe your view is reasonable?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    Whether or not Eclot received recognition for his services wasn¡¯t important to the old man. It was ¡®who¡¯ got to have their way in the end. In short, this was a sort of battle of wills.


    ¡°I understand what you are trying to say. Nonetheless¡­. What do you all think? Go ahead.¡±


    The old man looked around, his voice tinged with regret.


    ¡°That is¡­. Granting him the same reward as the others¡­.¡±


    ¡°May be a tricky matter¡­..¡±


    While everyone was saving their breath and glancing at me, the young woman, who had seemed bored since before, grinned and suddenly addressed the duke.


    ¡°You took your tenth concubine recently, correct?¡±


    ¡°Why are you bringing that up right-.¡±


    ¡°There have been rumors going around that you gave her a house, land, and that now, it seems like you are about to move the ocean to your front yard for her as well,¡±


    The woman said, and cackled to herself. But when no one laughed along, the woman rubbed her neck, embarrassed, before nodding toward me.


    ¡°This is our first meeting. I am Sir Pacis¡¯s representative Karant Pacis.¡±


    Representative?


    Karant said that and studied my reaction. Seeing me look unsure, she grinned and looked at Eclot.


    Wait.


    Pacis?


    ¡°I thought I would be farming in the mountains my entire life, but he suddenly brought me in to be the marquess, saying I was a distant cousin. After the position of marquess was emptied out of the blue?¡±


    Why was she saying it like it was a question? The woman laughed to herself again. I heard Eclot let out a sigh.


    In any case, that meant the woman was a marquess.


    ¡°Then in recognition of his contributions, a medal and honorary title¡­.¡±


    Finally, the duke was conceding one step.


    ¡°Then what you are saying is, everyone is in agreement about Sir Pacis¡¯s contributions?¡±


    ¡°Yes. However-.¡±


    ¡°Can I take it that if he wasn¡¯t a concubine, he would have received the highest title and compensation out of anyone who was involved in this war?¡±


    ¡°I would not have been in opposition if that was the case. But since that is his current position we need strict-.¡±


    ¡°Good! With His Majesty and the nobles present, I declare that from this moment Eclot Pacis is stripped of his title as concubine.¡±


    Silent shock spread throughout the meeting hall. Not one person made a loud sound, but everyone wore an identical expression of literally being stabbed in the back.


    I looked at Eclot. He looked shocked as well. His eyes were opened wide.


    This was what I had wanted to tell him when I called him aside. It had been put off because of all the misunderstandings, so he was finding out this way. But didn¡¯t surprises make you feel good?


    I was going to set him free. I was going to grow him into my strongest weapon and highest-flying wings.


    ¡°Lord.¡±


    The old man slowly turned his head toward me at my call.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything left to say.¡±


    ¡°H-however, a former concubine¡­..¡±


    ¡°You must know how to take responsibility as the only duke of this nation. If you do not, I can only doubt your qualification as duke.¡±


    The old man, Duke Dominat, made an expression conceding his defeat.


    ¡°Then, shall we discuss what and how much to bestow upon him?¡±


    Now, Eclot Pacis had truly returned.

 Chapter 7.2

    The emperor exited the chamber fairly late. Then he saw Eclot who had been waiting outside.


    ¡°It seems you are waiting for the princess.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Yes. Your Majesty.¡±


    Eclot greeted the emperor with respect. The emperor studied the stoic face of the man who was around his same age.


    Although the knight was skillful at hiding his expression, the emperor could tell. That he was shocked by the situation as much as ¨C no ¨C much more than the emperor.


    In other words, the princess had carried everything out without letting even Eclot know.


    It was bizarre.


    He had known for a long time that his little sister, his only flesh and blood, wasn¡¯t ordinary. Because of that, he had received quite the satisfactory help while ruling the nation.


    So, the emperor felt some personal guilt toward Eclot. The princess was the cold-hearted one, but it was the emperor himself who had let her be.


    But today was a little different.


    Although she was still strong and still arrogant, his sister was definitely different. The emperor found evidence of it in Eclot¡¯s face.


    The princess always acted only for herself. She was selfish and cunning. People knew but still suffered. Even though she didn¡¯t hide her intentions, she pushed them into a situation where they could not afford to refuse. No one waded into that situation of their own free will.


    But today at least, was different.


    This time, his sister hadn¡¯t acted for her own benefit.


    She had done it for the man in front of him.


    ¡°She¡¯s different,¡±


    The emperor thought.


    When the princess left the chamber at last, she saw him and stopped.


    ¡°Ria.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    She asked, and even her laughing face felt unfamiliar.


    The emperor searched his memories. When had this started?


    Anyways. The emperor rubbed his chin and said,


    ¡°Do not work too hard, Ria.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll always get out late if you do.¡±


    It was strange. That man didn¡¯t look the least bit happy even when the chains binding him had been released.


    The emperor laughed.


    ***


    The emperor left first, and Eclot and I were alone.


    ¡°I do not know if you are pleased by what I have prepared.¡±


    Eclot looked like he had something to say.


    ¡°Shall we move somewhere else?¡±


    ¡°No, this is fine.¡±


    I waited.


    ¡°¡­¡­I. I am truly fine.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°But, why did you do it? Why did, why did you.¡±


    It was my first time seeing him unable to utter a perfect sentence.


    ¡°Throw me away.¡±


    ¡°I threw you away?¡±


    I was shocked.


    ¡°That is a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    He looked into my eyes like he was trying to read my thoughts. Eclot seemed genuinely thrown aback. I grabbed his wrist.


    ¡°Do you not trust me?¡±


    ¡°That is not so.¡±


    The reply was immediate.


    ¡°I will never abandon you. Now and in the future. Never.¡±


    Eclot was silent for a while before he finally bowed his head.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    I let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Why did you think that?¡±


    This time, he looked at me with eyes that questioned how it was possible I didn¡¯t know. Embarrassed, I tried to guess the reason.


    ¡°You expelled me from the position of concubine.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°That was me trying to reward you for swearing your loyalty to me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Aren¡¯t you happy? You can go back to your proper place.¡±


    Eclot didn¡¯t look ready to accept it. I tried to make him understand.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, won¡¯t Sir Dippet be really happy too?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I heard he was your subordinate. I¡¯ve been getting some hate because of that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I will warn him later.¡±


    ¡°No. That¡¯s not why I brought it up.¡±


    Eclot always paid close attention to my words.


    How should I explain this¡­.


    I released his wrist. He glanced down at the spot on his wrist which my hand had just vacated.


    ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I just thought this was why our relationship went awry. So, I wanted to start over from here. I believed that I was doing this for you. Was I wrong?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    He was always quick to give this kind of reply. The only explanation was that he believed the princess was always right.


    ¡°However, Your Highness,¡±


    Eclot said after a long pause.


    ¡°That¡­. That too was my choice.¡±


    He extended his hand toward me. I placed my hand on top of his though I hadn¡¯t understood the meaning of his words.


    And so, when he lowered his head and brought his lips to my ring finger, my jaw dropped.


    ¡°I do not regret it.¡±


    How could that be? Out of everyone, why was it the princess you had to give everything up for?


    He could have said it was bad luck, but now I had to accept his insistence that it had been his choice.


    ¡°¡­..Fine, that¡¯s who you are.¡±


    I had wanted to give him freedom because he was that kind of person. I had worried about the criticism he would receive if he lost his status as concubine, so if it was bound to happen anyway, I had been looking forward to sending him off in the most honorable way I could think of.


    He slowly released my hand.


    ¡°What I desire right now is for you to not try and carry everything on your own shoulders.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°And for you to not experience too much hardship. That is all.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°As Your Highness wishes,¡±


    He said like he always did.


    ***


    ¡°What¡­. Did you say?¡±


    His expression told me he had heard right. It seemed Tarshish wanted to feign ignorance.


    ¡°I said, bring your things to my palace.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    White-faced with fear, Tarshish took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. Then he took a deep breath.


    ¡°Your Highness, I am still young and¡­. I-I have a family I must support. Oh, and I also have a chronic illness¡­.!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. And I will give you sufficient funds so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Tarshish¡¯s breathing was gradually becoming harsh.


    ¡°I¡­. I have a genetic disease!¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s going to be a little difficult.¡±


    After hearing those words, his face brightened. I had been having so much fun teasing him that I was a little disappointed to wrap it up.


    ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate, because I was planning on making you my aide and using you for a greater purpose.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? Pardon?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I guess I could just put you to work in a room by yourself¡­..¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡­.. Pardon?¡±


    I slid the snacks to him across the table.


    ¡°Did you think I wanted you in my bedchamber?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, you are not my type.¡±


    Serenely, I took a sip of my tea.


    By squeezing Tarshish dry, I was able to quickly ascertain the situation inside and outside the palace. The matter of the territorial negotiations was proceeding without a hitch through the involvement of experts. As long as the Rothschild Empire sent their delegation on time there wouldn¡¯t any problems.


    Of course, the problem arose elsewhere.


    ¡°We¡¯re having another party?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I skip this one? I¡¯m really¡­.. very¡­.. busy.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Daisy sniffed. Seems about time to make Daisy understand that I was a member of royalty whom she served.


    ¡°It¡¯s Your Highness¡¯s birthday party!¡±


    ¡°Oh God.¡±


    I despaired at the thought that I wouldn¡¯t be able to skip.


    ¡°I just¡­.. I¡¯m fine so can we just not¡­¡­¡±


    Daisy gave some serious thought to my request before shaking her head.


    ¡°Delegates from each country will have already departed with gifts so it would be hard.¡±


    ¡°So you do listen to me.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, Your Highness?¡±


    Daisy tilted her head, and I gave her a benevolent smile.


    ¡°Anyways, the head maid told me to ask if we should do it like ¡®last year¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Last year?¡±


    Nadricka, who had been dozing off beside me, rubbed his eyes and inclined his head toward my ear.


    ¡°A swinger party with like-minded noble sons¡­..¡±


    As soon as I heard that I smiled at Daisy and said,


    ¡°Don¡¯t even talk about last year. I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯m not doing it.¡±


    After saying that, I laid Nadricka¡¯s head in my lap. He tossed for a while before nodding off again.


    ¡°Tell her to stick to the basics, just the basics,¡±


    I grumbled and caressed Nadricka¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll tell her that. Just the basics!¡±


    ¡°Before that, what happened with what I asked you to look into?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Yuriel?¡±


    Daisy removed a crumpled-up piece of paper from the pocket of her maid¡¯s uniform.


    ¡°Um¡­. It looks like she¡¯s still in the capital. She¡¯s staying at some sort of inn? long-term.¡±


    One thing was bothering me. The system window wasn¡¯t appearing to me after that day. My guess was that Yuriel wasn¡¯t able to proceed with her captures on account of being thrown out of the castle. But I wasn¡¯t sure.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see, the name of the inn is¡­.. Eh? I didn¡¯t write it down. I must have forgotten.¡±


    Daisy giggled. At that moment, a voice interjected from outside the open door.


    ¡°Let me do it.¡±


    When I turned to look, I saw Robia standing in the doorway with a nervous expression. After checking that Nadricka was fast asleep, I spoke.


    ¡°¡­..Go back.¡±


    Once the strategy meetings for the negotiations had begun, the daily lessons with Robia had ended too. I hadn¡¯t seen his face in days.


    ¡°Please give me a chance.¡±


    When I heard those words, spoken in the same voice as that night, I was rendered speechless.


    ¡°I will take care of Yuriel. Please give me a chance to prove my sincerity.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You do not have anyone to spare right now anyways. Just once, pretend you¡¯ve fallen for my scheme.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    His voice calling me gave me momentary chills. He had called me ¡®Your Highness.¡¯


    ¡°¡­¡­Do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°I will not disappoint you.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be disappointed. Because I don¡¯t trust you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Robia bowed his head and returned the way he came. The tea I drank every day was bitter. I couldn¡¯t bear to taste it.


    ***


    ¡°Is this all you brought?¡±


    Eclot had been standing with a vacant look on his face when he turned his head in the direction of the voice. Karant stood against the door with her arms crossed, unamused.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Well, first, congratulations.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Karant raised her arms in surrender at Eclot¡¯s gaze, the laughter disappearing from her face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a room as a matter of courtesy as you were the former marquess. But when you left me here, you promised. You said you wouldn¡¯t take back what you gave.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    Eclot asked as if he had no objections. Only then did Karant let out a chuckle.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to be clear, right?¡±


    Eclot put down his things and turned to face Karant.


    ¡°Karant.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You must treat Her Highness with respect. The position of marquess is more than a title, it requires you to be a role model for other nobles-.¡±


    ¡°Stop, stop,¡±


    Karant said, frustrated.


    ¡°You¡¯re at it again with that tiresome nagging.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    When Eclot¡¯s persistent stare continued, Karant let out a sigh.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be more respectful next time.¡±


    Slyly, Karant directed her question at the man who was trying to leave after hearing the response he wanted.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get to sleep together, right?¡±


    ¡°What-.¡±


    ¡°With Her Highness,¡±


    Karant cackled.


    ¡°I knew it. Where are you planning to use that thing dangling between your legs that you¡¯ve stayed a virgin until now?¡±


    The night that Eclot had entered as a concubine, the princess had sent him from the bedchamber. She had said he was too obedient and boring. And after that, she had tired of Eclot¡¯s stoic-faced nagging. In other words, she had no desire to have him in her bed.


    ¡°Why? Does Her Highness not think you¡¯re all that?¡±


    ¡°How dare you use that promiscuous language about Her-.¡±


    ¡°I have a sixth sense for things like this. The way I see it, Her Highness doesn¡¯t have zero interest in you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Eclot stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°That caught your interest now, didn¡¯t it? Huh? You¡¯re interested, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Wow, getting the Eclot to fall for her, she¡¯s amazing! She¡¯s no ordinary person!¡±


    While Karant clapped her hands annoyingly, Eclot mulled over his feelings. He wondered where this angry and endless feeling like a swamp came from.


    Eclot roughly pulled on his necktie to loosen it and massaged his neck.


    He had looked because he had been told to look. But when had it started?


    When had looking become not enough?

 Chapter 7.3

    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    The two men stared each other down from opposite sides of the doorsill. Finally, with a reluctant expression, the man on the inside asked,


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Whatever that is, it¡¯s not something to talk about standing here.¡±


    Ettsen moved back without a word. Robia stalked into the room. Robia looked around the private room in the knights¡¯ quarters.


    ¡°If it¡¯s business between us, there can only be one, correct?¡±


    Finding a sofa, Robia made himself comfortable and looked up at Ettsen.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you leave?¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t your concern.¡±


    Ettsen looked angry.


    ¡°Hurry and make up a reasonable excuse.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If you do not, then I¡¯ll know you have something else planned.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Did the princess send you?¡±


    ¡°If not, why would I be here?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°You look like you don¡¯t believe me.¡±


    At that instant, Robia felt a surge of anger. He felt like his relationship with the princess was being denied.


    ¡°Where is Yuriel? Ah, has she already left you?¡±


    Ettsen controlled his anger.


    ¡°I know that you don¡¯t feel anything for that person. Don¡¯t go picking a fight with me for nothing.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s been left alone for long enough. Has it not crossed your mind that she¡¯s been far too well for what her crimes were?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not something for you to say.¡±


    ¡°¡­.I¡¯m a little surprised. You¡¯re actually still by that woman¡¯s side.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you still not know that woman?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I suppose you would rather not know. If you did, you would want to throw her away this instant.¡±


    ¡°No matter what kind of person Yuriel is, I will never throw her away, no matter the reason. At least not like you.¡±


    Robia jumped up from the sofa.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying I threw her away?¡±


    ¡°Who are you criticizing in your situation, hm? I heard you¡¯re sponging off the princess again?¡±


    ¡°Yuriel has never been mine, not for one instant.¡±


    Robia smiled crookedly.


    ¡°And that goes for you too.¡±


    Ettsen grabbed Robia by the collar. Robia kept testing Ettsen¡¯s patience.


    ¡°¡­..I know.¡±


    ¡°You know and you¡¯re like this? Stupid bastard.¡±


    ¡°You should watch your mouth from now on.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who should think carefully. Fine, if you still love Yuriel, do whatever¡¯s necessary to stop her. Put your life on the line and stop her.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If anything happens to Her Highness, I swear on my life¡­.. it won¡¯t be a pretty death.¡±


    Robia forcibly removed Ettsen¡¯s hand on his collar. Then he said something he had never wanted to. It was his first and last piece of advice.


    ¡°If you also¡­. felt something for her, then don¡¯t do anything you¡¯ll regret.¡±


    Ettsen said nothing.


    ***


    Ring.


    The door to the inn opened, and a man stepped outside with a hood pulled low over his face. In the alley opposite, Robia and an unfamiliar figure watched the man.


    ¡°He¡¯s a member of the guards?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He looked completely taken with the woman when I saw him before.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    ¡°There hasn¡¯t been any movement for now¡­. Ah, a maid she seems to have known from the palace came too.¡±


    ¡°A maid? Is there a way to find out who she is?¡±


    ¡°It would be simpler if the maid returned, but¡­. I will ask around for now.¡±


    ¡°Tell me every bit of information you find out without making any independent judgments about what to include. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Milord.¡±


    Robia pulled his hood low over his face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tear your eyes away from Yuriel for one second.¡±


    ¡°Ye.¡±


    Taking a heavy coin purse from inside his cloak, he tossed it at the man¡¯s feet. The man swiftly placed the purse in his clothes and flashed a grin.


    ¡°Her Highness the princess¡¯s birthday.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°If she makes a move, it¡¯ll be on that day. Notify me appropriately.¡±


    ¡°Ye.¡±


    Robia left.


    It happened a few days after that. As usual, Robia was staying in the detached palace which was a part of the princess¡¯s palace when he found a note underneath his soup bowl.


    [Goes in and out of high-class noble houses. Seems to be looking for work as a maid.]


    Robia crumpled the paper and threw it into the flames of the fireplace.


    More days passed.


    [Seems to have found work in a noble house. Goes out to buy clothes.]


    The notes faithfully relayed news about Yuriel.


    [Noble house is the Dominat Duchy. Works under the playboy grandson. Will be able to uncover details about the maid mentioned before soon.]


    And the last note said this.


    [Is not leaving the inn. Has stayed at home for past couple days.]


    ***


    It was light out the day of the ¡®princess¡¯s¡¯ birthday party. They said that the princess¡¯s actual birthday was tomorrow. The party tonight was more important to me, because I was tired.


    ¡°How can you be so sluggish on a day like this, Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°¡­..It¡¯s okay if I¡¯m a little sluggish. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    Sunken-eyed, I avoided Daisy and was on my way out of the room when I met Tarshish, who was trying to come in. Tarshish looked twice as tired as me.


    ¡°Your Highness, these require your approval¡­..¡±


    I waved a hand and Hess took the stack of documents from his arms in my place.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear the news?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°My birthday party is today. So, no one¡¯s working tonight. Or tomorrow. Apparently, it¡¯s because it¡¯s the day I was born.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­If they are not approved today, then what is the point of those documents I spent all night preparing¡­.¡±


    He mumbled as if speaking to himself and sagged against the wall. I patted Tarshish¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Get some rest until tomorrow. And¡­. I¡¯ll get you an assistant soon, so stay strong for a few more days.¡±


    ¡°I think I heard that last week¡­¡­.¡±


    Tarshish moved his limbs limply and disappeared.


    And I moved less limply than him as I headed toward the party hall. Nadricka could have come, but when I thought about how he might be treated like he was last time, I didn¡¯t think we needed to come together. It wasn¡¯t even my real birthday.


    In any case, when I thought about how I wouldn¡¯t be able to leave in the middle due to being today¡¯s star, I could already feel my tiredness multiplying. I listened to the emperor¡¯s congratulatory address then followed his lead up the stairs to my seat.


    I felt better once I sat down. After that, it was the same thing over and over. Delegates from each country and the nobles offered various gifts, and I gave my thanks again and again.


    Though I tried to maintain my smile, my lips began spasming, so after a point, I was greeting the gift bringers with a straight face. The presents didn¡¯t even pass through my hands and piled up high behind my seat.


    At this point, I had the wild thought that a swinger party would have been better, and even contemplated whether my butt would have flattened out into a circle or square shape.


    At that moment, I heard an ear-shattering noise behind me. However, I wasn¡¯t able to look.


    Ding!


    The system window had appeared in front of my face like a lie.


    The box is empty.


    Box? What box?


    Drawer 1 is empty.


    Drawer 2 is empty.


    The cupboard is empty.


    Would you like to check the lead? Y/N


    Lead?


    In that moment, chills went down my spine.


    ¡®The confiscated item is in the princess¡¯s bedchamber.¡¯


    Confiscated item.


    Princess¡¯s bedchamber.


    The familiar sentence appeared back in front of my eyes.


    You use the consumable item ¡®Sixth Sense (1)¡¯.


