Chapter 6

"Damn it! You traitors! May you all be cursed!!"

As I approached the viscount, who was screaming like a madman, I raised my hand with all my might.

*Slap!*

The dry sound that echoed through the room was the result of my full-force slap. My palm was hot and tingling. The viscount, who had been struck suddenly, stood there with a shocked expression, frozen in place.

"I don't care about myself, but I will never forgive you for betraying those who trusted you and for trying to betray Bartelink."

His actions were solely for his own self-preservation. He had tried to arrange for his daughter to marry Luke, and when that didn't work out, he had been gradually stealing secrets. He hadn't even considered the consequences of his actions. He was just like the me from before.

"…Lock the viscount in the dungeon."

Luke, who was holding my shoulder as I hung my head, gave the order.

(…It's over…)

When I realized that the viscount was the source of the rumors, I remembered something. In my previous life, a year later, there were rumors that a noble had stolen Bartelink's secrets and sold them to a small country. Of course, there was no evidence. If I had acted rashly, the cunning viscount might have escaped, or worse, fled with the information he had gathered. It was a gamble, but I had won.

"Princess Justine… I am truly sorry for my father's actions."

The adorable Floche, with tears in her eyes, apologized. She had been like this ever since I told her that while I wouldn't execute her, she would face severe punishment for her betrayal. I could understand why Luke had said she wasn't suited to lead. She was kind and compassionate… too kind. But she had a strong sense of justice and was willing to cooperate, even though it was difficult for her. She was truly a girl that everyone couldn't help but love.

This plan wouldn't have worked without the innocent Floche and me, who could have been a merciless villain. Most importantly, I believed in the honesty and kindness of the people of Bartelink.

(Sigh, is this finally over…?)

As I sighed in relief, I suddenly noticed the gazes of the people around me. The rugged faces of the men who had clung to the harsh land of Bartelink and fought against external enemies lined up. Ang, who had been standing guard, suddenly stepped in front of me, her face showing caution.

"Please, everyone, wait! Everything that just happened was an act, a lie! The real Princess Justine is only a little better! Really, just a little better!!"

"Ang…?"

"Princess Justine isn't a bad person! She is indeed a bit too free, careless, and lacks consideration for others and common sense… but…"

"Ang?!"

"But she truly cares about the happiness of every citizen, no, every citizen of the kingdom! She is so confident in her own abilities that she can genuinely believe in them! Yes, she can be annoying, but she is not a bad person!"

I hung my head at Ang's passionate defense, unsure if it was helping or not. It seemed that Ang had misunderstood the relationship between the people and me, but I was grateful for her efforts to protect me. I was grateful, but I wished she had chosen her words more carefully. Still, it was touching…

Luke, who had been nodding beside me, added his words.

"Ang is right. She does take rash actions and is arrogant and selfish. She thinks she has improved a bit, but she is still quite naive. However…"

Wait, wasn't today the day I was supposed to be condemned…?

"However, she respects others as she does herself and is one of the few who can accept that. This is a rare quality in someone who governs this land."

And more importantly, Luke continued, gently wrapping his arm around my waist and looking at me with a passionate gaze that seemed to see nothing else.

"I love her."

My heart skipped a beat at the same time as the powerful men around us burst into laughter.

"Lord Luke, you're already flirting after deciding to formally welcome her as your fiancée!"

"Indeed, we like Princess Justine just as much as you do, Lord Luke!"

"Especially the secret royal wine you brought! It was truly delicious! If we can drink such wine, we'll follow any order!"

"Exactly!"

(You guys, you like the wine more than me, don't you!)

Acceptance doesn't always require a straightforward approach. I had dealt with stubborn and rigid influential figures many times in the capital. Offering them the finest gifts was a classic move, but it had been surprisingly effective. Luke, who had been slightly sulking, saying, "Even when I was the next head, it took years of working from the bottom up to gain their trust…" probably realized that they had lowered their standards for me because they accepted him. I decided to keep that to myself, as it was amusing.

Ang stood there, looking relieved but drained, while Luke continued to hold my waist, looking as cheerful as ever.

I had indeed told them to show good relations with the royal family to demonstrate our strong ties, but perhaps they were overdoing it… I tried to pull away from the close distance, but the arm around my waist didn't budge.