    You use the consumable item ¡®Luck (1)¡¯.


    You have a sudden impulse check the carpet!


    I straightened.


    Right now,


    Yuriel was in my room!


    You have discovered a jewel box.


    You open the jewel box.


    Will you collect the ¡®Necklace of Blood¡¯? Y/N


    Yuriel pressed ¡®N¡¯. Why?


    And what is that?


    But this wasn¡¯t the time for that. I had to go right now.


    ¡°¡­¡­Highness! Your Highness! Please!¡±


    I came to my senses then. Everyone was looking at me. Everyone.


    The party hall was strangely quiet. I looked back as if led by some force. I remembered having heard a loud noise.


    Some of the presents I had been gifted were fallen on the floor. The man who was responsible was bowing on the floor and trembling.


    But that wasn¡¯t important.


    White powder.


    A bronze statue of a child was broken, and the powder stuffed inside had spilled across the floor, reaching my feet.


    ¡°¡­..Drugs?¡±


    The hall which had been quiet enough to hear a needle drop gradually filled with chatter. I clenched my cold hands.


    The emperor and my eyes met. His looked troubled but not surprised.


    I looked around. No one questioned what the powder was. There was no one in this hall who didn¡¯t know the princess did drugs.


    At that moment, the notification sound rang out again.


    Ding!


    All requirements to open the route have been achieved.


    A new route can be generated.


    (Remaining slots: 3)


    Will you generate the route? Y/N


    Special route: ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯, the only son of the ducal house¡¯s route has been opened.


    [The Way to Capture His Heart ¨C 1]


    The information you have disclosed is that which he most needed. However, he will not be so easily satisfied. You must prove that you have continued usefulness beyond this one time. Contribute to Princess Yeldria¡¯s downfall.


    [Current Progress]


    Progress toward Princess ¡®Yeldria Viotte Cecilia¡¯s¡¯ downfall: 0%


    The progress percentage increases.


    Progress toward downfall: 3%


    I had struggled to set everything right. I had done everything I could, even in the middle of an unfamiliar world and with an unfamiliar name.


    But I was back here again.


    ¡°Your Majesty. What is this?¡±


    A young man was kneeling on one knee at my feet. He rubbed some of the white powder on his finger and brought it to his nose.


    Soon after, like an actor on a stage, he gave an exaggerated shudder.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this, drugs?¡±


    Progress toward downfall: 9%


    ¡°¡­¡­Lord Dominat. This is not something for you to meddle in,¡±


    The emperor said.


    I hadn¡¯t recognized ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯, the character from that quest, even when he was right in front of me.


    Was there really no way to oppose it?


    I had thought that if I could pick myself up, then the future would change as well.


    I felt my anger rise. And despair flowed through my veins.


    Until when would my life remain hostage to this damn princess¡¯s shadow? When?


    Again, I had been caught by the princess of the past. Even though it wasn¡¯t my wrongdoing.


    Arken Dominat let out a bright, beautiful laugh and bowed his head at the emperor.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please excuse me for being late to this grand party.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The emperor looked displeased. Whether he couldn¡¯t read that face, or he was ignoring it, Arken Dominat turned around and spread his arms.


    ¡°But instead, look and see who I have found!¡±


    Progress toward downfall: 11%


    The firmly drawn curtains of the terrace pulled back. And a figure dressed in a lavish white dress stepped into the light.


    In a lilting voice, Arken Dominat said,


    ¡°I have found Your Majesty¡¯s younger sister.¡±


    It was Yuriel.


    Progress toward downfall: 31%

 Chapter 8.1

    Younger sister?


    She was his younger sister.


    Yuriel was. Then what about me?


    The emperor and my eyes met. He didn¡¯t look surprised this time either. Just troubled, like before. Only one thought came to mind.


    He knew.


    I understood all the traces left until now. Right after that I thought,


    He¡¯s insane.


    ¡°If those words are false, you die on this spot,¡±


    The emperor proclaimed gravely. He had just said that he would kill the only duke¡¯s grandson in front of the nobles and each country¡¯s delegates.


    But it was precisely because he had no intention of killing him that he could be so blithe. Because Yuriel was ¡®real¡¯.


    Then what about me?


    The question circled back to me like a wheel. My mouth went bone-dry.


    Yuriel looked straight at me and slowly walked toward us. I focused on her black hair which scattered like waves over her white dress, and her red eyes. Soon, I remembered that the emperor and I were siblings who were unusually similar in appearance.


    I was legitimate. Then may Yuriel was¡­


    ¡°I can prove it. But before that, Your Majesty.¡±


    Yuriel stood on equal ground beside me and looked up at the emperor.


    ¡°Please accept my greetings.¡±


    Tears dripped from Yuriel¡¯s eyes. The emperor¡¯s face was stony but I could see his eyes twitch.


    ¡°Please pardon me for¡­ failing to recognize you, Your Majesty.¡±


    Yuriel¡¯s face clouded over. I stood with my back to the emperor and said,


    ¡°First, prove it.¡±


    Yuriel looked up at me. Then she smiled.


    ¡°Your Majesty. This was in Her Highness¡¯s bedchamber.¡±


    ¡°That?¡±


    ¡°It is Your Majesty¡¯s lost jewel.¡±


    I realized why Yuriel hadn¡¯t collected the item she found.


    ¡°It is the object the former emperor bestowed upon my mother, and that my mother left to me as a keepsake, Your Majesty,¡±


    Yuriel cried out earnestly, brushing away tears. Her voice could pull at heartstrings.


    ¡°I wished to treasure it deeply all my life, but Her Highness confiscated it from me. Saying that she would never acknowledge me as a member of the royal bloodline¡­! Because she threatened me and forced me out¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that the truth?¡±


    ¡°There is not one falsehood in my words! Please believe me!¡±


    ¡°¡­Why are you announcing the truth now?¡±


    ¡°Once, I tried to adapt. However, my Lord found me and¡­.. once he discovered what Her Highness had done and was trying to do¡­. I came here and I saw the party hall covered by that common white powder.¡±


    Everyone was dumbstruck, with some already pitying Yuriel.


    Looking embarrassed, Dominat hastily cut in.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please give the order to search Her Highness¡¯s bedchamber. If the princess has a clear conscience, what reason does she have to object?¡±


    ¡°This is not a matter so easily decided.¡±


    The emperor glanced at the crowd of delegates and nobles. I spoke on his behalf as he was hesitating.


    ¡°Please allow it. You will find it in my room.¡±


    ¡°¡­Are you acknowledging this child¡¯s words?¡±


    The emperor flicked his eyes to two servants, who withdrew and disappeared.


    ¡°I would never, Your Majesty.¡±


    I took a deep breath, making sure not to let it show. Yuriel seemed like she was shivering with pleasure. She seemed overjoyed to be standing on the same stage as me. And at the thought of crushing me.


    ¡°I cannot allow you to dirty my name as you stake the title of a princess of this nation. Furthermore, I gladly grant approval to prove my innocence for the sake of the empire¡¯s dignity.¡±


    I took one step toward Yuriel. Yuriel instinctively shuffled her feet but didn¡¯t move back.


    ¡°I proclaim to the one who claims to be His Majesty¡¯s younger sister and my flesh and blood.¡±


    Everyone was watching me.


    ¡°The slander today will come back to haunt you.¡±


    ¡°Slander, you say¡­¡±


    ¡°Your anger toward me is causing you to overexert yourself.¡±


    I stepped out in front of the people.


    ¡°This child was my servant who engaged in an illicit affair with my concubine, and though I showed mercy, she approached yet another concubine, so I ordered her expulsion from the palace. As such, hear me, Lord Dominat. Because you have broken a royal decree, trusting the words of one whose identity has not yet been verified, you will atone for your crime.¡±


    ¡°However-.¡±


    ¡°No matter whose blood flows through that child¡¯s veins. That will not change.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Dominat shut his mouth.


    Progress toward downfall: 29%


    So you want to do this, do you. I clenched my fists tightly.


    ¡°Further, even if that jewel is discovered in my bedchamber, that will not be enough to prove that I confiscated it from you. Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°As you were once a servant who went in and out of my bedchamber, how could I believe everything that you say? Moreover,¡±


    I laughed out loud.


    ¡°Had I truly discovered your bloodline and rejected you¡­.. Are you not excessively well right now?¡±


    Suddenly, the hall got quiet as though it were empty. Yuriel¡¯s lips tightened. I¡¯m sure she hadn¡¯t expected me to be so direct.


    ¡°Of course, I jest. Is it possible that I would kill my younger sister? However¡­¡­ I am curious. If we are to take your words as truth, that means I did not even go through the trouble of disposing of the evidence and kept it hidden instead. In my bedchamber at that.¡±


    Yuriel did not say anything.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. How did you know it was in my bedchamber? Did you search it in secret? ¡­¡­Or, did you know because you were the one who hid it?¡±


    Most likely, these two had thought the emperor or I would be able to quietly cover it up if it remained a matter of the royal family. But if they announced it somewhere each country¡¯s delegates and the eminent nobles were gathered?


    They¡¯d regarded the princess¡¯s birthday party as their chance to drag into the light everything which had been kept hush-hush until now because she was royalty.


    And Yuriel wouldn¡¯t have refused since she would be able to newly reveal herself as the other princess.


    I understood everything. The drugs at my feet and the claim that I¡¯d threatened Yuriel were not things I had done, but that the princess most definitely could have. They would have been confident that their slander wouldn¡¯t be uncovered.


    No one was surprised. Even as the princess¡¯s innocence was uncertain, no one believed it. That¡¯s what their expressions told me. Separate from my racing heart, I felt a deep exhaustion wash over me at that fact.


    ¡°These drugs too.¡±


    Progress to downfall: 21%


    ¡°Can you prove that they are mine? I only received them as a gift, but how can you be so certain that they are related to me?¡±


    I ordered that the gift registry be brought out. But I could not find the name of the person who had gifted the drug-filled statue.


    Someone had brought it in secretly, and now that it had come to this, the probability that the truth could be completely masked was extremely low. In addition, it would be difficult to detain and investigate not only our country¡¯s citizens but the foreign delegates as well.


    At least the charges they had brought against me couldn¡¯t be wholly proven either.


    At that moment, the two servants the emperor had sent out returned. In their hands was a small box. Inside it lay a necklace with a brilliant, red gem.


    So that¡¯s the ¡®Necklace of Blood¡¯.


    ¡°I assume you know how to use it,¡±


    The emperor said. Yuriel bit her lip as though she were nervous and smiled at the emperor like it was habit.


    ¡°I will demonstrate my innocence as well. Please observe, Your Majesty.¡±


    A servant handed Yuriel a small knife. Yuriel used it to slice her palm. Blood dripped from her clenched fist, and the servant brought the necklace underneath.


    The blood pooled on the surface of the necklace, which suddenly emitted a blinding light and absorbed the blood.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I had thought it was strange that a mere necklace could be important evidence.


    Magic. To me, it was beyond the realm of common sense.


    It absorbs royal blood or something?


    The people began murmuring. Moved, Yuriel wept and bowed toward the emperor. The emperor let out a long, deep sigh as he blinked his eyes.


    ¡°Are you truly Lobelia¡¯s daughter?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Lobelia is¡­¡±


    A familiar-looking noble uttered.


    ¡°She was my nursemaid. When I was young, my mother the empress dowager threw her out. I remember hearing that she might have royalty in her belly. The princess¡­ Princess Yeldria had only just started walking so she would not know.¡±


    ¡®Princess¡¯. The title no longer existed just for me.


    Anyways, Yuriel would have known that she couldn¡¯t get a stranglehold on me with this alone.


    Even though she might be able to reclaim her status as ¡®princess¡¯ within the predetermined storyline.


    Obviously, Yuriel had brought in ¡®Dominat¡¯, a man not part of the storyline, for the purpose of fast-tracking the story.


    And because of that, their goals wouldn¡¯t be completely in line with each other. They had reached an agreement in order to produce this situation, but things were different now. It wouldn¡¯t be long now before the two dissolved into disharmony.


    Because Yuriel had already gained what she wanted. Then what did Dominat want?


    The emperor let out a sigh. He may as well have advertised the family history.


    Suddenly feeling someone¡¯s eyes on me, I turned my head and met Dominat¡¯s gaze. He was glaring at me like he wanted to murder me.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    It crossed my mind that maybe their fundamental goal was the same.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have one more thing to report!¡±


    ¡°I am warning you to cease.¡±


    ¡°I cannot!¡±


    Dominat spread his arms once again. The door opened, and a man with a tanned face slowly entered the hall. And after him, a group pushed into the hall.


    They were young boys. Their wrists and ankles were in shackles and they were bound together by their feet. They were filthy from not washing, expressionless, and were carrying something above their heads.


    They laid down what they had been carrying. The stiff cloth rolled out, exposing the contents.


    It was a corpse. It gave off an awful odor, the face was difficult to distinguish, and the wrists and ankles were in shackles, unremoved even after death.


    The people let out quiet screams.


    ¡°¡­¡­How much disrespect must I endure from you?¡±


    The emperor was beginning to lose his temper, and Dominat knelt in front of him with a confident expression.


    ¡°Yuriel¡­. Lady Yuriel reported it to me. Yu¡­.. Lady Yuriel witnessed horrible sights while working as the princess¡¯s servant, and this is one of them.¡±


    Meanwhile, I was flabbergasted. Isn¡¯t this different from what Yuriel said just a minute ago? Can you do that?


    The emperor looked apprehensive like he had realized the same, even more so because he had hoped to bring the night¡¯s events to a close with the revelation that Yuriel was a member of the royal family.


    I ordered for the corpse to be covered back up with the cloth. Then I took a deep breath.


    For a moment, I struggled to maintain my reason. I just needed to hold on for a little longer, to sort out the situation. Then everything would be okay.


    ¡°¡­¡­Are you saying I killed them?¡±


    With the corpse laying in front of him, Dominat bared his white teeth in a wide grin.


    ¡°You have done worse, have you not?¡±


    At first, I didn¡¯t understand. Unable to open my mouth, I stared at him blankly as he graciously answered in my stead.


    ¡°I speak of necrophilia. Did you not purchase young slaves¡­¡­and thoroughly enjoy them, killing them before the new year only to enjoy them once more?¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to do about the sudden surge of nausea.


    ¡°And young boys at that! And they say that before the sun rises, they will all die.¡±


    I realized that the rumor was actually exposing the ugly reality of what happened every year.


    The princess, the body I was wearing right now, made me want to throw up. I didn¡¯t want to stay in this skin any longer.


    I staggered backward. I grabbed my arms. I abhorred the princess. More than anyone, I couldn¡¯t tolerate the princess, whom I had already become. My breathing was harsh.


    ¡°Declare your innocence regarding this matter as well, Your Highness. I even have a witness here.¡±


    Dominat flicked his eyes toward the dark-faced man who fell at his feet and shouted,


    ¡°I-I have committed a grave sin, Y-Your Majesty! Please spare my life¡­¡­ I only did as Her Highness c-commanded¡­..¡±


    My vision went blurry. Were you this irredeemable? To this extent?


    And at that moment¡­¡­ The entrance to the party hall slowly began to open. It was a low, small sound, but the cold wind wrapping around my ankles caused me to turn around.


    The large, majestic door opened its jaws and spit out a person.


    That person was Ettsen. He wore a red tailcoat¡­..


    The people suppressed their screams. I couldn¡¯t see him clearly.


    The crowd parted. Ettsen wasn¡¯t alone. His white tailcoat was stained red, and he was supporting someone.


    ¡°Robia.¡±


    That someone¡¯s entire body was red. Covered head to toe in blood, Robia clung to Ettsen. Every time Ettsen took a step, blood gushed from Robia¡¯s abdomen. The blood that stained Ettsen¡¯s clothes was Robia¡¯s.


    ¡°Robia¡­¡­.¡±


    I chanted like a sigh. I didn¡¯t even realize I was calling his name.


    I forgot everything that had been filling my head.


    Robia was looking at me. Green eyes, cheeks paler than usual. Rumpled clothes, hair drenched in sweat. I saw him try to speak but close his mouth when he failed to.


    Spitting up blood, he slumped to the floor. Then he lifted his head and cried out,


    ¡°You must not fall for their words, Your Majesty!¡±


    Ettsen supported Robia¡¯s shoulder and explained to me, his voice unwavering,


    ¡°His abdomen was pierced by a swo-.¡±


    ¡°What are you all standing around for instead of treating him! Save him, right now!¡±


    It was an ear-shattering noise. It was only after feeling myself out of breath that I realized it had been my shout.


    ¡°You can¡¯t let him die¡­. You.¡±


    You can¡¯t.

 Chapter 8.2

    TW: Mentions of child abuse, physical abuse (skip to translator¡¯s note at the bottom if you want a summary)


    Arken Dominat was obsessed with the princess.


    The two had noticed each other at first sight when they were younger. Like recognizes like. In any case, the two maintained a fairly good relationship after that.


    Arken Dominat, the only son in the third generation of the Dominat Duchy, was lax and prideful, and was impatient to dominate the princess in bed. The princess found it entertaining. But after a while, she got bored. So she threw him away.


    The princess soon found new entertainment, but Arken Dominat could not. Of course, on the outside, he was the same as the princess. He called in a new woman into his bedchamber each night and played around at his leisure.


    But Arken felt an unquenchable thirst. He became obsessed with the characteristic way that the princess looked down on a person. He felt the only way he could get relief was to make a mess out of that face.


    But there was only one way for him to enter the princess¡¯s bedchamber again ¨C keeping up with the princess¡¯s new hobby.


    Arken Dominat was choked in the bedchamber. He was choked, and he turned his hips over. In any case, he was able to roll around with the princess again.


    The princess knew Arken Dominat¡¯s psychological weakness. She knew that, as the product of generations of abuse, he would writhe frantically whenever she pinned him down.


    But that was only for a short while.


    One day, the princess stopped bringing people into her bedchamber. People whispered that the princess had changed. When he heard the news that the third son of House Levanone who had run into the princess¡¯s bedchamber had been imprisoned, Arken Dominat began to fret. He couldn¡¯t sleep.


    And then one morning, he had a thought.


    Let¡¯s drag the princess down. Beneath him. To his feet.


    He decided to put it into action immediately.


    The swinger party held every year on the princess¡¯s birthday was under his jurisdiction.


    Not even a shadow passed beneath the dim light in the most well-hidden spot in the red-light district. The largest base for illegal sex trafficking was turned upside down.


    Soldiers from the duchy¡¯s private army had stormed in while concealing their identities. The traffickers couldn¡¯t believe that Arken Dominat, who had been not just their ally but their sponsor, would come to punish them. And they were massacred.


    It was a secret operation unknown even to the building next door. The base was the only one searched from top to bottom. At the end of the disturbance, it was enveloped in icy silence.


    Corpses skewered by spears made a trail from the entrance, and people in black clothes lined every hallway leading to the deepest basement.


    ¡°M-My Lord?¡±


    Arken Dominat led his attendants into a room. A man with an unpleasant, rotten face was bound and kneeling on the floor. When he noticed Arken, his hands began to visibly tremble.


    ¡°P-Please calm down¡­.¡±


    A sword was brought to the man¡¯s throat. Beads of sweat from his forehead dripped onto the grooves of the blade before rolling off. Arken leaned back into the chair his attendant had prepared for him.


    ¡°I was going to kill everyone.¡±


    The man began hiccupping. Arken smiled.


    ¡°But I only killed half.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°But, well, I could change my mind any minute.¡±


    As though he had realized how he could save himself, the man hastily shouted,


    ¡°Wh-Wh-Whatever you tell me! I¡¯ll do it! I¡¯ll do it all! Truly! Truly! Please believe me! My Lord! Please, my Lord!¡±


    The man walked over on his knees and submissively grasped Arken¡¯s pant leg. Arken leaned over him.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes! Whatever you want!¡±


    The man nodded furiously.


    ¡°Then confess.¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Report the princess.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re spared execution. I¡¯ll inconspicuously send your family out of the country. With, of course, enough funds to last them a lifetime.¡±


    ¡°Th-The princess¡­¡±


    ¡°Why, you don¡¯t want to? Then would you rather die here?¡±


    The blade pressed into the man¡¯s neck, drawing a line of blood.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    When he didn¡¯t respond right away, Arken flicked his eyes toward the black-masked man by him.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, the masked man stabbed a short sword into the man¡¯s thigh and twisted. Arken covered his ears with his hands. For a while, the repulsive screams filled the room.


    ¡°So, your answer?¡±


    ¡°¡­I-I will do it! Hic, please, yes, of course! I will do it, please¡­¡±


    Arken shook his leg and laughed contentedly.


    ¡°Consider it an honor to help me with your worthless life.¡±


    *


    Arken Dominat was dragged and dumped onto the carpet. Wobbling, he had placed his hands on the carpet and was trying to sit up when he received a kick to the stomach. He crashed into the wall. Momentarily unable to breathe, Arken hoarsely gasped for air.


    ¡°Arken Dominat.¡±


    Hearing his name, Arken lifted his head and saw his father. He snickered as he leaned up against the wall.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡±


    ¡°Arken Dominat!¡±


    ¡°Can you stop calling me? I¡¯m not deaf, you kn¡­¡±


    Arken was slapped and fell to the side. His ear throbbed.


    Backed into a corner, Arken was kicked over and over. As this was happening, Arken simply covered his head with his arms and curled into a ball without trying to resist.


    Soon, Arken¡¯s father took in a harsh breath and threw off his coat. He used the back of his hand to wipe off the thick drops of sweat running down his jaw. Arken lifted his head and looked at his father. His father was looking down at him contemptuously, as if seeing some lowly thing.


    Poor father. My decrepit father, long past the age of maturity, taking out his anger on me while he himself is too afraid to even grab hold of a single position.


    Arken snorted. As he did so, his father furrowed his brows, his expression ugly. But he only steadied his breathing.


    ¡°Pretend it didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°Pardon¡­?¡±


    ¡°I will overlook it this one time, so pretend it didn¡¯t happen! Do you not know what will happen if this reaches His Excellency? Do not act in haste! What can you do!¡±


    Figures. He¡¯d used the duke¡¯s private soldiers, so it was impossible for the duke not to know. Arken snickered to himself, thinking that the duke had noticed faster than he¡¯d expected.


    ¡°Do you understand!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    Once his father had left, Arken laid down on the carpet, his shoulders shaking with laughter. He sat up and spit onto the floor. A handful of blood and a broken tooth dirtied the floor.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Arken slowly stood up. Then he swept all of the books off of the nearby hardwood desk. Various documents and books, a stand, a fish bowl, a vase and a compass shattered on the floor.


    When that didn¡¯t help, Arken upended the desk itself and pretended to kick it a couple of times.


    At that moment, someone knocked at the door.


    ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s requested to see you, my L-.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, don¡¯t you have any sense left, you decrepit, worn-out bitch? Do you want to die? Should I kill you too?¡±


    After a short silence, a voice came from the other side of the door.


    ¡°She says that she knows something about the princess that she must tell you in private. She asked me to tell you that she wants the same thing as you. I thought I should tell you¡­¡±


    Arken wiped his blood-stained mouth with his sleeve and spat on the floor.


    ¡°Bring her here. I guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt to see her face.¡±


    That was Arken and Yuriel¡¯s first meeting.


    ¡°Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Yuriel!¡±


    No matter how hard he pounded on the door, there was no response. Eventually, he unlocked the door with a key the inn¡¯s owner brought him. As he stepped into the room, his foot caught on something. The chaotic state of the room, and Yuriel, who had her head buried in the mattress, filled his vision.


    ¡°Yuriel.¡±


    Yuriel slowly lifted her head as Ettsen knelt on one knee in front of her. Her face was white as a sheet. Yuriel grabbed Ettsen¡¯s collar and whispered,


    ¡°Kill her.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m begging you to kill her.¡±


    ¡°Yuriel.¡±


    ¡°Robia came.¡±


    Ettsen¡¯s face briefly hardened at those words, but Yuriel didn¡¯t notice.


    ¡°He did it. That bastard did this.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He broke things and threatened me! Saying I betrayed him¡­¡±


    Yuriel trembled and let herself be embraced by Ettsen.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared! He said that she would come kill me, that I would definitely die! Please, Ettsen¡­¡±


    The day after Robia came to see him, Ettsen had given the inn¡¯s owner money and made his request. He had asked the owner to keep an eye out for who came looking for Yuriel, and to call security if they seemed dangerous.


    According to the owner, Robia, indeed no one, had come looking for Yuriel today. When he first heard that, he¡¯d been relieved.


    ¡°Kill her.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Or I¡¯ll die.¡±


    Yuriel didn¡¯t know that she¡¯d been found out even before she began her lie.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Tomorrow was the awaited day, it was time for Ettsen to act, and she needed an excuse to pressure him.


    Yuriel thought he was easy. But she had ignored the possibility that, just because Ettsen didn¡¯t ask anything, didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t know anything.


    After laying Yuriel ¨C who had cried herself to sleep ¨C down on the clean bed, Ettsen quietly looked down at her.


    ¡°Do you still not know that woman?¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s that you don¡¯t want to know. Or you would want to throw her away immediately.¡±


    He straightened out the blankets whenever Yuriel¡¯s slight tossing and turning sent them slipping down. It was only when dawn broke outside the window that he pulled himself away and headed toward the palace.


    The day was visibly bright.


    *


    Sieger was patrolling the outer palace when he heard a disturbance from the palace entrance and went to investigate.


    Four large carriages were in a line, and the merchants, who appeared to be the owners, were joking with the soldiers about nothing important.


    ¡°Oy, what are you-.¡±


    Sieger had taken a few steps toward the group when he was stopped by the soldier who had been patrolling with him.


    ¡°Nothing good will come of getting involved.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°¡­They are the princess¡¯s people. They come every year.¡±


    ¡°Every year?¡±


    ¡°Every year around this time, without fail.¡±


    ¡°And that makes it okay to let them in without an inspection?¡±


    The soldier clicked his tongue.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know after what you¡¯ve been through? They transport things like sex slaves, boys that have been trafficked illegally, and drugs. You shouldn¡¯t get involved¡­ If you don¡¯t want to worsen your situation.¡±


    After saying that, the soldier left, leaving Sieger behind. Sieger glared at his back for a while before turning his gaze toward the slowly advancing carriages.


    Every year. And this year as well.


    He had thought she¡¯d changed. Had that really been a fabrication?


    Really?


    A strange feeling of foreboding settled into a corner of his heart.


    *


    Like always, Robia wasn¡¯t invited to the party. However, from what he heard, Nadricka had also been left in the palace. Robia felt okay.


    Then, he discovered the note from today.


    [Surveillance impossible.]


    Robia turned the note over.


    [Target has entered the nest.]


    ¡®Nest¡¯ was the code word for the palace. Yuriel had entered the palace? Robia clicked his tongue. It was obvious that the maid girl had helped Yuriel out.


    Robia turned the gears in his head.


    A maid who was connected to Yuriel¡­


    He headed to the princess¡¯s palace. The palace was empty, like a lie. That in itself was plausible enough since the reception of the foreign delegates and the party were going on all day, plus the princess herself was gone.


    But this was too extreme.


    It was quiet near the bedchamber. Robia walked swiftly to the door and grabbed the handle. The door wasn¡¯t even locked.


    Robia pushed on the door and stepped inside without hesitation. There was no sign of anyone else in the room. Robia was about to be seized by frustration when he became aware that something was out-of-place.


    Looking around, the room was imperceptibly more disordered than normal.


    It was undeniable. Someone had searched the room.


    ¡°Did you not hear me say that we need to increase security in the palace?¡±


    Robia slammed his hand down on the desk with a dumbfounded expression.


    ¡°I said we know what we¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°We need to inspect each and every passerby. I¡¯m saying this because you haven¡¯t been doing that, have you? That woman-¡°


    ¡°That, what¡¯s-her-name, Yuriel? The pretty-looking girl who was chased out a little while ago?¡±


    The head of security sniggered and looked at Robia.


    ¡°The one who was in that kind of relationship with you¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that important right now?¡±


    ¡°Then, what is important? In any case, Her Highness is in the safest and most strictly guarded place in the palace right now. Do you know what awaits us if we go in and make a ruckus over that girl? So, the two of you can work it out-.¡±


    ¡°Look here! What nonsense!¡±


    ¡°Oh, my eardrums¡­¡±


    The head of security glared at Robia with displeasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve seen concubines fight over love. If you do this every time, how are we supposed to work? Hm?¡±


    Now, the head of security was holding back his frustration in order to calm Robia down. Who¡¯s the one who should be frustrated?


    ¡°What, are you trying to get attention by bringing along soldiers? We don¡¯t act on things like that. It¡¯s like you see the palace security as fools.¡±


    The men had no desire to lend Robia an ear.


    Things were turning out unusually. He had thought Yuriel would incite someone else to do her dirty work. He had no idea that Yuriel would fearlessly enter the palace herself. On top of that, he didn¡¯t know her current location.


    It was clear her target was the princess, but he was having trouble guessing the method. How was she planning on entering the party hall that Robia himself couldn¡¯t enter?


    Then, he realized.


    [Going in and out of the homes of high-class nobles. Seems to be looking for work as a maid.]


    That hadn¡¯t been to work as a maid.


    [Found work at the Dominat Duchy. Working under the playboy grandson.]


    The playboy grandson of Dominat¡­ Dominat¡¯s¡­


    He remembered. That crazy bastard who looked emotionally unstable. Finally, it was making sense. That man had more than enough reason to bear a grudge against the princess.


    But why now.


    She¡­ the princess now was innocent.


    He knew the pain she was going through due to that sinful appearance. He also knew he was part of the problem.


    He had tried to ignore it, but it was the truth. And that¡¯s why he wanted to redeem himself.


    Robia chewed on his lip.


    Not only was there not enough time to solve the sentries¡¯ misunderstanding, but it didn¡¯t seem possible. Robia decided to compromise as much as he could afford.


    ¡°After I find that woman, I¡¯ll stand back without another word, so please give me two soldiers.¡±


    ¡°Two?¡±


    The guard snorted.


    ¡°Do you know how many foreign dignitaries are staying in the palace right now? Don¡¯t be causing a diplomatic issue at this crucial time, and go back.¡±


    Robia clenched his fists. He was in a rush, but not a single thing was going his way.


    He glared at the man in front of him.


    ¡°Is it important whether or not I know?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I know better than the likes of you. Do you think you were placed in that position to think of yourself and worry about diplomatic issues? Ha! You must be crazy talking about something you picked up somewhere when a royal¡¯s life could be in danger¡­!¡±


    Robia was grabbed by the collar.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know how sensitive they are about things like this! Try offending one of their servants, who they normally see as pebbles by the side of the road. They¡¯d lose it, clear as day, foaming at the mouth and going on about how you¡¯ve insulted their country! You think something like that has only happened once or twice! In the end, it¡¯s us who sweat like sons of bitches for absolutely nothing!¡±


    Robia used his hand to wipe off the spittle that had gotten on his face. Then, he gave the guard a menacing look.


    ¡°I may be a concubine who has been cast away, but I¡¯m still a member of the royal family. How are you hoping to face the consequences of speaking to me so insultingly?¡±


    ¡°What, what¡­ you started i-.¡±


    ¡°You mean, you started it.¡±


    Robia responded, while freeing himself from the guard¡¯s loosened grip.


    ¡°Now, how many can I have? Hurry up and give them to me.¡±


    The head of security huffed and puffed, his face reddening, but he was unable to show the rebellion from a moment ago.


    ¡°And tell him, right now.¡±


    ¡°Are you telling me to make a report to my superior?¡±


    Robia was silent for a moment.


    ¡°No. To Sir Eclot Pacis.¡±


    ¡°Report to whom now?¡±


    ¡°The war hero who has come to hold office by recent military decree. You¡¯re not saying you don¡¯t know him.¡±


    ¡°How could I, to him, over something like this¡­¡±


    ¡°No harm will come to you from making the report. He¡¯s not someone who weighs the importance of a matter while managing his underlings.¡±


    Robia¡¯s mouth tasted bitter. He didn¡¯t have any power. To the point that he had to borrow someone else¡¯s name.


    At the very least, if it was a problem concerning the princess, Eclot would take action without another word. He was certain of that. Now, he was relieved.


    Now, the only thing left was the dirty mess that was his responsibility.


    Robia wasn¡¯t expecting anything, but for now, he had to try.


    ¡°You cannot enter.¡±


    Of course, it was as he expected. He was caught at the entrance to the party hall. The reason was that he hadn¡¯t received an invitation.


    Beyond the bulky armor of the guards, he could see dots of red flame from the party hall.


    Fine, this iron wall was standing guard. What could go wrong? He calmed himself down.


    ¡°There was intelligence that said an exiled maid with a grudge has snuck into the palace.¡±


    ¡°¡­.Who are you?¡±


    ¡°I am Her Highness¡¯s third concubine. Robia-.¡±


    ¡°Where did you get that information? It is not trustworthy.¡±


    He¡¯d expected as much. Robia looked in the direction of the party hall, and turned away without regrets.


    ¡°Um, what should we be doing?¡±


    Two soldiers who were no more than boys were scampering after Robia. Robia glanced behind him at the question, then turned his head back to the front.


    ¡°I assume you know all of the patrol routes?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Of course.¡±


    ¡°Then think of a route leading here that avoids all of those.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? That¡¯s imposs¡­¡±


    Robia¡¯s gaze held the clear message to find a way even if it was impossible. The sentries began racking their brains.


    Then, noticing someone¡¯s approach from afar, Robia pulled the two into the shade of an alleyway.


    ¡°Why are we hid¡­¡±


    Covering the soldier¡¯s mouth, Robia cursed with his eyes. The soldier shut his mouth of his own accord.


    The group that appeared soon after was in merchants¡¯ attire. However, there was something off about them. They didn¡¯t seem like a normal group of merchants. The man who appeared to be the group¡¯s representative was encircled by men who, by the looks of it, were in disguise. Behind them were several carriages whose interior was hidden.


    For an instant, the moonlight revealed the face of the man heading the group. Robia didn¡¯t miss that split second.


    He had seen the man before. In the princess¡¯s palace. It was the head of the slave traders who was close with the princess.


    Why was he here? There was no way that she had called for him. In the first place, she couldn¡¯t have guessed they existed.


    Then, Dominat must have called them in. If so, it was them. The ones Dominat and Yuriel had prepared to tighten the noose around the princess¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Are those bastards the bad guys?¡±


    Digusted by the soldier whispering in his ear, Robia whirled around.


    ¡°You two¡­¡±


    Robia looked them up and down. And then he let out a sigh. It had only taken him a fraction of a second to judge that having them by his side would be no help.


    The movements of those bastards encircling the head of the slave traders seemed like trouble. By the looks of it, they were elite soldiers who had received separate training.


    He couldn¡¯t find Yuriel, but at the very least, he had to stop their smooth entrance into the party hall. It was clear what kind of damage this inconceivable action of theirs would cause her.


    He didn¡¯t want to believe it, but the men looked as if they were risking their lives, so stopping them would also require him to put up his own life as collateral.


    ¡°You two, go back immediately and bring reinforcements.¡±


    ¡°Reinforcements?¡±


    But there was no need for more sacrifices.


    ¡°Exactly. Go bring more soldiers. By whatever means possible.¡±


    ¡°Will it be dangerous? We will protect you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying you won¡¯t be enough. Go bring whoever you can. Now.¡±


    They hesitated at first, but began running back quietly. Robia took a deep breath.


    He searched his pockets, but all he had for self-defense was a shiny feather quill. The ground was clear too. There wasn¡¯t even a rock he could charge with.


    In any case¡­ he could buy time.


    Robia stepped out into the moonlight.


    ¡°We will wait here. And if-.¡±


    ¡°Did Her Highness call for you?¡±


    The men stopped in their tracks before turning around to face Robia. They gave Robia a once-over and laughed but didn¡¯t let down their guard.


    ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡±


    Today was oddly full of people who wanted to know who he was. Robia put on a reasonably good-natured smile and approached the men.


    ¡°You do not need to put up your guard. I am on your side.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He made eye contact with the head of the slave traders who the bastards were discreetly trying to shield from view.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a year. Neither of us is a welcome face to the other, right? Are you here this time too because the princess called for you?¡±


    The merchant glanced at the men encircling him and swallowed.


    ¡°Y-Yes, it is so¡­¡±


    ¡°Then why are you over there? Let us go. I know the place so I will lead you there.¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, we are-.¡±


    ¡°Why.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you have other business?¡±


    Silence descended upon those gathered like they had been hit with a bucket of cold water. Robia prepared himself for what would happen next and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°You¡¯re putting your faith in Dominat of all people?¡¯


    ¡°W-What-.¡±


    ¡°Do you truly not know what kind of bastard he is? I¡¯m sure someone who sees people¡¯s lives as less than a beast¡¯s would let you live.¡±


    The merchant¡¯s eyes widened while his jaw went slack. The other bastards clicked their tongues and gripped the merchant tightly so he wouldn¡¯t be able to try anything funny. Then, they forcefully pushed Robia back.


    ¡°Step aside.¡±


    ¡°Did he say he would guarantee the safety of your family? When did you last see your family? Did you come all this way after checking that they were alive?¡±


    With bloodshot eyes, the merchant shouted at the men who bound him.


    ¡°This is different from what you said!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t shut your mouth this instant, we won¡¯t be able to guarantee anything.¡±


    ¡°Wh-What¡­!¡±


    Seeing his chance, Robia began to persuade the merchant with eloquent words.


    ¡°And say he lets you live. Do you think that you will be safe after daring to slander Her Highness? She will not let you go. But if you report the truth, I will speak well of you to Her Highness. Despite how she seems, she is a woman of her word.¡±


    ¡°Th-That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Who are you more afraid of? Think only of that.¡±


    At that instant, Robia was punched in the gut and landed on his bottom. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t speak. As soon as he could breathe again, Robia shouted, bluffing.


    ¡°Dominat will end up dying like a dog, too, but do you want to die by his side? If you stand witness against his revolt, then you¡¯ll be an honored subject of the empire.¡±


    Even as he was seized by the scruff of his neck and forced to the ground, the merchant sobbed out,


    ¡°I just did what the young lord threatened me to do¡­!¡±


    The merchant was violently kicked in the gut and went flying without being able to say another word. Then, he fainted.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡±


    Robia let out a laugh as he sat up his throbbing body.


    ¡°I heard it.¡±


    One by one, the men pulled out blades hidden at their breast or their hips. Robia swallowed noisily. Then he put his hand in his clothes. He needed them to think he had something, though the only thing he felt was the soft feather.


    His opponents grinned toothily like they knew everything.


    ¡°Take him to the shade for now.¡±


    Robia was punched in the gut again and dragged into the shade as he wheezed. Even as he was feeling faint, Robia wagged his tongue about how these bastards were even more reckless than he¡¯d imagined. That they were soldiers who took after their master.


    Would reinforcements really come? He didn¡¯t have much faith, but he didn¡¯t have any choice but to trust those two.


    ¡°Look here, do you have to go this far? No matter how off his rocker Dominat is. The princess won¡¯t be ruined with this. Though she might receive a little damage. But if you kill a concubine, you won¡¯t be able to escape her wrat-.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡±


    The man said, grabbing Robia¡¯s throat.


    ¡°The bastard who killed you will be caught and executed tomorrow.¡±


    So they¡¯re planning to cover up my death while the princess is preoccupied. Robia blinked as he felt the oxygen being cut off from his brain. Then, he kicked between the man¡¯s legs with all his might.


    He was able to escape the man¡¯s hold but was caught before he could take two steps.


    To be exact, he was skewered. Robia saw his hands tremble.


    ¡°Ah, I stuck him with my blade. This is going to be troublesome.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still within the bounds of what we can handle.¡±


    Robia slowly fell to his knees. Then, he fell face forward. His nose hurt when his head crashed into the ground, but he couldn¡¯t move his body. Radiating out from his stab wound, a burning sensation flared through his entire body, causing his train of thought to be cut off.


    At that moment, the bastards moved back up against the wall to hide their presence. Two soldiers and a knight on patrol had stopped in their tracks at the sight of the abandoned carriages in the yard.


    ¡°What should we do.¡±


    ¡°For now, kill this bastard.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not an idiot so it¡¯s bothering me that he leapt at us by himself.¡±


    The man prodded at Robia¡¯s overcoat, and Robia desperately clutched at his arm. Gaining certainty from Robia¡¯s actions, the man turned Robia over and searched his body.


    The man soon found what he was looking for. It was a magic apparatus used for recording conversations.


    ¡°How did a concubine get his hands on this valuable thing?¡±


    ¡°Stop wasting time and destroy it, quickly!¡±


    The end of a blade ran through the magic apparatus.


    ¡°But this bastard¡¯s still breath-.¡±


    ¡°If we¡¯re any later, the young lord will have our heads. We have to go now!¡±


    One of the bastards extracted the sword that had pierced through Robia. He swung it around in the air to flick off the blood before sticking it back into his scabbard.


    Robia was motionless, collapsed in a pool of his own blood.


    Robia slowly reached out his hand. Using his fingertips to grip the ground, he pushed with his toes to gradually crawl forward.


    When his fingertips finally emerged from the shade, someone¡¯s shadow loomed over him.


    ¡°You, are¡­¡±


    Lifted up by a strong force, Robia repeatedly coughed blood onto the man¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Where do you need to go?¡±


    It was Ettsen.

 Chapter 8.3

    The party hall was in chaos.


    I was slumped on the floor next to the collapsed and wheezing Robia. I could see the blood pool underneath him.