◇◇◇

After that, the viscount was replaced as the head of the family and placed under house arrest under the supervision of the lord. His daughter, Floche, was to take over the family, swearing complete obedience to the lord and handling the political affairs. The immediate priority was to decide on Floche's marriage, which had been halted by her father.

The leak of the castle's secrets, though not intentional, became a major issue. I scolded Luke for trying to handle everything himself and reorganized the staff. He needed to learn to rely on others more. In the future, I would focus more on developing talent.

Incidentally, Siena, who had confessed first during the condemnation, had a younger brother. Siena, who had been threatened to protect her family, was given a light punishment and a few months' pay cut, and her brother was to be treated responsibly.

I should have noticed earlier. When I said this, Ang scolded me.

"Do you think you're a god? You're still arrogant. You did everything you could."

Ang was too lenient with me. When I suggested marriage, Luke, who was standing beside me, silently took my hand.

In any case, everything was gradually improving, little by little.

◇◇◇

In the midst of the desolate land, there was a sudden open space. I had asked Luke to take me to a high place with a view of the territory.

"The snow will start falling soon, and the horses will dislike it. It's good we came at the last possible moment."

Luke explained as he helped me dismount.

"Wow, we can see so far!"

"Yes, this is the best view in the area. …It's the land our ancestors have protected for generations."

The city of Bartelink was concentrated in the area below, with a population of about four thousand. I looked at each and every one of them with affection. The wind blowing up from below was cold and harsh. This land, constantly threatened by external enemies for its underground resources, was where my father, the king, had sent me, his only unmarried daughter, without understanding his true intentions.

A sense of guilt, which I had been suppressing, began to well up.

I had been running around, trying to avoid the cancellation of my engagement, avoiding deep thoughts about my "previous life." I was afraid that if I stopped, I would never be able to run again. But perhaps today was okay.

Could I shed a single tear of confession and be forgiven?

"Princess Justine…?"

"Luke, I was terrible in my past life. I deserved to be killed. I only thought of myself and never tried to understand the role I was given."

My previous life ended when I was stabbed from behind by a certain guard.

I don't blame him. His anger was justified. I even felt grateful that he had put an end to the days of guilt that had been crushing me.

It was probably a tragic accident for everyone involved.

The small country that had been eyeing the underground resources for some time was rumored to be conducting demonic magic research deep within the country. Even they hadn't expected the result to turn the land into a barren wasteland, unable to be entered again.

The destruction of the Bartelink territory.

The news reached me. In my hand at the time was a letter written by Luke. It contained an apology for the inconvenience I had caused during my stay and a sincere wish for my happiness, even though our relationship had not worked out. I never got the chance to send a reply, which I had wanted to write but couldn't find the words.

One of the captured conspirators later muttered, "If the princess had been in the Bartelink territory at the time, they would not have chosen it for their unknown research." If I had stayed. I understood the resentment of the Bartelink-born guard who had killed me.

Before I knew it, Luke was hugging me as I cried uncontrollably. Luke's body, which seemed cold, was actually very warm. When I pressed my head against his chest, I could hear his heartbeat.

(…He is alive now)

Just knowing that made me incredibly happy and relieved. Yes, and I am here too.

If someone asked if I had only recalled the engagement to protect this place, that would be incorrect. While it was the most certain method, there were other ways. It was simply the result of prioritizing my own unresolved issues and questions.

I had always wanted to confirm:

Why didn't he choose another fiancée?

Why did he send me such a kind and heartfelt letter after I was exiled?

Why, even after returning to the capital and more than a year had passed, did I read that letter over and over until it was worn out?

(Despite all the regret and literal death, it seems that people can't change so easily. No matter how many times I am reborn, I don't think I can ever be like Luke.)

That's why I am drawn to him, no matter what.

When I suddenly burst into tears and then stopped on my own, Luke didn't pry.

At first, I thought his reserved behavior was formal, but now I clearly understand that he believes in and waits for me. Someday, I want to tell him everything.

"Alright, I've seen enough. Let's go back, Luke. It's cold."

"…It seems you've come to a resolution."

"Of course!"

There is still more to do.

I don't know how much time we gained by changing the target, but the threat still exists. The terrifying research is far from complete, but we must find and stop it. I am worried, but I believe we can do it.

(What I lack, Luke can make up for, and what he lacks, I can make up for.)

So, I won't do anything bad anymore. …Probably.

Thank you for reading.