    With fumbling hands, I applied pressure to his wound. Even I knew that it would be dangerous if the bleeding continued.


    Moments later, a doctor rushed in and quickly cleaned up the wound and began to stop the bleeding. I stepped aside and held Robia¡¯s hand. As I did so, he opened his eyes by a sliver and saw who was clasping his hand.


    Then, he let out a light laugh. I felt my anger rising at the sight, but I bit my lip without a word.


    While this was happening, there was a commotion in front of the throne. Yuriel was sobbing about how, though she knew her actions had brought disgrace to the nation, she was so filled with pity for the children that she hadn¡¯t been able to stop herself. That she hoped nothing like this would ever happen again. And how she had come here with that one desire. Her monologue seemed as though it would never end.


    But her voice sounded far-off and fuzzy, like a dream. The only thing that fell on my ears was the sound of Robia¡¯s breathing, which seemed like it could stop any moment. I tightened my grip on his hand.


    For a moment, I sat there blankly, not showing any emotion or even speaking.


    Soon, Robia was out of the woods. The light returned to his eyes. The doctors let out a sigh of relief and straightened their backs.


    ¡°Will he live?¡±


    My voice was shaking.


    ¡°Yes, Your Highness. It missed his organs, so fortunately, his life should not be in any grave danger. However, as his condition is still unstable, he will need rest¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    He was trying to sit up.


    ¡°You can¡¯t. Stay still.¡±


    Robia continued to flail like he hadn¡¯t heard me. Without much choice, I pulled his head onto my lap.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Because of me¡­ your clothes are ruined.¡±


    Only then did I notice my blood-stained dress. I was speechless.


    ¡°Are you being serious right now?¡±


    ¡°¡­Please don¡¯t be angry.¡±


    He fumbled for my hand.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Everything will be okay.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He tried to steady his breathing before finally sitting up. A doctor supported him. Seeing Robia like that, I put my hand on my forehead before turning my head.


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡±


    My words weren¡¯t gentle. Ettsen stared at me blankly then responded to the question.


    ¡°He was on the ground with a stab wound in his abdomen¡­ I found him in that state.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Near the party hall.¡±


    ¡°And the person who stabbed him?¡±


    ¡°They were not there.¡±


    ¡°¡­Did you really not see?¡±


    ¡°I did not.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you bring him here?¡±


    ¡°He wanted it.¡±


    ¡°¡­You helped him?¡±


    ¡°Is that a problem?¡±


    Our eyes locked.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Please listen to me.¡±


    At that moment, Robia stood and approached the emperor. The two doctors were panicking as they followed him.


    ¡°Robia!¡±


    I stood as well and chased after them.


    The emperor looked exhausted. He rubbed his face and waved a hand, leaning back in his chair.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    At that moment, the old man suddenly came forward. That old man who was so full of himself from before. That was when I remembered the man¡¯s last name was Dominat. He was Arken Dominat¡¯s grandfather.


    ¡°Your Majesty. This man is unrelated to this matter, so I believe it is right to send him out. It will not be too late to continue the investigation after his wound is healed.¡±


    Why was he speaking now after hiding in the crowd all this time?


    It meant that, under the circumstances, he had no choice but to personally get involved. In other words, the situation was becoming unfavorable for Dominat.


    ¡°Who are you to decide that it¡¯s unrelated?¡±


    I said, while walking over to face Dominat. After that, Robia¡¯s response echoed through the hall.


    ¡°I have proof.¡±


    It was the magic phrase that stole away the people¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Proof? What proof?¡±


    ¡°I speak of proof that will separate truth from lies.¡±


    Following Robia¡¯s appearance, the man who¡¯d led the slaves out was visibly shaking. He was looking back and forth between me and Lord Dominat when Robia pointed at him. He froze.


    ¡°That man has been bought off by the young lord to commit perjury, and the young lord¡¯s men attempted to silence me, the witness.¡±


    ¡°Choose your words wisely! Where do you think you are that you dare speak so carelessly?¡±


    The duke raged. Even so, Robia didn¡¯t bat an eyelash.


    ¡°They were undoubtedly the young lord¡¯s men.¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡±


    ¡°If you keep defending him, you will be calling suspicion as to your involvement in this matter, Your Excellency¡­ Is that alright with you?¡±


    At a glance, Robia looked confident and overflowing with strength, but in reality, he was being supported by the doctors so that he wouldn¡¯t fall over. He was just barely standing.


    ¡°Your Majesty. Though he is lacking, I assure you of my grandson¡¯s good intentions in bringing Your Majesty¡¯s flesh-and-blood here on this fine day. I beg your understanding.¡±


    The duke who had always stood straight knelt in front of the emperor and bowed his head.


    From what I knew, the emperor and the duke were quite close. Though the emperor had succeeded the throne at an early age, there was none of the expected chatter because he took the duke as his right arm. That was also how the duke had been able to reign as the real power holder in the court until now.


    As a result, eliminating the duke was not only undesirable but unfeasible for the emperor.


    Everything depended on how decisive Robia¡¯s evidence was.


    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s flesh-and-blood?¡±


    Robia looked at me. In response, I looked at Yuriel, and Robia¡¯s expression morphed into a scowl. He refocused his attention with some effort, and continued speaking.


    ¡°Even if that is true, it is not proof that he did not slander the princess. Rather, doesn¡¯t it make more sense that he took this chance to act on his treasonous intentions thinking that he had support?¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth before I cut off your tongue!¡±


    ¡°You are the one who needs to shut his mouth, my Lord! Who are you using such language against?¡±


    The duke closed his mouth in response to my stern order, but the way he looked at Robia practically spelled trouble.


    ¡°Won¡¯t this all be solved once he shows the evidence? Hurry and show it.¡±


    At the emperor¡¯s words, Robia took something out from his breast pocket and lifted it up. Just looking at it, it was hard to say how he was planning on using it as proof.


    However, I must have been the only one who thought that way, because the crowd let out a low exclamation, their murmuring beginning to fill the hall.


    When the object emitted light, everyone shut their mouths like they¡¯d planned it out beforehand. The static noise from the object lowered in volume and a clear voice echoed throughout the hall.


    <Do you want to die by his side?>


    It was Robia¡¯s voice.


    <If you stand witness against his revolt, then you¡¯ll be an honored subject of the empire.>


    This was followed by what sounded like a tussle.


    <I just did what the young lord threatened me to do¡­!>


    <Ugh!>


    A short pause.


    <Did you hear that?>


    <I heard it.>


    Next was the solitary sound of a sword sliding out of a scabbard.


    <Take him to the shade for now.>


    There was a groan and the sound of something being dragged across the ground.


    <Look here, do you have to go this far? No matter how off his rocker Dominat is. The princess won¡¯t be ruined with this. Though she might receive a little damage. But if you kill a concubine, you won¡¯t be able to escape her wrat-.>


    <Don¡¯t worry about that. The bastard who killed you will be caught and executed tomorrow.>


    A low cry and the sound of hasty footsteps¡­


    <Ah, I stuck him with my blade. This is going to be troublesome.>


    Unfamiliar voices started a conversation before,


    <If we¡¯re any later, the young lord will have our heads. We have to go now!>


    The shout was the end.


    The duke¡¯s eye were closed, and the young Dominat was slack-jawed and red-faced.


    ¡°This is the evidence, Your Majesty. Please punish that house who had treasonous intentions against the royal household,¡±


    Robia requested in an unwavering and clear voice, then lifted his chin. As though that were the last of his strength, Robia collapsed limply.


    ¡°Robia!¡±


    I hugged Robia and collapsed to the floor with him. The doctors and servants supported us. Robia was laid out flat on the floor.


    In the midst of the hectic crowd, my eyes locked with Arken Dominat¡¯s. At that instant, his eyes seemed to burn, and he charged at me like a beast.


    It all happened in an instant. Arken Dominat¡¯s anger spilled out like a roar. His dark-red face which foresaw his own future was grotesque.


    I had no chance to dodge as he snatched my arm.


    But immediately after, I was released from his grip.


    The scream came afterward. Slumped on the floor, I touched my throbbing arm.


    A familiar man was catching his breath with his back turned to me. He held a sword in his hand, and blood was flowing down the blade.


    ¡°Ack! Ahhh!¡±


    Arken Dominat screamed at the top of his lungs. Between the man¡¯s legs, I saw him contort his body as he lay on the floor.


    Blood was spilling out. Within moments, the marble floor was soaked. One of Dominat¡¯s arms was severed. It was the one that he¡¯d used to grab me.


    ¡°What have you done! How dare you!¡±


    The duke raged.


    ¡°It is the law to take summary action against treason.¡±


    The man swung his sword once more at the young Dominat who was scrambling to put distance between them. Dominat collapsed onto the floor and covered his eyes.


    ¡°Grandfather! Please save me! Grandfather! Ack!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please give the order to cease! Your Majesty, please! He is my only grandson! At least give him a chance to defend himself, please! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°Sir. Put away your sword.¡±


    The man was different from normal. It didn¡¯t seem like he could calm down. If not that, he would never have lifted his sword again as though he hadn¡¯t heard the emperor¡¯s command.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ve done nothing wrong! That girl, that girl made me do it! The drugs, the slaves, she¡¯s the one who plotted everything! I-I-.¡±


    ¡°This is slander!¡±


    Yuriel screeched.


    ¡°I was fooled by that man, too! I really didn¡¯t know!¡±


    Yuriel bowed at the emperor¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Sir! Did you not hear me telling you to stop!¡±


    The emperor grabbed his head.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Please believe me! It is true, my only crime is foolishly falling for his words, I¡¯m really inno-.¡±


    ¡°Did you not hear me tell you to stop, Eclot Pacis!¡±


    In the chaos, I called out to him,


    ¡°Eclot.¡±


    He stopped abruptly. His shoulders were rising and falling imperceptibly. Eclot turned to face me.


    ¡°You can stop now,¡±


    I said, while putting my hand on Robia¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Eclot caught his breath and lowered his sword. He returned his sword to its scabbard.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being late.¡±


    I studied Eclot anew. He wasn¡¯t in uniform. To be exact, his outer garments were his uniform, but he was wearing black cotton pants meant to be worn at home, and his usually stiff shirt was partially untucked and full of wrinkles.


    Several buttons were undone, and his hair was messy as well. More than anything, his expression was frenzied.


    I checked that Robia was okay then stood up.


    ¡°It seems you got here in a hurry.¡±


    ¡°Pardon-.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you came.¡±


    I gave his hand wrapped around the handle of his sword a squeeze before turning to the emperor.


    ¡°Your Majesty. Please withhold your wrath. It was not disobedience. He was simply too excited to hear you.¡±


    The emperor nodded like he didn¡¯t want to keep arguing. I was able to breathe easy again.


    The truth was, there was a more pressing problem. The continuing screams of Dominat were slowly taking over the hall.


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­ Please show mercy and allow me to treat him,¡±


    The duke pleaded as tears streaked down his face. However, I doubted his true intentions.


    It was possible that he cared for him as his flesh-and-blood, but why wasn¡¯t he trying to make excuses? He didn¡¯t seem like someone who would place his grandson above his house¡¯s safety.


    Almost like he had some way to escape this situation¡­


    At that moment, there was the metallic sound of a blade being drawn.


    By the time I had turned around, the slave trader¡¯s neck was already gushing blood like a fountain. He had died an empty death without even being able to scream. Standing over his collapsed form was an unfamiliar man holding a sword.


    ¡°Your Majesty. Everything was my doing. Out of my foolish desire to demonstrate my loyalty to my Lord, I invented a witness and slandered Her Highness.¡±


    The soldiers formed a ring around the man. Eclot stood in front of me.


    ¡°My Lord has no involvement in this matter. Although the evidence today was fabricated by me, the fact that Her Highness has done these same things time and again over the years is something everyone knows, despite it being kept hush-hush. Therefore, my Lord was fooled by my dull-witted self. As my Lord has been falsely accused and shed blood as a result of my crimes¡­¡±


    He pulled out a small bottle and downed the contents.


    ¡°I will atone for my crimes with my life! Please pardon my Lord, Your Majesty!¡±


    It didn¡¯t take long before he collapsed onto the floor like a puppet whose strings had been cut.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Please, my grandson!¡±


    The duke cried, right on time. In the end, the emperor flicked his eyes to the soldiers.


    The soldiers supported Arken Dominat out of the hall, even picking up his separated arm. Several doctors followed them.


    ¡°Is this not the classic tying up of loose ends?¡±


    The emperor responded disinterestedly,


    ¡°That is something to look into over time.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s not the case, then why did he kill the merchant, the key witness?¡±


    ¡°Stop here for today! I do not want any more humiliation than this.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    It wouldn¡¯t be good for me to continue pushing.


    However, they had tried to kill Robia.


    ¡°However, Your Majesty. I will not be satisfied with that man¡¯s life alone. I will investigate everyone who agreed to and was involved with this matter. They will not be able to escape, even if they are my own blood.¡±


    Seeing which way the situation was turning, Yuriel¡¯s shoulders flinched.


    The ones responsible had escaped, and someone else had ended their life so easily for their sake. Who deserved to face the consequences for the blood pooled in this hall and the terrible smell of blood permeating my lungs?


    Then, someone walked down the center of the hall dirtied by blood.


    ¡°Hess?¡±


    It was my maid.


    However, Hess said something strange.


    ¡°You are safe¡­ this time as well. But I knew it would be like this. I already knew that woman wouldn¡¯t be able to do it. That she¡¯d lied to me.¡±


    Hess glanced at Yuriel and laughed calmly. Only after seeing that face did I realize Hess had never once laughed in front of me.


    As well as the answer to the question that had been bothering me on-and-off.


    Where had she found such a large amount of drugs? How had she hidden them without being caught? How was she able to secretly enter the princess¡¯s bedchamber to search?


    ¡°Then, the thought suddenly came to me. No one will help me anyway. Just like always. But what¡¯s the point of staying here any longer.¡±


    Hess took a step toward me. The party hall was chaotic and noisy, so no one paid attention to the maid approaching the princess.


    Because it was an all-too-common, normal pairing.


    She was right in front of me.


    ¡°I can just, with my own two hands¡­¡±


    Hess wielded the thing that she had been hiding behind her back.


    ***


    ¡°Huh? That¡¯s strange, it was definitely here.¡±


    Sieger, who had been following behind the two young guards, glanced around. Then, he walked straight to the alleyway.


    ¡°Why are you¡­¡±


    One of the guards took a step forward before the splashing sound beneath his shoe made him stop. It hadn¡¯t rained yesterday or today. Sieger crouched down in front of him and said calmly,


    ¡°This is blood.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? Then¡­¡±


    ¡°Judging by the amount, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they were lying dead in some corner.¡±


    ¡°H-How can that be¡­¡±


    ¡°But how did you find this place?¡±


    ¡°By smell.¡±


    Sieger took the lead this time. When the guards, who had been chasing after him, saw the building, they asked dubiously,


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the party hall?¡¯


    ¡°I only followed the trail of blood.¡±


    ¡°Not the smell?¡±


    One guard asked disappointedly. Sieger looked at him dumbfoundedly. That was when he discovered a horse with no rider in the yard. It looked like someone had made a last-minute entrance.


    ¡°What is with the horse? Wow, isn¡¯t it a splendid horse?¡±


    ¡°Its coat is so glossy¡­¡±


    ¡°You two stay here.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Sieger stared at them for a brief moment.


    After they¡¯d said that stuff about doing guard duty faithfully and being disappointed in him because they used to respect him, he hadn¡¯t ever expected to see them again. But the fact that they had promptly looked for him when they needed help meant that they had no one else they could rely on. Because the only one who would listen to a commoner was another commoner.


    In any case, since they still had illusions of grandeur over the incident, and seemed to be feeling a sense of accomplishment, he wanted to let them be. There was no need to show them anything bad.


    ¡°What can we do?¡±


    ¡°Find out who that horse¡¯s owner is.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about this horse?¡±


    ¡°Right. There¡¯s no doubt it¡¯s an important lead.¡±


    ¡°Ah, is that so?¡±


    Massaging his neck, Sieger headed into the building that the firelight was pouring out from, alone. The soldiers braced their swords but lowered them once they saw him.


    ¡°You cannot enter. Moreover, while you are in possession of a weapon-.¡±


    Sieger peeked over the soldier¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve already let in several. Don¡¯t you need someone to take responsibility later?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You know who I am, right? Give them my name.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The soldiers let Sieger pass by them, and he entered the building. He thought to himself that he needed to know what was going on.


    The recent series of incomprehensible events, and related to that, the princess who had turned strange, all the way to the bloodshed of today.


    Too much had happened over the span of a few months.


    The door opened in a hurry, and a man who looked to be the son of a noble house based on his clothing was carried out with one arm severed. Sieger briefly hid himself in the shadows. Once their footsteps had receded, he stepped out.


    At that moment, he saw a maid who had been hiding just like him at the end of the hall enter the main hall.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    The object she was hiding behind her back reflected the firelight. There was no mistaking it. It was a blade.


    Though he didn¡¯t know the circumstances, Sieger ran. The first thing that came to mind was that he had to stop that woman.


    The moment he entered the party hall, the familiar scent of blood and the bright face of the princess grabbed his attention. Unaware that the maid standing in front of her was trying to wield a blade.


    For a brief moment, Sieger was at war with himself. He didn¡¯t have a reason to save that damn princess.


    Despite that, Sieger launched himself forward. Even as he was repeating curses in his head. It was his nature. He couldn¡¯t pass people by.


    ***


    ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    Eclot covered me with his body as if to protect me, and in the split second that my vision was obstructed, I heard the blade clatter onto the marble floor.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Hess picked the dagger back up with her other hand and charged at me. But it wasn¡¯t nearly enough. From the start, she couldn¡¯t reach me.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    A sword was held directly underneath her chin. Hess couldn¡¯t kill me though she was less than two steps away from me.


    ¡°I wanted to go to hell with you¡­¡±


    The blade angled more sharply against her skin as if warning her not to try anything funny.


    The owner of the sword was Sieger.


    He was the one who had made her drop the dagger in the first place as well. Sieger didn¡¯t even look in my direction.


    The soldiers quickly confiscated Hess¡¯s weapon and made her kneel on the floor. Then, they bound her and made her bow her head. Now, not even Hess¡¯s life was her own.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    There was no reply. That was just like the ever reserved Hess. But her under eyes were red.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡±


    This time, the emperor rushed down from the dais toward me. Maybe he cared for his sister after all, seeing as how he looked so surprised.


    I lowered my gaze from the emperor back to Hess. There was something I needed to ask her, but it was hard to say the words out loud. It was a strange feeling. I clenched my fists tightly.


    ¡°Yuriel¡­ what did she lie to you about?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Did she say she would slander and kill me for you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The emperor was watching as well.


    ¡°Answer the question!¡±


    One of the soldiers threatened, growing impatient.


    ¡°Help me¡­¡±


    In the end, that was the one sentence that came out of Hess¡¯s mouth. She was looking straight at Sieger.


    Sieger still hadn¡¯t lowered his sword, and I was confused about what she wanted help with.


    Hess pushed herself onto Sieger¡¯s sword. Sieger tried to withdraw his sword, and Hess looked up at him while spitting up blood. She implored,


    ¡°Please, help me¡­¡±


    The two briefly made eye contact.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Within moments, Hess fell to the floor. Sieger didn¡¯t drop his sword until she did. It looked as though he couldn¡¯t.


    The soldiers laid her flat on the floor.


    ¡°Who¡¯s behind you? Answer!¡±


    They hastily tried to stop the bleeding, but Hess had lost the will to live. Blood gushed out of her wound like a waterfall.


    Her bloodshot eyes staring up at the ceiling, she said her final words in response to the soldiers¡¯ urgent cry.


    ¡°Why¡­ aren¡¯t you being punished even when you did wrong?¡±


    The light in her eyes faded.


    The sound of Sieger¡¯s sword dropping on the floor filled the hall.


    I quietly stared at Hess¡¯s face in death. And then I stared at Sieger¡¯s miserable face. As well as the blood-red hall where death had cast its shadow.

 Chapter 8.4 - Volume 2 Chapter 8.4

    Uncanny silence and foreign hatred looked into every eye that tried to evade them.


    It was like a stage after the curtain had lowered.


    Things were a mess, no one dared speak, and everyone was deeply exhausted and longed to step down from the stage.


    That included the emperor.


    He glanced at Yuriel, who was terrified, and ordered that the corpse be removed. I followed Hess with my eyes as she was removed outside without even being loaded onto a stretcher first.


    The emperor¡¯s voice filled the hall.


    ¡°I would like to express my regrets to the dignitaries of every nation who gathered here today to celebrate this occasion alongside the empire. Despite this disgraceful incident, I promise you that, going forward, the empire will take the lead in ensuring peace for the inner palace and the continent. Let us end the cele-¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    I walked in front of him and knelt on one knee.


    ¡°We must not hasten covering up our shame. If we cover this incident up without anyone taking responsibility, who would revere the empire? They will laugh at us, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Then, what do you suggest we do?¡±


    The emperor¡¯s response was sharp. His eyes held the stern, unmistakable message not to escalate things any further.


    But I couldn¡¯t help but wonder.


    Who exactly should be held responsible?


    And the dead maid answered me.


    Why aren¡¯t you being punished even when you did wrong?


    I had tried to fix things. I had thought I could take back all of the princess¡¯s past mistakes. But it wasn¡¯t as easy as I¡¯d thought. What the princess had destroyed weren¡¯t toy blocks that could be piled back up.


    They were people.


    She had destroyed that which couldn¡¯t be reversed, and in the end, the pus-filled wounds had burst. One might ask, why now¡­ But I knew.


    It was because I had changed.


    When the object of your hatred is no longer hateful. When the object of your burning hatred is no longer the person they used to be. When you learn that they¡¯re a good person to someone other than you. The anger, resentment, jealousy, and loathing that wells up at that moment.


    That was the starting point for everyone.


    Hess hadn¡¯t said anything, but I knew. Because the look she¡¯d given me was familiar. She was another person who had lost something because of the princess.


    That¡¯s why it was necessary. Ruin.


    The princess had to experience ruin once, carrying all of the mistakes of the past with her.


    ¡°Speak. What do you suggest we do?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Even if I was innocent today, my past self, the one in everyone¡¯s memories, was not.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Just because I am a princess, and this nation¡¯s rightful heir, I cannot avoid taking responsibility for my crimes. Even if that were possible.¡±


    Yes, like today, I might be able to narrowly avoid everyone¡¯s hatred. From the moment she was born, the princess¡¯s position had been that untouchable.


    ¡°Ria!¡±


    However, it shouldn¡¯t be that way. I ¨C not the princess or anyone else ¨C would not tolerate it.


    ¡°Therefore, Your Majesty. Please punish me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Without hesitation, I repeated,


    ¡°Please give me a punishment.¡±


    I was going to be ruined here and now. No matter what.


    And on the day I came back, no one would be able to drive me into a corner on account of the princess¡¯s past mistakes.


    The emperor looked into my eyes. Finally, he commanded,


    ¡°Lock the princess in the tower.¡±


    I said,


    ¡°Gladly, Your Majesty.¡±


    ***


    I felt sorry seeing the anxiety on his face.


    For a moment, neither of us spoke.


    The maids cleaned up the bedding and moved a few clothes. Standing in the middle of the room which was progressively becoming more empty, I focused on the windows that were appearing one after another.


    Ding!


    Your Status has been updated.


    You acquire the nickname: ¡®The Enigmatic Second Princess¡¯.


    Some quests will be altered accordingly.


    The special route ¡®Yelfortz Enze Cecilia¡¯ is ¡®Locked¡¯.


    (You cannot receive the quest rewards even if you complete the quest!)


    [Current Progress]


    Fateful Encounters : 2/6


    TIP/ Find a way to escape the ¡®Locked¡¯ state.


    As everything was happening, the number of ¡®Fateful Encounters¡¯ with the emperor had increased to two.


    The system window hadn¡¯t appeared after Yuriel had been exiled from the palace.


    Based on the current situation, they only hadn¡¯t been showing for me. Yuriel had been progressing along without much difficulty.


    What could be the reason?


    Once Yuriel had returned to the palace, the system windows had begun showing up in front of me again. I wondered if it was a problem of distance.


    Anyway¡­


    Since the route opening, the original reward, had been locked, I supposed I wouldn¡¯t have to be on my guard about their relationship at the moment. Let¡¯s just keep an eye on them for now.


    It happened then.  An ear-splitting sound effect rang out.


    Warning!


    If you do two or more special routes simultaneously, you will get closer to the ¡®Bad Ending¡¯.


    Will you resume the special route ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯? Y/N


    Yuriel selected ¡®N¡¯. However.


    An unknown bug has occurred!


    You are automatically granted the special route ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯.


    Warning!


    If you do two or more special routes simultaneously, you will get closer to the ¡®Bad Ending¡¯.


    Will you resume the special route ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯? Y/N


    She selected ¡®N¡¯ again.


    An unknown bug has occurred!


    You are automatically granted the special route ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯.


    Warning!


    If you do two or more special routes simultaneously, you will get closer to the ¡®Bad Ending¡¯.


    Will you resume the special route ¡®Arken Dominat¡¯? Y/N


    An unknown bug has occurred!


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Yuriel eventually pressed ¡®Y¡¯. After that, the window didn¡¯t appear again.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel chills because of the system window repeating itself over and over. If you were really playing a game, you could report the bug or start a ¡®new game¡¯ but¡­


    The reality of this place was that you couldn¡¯t return spilled water to the cup, even though it pretended to be a game.


    The stat ¡®Dignity¡¯ is created.


    The stat ¡®Public Approval¡¯ is created.


    Dignity increases by 50.


    Eloquence increases by 10.


    Public Approval decreases by 30.


    -Current Public Approval: -30


    How exactly had this ¡®system¡¯ window come to be?


    I wondered what reason and what result had started all of this. As I was, there was no way for me to know, but I was still curious.


    Before Yuriel became ¡®Yuriel¡¯ and I became the ¡®Princess¡¯.


    What I hadn¡¯t wanted to think about, what I had thought was coincidence and misfortune ¨C the start of these bizarre events.


    If I knew that, I wondered if I would be able to find a way to return as well.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    At that moment, someone grabbed my hand.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°Are you upset?¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    After a while, I turned to face him. Nadricka hesitated but once our eyes met, he laughed.


    ¡°More than being upset.¡±


    ¡°What then?¡±


    ¡°I believe in Your Highness¡¯s decision. And I will follow that decision, whatever it is.¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I will miss you.¡±


    I said quietly,


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    We held hands. And for a brief moment, we stared at each other without speaking. Like we had promised each other beforehand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡±


    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t let your eyes wander either.¡±


    ¡°You definitely shouldn¡¯t say things like that.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Because Your Highness already knows that I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Still, I want to say it.¡±


    Nadricka laughed again. Then, I buried my face in his chest.


    ¡°But, it was necessary.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t regret it.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    He patted my back. After a while, I raised my head from his chest. As soon as I did, Nadricka started speaking.


    ¡°You have someplace to go last, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You can go.¡±


    ¡°Shall we go together?¡±


    Nadricka let out a quiet laugh and shook his head.


    ¡°The two of you have things to talk about in private.¡±


    ¡°Not exactly¡­ and he¡¯s still unconscious.¡±


    ¡°But I still don¡¯t think it¡¯s right for me to go with you.¡±


    ¡°Then is this it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a scary thought. I will wait until the day that Your Highness returns. Just come.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll see you then.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes. I will see you then.¡±


    Right on time, a maid with an unfamiliar face reported that all of my things were packed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll come back.¡±


    I patted his cheek, then stood on my tiptoes to kiss his lips.


    I thought that he might cry, but until I left the room, Nadricka saw me off with a tranquil smile on his face.


    I was in the empty corridor with a couple of maids who were carrying my things when I heard footsteps behind me. Before I had the chance to turn around, someone hugged me from behind. I felt the person¡¯s face with my hands.


    ¡°Daisy?¡±


    I could feel my back getting wet.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I gently stroked Daisy¡¯s head. Then, I turned around and hugged her.


    ¡°What do you have to be sorry for?¡±


    ¡°I should have looked into it more closely. I should have¡­ I didn¡¯t know that Hess, no, that that person was a bad person¡­ And Yuriel too-.¡±


    ¡°Daisy, you¡¯ll have to watch your words from now on. You have to be careful about saying that name.¡±


    Daisy pressed her lips tightly together. She looked upset. I let out a small sigh.


    ¡°While I¡¯m gone, you can¡¯t treat other people like you treated me. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, I¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to scold you.¡±


    I tightened my arms around Daisy and laughed.


    ¡°Thank you for always seeing me as I am. I¡¯ll come back safely, so don¡¯t cause any trouble and be good.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness¡­¡±


    I never saw such large teardrops before in my life. Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, Daisy wailed loudly.


    ¡°Am I going somewhere to die?¡±


    I was only joking, but Daisy cried for a long time after hearing my words.


    ¡°I won¡¯t make another mistake like this again, I¡¯ll become worthy of Your Highness, I¡¯ll be perfect as your hands and feet. Really, I will, I promise,¡±


    Daisy swore, earnestly. She was still hiccupping, her tears only just barely stopped. She didn¡¯t need to go that far. Nevertheless, I nodded without saying anything.


    And when I turned around, I discovered Eclot waiting for me with a blank look on his face. He hadn¡¯t yet fixed his rumpled appearance.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d come.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, why¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s move somewhere else for a moment. I have something to tell you.¡±


    Once I had dismissed the servants and we were alone, Eclot raised his voice, unable to  hold himself back any longer. I had never seen him speak so quickly.


    ¡°Why? Why did you do it? Why¡­¡±


    ¡°Because I was the only one who could take responsibility.¡±


    ¡°¡­That is not an acceptable reason.¡±


    ¡°Is that so¡­ But I was never a good enough person for you to treat me so. You should know.¡±


    ¡°What does that matter? I-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be someone the people who serve me need to be ashamed of.¡±


    ¡°It is no less than half a year!¡±


    Incarceration for half a year in the west tower that had been closed off due to its age. To be honest, it didn¡¯t feel real. But whatever the case, it was the cross I had decided to bear.


    ¡°Why are you angry? This is not like you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t tell if Eclot¡¯s conscience pricked him, or if he was disappointed.


    ¡°There is something you have to do for me in the meantime.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You will obey me even if you are not pleased with me, correct?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean¡­ It is not like that.¡±


    This time, it was unmistakable. I had caught him off guard. I smiled quietly like a painting.


    ¡°First things first, do not do that again.¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡±


    ¡°You brandished your sword in a place where possession of a weapon was prohibited. That¡¯s enough for someone, someday to take issue with you. Did you not cripple the geezer¡¯s grandson?¡±


    ¡°The House of Dominat committed treason.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, the truth isn¡¯t that important. Duke Dominat will probably turn in his title of nobility and step down from his position as premier. His private army will be taken away, and a portion of his assets will be retrieved into the national treasury. And that will be the end of it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Did you not see as well? How they cut off the tail of the snake. His Majesty will no doubt approve the deal. From the start, the grandson acted alone, and His Majesty is not one to go out of his way to make a move against the duke without reason. His priority is his safety.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Moreover, no matter how I look at it, it seems His Majesty deduced Yuriel¡¯s identity. But he didn¡¯t remove Yuriel from his sight, nor did he make her into a royal. He simply let her be. Are those not the actions of the typical authority figure who dislikes it when things become complicated?¡±


    He was taken with Yuriel, but he wasn¡¯t brave enough to take his half-sibling as his concubine. Of course, a completely different person was in Yuriel¡¯s body, but the only person who knew that was me.


    ¡°You knew?¡±


    ¡°¡­The duke is probably greeting His Majesty by now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Find the headquarters of the ¡®drug¡¯ dealings.¡±


    I handed him a note that had been folded in half twice.


    ¡°This is the location that I know of. It could be a temporary base that changes locations, but this is the only place I know of. The person in charge of the branch was a man, though he wasn¡¯t the head of the snake. ¡­He also appeared to be connected to the slave traffickers.¡±


    Eclot took the note and firmly tucked it into his breast pocket.


    ¡°You must do this secretly.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t stand by and watch them cut off the snake¡¯s tail. Moreover, this could become my weakness. So I need the information to come into my possession before anyone else. Can you make it so this becomes the first act I carry out when I come back?¡±


    ¡°I will remember it well.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I took my time and examined his stiff face. Actually, I had one more thing to say.


    ¡°But what kind of person is Karant Pacis?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Eclot was briefly speechless.


    ¡°She seems to have a different disposition from you, am I right?¡±


    ¡°¡­She has a carefree personality, but she has an upright character.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, it must be true.¡±


    ¡°But why are you bringing up Karant¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s because she¡¯s going to be the next premier.¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    I smiled.


    ¡°Turn things upside down. We can¡¯t have people getting too comfortable while I¡¯m gone.¡±


    ¡°However-.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a marquess, so she has the right to take his place. Because of what happened to the duke, it will be impossible to leave the position empty for long.¡±


    ¡°That child is not yet ready to take on such a heavy responsibility-.¡±


    ¡°All I want is for her to make some ripples in the stagnant water, so don¡¯t worry too much. And I think Karant will do a fine job.¡±


    ¡°That is¡­ true, but¡­¡±


    ¡°It is fine even if it cannot be. So try nominating her.¡±


    Eclot bowed his head, no longer hesitant.


    ¡°I will do so, Your Highness.¡±


    He was like me. He would keep his word.

 Chapter 8.5

    It looked as though the man had just barely fallen asleep after having all of the blood wiped from his body. The two doctors greeted me, standing up straight.


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    I had just entered, trying to be as quiet as possible so that they wouldn¡¯t get distracted. I had to leave my palace tonight, so I didn¡¯t have much time. Yet I had no choice but to come. I sat down next to him on the bed.


    I reached for his pale, damp cheek before switching directions and placing my hand on his forehead. It was hot.


    You worked so hard for my sake, but how will you feel when you open your eyes and I¡¯m not here?


    I stayed by his side for a long time after that. The doctors were busy, the man next to me was quiet, and I was filled with thoughts of him.


    How did this happen? Had Robia known?


    I had been so certain that there would be no trust between us. I didn¡¯t love him, and I was sure that wouldn¡¯t change. But when I thought that Robia was going to die in front of me, I felt the floor disappear from under my feet.


    Standing in front of someone who was ready to die for me ¨C for honor ¨C my legs shook. My hands shook.


    Was it alright to embrace him? Was it okay to like someone who was so miserable, with numerous scars and a painful past?


    One person at a time, one partner for one lifetime. In this world where that wasn¡¯t the natural order, could I be changing too?


    But there was only so much room in a person¡¯s heart. And the amount of time and effort that a person could invest into a relationship wasn¡¯t infinite. I would just become infinitely sorry.


    Honestly, I was afraid of hurting them.


    Where did Robia¡¯s faith come from, and how could he risk his life?


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    At that moment, the door opened and a maid approached me.


    ¡°His Majesty has made his way to the tower and is waiting for Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°For me?¡±


    It seemed that it was finally time to go. I had wanted to be here when he opened his eyes, but not everything could happen the way I wanted.


    ¡°Alright, I should get up.¡±


    I started peeling myself away from the bed when I felt a tug on my sleeve. It was so unexpected that I looked down in surprise. Robia was gazing at me with unfocused eyes.


    His brows furrowed like they did whenever he was focusing. His hand, still feverishly hot, twitched as it moved to my wrist. Only then did his expression relax.


    I clasped Robia¡¯s hand and sat back down next to him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­What happened?¡±


    ¡°Everything was resolved, thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He tried to gauge whether I was telling the truth. But he seemed to be having trouble because his eyelids kept drooping from exhaustion.


    ¡°Sleep some more.¡±


    I traced the line of his cheek with my eyes. His face had gotten thinner overnight.


    ¡°How were things resolved?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe it when I¡¯m right next to you?¡±


    The doctors began examining his body. Robia grimaced now and then like he was finally feeling pain.


    ¡°Will I be okay?¡±


    ¡°You sure are asking that early.¡±


    Incredulously, I gave him a sidelong glare. Then, Robia laughed with one corner of his mouth lifted.


    ¡°I must be okay since you are getting angry.¡±


    I ended up letting out a chuckle at his words.


    ¡°You¡¯re not in immediate danger. You¡¯ll be fine as long as you get plenty of rest.¡±


    His sweat-drenched hair was poking his eyes, so I tucked it behind his ear for him. That revealed the cold sweat on his brow, which I began wiping away with the back of my hand. Robia blinked his eyes in confusion. Then, he asked in a suspicious voice,


    ¡°¡­Why are you being like this?¡±


    ¡°Robia.¡±


    His face darkened when he heard his name. Perhaps it was because he had only ever heard bad things whenever I called his name.


    ¡°I am sick. If you do not say anything then-.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to go that far.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to, it is as simple as that. For Your Highness¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you¡¯re prepared to do it again?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I let out a sigh. He challenged me with his eyes. Even though his voice had no strength behind it.


    ¡°You¡¯re a stubborn one, you know that? But you still can¡¯t. I need you to promise me that you won¡¯t worry me like that next time.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ were worried about me?¡±


    ¡°So, do you promise?¡±


    ¡°Did you worry about me?¡±


    If we went on like this, we would never get to the point. And it couldn¡¯t be a good idea to make Robia talk for long since he had just barely regained consciousness.


    I cleared my throat.


    ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯ll continue to be reckless even though you don¡¯t belong to yourself anymore?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Now that I thought about it, I had been too shy to say it out loud. Robia stared at me with questioning eyes.


    ¡°¡­You asked me to have you.¡±


    His jaw dropped. Embarrassed, I focused my eyes on the edge of his pillow. My palms were sweaty.


    ¡°You said that you aren¡¯t afraid of me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Huh, why¡­why are you crying?¡±


    Robia closed his mouth tightly as tears wetted his pillow. He didn¡¯t make a sound.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, so stop crying.¡±


    I did my best to wipe away his tears with my fingertips. When that didn¡¯t work, I got over my slight sense of embarrassment and accepted a tissue that one of the doctors quietly offered to me. I used the tissue to wipe Robia¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Will there be any complications if he cries too much?¡±


    Standing at a distance, the doctors nodded their heads.


    I sighed and put my arms around Robia¡¯s nape. I patted his shoulders soothingly. Right away, Robia sat up to return my hug. For a second, it was chaos.


    Robia ended up being laid back onto the bed by the doctors. There were tear stains on his cheeks, and the dissatisfied look on his face was a sight to see.


    His expression only became content once the doctors brought him something to prop his back against so he could look me in the eye.


    He wasn¡¯t even trying to hide the excitement in his eyes.


    I sat on the edge of the bed and carefully hugged him. I rested my chin on his shoulder and was sad to smell the metallic scent of blood instead of the usual ink and paper.


    There was a bitter taste on my tongue as I said,


    ¡°You might already know this, but I can¡¯t have you alone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know.¡±


    Out of all the answers I had heard today, it was the fastest and easiest.


    ¡°But you can only have me. Are you okay with that?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    He hugged me tightly. He leaned his cheek against my ear and nodded his head again and again.


    ¡°¡­You might be okay with it now, but you could change your mind later.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I am stupid? I already thought of that a long time ago. And this is the conclusion I reached.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t ask twice.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to.¡±


    We let go and looked at each other. Robia smiled at me with an obviously sickly complexion. Then, he sneakily lowered his head and brought his nose close to mine. I promptly pushed his head back down onto the bed.


    The man who had been on the verge of death only moments before was making an expression of utmost disappointment. And it was all because he couldn¡¯t get a kiss.


    ¡°¡­Why?¡±


    I pointed at the doctors and said gravely,


    ¡°The patient needs rest.¡±


    ¡°I leave it to you.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    The doctor gave me a deep bow of the head. If only it were possible, I wanted to be the one bowing. I clasped the doctor¡¯s hands.


    ¡°You absolutely cannot allow him to know before he is completely healed. I do not know what he will do. And there is no one who is in a position to stop him.¡±


    ¡°I will warn all of the servants who frequent the room. Please do not worry.¡±


    ¡°I leave it to you.¡±


    ¡°Please return safely.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t until I saw the doctor¡¯s wrinkled face that I laughed a little. This is what it meant to be the princess. It meant that people I barely knew would follow me and worry about me, as dependable as the rising sun.


    That wouldn¡¯t change, even if it wasn¡¯t me but that damned princess instead. So while I was glad and thankful for the unexpected concern, I couldn¡¯t help the bitter taste in my mouth.


    ***


    ¡°What are you doing here, Your Majesty?¡±


    A servant was holding out a lantern, and the emperor was standing in the dark tower.


    ¡°¡­Ria.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°What was your reason for asking me to give you a punishment?¡±


    ¡°And what is your reason for asking a question you already know the answer to?¡±


    I had done it in order to wash myself of the princess¡¯s sins. And it couldn¡¯t have been hard to infer that, at the same time, I wanted to make sure no one would be able to find fault with me when I returned.


    That¡¯s why he was worried. About the future.


    ¡°¡­Leave Yuriel alone.¡±


    It was a shame that nothing had changed.


    ¡°Did you come all the way here to tell me that?¡±


    ¡°Of course I came to see you! But-¡°


    ¡°I was wondering why you didn¡¯t run to her first. Was this the reason?¡±


    ¡°How dare you speak to me like that?¡±


    Seeing the shock spread across his face, I said,


    ¡°Did you not fall for her knowing that she was your half-sister? I was curious as to why you did not take her as your concubine. It is not as if you were lacking in interest.¡±


    ¡°Princess!¡±


    ¡°Do not yell. Did you think I would shut my mouth because of that?¡±


    ¡°¡­Back away, all of you.¡±


    The servants took several steps back from us.


    ¡°Decide, brother. Is she your lover or your flesh-and-blood?¡±


    ¡°There is no need to make such a decision.¡±


    When he didn¡¯t deny that they were lovers, I felt a throbbing in my head. But the emperor¡¯s face showed he was in turmoil.


    ¡°Do you still believe you can have both? She will not stop. And she will not be satisfied. Do you still not know? Do you really believe that she approached me, approached Your Majesty, innocently?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I already turned my back on her several times during these long years. Now that it has come to this, I will make certain that she is able to enjoy life to the fullest without wanting for anything.¡±


    ¡°Do whatever you want. I will do the same.¡±


    I passed the emperor and walked to the tower. The emperor shouted from behind me,


    ¡°I will reason with her!¡±


    With whom? Yuriel?


    ¡°She is that way because she is still young and ignorant! She has grown up without all of the pleasures she should have had, so it only makes sense that she feels resentful. But I can make her see reason!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I do not want either of you to be hurt.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    I yelled with my back still to him. There was silence, after which the emperor spoke unguardedly, his voice shaky.


    ¡°We will not be able to see one another for a while¡­ Do you truly want to part on bad terms like this?¡±


    A thought crossed my mind. It might not have been a complete lie when he said he had come to see me, his little sister.


    I turned around slowly. The emperor checked my face before cracking something like a smile. I let out a sigh and stared up at the ceiling.


    When I lowered my gaze again, I must have been smiling at least a little.


    ¡°Just make sure not to die while I am gone, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°That is a nice way to speak to your brother.¡±


    The emperor waved, then folded his hands behind his back. I followed the servants¡¯ lead as they carried my luggage into the tower. I felt the emperor silently staring after me up until the moment I disappeared into the shadows.


    However, he would be faced with a choice sooner or later.


    I strode forward into the darkness.


    It was an old building, but it was still part of the palace so there was little chance of being neglected. Antique arches and a spotless staircase spiraled upward along the wall.


    I stepped onto the staircase with the luggage-carrying servants ahead of me. With each step, the lantern swayed. We forged through the darkness.


    Seeing that, it began to feel real, little by little. I was really going to be confined here.


    The moon was partially obscured by the window frame and illuminated the ground at my feet now and then.


    ¡°You can enter through here.¡±


    Three soldiers whose faces were covered by their helmets were guarding the entrance.


    While the servants were organizing my luggage, I relied on the lamplight to cut through the middle of the room. When I opened the center door, I was faced with the dark and quiet bedroom. The thick, patterned carpet felt good under my feet.


    I sat on the bed. The servants bade me farewell, then withdrew. The door shut, and I was suddenly enveloped by quiet.


    Now I was really all alone.


    Surprisingly, the thought didn¡¯t bother me. At least I would be able to sleep in tomorrow, and I wouldn¡¯t have a headache from caring about what others thought of me.


    It had been an unusually difficult day. I reached out and patted the empty spot on the bed next to me. Then before I knew it, my vision went dark.

 Chapter 9.1

    ¡°What?¡±


    The maid was flustered. I tried to relax my hardened expression because it was a maid I¡¯d never seen before. I didn¡¯t want to scare her any more than this. At a fundamental level, the maids from the other palace were especially afraid of me compared to my own.


    ¡°So, the g-gifts¡­have been piling up since, um, early in the morning, and we were wondering what, what we should do¡­¡±


    ¡°Gifts? Why is there a pile of gifts?¡±


    ¡°Wishes for your safe return¡­with that sort of intent¡­¡±


    Bribes for the princess who hadn¡¯t been confined for a day. They really had nothing better to do.


    Then again, it was said that members of powerful houses went into exile comfortably as if going on a nature trip, while throngs of callers gathered in their front yard for a chance to associate with them. When I thought about it like that, this wasn¡¯t that weird.


    They were thinking of what actions the princess would take after six months. But it wasn¡¯t such an urgent matter that they should be so obvious about it from the very beginning.


    ¡°They really don¡¯t have any faith.¡±


    In the second princess.


    The onlookers in the hall must have spread the rumors far and wide. Relieved, I sank into the sofa.


    ¡°Just leave the ones that were already received since we can¡¯t do much about those, but reject any that come in from now on.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°I see you are not a member of my palace.


    ¡°His Majesty¡­told me to attend to you¡­Pardon me.¡±


    ¡°What do you have to be sorry for?¡±


    He must have had a hard time believing that I would quietly receive my punishment. To think that he was so worried about me scheming that he decided to stick someone to me.


    ¡°From now on, do not step foot in my bedchamber without my permission.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes!¡±


    I didn¡¯t have anything up my sleeve anyway. I had really only come here to receive my punishment.


    Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind me.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    It was a voice that sounded like glass beads.


    I whipped my head around. And then I saw.


    It looked like a monster.


    Black hair, black eyes, and a snow-white face and hands. Long hair fell to the floor in waves. A man stood in the middle of my bed.


    It was such a foreign sight that I was briefly left speechless.


    Monster.


    It was definitely shaped like a human being, but I couldn¡¯t shake the thought. Monster, monster, monster¡­


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    I turned back to the maid, who was standing in front of me. She looked clueless as she nervously waited for me to say something.


    Could she not see that thing?


    ¡°Pardon me, i-if there is something I can assist with¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡±


    The man slipped past me. Then, he made his way around the maid and rested his chin on her shoulder. His face was like a white mask that looked like it could fall off at any moment. He asked again,


    ¡°Did you really come to get punished?¡±


    I wondered if I had gone mad.


    It was strange. His eyes didn¡¯t look like they belonged to someone who was alive. They were dead. No, his eyes were never alive from the start.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I clenched my dress so tightly that my knuckles turned white.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡±


    The maid asked, confused. The man¡¯s mumbling overlapped with her question.


    I had experienced this ¡®foreignness¡¯ once before. The sense that something didn¡¯t belong in this world. It was the sense that I got from myself.


    The feeling that something went against the laws of nature. The feeling of having my very existence denied. The feeling of becoming a foreign body. That kind of feeling.


    ¡°How interesting.¡±


    In no time at all, he was right in front of my face, peering at me.


    I gritted my teeth. I had to stay calm. First, the first thing that I had to do right now¡­


    ¡°You may go.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes!¡±


    The maid scurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.


    The man moved while keeping his body still. As though he were indifferent to the objects in this room, to this world.


    ¡°¡­What are you?¡±


    The man poked my face with his finger.


    ¡°No, this won¡¯t do.¡±


    I faked a calm expression.


    ¡°Are you¡­a sorcerer or something?¡±


    ¡°This definitely won¡¯t do.¡±


    He gripped my chin and I roughly slapped his hand away. There was the sound of skin on skin. Then, he staggered back and fell onto his bottom. His long hair fluttered to the floor.


    Despite my best efforts, I couldn¡¯t keep calm.


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking who you are.¡±


    The man stretched out his legs on the floor like a child. Then, he rested his chin on my knee and looked up at me. There wasn¡¯t a hint of humanity in his beautiful face, and it sent goosebumps running up my arms. He said,


    ¡°Do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Right, so¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess you would call me this game¡¯s¡­ system?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Is it hard to understand?¡±


    I grabbed his collar with one hand and roughly pulled him toward me. Even so, his expression didn¡¯t change once. Like he didn¡¯t know that was a possibility.


    ¡°You¡¯re the system? Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±


    I burst out in laughter. Even to me, I sounded unhinged and agitated, so I quickly shut my mouth.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?!¡±


    I shook him by the collar.


    ¡°Tell me! Reveal your identity!¡±


    ¡°Are my words too hard to understand? Then¡­¡±


    Ding!


    Can you understand if I talk to you like this?


    My breath caught. My heart sank.


    The system window was in front of my eyes. The man said calmly,


    ¡°I told you.¡±


    Ding!


    I told you.


    ¡°I¡¯m the ¡®system¡¯.¡±


    Ding!


    I¡¯m the ¡®system¡¯.


    ¡°That¡­that¡¯s impossible.¡±


    He ran a white hand over my knee.


    ¡°But as I thought, you can see it.¡±


    Ding!


    But as I thought, you can see it.


    ¡°The princess isn¡¯t even a player, but you can see the system window¡­ That won¡¯t do.¡±


    Player. System window.


    Ding!


    Don¡¯t you think so?


    ¡°You¡¯re saying this is a¡­game.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I slumped down on the floor next to him. Wobbling, I pulled him in close by the collar. I whispered,


    ¡°Can I leave? Can I leave this place?¡±


    For a moment, he stared at me intently. For the first time, a dim light flashed in his eyes before quickly disappearing.


    ¡°Do you want to go back?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the system. In other words¡­¡±


    Ding!


    I¡¯m the master of this world.


    ¡°You¡¯re God.¡±


    Ding!


    To make things easier for my important guest from another world, I borrowed elements of her culture.


    ¡°Things like games and systems. And she did in fact adjust quickly.¡±


    An important guest from another world. That meant¡­


    ¡°¡­Yuriel?¡±


    ¡°This place isn¡¯t a game but another world.¡±


    You wanted to know if you could go back?


    ¡°My answer is¡­¡±


    You cannot reverse your decision. Please choose wisely. Y/N


    ¡®Y¡¯ was already grayed out.


    ¡°That would be a no.¡±


    ¡°Why not! Why!¡±


    I screeched.


    ¡°Do you want to see them?¡±


    ¡°¡­What did you say?¡±


    Your parents?


    My parents?


    Or your friends?


    My friends?


    ¡°¡­¡±


    A feeling of terror clawed at my insides, like it was trying to gouge a hole.


    Do you have a lover?


    ¡°Someone you love?¡±


    A face?


    A voice?


    ¡°How old are you?¡±


    What do you look like?


    ¡°What did you want to be when you grew up?¡±


    Do you remember a single thing out of these?


    ¡°If you can¡¯t remember, then you¡¯re just a pitiful child who isn¡¯t even aware of what you¡¯ve forgotten.¡±


    I felt like throwing up. Because of his unchanging expression, because I couldn¡¯t answer a single one of his questions, and, and¡­


    Do you remember your name?


    My name. My name. Not the princess¡¯s name but my own name. My name. My¡­


    He placed a hand on my cheek.


    That won¡¯t do.


    ¡°There¡¯s no place for you to go back to now.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ That can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    That couldn¡¯t be. My black eyes and¡­ Black eyes, and what else?


    I was shaking. My vision went white. It was dark.


    ¡°This is where.¡±


    You have to die.


    It was the cruelest possible sentence.


    ¡°That.¡±


    Is your only punishment.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    So hurry up and die.


    I felt myself being pushed backward. I thought I would fall on my butt, but I was surprised when I didn¡¯t feel anything at all.


    ¡°For the sake of the world.¡±


    I felt the wind rush past my ears and saw the ceiling flip over.


    Almost like it had that day.


    I blew a fuse.

 Chapter 9.2

    Yuriel wasn¡¯t satisfied with anything. Not the expensive clothes that filled her closet, not the servants who didn¡¯t dare look her in the eye, not even her own beautiful and spacious palace. They were all things that she had hungered for, but she wasn¡¯t satisfied with a single thing.


    Yuriel took the glass cup from the maid and angrily threw it against the opposite wall. The maid flinched in surprise and let out a small shriek. Then, she started cleaning up the pieces of broken glass, not daring to look at Yuriel.


    Yuriel turned around, huffing. Frustration filled her to the brim.


    What could she hope to accomplish with this character, ¡®Yuriel¡¯? She was a half-blood and the second princess, she had a flimsy support base and¡­


    The image of the woman who had ¡®commanded¡¯ the emperor to give her a punishment flashed before Yuriel¡¯s eyes.


    The woman was out of her mind. Yuriel didn¡¯t think she would ever be able to understand what was going through her head.


    She had everything that Yuriel wanted. But the moment that Yuriel finally had them in her grasp, the woman made them seem insignificant and meaningless. She tossed it all into the mud.


    You don¡¯t need any of this? You want a punishment? You¡¯re going to lower yourself?


    She probably didn¡¯t know how sweet and mouth-watering all of this was. It didn¡¯t make sense otherwise.


    Yuriel felt a surge of anger. What could she accomplish when the only card she had was Yuriel¡¯s pretty face? Why wasn¡¯t she allowed to play as a better character?


    Can you really gain the ¡®world¡¯ with something like this?


    ¡­Had she been lied to?


    Yuriel shook her head.


    Impossible. That ¡®deal¡¯ had been real. God had promised her.


    ***


    I woke up to the blinding light of the sun. I was face-down in the dirt in my loungewear. Stumbling, I used the wall to stand up.


    I recognized the tall, sturdy wall. I had seen it many times while I was in the palace. It had to be the wall surrounding the palace.


    ¡°Why am I¡­¡±


    Beyond the wall, I saw a soaring tower.


    The tower I was supposed to be locked inside of¡­ I had been banished from the tower. You might say I had been abandoned. Abandoned by the world. I had lost my place.


    I staggered backward.


    ¡®There¡¯s nowhere for you to go back to anymore.¡¯


    ¡°No.¡±


    I hunched over, clapping my hands over my ears. I was barefoot. The tears wouldn¡¯t stop coming. I felt a rush of anger.


    ¡®So hurry up and die.¡¯


    ¡°No!¡±


    I staggered, then straightened. Someone was coming this way. Without a second thought, I turned and ran.


    I should have done this from the start.


    I would escape.


    I would leave everything, forget everything, and escape. However long it took, however far my feet took me. I would escape this damned fate.


    ¡°I never agreed to this¡­!¡±


    ***


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I would like to buy whichever of your horses can run the farthest.¡±


    The portly, middle-aged woman looked me up and down. Her eyes fixed themselves on my feet. I had bought a heavy, hooded cloak that reached to my ankles on the way here. But I was only now realizing that my bare feet had gone white with cold. I hadn¡¯t noticed because I didn¡¯t have any sensation in them.


    We both looked back up from my feet. Our eyes met.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡±


    I ignored her.


    ¡°Name your price. I¡¯ll give you any amount you ask.¡±


    My loungewear had jewels sewn into it, and I¡¯d ripped off the jewels and stuffed them into my pocket. They would take care of my travel expenses for some time. They might even be enough to settle down somewhere.


    ¡°So it would be wise to bring the horse immediately. I don¡¯t have much patience.¡±


    The owner looked me over one last time before disappearing inside. When she came back out, she was leading a horse with a sleek coat. She also had leather shoes in her hands.


    ¡°Miss, do you know how to ride a horse?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I crawled up onto the saddle. As I was doing that, my hood fell down, exposing my hair to the wind.


    Most people on the street had short hair. Long hair like this was a luxury that only the upper class could afford.


    Seeing my long, glossy red hair, the owner¡¯s face went from suspicion to certainty. I reached into my cloak, keeping my eyes on her.


    To be honest, before I¡¯d bought the cloak, I had bought something else first. My fingers wrapped around cold steel, and I drew my blade.


    Up until now, I had been extremely cautious. This was someone else¡¯s body and someone else¡¯s world. Everything here belonged to someone else. But if the world had no intention of respecting me, I had no reason to respect it either.


    I gathered my hair into one hand and gently cut it off with the blade in my other hand. It was intensely liberating to have my hair fall away.


    My head felt lighter than ever before. The strands of my hair blew in the wind. I held out the heavy clump toward the owner.


    ¡°You can throw it away, or sell it, do whatever you want with it. I don¡¯t need it anymore.¡±


    I replaced my dagger into my cloak and pulled my hood back on.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    The owner was briefly speechless.


    I gripped the reins. Did I know how to ride? That wasn¡¯t important right now. I couldn¡¯t escape on foot. I couldn¡¯t ride in a carriage. So a horse was the only option.


    And who knows. I might have been a great rider in the past. Even though I didn¡¯t have any recollection of it now.


    ¡°This horse already has an owner¡­ Well, I suppose it¡¯s not a problem but¡­¡±


    The owner mumbled without letting go of the reins. I tugged on the reins to indicate that she should let go.


    ¡°She¡¯s quite intelligent, so it shouldn¡¯t be dangerous. But still-.¡±


    ¡°You sure are beating around the bush.¡±


    I handed the owner a couple jewels from my pocket, which she quietly accepted. Then she let go of the reins.


    ¡°¡­But Miss.¡±


    I turned back to the owner for the last time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go too far. It will be hard to come back.¡±


    It wouldn¡¯t hurt for her to think I was an immature, run-away noble lady. And it was the truth, too.


    ¡°It will be advantageous for you to hold your tongue about having met me.¡±


    The owner smacked the horse¡¯s bottom, and I instinctively gripped the reins for dear life.


    I was rocked uncontrollably as the horse began tearing down the dirt road. The wind beat against my shoulders.


    At that moment, my vision went dark. It came back within a few seconds, but no matter how hard I tried to clutch onto the reins, they kept slipping through my fingers.


    That was the moment that I realized I couldn¡¯t feel my hands.


    And there was something off about my body. Not that it was my body in the first place.


    ***


    Sieger doubted his eyes. Someone was dashing to the outskirts on his horse. Sieger ran into the store.


    ¡°Hoy! You said you wouldn¡¯t sell her!¡±


    The owner was squatting on the floor, stupefied. But she jumped at Sieger¡¯s voice and gripped his arms with a glad expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re right on time!¡±


    ¡°Right on time? What were you thinking? You know that I called dibs on her 3 years ago. But you just up and sold her and that¡¯s the first thing that comes out of your mouth?¡±


    ¡°Listen, I had a good reason!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, you had a good reason! What reason could possibly be more compelling than mine!¡±


    ¡°L-Look at this!¡±


    ¡°¡­What¡¯s up with this clump of hair? Did you trade her for this? Then you should have just told me! If I grew my hair out for 3 years, it would be longer¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s red hair.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°She was a noble lady!¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°¡­Can¡¯t you go check on her?¡±


    ¡°Then will you give me the horse?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Calm down.¡±


    ¡°You think that¡¯s possible?¡±


    ¡°Then just listen to me!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Red hair is rare even among nobles! But that lady hacked off her red hair just like this, because it was bothering her! And she told me to do whatever I liked with it! And she clearly knew her way around. I don¡¯t know what had her so jumpy and anxious, but she noticed right away that I was stalling and tossed a handful of jewels at me just like that!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I had no choice but to give her the horse because I was worried. It looked like she was in deep trouble. She seemed prepared to go find a horse somewhere else if I refused. Plus, if you defy a noble then¡­¡±


    ¡°What does that have to do with the horse-.¡±


    ¡°It seemed like it was her first time on a horse. That horse is trained so¡­¡±


    Sieger was appalled. You sold a horse to someone who doesn¡¯t even know how to ride?


    ¡°Anyway, I couldn¡¯t say anything, but you have some standing in the palace! Couldn¡¯t you-.¡±


    ¡°Lady! You!¡±


    You should have started with that!


    Sieger grabbed the first horse he saw and jumped on. He kicked the horse¡¯s sides, and dashed off at lightning speed in the direction he had seen the other horse go.


    The horse might be smart and well-trained, but she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold back with a wide, open field in front of her. And she didn¡¯t get tired easily, meaning her rider would be worn out long before she was. And it was clear-as-day what kind of situation that would lead to.


    Within moments, he saw the other horse galloping ahead. Luckily, the rider was still attached to her back. Sieger urged his horse onward and came up beside the other horse.


    ¡°Hey! Stop!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Grab the reins like this! Like¡­ Hey, are you listening to me?!¡±


    The rider had her hood pulled on low over her head. She didn¡¯t even move, let alone respond. Sieger let out a stream of curses under his breath. Then, he decided to take a different approach. He shouted,


    ¡°This is a knight from the imperial palace¡¯s 8th Division speaking! Halt your horse¡­!¡±


    The rider tipped to one side.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Sieger pulled his horse in dangerously close to the other horse¡¯s right flank. Falling in between the two horses now would mean certain death.


    He gritted his teeth and took his right foot out of the stirrup. He braced his foot against his saddle. Then, he leaned over and caught the rider in his arms. He tugged on the reins of her horse. After checking to see that the horse had halted, he kicked his own horse¡¯s sides and widened the gap. Soon, his horse stopped as well.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    The rider was limp and motionless in his arms even after managing to pull off that life-or-death stunt. Sieger had a bad feeling. As he sat her in front of him, he could feel her burning up through her cloak.


    Sieger tried to pull off the rider¡¯s hood, but a hand caught his wrist. Her skin felt hot on his wrist. That couldn¡¯t be a good sign. The woman pulled back her hood with her other hand.


    Under the midday sun, Sieger recognized the woman¡¯s face.


    The woman who was closest to the position of sovereign. The most noble and the cruelest woman in the empire. Now one of two princesses, it was her.


    ¡°Let me go,¡±


    The princess said, her breath heated.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    So, in other words, the princess who was supposed to be locked in the tower right now¡­


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    The princess¡¯s grip around Sieger¡¯s wrist tightened. Strangely enough, while her face told him that she was squeezing out every last ounce of her strength, the actual pressure around his wrist was nonexistent. Without a word, Sieger put his hand over the princess¡¯s forehead.


    He had never seen someone burning up to this degree before.


    I don¡¯t know what had her so jumpy and anxious, but she noticed right away that I was stalling and tossed a handful of jewels¡­¡±


    Jumpy and anxious? This woman?


    Sieger remembered everything that had happened in the hall that night, down to the smallest detail. He remembered how the maid who had died by his sword looked as she laughed. He remembered how the princess looked watching the tragedy unfold.


    When the princess turned around, when she knelt at the emperor¡¯s feet, in Sieger¡¯s eyes, it looked like she was taking responsibility. It looked like she was trying to protect the dead maid.


    The princess grabbed Sieger¡¯s collar. Her eyes met his.


    ¡°I have to go.¡±


    Those were her last words.


    For a long time after that, Sieger held the unconscious princess in his arms.


    He didn¡¯t know if what he was feeling was disappointment, resignation, or hatred.


    ¡ª


    Sieger pushed his mess out of the way with his foot and laid a floor mattress on his bedroom floor.  He had been carrying the princess on his back, and now he laid her on top of the mattress. He covered her with a blanket. He¡¯d ended up bringing her to his home because it was obvious the mess they would be in if he brought her straight to the palace.


    This whole time, he had been asking himself why he was going so far to help her but¡­


    ¡°Sieger, I brought water!¡±


    ¡°I have the washbasin!¡±


    ¡°I brought candy!¡±


    ¡°I brought towels!¡±


    Four children ranging from four to ten years-old swarmed into the room. They tossed the various items onto the blanket in unison and gathered around the woman.


    ¡°Sieger, is she your bride?¡±


    ¡°Bride!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t commit a crime, right?¡±


    ¡°Commit!¡±


    ¡°Hey, stop copying me.¡±


    ¡°But why is she so sick?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s burning up!¡±


    Sieger put a hand on his forehead.


    ¡°All of you, get out while I¡¯m still feeling nice.¡±


    ¡°Sieger, Sieger. Don¡¯t you need a grasshopper?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The boy offered Sieger a grasshopper, which he held gingerly. Sieger accepted it ¨C and promptly threw out the door.


    ¡°No! Charles!¡±


    The boy ran back outside the room. One action flowing into the next, Sieger locked the door and walked back over to the bed with a refreshed expression. He placed a wet towel on the woman¡¯s forehead.


    And as he was tucking her in¡­ he was once again faced with the question of why he was doing all of this. He glared at the woman.


    On the floor next to her, a girl lay on her stomach with her feet in the air. She asked,


    ¡°She¡¯s really burning up. Shouldn¡¯t we wipe her down?¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t want to do that much for her.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? Oh, and Missus has been looking for you since this morning.¡±


    ¡°Missus?¡±


    ¡°The missus next door, from the fruit store.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hot¡­¡±


    Giggling, the smallest child had burrowed into the covers and was rubbing their face on the woman¡¯s arm.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be in big trouble if you keep doing that. Come out of there. Do you know who you¡¯re rubbing your face on?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    For a moment, Sieger didn¡¯t know how to respond. That was when it happened.


    ¡°Mister Knight! Mister Knight! Hurry out, Mister Knight! There¡¯s been a problem!¡±


    When Sieger came out of the house, he saw a middle-aged man in his yard, holding his young daughter¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°My daughter is going to be taken away! Please, do something¡­¡±


    ***


    The thirst was overwhelming. I opened my eyes.


    I heard shouting outside. There was crying too. I sat up. A dried towel dropped onto my knees. When I felt my forehead, it was damp.


    ¡°She¡¯s awake! What should we do!¡±


    The room was messy but not dirty. Two small children were watching me with guarded expressions, their backs pressed up against the wall. I pulled off the blanket and stood up. The room spun for a moment, but I blinked and it righted itself.


    I stepped over a fallen drawer and headed to the window. The curtains were tightly drawn over it. When I pulled them aside, the first thing I saw was Sieger. He was being grabbed by the collar. That must mean this was his house.


    Was meeting him God¡¯s will as well? Just how far did his reach extend?


    I already admired Sieger¡¯s character. I respected how he wouldn¡¯t stand by and watch someone die ¨C even someone he hated. Despite the terrible things the princess had done, he had continued to save me. And as a result, he had been forced to kill Hess.


    For Hess, it might have been a blessing to die by the hand of someone who understood her grievances. But for whoever was left behind, it only meant more suffering. That was doubly true for the man who had held onto his sword until the maid had passed.


    My death too would¡­


    There was a scream.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    The two children were worlds apart in their appearance, but their expressions in that moment were identical. Hugging each other tightly, they shook their heads in unison.


    ¡°We¡­we don¡¯t know.¡±


    I looked around the room for something to cover my face with. There was nothing suitable.


    ¡°Are you trying to go out?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go! I-It¡¯s dangerous!¡±


    I watched the child approach me hesitantly. And then I laughed.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Suddenly, my eyes were drawn to the curtains fluttering in the wind. They were thin enough that I could just see through to the outside.


    ***


    ¡°Who is this! Aren¡¯t you that famous Lord Knight?¡±


    The man was dragging a boy in his teens through the filthy alleyway by the boy¡¯s hair. When he spotted Sieger, he shot him a white-toothed grin.


    The man let go of the boy¡¯s hair. There were red splotches around the boy¡¯s mouth. His cheek was swollen and his teeth were stained with blood.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this commotion, Hillakin?¡±


    ¡°What commotion? I was just looking for someone.¡±


    ¡°Son!¡±


    Letting go of his daughter¡¯s hand, the middle-aged man ran to his son. He collapsed to the ground in front of Hillakin¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Wh-What have you done to my son! Wh-What-.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, what?¡±


    Hillakin landed a kick on the man¡¯s chin.


    ¡°Father!¡±


    The girl tried running to her father, but Sieger stopped her.


    ¡°If you know what¡¯s good for you, you¡¯ll stop there.¡±


    ¡°Look here, there seems to be some kind of misunderstanding. You realize I¡¯m the victim here, right?¡±


    Eyes flashing, Hillakin grabbed Sieger by the collar. Hillakin laughed sullenly with their faces mere inches apart. The man took that moment to try and scramble away from Hillakin with his son.


    ¡°But you know, it¡¯s always beggars who play the victim¡­¡±


    The boy screamed. Hillakin had stepped on the boy¡¯s ankle, grinding his heel in. The man grabbed Hillakin¡¯s ankle, gripping it so tightly that his knuckles began to turn white. He tried to pull Hillakin¡¯s foot off of his son. Finally, he slammed his fist into HIllakin¡¯s ankle.


    ¡°Please! I¡¯m begging you!¡±


    The boy wailed in agony. Hillakin just put his hands in his pockets and cackled, like the blow to his ankle didn¡¯t even hurt. He ground his foot down even harder.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you escaped this place only to suck up to the princess! Ah, this is so funny.¡±


    The houses packed together along the alleyway were unusually quiet. Everyone was holding their breath, hoping that they wouldn¡¯t get dragged in. Sieger ground his teeth.


    Back when Sieger ran away from these slums to become a knight, the ones who controlled this street were the group of ruffians that he was a part of. After he left, he had heard that there was an influx of people from other areas. And then he was put on a leash by the princess. For two years, he simply hadn¡¯t had the energy to pay attention to what was happening here.


    When he returned to the outskirts, the slums had multiplied. What had previously been family homes were now eerie abandoned houses.


    The outsiders, Hillakin included, were behind everything. He wasn¡¯t sure where they were getting the capital, but they had really taken over the area with their loan sharking.


    It was plain to see what was happening. People who owned the land they stood on and nothing more were losing even that.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back! I¡¯ll pay you back, so please!¡±


    ¡°You will? How?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll pay¡­¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m asking, how are you planning on paying?¡±


    Hillakin moved his foot while cackling. The man hastily covered his son¡¯s ankle with his body as if to protect it.


    ¡°I told you I won¡¯t make her do anything hard. So why¡¯d you have to go and hide her? Look at how much money you borrowed. We just need some insurance, that¡¯s all. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡°P-Please¡­¡±


    Hillakin crooked a finger at the man¡¯s daughter who was hiding behind Sieger¡¯s back.


    ¡°Hey, cutie, come here. If you keep hiding like that, your father will get hit again, you know? Do you want to see your brother become a cripple?¡±


    Sieger slid his hand to his sword handle, and immediately, men who appeared to be Hillakin¡¯s grunts appeared from the shadows. They took their positions in front of and behind Sieger, blocking his path. Sieger didn¡¯t bat an eyelash. He¡¯d noticed them long before.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been getting a lot of important customers as of late, but we don¡¯t have enough good, cute kids to serve them. I told you that I¡¯d return her once you pay me back the money, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Sieger grasped the shaking child¡¯s arm and hid her behind his back, obstructing Hillakin¡¯s view.


    ¡°Or male prostitutes are fine too. I heard they¡¯re quite the treat. Oh, my bad. I damaged his face. That¡¯s a shame.¡±


    ¡°N-Not that!¡±


    ¡°Oh, then you¡¯re fine if I take her?¡±


    ¡°M-My daughter¡­ My daughter is¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth, Mister.¡±


    The man closed his mouth at Sieger¡¯s words. He was tearing up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that human trafficking is illegal?¡±


    ¡°Ha! Haha! A taste of palace life and you¡¯ve become a good little boy. Oh, that¡¯s not exactly true, the princess you whored yourself out for is the real pervert here, isn¡¯t she? I heard she goes wild over slaves¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re under arrest.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m so scared!¡±


    ¡°Does it seem like I¡¯m joking to you?¡±


    ¡°And do you think we¡¯re joking? Do you think we¡¯ve been playing it safe all this time because we were scared of you? I wonder, can you really protect that beggar and those little brats?¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Can you protect them day and night, hm? And that gaggle of street urchins that you took in. If you¡¯re not confident, then don¡¯t stick your nose in where it doesn¡¯t belong, just to satisfy your meaningless justice. That¡¯s how it is, right?¡±


    Sieger¡¯s eyes took on a different look. His pupils shrank and his grip around his sword tightened.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use¡­¡±


    The child behind Sieger¡¯s back mumbled.


    ¡°The guards let them go free again¡­¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°What do you think? It means that the guards have been paid off.¡±


    All of a sudden, a voice cut in from behind him. Sieger stiffened. He knew who it was the moment he heard it.


    She was leaning against the doorway of his house with her arms crossed. She straightened and started walking in their direction.


    She was wearing cheap leather shoes but the dress she wore for loungewear was lavish beyond words. On her head she wore a hat with a wide brim, pulled down low. Stiff, white fabric had been wrapped around it like a veil with the ends slung over her shoulders. She didn¡¯t look like someone in their right mind.


    Without even realizing it himself, Sieger turned back to Hillakin and obscured her from his view. And then he growled in the lowest voice he could muster,


    ¡°What the hell are you doing? What are you wearing on your head?¡±


    ¡°A curtain.¡±


    Sieger was lost for words.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that crazy¡­ woman? It looks like she came out of your house.¡±


    ¡°What does that matter!¡±


    Sieger shouted irritably, turning around. But his reaction had the opposite effect, seeming to pique Hillakin¡¯s interest instead. Hillakin¡¯s eyes glinted uncommonly.


    ¡°Miss? Now who could you be? I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met before.¡±


    The woman didn¡¯t respond right away.


    Beneath the translucent fabric, her smile was like a painting illuminated by the sun. Hillakin¡¯s expression was profound, as though he had seen the same thing that Sieger did.


    ¡°Who is this bastard?¡±


    Her appearance was strange, but her voice made even that seem insignificant. It was exceedingly serene and disconnected from reality.


    ¡°¡­A loan shark.¡±


    It felt like the woman glanced in Sieger¡¯s direction. Sieger felt strange being at the end of her gaze because he couldn¡¯t see her face. Because for some reason, she suddenly felt like a stranger.


    ¡°I know that much already.¡±


    ¡°¡­The boss¡¯s right-hand man. In other words, the acting commander.¡±


    ¡°Boss?¡±


    The woman smiled.


    ¡°How funny.¡±


    Her voice was crystal clear. Even though she had done a crude job of disguising herself, the voice that pierced through her disguise strangely echoed in his ears. It was relaxed and lyrical but unbending, just like that person¡¯s.


    And then Sieger repeated the last part of the sentence to himself. Like that person¡¯s? Who if not the princess?


    He was flustered beyond words, and he rubbed his face with one hand. But she really was like that person.

 Chapter 9.3

    I swept my gaze over my surroundings.


    ¡°So that means this is a crime-ridden district. No one¡¯s even thinking about calling the guards even when there¡¯s this much commotion.¡±


    ¡°Go back inside.¡±


    In the middle of everything that was going on, Sieger pointed to his house. I had thought he would tell me to scram.


    Suddenly, Sieger touched the back of his hand to my cheek through the curtain.


    ¡°I knew it. Are you aware of the condition you¡¯re in?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m only saying this because you brought it up, but are you aware that you¡¯re speaking informally to me?¡±


    ¡°¡­So?¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders.


    ¡°Right, well, I wasn¡¯t planning on picking a fight with you over it.¡±


    ¡°Hey? Hello? Wow, I¡¯m not the type of person who usually gets ignored like this.¡±


    I spun around to face Hillakin.


    ¡°Are you feeling on edge?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No matter how far this place is from the capital, how dare you, and to a knight? You¡¯ve either been brainless since you were born, or you lost your mind for a second there because you were so on edge.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine that loan sharking is your primary business.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Since he¡¯d mentioned important customers, it was probably a brothel that catered to nobles. Usually, the VIP customers were the ones who funded places like that. And I could think of only one person in the capital who could possibly be their top VIP.


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    I clapped my hands together.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost out of the money he gave you!¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking-.¡±


    ¡°You mean, you have every idea what I¡¯m talking about?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Should I make a guess?¡±


    ¡°Who are you-.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Dominat, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You were so talkative just a moment ago, but you¡¯ve suddenly gone quiet. Can I take your silence to mean that I¡¯m right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, thanks. I take it that you all heard the news. That man can¡¯t afford to fund you anymore. Not ever again.¡±


    ¡°Not ever again?¡±


    Sieger mumbled, dumbfoundedly.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°But what I¡¯d like to know is, how much did you spend here?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    HIllakin¡¯s expression changed. His eyes filled with venom, then he glanced at the men surrounding us.


    Sieger let out a sigh and took a step back. He put one hand on his sword and urged the girl to stand closer to me.


    ¡°You probably know that it¡¯s a lost cause trying to get your money back from the people here. How are you planning on making your money back? It couldn¡¯t be¡­ have you borrowed money too?¡±


    Bulls-eye. Before the men could rush at us, Sieger¡¯s blade was already at Hillakin¡¯s throat. Sieger flicked his eyes, and Hillakin put up a hand. The men retreated.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t start something you won¡¯t be able to handle. Don¡¯t you even know that basic principle? And that¡¯s doubly true if you¡¯re doing it with someone else¡¯s money.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t hate stupid men like you. Actually, I rather like men like you.¡±


    Sieger shot me a look of incredulity. I gestured with my chin. Looking uncomfortable, Sieger kicked Hillakin¡¯s knee, causing him to kneel.


    I walked in front of Hillakin and squatted on the ground. I looked him in the eyes. And then I smiled.


    ¡°¡±You¡¯re not entirely wrong. You can¡¯t win against someone who has nothing to lose. Even if this man killed you right here, there¡¯s no guarantee that all the people here would be safe. That¡¯s why he can¡¯t win against you.¡±


    Sieger looked down at me. Our eyes met and I smiled at him. I didn¡¯t know if he saw it though. I found what I was looking for in my pocket. I grabbed a handful and dropped them on the ground in front of Hillakin.


    They were jewels the size of fingernails. I rested my elbows on my knees and put my chin on my hands.


    ¡°But I¡¯m different.¡±


    I gave him a wide smile.


    ¡°Why¡­ Aren¡¯t you and this manwhore on the same side?¡±


    Despite not being able to take his eyes off of the jewels in his hand, the bastard wasn¡¯t letting anything pass him by.


    ¡°Manwhore?¡±


    I grabbed Hillakin by the collar and pulled him to me roughly. When our noses were almost touching, I tightened my grip.


    The sound of Hillakin¡¯s breathing was harsh like he couldn¡¯t quite get in enough air. Seeing him up close like this, I could see his dark blue eyes clearly. He probably saw me too.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Go and make your report.¡±


    ¡°To whom¡­¡±


    When I tightened my grip on his collar again, Hillakin quickly changed his tune.


    ¡°What would you like me to say?¡±


    ¡°That I¡¯m going to devour everything. Down to the last morsel. So set the table.¡±


    I straightened and let out an easy laugh.


    ¡°Because I have as much money as you could ask for.¡±


    The mess was cleaned up quickly. After the men retreated, the alleyway became desolate, with very few people left.


    Finally, the middle-aged man left with his daughter, his son on his back. I noticed that while he was thanking Sieger over and over again, he couldn¡¯t stop glancing at me. I already knew that there were no words to describe the state I was in.


    And then we were the only ones left.


    I suddenly collapsed to the ground.


    Sieger simply took my arm and helped me up like he wasn¡¯t even surprised. I wobbled as I got up. My legs buckled several times.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    I lost my balance and my head rammed into Sieger¡¯s chest. My body wasn¡¯t listening to me.


    I gripped his shoulders and felt him brace himself to take my weight. But his words weren¡¯t so gentle.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? When you¡¯re basically on the verge of death? Unbelievable.¡±


    He gripped my arms and righted me. I was forced to meet his eyes. I furrowed my brows and mumbled,


    ¡°I¡¯m sick?¡±


    ¡°Do you not remember fainting?¡±


    I remembered. But I was walking and talking just fine right up until a moment ago.


    ¡°¡­Let go.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll fall if I let go.¡±


    ¡°Still, let go.¡±


    He let go. I teetered, staggering backward until my back hit a wall.


    I looked down at my palms, and saw that my fingers were shaking. It was hard to believe, even when it was happening right in front of my eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way you would be okay after pushing yourself like that.¡±


    ¡°I was pushing myself?¡±


    All I did was take a few steps out of the house. Looking at it that way, it really did seem like I was on the verge of death.


    It wasn¡¯t my real body anyway. I didn¡¯t even want to bother myself about it. What did it matter if I was being unnecessarily stubborn?


    I let out a laugh, and Sieger clicked his tongue. Then he gritted his teeth. His expression changed and he stalked over to me. His shadow loomed over me.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Familiar black hair and unfamiliar yellow eyes that were fixed on me. It felt like all of his past sorrows were contained within the distrustful look in his eyes and the stubborn line of his mouth. And it felt like he was pouring them onto me.


    ¡°What are you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He gripped my arm as I swayed, and shouted in a strained voice,


    ¡°What are you!¡±


    ¡°What am I?¡±


    I felt hollow. My shoulders shook with laughter as I buried my face in my hands.


    ¡°You¡¯re laughing? Are my words a joke to you? Am I that laughable?¡±


    When I lifted my head, he was looking at me with a miserable expression on his face, like someone who had been driven into a corner.


    This wasn¡¯t fun.


    ¡°¡­Stop. Let¡¯s stop this.¡±


    ¡°What! Stop what exactly? I need to know. Who are you, and why-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±


    I shrieked, cutting him off mid-sentence. I closed my eyes and opened them with difficulty.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    We glared at each other.


    ¡°Don¡¯t joke with me.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I just said that to make you laugh?¡±


    I grabbed a handful of the fabric and yanked the hat off my head, throwing it to the side.


    ¡°What more do you want me to explain? Ah, did you want me to thank you for saving my life? Is that why you¡¯re acting like this? Is there something you want? Money? A title? Just give the word. I¡¯m the princess, I can do that much for you. Are you satisfied now?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really¡­¡±


    He let go of my arm and took a step backward. He looked fed up.


    ¡°¡­the worst.¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s not like you didn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get involved with the situation here.¡±


    ¡°Why should I listen to you?¡±


    Do you not need me either?


    ¡°You said to tell you what I wanted. This has nothing to do with you, so don¡¯t get involved. With the situation here!¡±


    ¡°Get it right. What would you have done if I didn¡¯t help just now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying I don¡¯t need your help.¡±


    Heaving, we glared at each other in silence. My vision kept going blurry, but I didn¡¯t want to lose to him. Whenever my vision wavered, I clenched my fist behind my back.


    ¡°¡­And what if I don¡¯t want to?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t take care of this by yourself. Do you have money? Do you have the power to handle things here?¡±


    ¡°You really¡­ don¡¯t speak like that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying I¡¯ll help, so what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°You! You¡¯re the problem!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    As soon as I heard that, I was lost for words.


    Yeah, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m the problem. Every problem led back to me. Would everything end if I died?


    Angry tears threatened to spill out, and my lower lip trembled. I pressed my lips together. My fist shook.


    Sieger ruffled his hair and let out a sigh.


    ¡°I can¡¯t understand you.¡±


    I spun around. I started walking, using the wall to support myself. The ground was muddy and my ankle kept giving way, but I didn¡¯t stop. One step, two steps¡­


    When he grabbed my arm, I jerked it away. The movement caused me to stumble, and my back hit the wall. But I was still standing. I glared at him.


    He looked like he had something to say, but like he was debating with himself on whether to say it aloud. Like the words in his mouth tasted bitter. Finally, he said,


    ¡°Do you have somewhere to go?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you? Didn¡¯t you just tell me to go?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re gonna die, don¡¯t cause trouble for other people while you¡¯re doing it.¡±


    ¡°I get it, so get lost.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I said, get lost.¡±


    ¡°The princess I know¡­¡±


    I turned my head.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°¡­isn¡¯t this unreasonable.¡±


    ¡°I said, shut up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure exactly, but at least that¡¯s what it seemed like when you said you¡¯d receive your punishment.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°And because I saw you that day, I was disappointed when I found you outside the tower.¡±


    ¡°¡­So what.¡±


    He sighed. The longer he talked, the more miserable I felt. Because it was clicking how futile and pathetic all of my efforts had been.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying that¡¯s me? How is that me!¡±


    ¡°Look here.¡±


    I grabbed his collar.


    ¡°What do you even know? You think you know who I am?¡±


    He yanked my arm toward him. When our noses were almost touching, he said,


    ¡°Considering that I found someone who was supposed to be locked in the tower trying to ride a horse out of the capital wearing nothing but her loungewear and burning up with fever, nigh on the verge of death¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­don¡¯t I have the right to an explanation?¡±


    ¡°The right? Who do you think you are?¡±


    ¡°If you have a reason, tell me so I don¡¯t have to be disappointed in you!¡±


    I pulled my arm out of his grip and replied,


    ¡°I have nothing to say.¡±


    It was hard to maintain eye contact. I wanted to look away. To look away from those oblivious eyes that kept trying to peer into me when I was ruined and falling apart.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d let yourself be punished. You lied to the entire world and now you¡¯re back to your old ways.¡±


    His voice was unemotional and calm. And it was more like a knife now than it had ever been before.


    ¡°Say you¡¯ve fooled everyone, through lies, through hypocrisy.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He paused. A vein bulged from his neck. He spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°But what about me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I saw you here, so what about me?¡±


    ¡°So what, should I get on my knees? Beg for forgiveness? Is that what you want?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Or, do you want to play around with me the same way I did with you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Sieger was quiet. I glared at him, but he just stared at me with eyes that were full of some indescribable emotion. For some reason, his reaction made me want to lash out. I sneered,


    ¡°Why? Did I hit the mark?¡±


    He clenched his jaw. Before I knew it, his arm was around my waist and his hand, on the wall.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. Who else in the world has the chance to use you like that?¡±


    I laughed. And then I pushed him away with all of my might.


    He stumbled backward until his back was against the opposite wall. Gripping his shoulders, I took a deep breath. It was hard to breathe. He looked down at me without a word.


    ¡°How long do you think I¡¯m going to tolerate you?¡±


    ¡°As long as I keep your secret.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you let the whole world know.¡±


    ¡°Then why can¡¯t you go back?¡±


    ¡°I never said I couldn¡¯t go back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°How much can you take before you crack, how long are you going to stay hidden behind that mask?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, fine.¡±


    Fine, if that was all¡­ I would amuse him with this dying body.


    I grabbed his collar and yanked him toward me. I wrapped one arm around his neck and lifted my chin. Our eyes locked, mere inches apart.


    ¡°So shut up. Understand?¡±


    The moment that our noses passed each other and our lips touched, his body tensed and his arms wrapped around me. His lips against mine were cold.


    And then¡­ then, there was darkness.

 Chapter 9.4 - Volume 2 Chapter 9.4

    When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the room from before. Even after our fight, he¡¯d brought me back to the room and even laid me down onto the mattress.


    I sat up, my hair and clothes disheveled. The early morning sun was just beginning to peek into the room. For a second, I blankly wondered why the light was so blinding. Then I remembered that I¡¯d more or less torn off one of the curtains.


    I was debating whether I should hang it back up when the door burst open.


    I hadn¡¯t been able to hear it before, but the sound of children drifted into the room now. When I lifted my head, I saw Sieger standing at the doorway in an apron.


    Our eyes met, and we were both momentarily speechless.


    Sieger broke the silence, breathing out a sigh before entering the room. He took a thermometer out of his apron pocket and crouched down next to me.


    ¡°Say, ¡®ah¡¯.¡±


    ¡°What did you just-¡±


    I opened my mouth to speak, and Sieger stuck the thermometer between my lips.


    ¡°Close.¡±


    I reluctantly closed my mouth. Sieger checked my temperature, then stood up quickly.


    ¡°About what happened¡­¡±


    ¡°Come eat.¡±


    Then, just like that, he left. Outside the room, a child let out a wail. I imagined that they had tripped and fallen. I heard Sieger begin to lecture someone.


    I stood up shakily. When Sieger had said to ¡°come eat,¡± I had realized I was starving.


    As soon as I stepped outside the room, several children covered in dirt bolted in my direction. Because the hallway was narrow, I quickly raised my arms to let them through, and the children dashed past me. One of the children, however, barreled into me and wrapped her arms around my waist. I awkwardly returned the child¡¯s hug, but she merely burst into giggles and scurried away.


    It was a girl. But last I saw, there were only two boys. The number of kids had increased while I wasn¡¯t looking.


    I walked out slowly and saw Sieger placing dishes on the table. He raised his head to glance at me before turning his back.


    I felt sheepish, hollow, and grateful all at once. I was just about to say something when it happened. There was the unforgettable patter of those tiny feet, before the girl from before collided into me from behind.


    When I turned to look, the girl giggled as before and scampered away. The children huddled around the table. Their hands were the only part of them that were clean. They followed Sieger¡¯s hands with their eyes. They must have washed their hands in the bathroom¡­


    Once Sieger began ladling soup into the bowls, I discreetly slipped into the only empty seat left.


    When I did, one of the boys stared up at me. It was the boy who had told me not to go out because it was dangerous. He said,


    ¡°But that¡¯s Sieger¡¯s spot?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The boy seated next to him, just a handbreadth shorter, repeated after him like a parrot,


    ¡°Sieger! It¡¯s Sieger¡¯s spot! Ow!¡±


    It looked like the girl who had bumped into me had kicked the boy¡¯s shin under the table. The girl met my eyes and grinned at me. There was another kid next to her who looked just like her, despite being unusually unexpressive.


    ¡°Then-¡±


    ¡°Just stay in your seat.¡±


    Sieger¡¯s voice cut in from behind. He put a hand on my chair and placed the dish before me. The soup smelled amazing.


    ¡°Then what about you?¡±


    I lifted my head, and he glanced at me. But he didn¡¯t respond.


    He went into the other room and dragged out a desk chair. He set the chair at the table across from me, sat down, and began eating.


    Maybe it was because mealtimes had been so extravagant up for me until this point, but it was an unfamiliar sight. Crowding around a table to have a meal together felt like a long-forgotten memory.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to eat¡­¡±


    Sieger leaned over to take my dish, but I gripped it with both hands. When our eyes met, I gave a firm shake of my head.


    There was a bad taste in my mouth as I checked that Sieger had sat back in his seat. And then I decided to leave the thinking for after I¡¯d eaten.


    ***


    Sieger finished his morning patrol, and was relieved by the next shift. He was still the only sentry with the title of knight, and the other sentries were uncomfortable around him. Of course, he himself had no motivation to alleviate that discomfort.


    Sieger had felt a tugging sensation at the back of his head the entire time he was patrolling. It was why he was in a rotten mood. This was made worse by the fact that he knew the source of that feeling which caused him to keep turning around.


    That princess. He had left the princess and the kids together.


    The palace was as peaceful as always, even though the princess wasn¡¯t in the tower. He didn¡¯t know what he had done wrong to be saddled with the princess. Sieger could only let out a sigh.


    He had told the neighbors to peek over the wall now and again, so he didn¡¯t expect anything terrible to happen. But he couldn¡¯t help but increase his walking pace anyway.


    He had just entered the alleyway his gate opened into when he heard a familiar sobbing. Sieger gritted his teeth and broke into a run.


    He regretted trusting the princess. He hated himself for it. That was when he saw it.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    When he barged in through the gate, he witnessed a sight he could have never predicted.


    ¡°What¡­ is going on here?¡±


    A shovel and piles of dirt were tossed haphazardly around the yard, while the princess was crouched in a shallow hole in the ground.


    The youngest was plopped in front of her and sobbing in earnest, but all four of the children were in tears as they threw straw on top of the princess.


    The princess didn¡¯t seem to think anything of it. She only tried to dissuade them when the children attempted to pour something edible, sheep¡¯s milk, on top of her.


    ¡°¡­What exactly is going on?¡±


    ¡°The miss is going to die soon! Uwaaah.¡±


    The boy ran into Sieger¡¯s arms. Sieger picked the child up out of habit and turned around to look at the princess in incredulity.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    The princess looked up at him and shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°As you can see. I was playing with them.¡±


    ***


    This was the full story. Though it wasn¡¯t much of a story.


    I was lying near the window, lifelessly looking out at the front yard.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do anymore.


    My fever came and went throughout the day.


    I had discovered something. My senses had dulled and I couldn¡¯t feel pain. I couldn¡¯t tell when I dropped things or bumped into them as if I had been injected with anesthetic all over my body.


    So I decided to not do anything and stay lying down. Now and then I would see the children playing in the yard through the window.


    At that moment, the girl who had tackled me plopped down by my side. She stared at me intently.


    ¡°Hi?¡±


    ¡°My name is Sia.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°And this is my little sister. We were born on the same day.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    I had deduced that was the case since they looked so alike.


    ¡°Did you come here to marry Sieger?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    It felt like the conversation had skipped ahead a few steps, but I answered steadily,


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ did Sieger pick you up like us?¡±


    ¡°Pick me up?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I swayed as I sat up.


    ¡°Sieger¡¯s not your brother by blood?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Me and Nua have blond hair. Sieger has curly hair.¡±


    Her comparison seemed a little off, but I understood.


    ¡°Does Sieger treat you well?¡±


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been so happy lately.¡±


    ¡°Lately?¡±


    ¡°I thought he abandoned us. We slept over at the next door neighbor¡¯s house every day. Sieger only came at night sometimes. But now he comes every day. He even makes us breakfast.¡±


    In other words, he had been forced to say his farewells because of the leash put on him by the princess. I was in awe of how he still managed to climb over the palace walls every night in spite of that.


    Then, I lost interest and lied back down. But Sia only scooted closer to me. Not wanting to deal with her, I pretended to be asleep.


    ¡°Are you alone too?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    But my eyes opened when I heard those words. I quietly looked up at Sia. Her beautiful blond hair and clear eyes reminded me of him. I suddenly felt like tearing up, and I clapped my hand over my eyes.


    ¡°We were all alone, but now we¡¯re not.¡±


    Sia placed her tiny hand over the hand I had over my eyes.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not alone either. Sieger will protect us.¡±


    ¡°¡­Protect us?¡±


    I lowered my hand from my eyes and grasped Sia¡¯s.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Her eyes didn¡¯t contain a hint of doubt. And at that moment, the older of the boys sneaked up on her and pulled her hair.


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    Sia¡¯s angelic face instantly morphed into a scowl and she began yanking on the boy¡¯s hair. Now the little boy who followed the older around everywhere began to cry.


    When I had come to my senses, I was trapped in the middle of a jostle of children. Fearing that I would get stepped on and crushed, I quickly stood up. The room flipped upside down.


    I hit my knee on something and collapsed to the floor in an unsightly pile. The children froze and opened their eyes wide. I sat back up, embarrassed by those frightened looks.


    The older boy placed a hand on my knee and leaned in. Then, like he was telling me some great secret, he whispered,


    ¡°Are you Sieger¡¯s bride?¡±


    I had thought he was going to ask me if I was okay. I replied,


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then, is your time limited?¡±


    ¡°Limited?¡±


    That was possible. He wasn¡¯t completely off the mark.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°This lady said she¡¯s going to die,¡±


    The boy shouted and ran outside with the younger one right on his tail. There was a large racket, after which he stuck his head back in the house. Brandishing a shovel, he said,


    ¡°We¡¯ll bury you in the front yard!¡±


    It was such a threatening sentence, but he said it so cheerfully.


    ¡°Are you going to die?¡±


    I was about to refute it, but decided it would be too tiresome.


    ¡°Everyone dies someday.¡±


    Sia looked at me with new conviction and dashed out of the house, Nua¡¯s hand in hers.


    Before I knew it, I was alone again. Just as I was about to lie back down, the youngest boy ran over to me and threw a flower at my face. It was obviously from the yard, probably picked just moments ago. The flower fluttered in the air and landed on my neck.


    ¡°¡­Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Shune.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Shune!¡±


    ¡°Is that your name?¡±


    The child nodded his head energetically. Blinking, I said again,


    ¡°Thanks, Shune.¡±


    Shune crawled on top of my belly.


    And that¡¯s how things progressed to the point that Sieger witnessed.


    It wasn¡¯t like I hadn¡¯t thought of stopping them. But the children¡¯s excitement gave me pause. They looked like they had just found something to entertain them for a while.


    They went from door to door in the alleyway to find sheep¡¯s milk to bury with the corpse, found straw to keep me warm, and diligently dug a hole that came up to my ankles, until their faces were red from exertion.


    I decided to play along if it meant I had some use left.


    I crouched in the pitifully shallow hole, and Sia sat down opposite me, sheep¡¯s milk in hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, miss?¡±


    I had one. But I had forgotten it.


    And so I hesitated for a while before responding,


    ¡°Ria.¡±


    Sia blinked her eyes and laughed.


    ¡°Your name kind of rhymes with ours. It¡¯s like we¡¯re sisters.¡±


    At last, the funeral ceremony learned from secondhand experience commenced. They didn¡¯t seem to care all that much that I wasn¡¯t dead yet.


    The children began to tear up.


    They walked in circles around me. Periodically, they would pull up weeds from the yard, wet them in the sheep¡¯s milk, and throw them at me. They also threw straw. Finally, they got into it and began crying.


    At that point, I was honestly a little taken aback. But I couldn¡¯t just back out. And so, I stayed sitting.


    Shune in particular sobbed like it was the end of the world. I happened to see his tear- and snot-stained face from the front and couldn¡¯t take my eyes off because of how cute he was.


    Then, I became curious and asked him,


    ¡°Are you that sad about me dying even though you don¡¯t know who I am?¡±


    Shune didn¡¯t seem the slightest bit interested in what I had to say. I rest my chin on my knees and mumbled,


    ¡°How sweet.¡±


    That was when Sieger barged in.


    Sieger looked like he didn¡¯t even want to know.


    He strode over and pulled me up, before rubbing the children¡¯s faces dry with his hands. The children bawled that it hurt but Sieger pretended not to hear them.


    He was quick to sort out the situation. He seemed used to it, putting away what needed to be put away, and throwing away what needed to be thrown away.


    The hole was filled up with a couple shovels. I stood there blankly until he grabbed my hand and put me away into the room. He definitely gave me a look like I was something to be put away.


    Soon, the four children were put away into the room as well.


    Sieger came in last and narrowed his eyes at us. He had the half-full pot of sheep¡¯s milk in his hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move. And don¡¯t make any more trouble, got it?¡±


    ¡°She said she¡¯s going to die!¡±


    Sieger gave the child a very stern look, the first I had seen.


    ¡°She¡¯s not going to die.¡±


    He glanced in my direction, then left the room.


    And how can you be so sure?


    After that, Sieger left the house again, saying he would go buy something to eat. I could assume that he had rushed here, and hadn¡¯t had time to get groceries. He must have been quite nervous about leaving me alone with the children.


    And maybe, he wasn¡¯t anymore.


    ***


    As soon as Sieger left the house, he ran into the grandpa from next door. Cane in hand, the old man hobbled over to Sieger and grasped his arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Shut your piehole for a second and come over here!¡±


    Without knowing the reason why, Sieger found himself being pulled into a secluded part of the alleyway. The old man tugged Sieger¡¯s ear close, like he had some grand secret to tell, and whispered,


    ¡°That young woman¡­ who is she?¡±


    Sieger was a little taken back.


    ¡°What are you talking about?:


    ¡°I was just wondering¡­ if she¡¯s sick.¡±


    ¡°Sick? Did she faint again during the day?¡±


    ¡°No, not that.¡±


    The old man responded like Sieger was hard of hearing and shook his cane.


    ¡°Is her head¡­ is her head sick?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I peeked over the fence today because you asked me to keep an eye on the kids¡­and there was a beautiful young woman¡­ with a certain air about her¡­ anyway, I saw her sitting on the landing of the stairs absentmindedly.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So I ended up staring at her. I didn¡¯t even realize I was doing it.¡±


    ¡°¡­So?¡±


    ¡°Then our eyes met. And she got up, all shaky like, and you know the sacks we use when we shell chestnuts? She picked that up from the floor, dusted it off, and put it on her head.¡±


    Sieger covered his eyes with one hand.


    ¡°And she put out her hands like she couldn¡¯t see what was in front of her ¨C well, of course she couldn¡¯t ¨C walked to the landing, and plopped herself right back down. Oh, she did almost trip over a rock and lose her balance¡­ She was very¡­ strange¡­¡±


    ¡°I got it. Don¡¯t worry about that woman.¡±


    ¡°How can I not? You¡¯ve finally taken in a full-grown adult. And you can¡¯t even move somewhere nicer because you have to feed the kids-¡°


    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°Her head is like, that, right? I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I? But¡­ is she maybe the daughter of someone high up or-¡°


    ¡°Gramps.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let my warning go out one ear. You don¡¯t want to be caught up in this.¡±


    ¡°Caught up in what?¡±


    The old man looked like he wanted further explanation, but Sieger kept silent. Instead, he said he had to go buy something, said his farewells, and turned around.


    A little while later, as he was entering the gate to his house with the groceries, he saw the children hanging off of the wall in a line. The neighbors were probably having meat for dinner. He could smell it from over here.


    Sieger glanced down at the food he had bought and clicked his tongue. He told himself he would buy them a whole pile of meat as soon as he got his pay. He was about to head in when he noticed that there was one missing.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the woman?¡±


    ¡°The miss? I don¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°Ansi. Stop smelling the meat and get down here.¡±


    Unable to detect the slightest hint of lightheartedness in Sieger¡¯s tone, Ansi obediently jumped down. The remaining three also scampered up to Sieger because of the shift in the mood.


    ¡°When did she disappear?¡±


    ¡°She was with us until just a moment ago¡­¡±


    ¡°The miss said she had to go somewhere real quick.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    Sia shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°She said she would be quick. She didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±


    If she had gone just like that¡­ He had been relieved of a burden.


    But why did it feel like his stomach was turning inside out?


    She never acted according to his wishes. From the start, there was no way that he would be able to catch her, even if he reached out his hand to do so.


    Since when had he started to pay attention to the woman? Sieger looked down at the object in his hand. A blue veil. The color of her eyes.


    He had thought she would need something to hide her face¡­ That¡¯s why he bought it.


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    Sieger was caught off guard because he had been so deep in thought. When he turned around, he saw the woman. She had the curtain stylishly wrapped around her and was holding an armful of something.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t scolding the children, were you?¡±


    ¡°Where were you?¡±


    ¡°You say that like I live here,¡±


    The princess said as she calmly walked over.


    ¡°I bought meat.¡±


    ¡°¡­Meat?¡±


    ¡°Do you not know what meat is?¡±


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s meat!¡±


    In an instant, the children bolted for the princess like an outgoing tide.


    ¡°All of that is meat?¡±


    ¡°The kids were stuck to the wall like vines, positively drooling, but the people next door only stared at them and wouldn¡¯t cut them off a slice. So¡­¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Seeing the veil Sieger was absentmindedly holding in his hand, the princess grinned and whipped off the curtain she was wearing.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Sieger tried to hide the veil behind his back, but the princess caught the end of it before he could.


    The blue veil slipped out of his hands, and was draped over the princess¡¯s head. The veil fluttered along some invisible line, and behind it, the princess blinked her eyes.


    Then she smiled.


    Sieger gazed at the woman who stood quietly before him with a veil over her head. Veils¡­ were what brides wore at their weddings.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you get it?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Instead of asking that, this is what I should say.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Sia hung onto the princess¡¯s dress and said,


    ¡°You look like a bride at her wedding.¡±


    The princess didn¡¯t deny it. And Sieger hated that she didn¡¯t.