Chapter 6

The Aerlas Empire was not a country large enough to be called an empire until about thirty years ago. Like the Freud Kingdom, it was situated northwest of the Hottar Mountains, and the rivers flowing from the mountains created fertile land, making it a prosperous agricultural country. However, everything changed when a gold mine was discovered in the Kai Mountains located in the south of the country. Further investigations revealed several other mines, including a silver mine.

From then on, Aerlas experienced tremendous development and its population grew. One day, it suddenly began invading neighboring countries. Naturally, people were shocked. The King of Aerlas, who had never been arrogant despite the country's wealth and prosperity, was rumored to have gone mad for invading other countries. The people living in the annexed neighboring countries were freed from their previous poverty, but few knew about this. After all, as rulers, such things should not happen. It was unthinkable that people would rejoice after being invaded.

After that, the King of Aerlas invaded and annexed several countries, and the kingdom flourished, eventually becoming known as an empire. However, twenty-nine years ago, the Queen of Aerlas, now called the Emperor, gave birth to a boy with exceptionally rare red eyes. His red hair only added to the rumors, and he soon became known as the cursed prince. It was said that he inherited the curse of the blood that the King of Aerlas had shed in vain. Of course, the royal couple loved and raised Jesarld regardless of the rumors, but as Aerlas expanded its territory, the rumors spread. At his first battle, some enemies fled just at the sight of him.

Then, ten years ago, the tragic death of Jesarld's wife became a decisive turning point, and now the Crown Prince of Aerlas is known as the Red Reaper.

***

"Father! Is it true that you proposed an alliance to the King of Freud?"

"Yes, it is. Is there a problem with that?"

"No, there's no problem with the alliance. But, I heard you set a condition to marry the princess of Freud!"

"What can I do? You haven't decided on a wife yet."

"I said I would never marry again after Corina died. If you need an heir, there's my cousin Conrad. Anyway, the condition should be withdrawn! I have no intention of marrying the princess of Freud!"

The red-haired young man said this firmly, suddenly turned around, and narrowed his red eyes. Lirith was startled by the feeling that their eyes had met and hurriedly tried to escape, but then she woke up. Her breathing was heavy from the shock, and her heart was pounding so hard that it wouldn't calm down.

There had always been perceptive people in every world who sensed something and looked around, but this was the first time her eyes had clearly met someone's. Moreover, she had heard the rumors, but his eyes were really that red. As her heartbeat gradually calmed, her mood began to sink.

Her family loved her unconditionally, regardless of her powers. But wasn't that because they were family? Just as she loved everyone unconditionally.

(I wonder if there's anyone outside my family who loves me...?)

Lirith thought and sighed. There must be people who like her regardless of her powers. Taina, Jeff, and probably Seb. There were also others who had asked the king to marry her besides Arnaud, but that was probably because she was a princess. Besides, Lirith had never properly interacted with any men other than Arnaud. It was probably the same for young noblewomen, but then how did they fall in love?

(But Spiris-niisan's marriage is a political one, yet they get along well. The same goes for Father and Mother. Thinking about it, maybe everyone cultivates love after marriage...)

If that was the case, then the fact that Daria and Arnaud loved each other was a miracle, Lirith realized. It seemed wrong that they couldn't be together. Their status was impeccable, and the only obstacle was Lirith's existence. Moreover, considering the Crown Princess, who had returned to her family home to give birth, she didn't want to cause her unnecessary worry if a war broke out.

(The recent reality dream from the Fontae Kingdom probably happened recently. If so, they might invade Freud within a month. So... )

No matter how she thought about it, the best strategy was for Lirith to marry into Aerlas, even if the Crown Prince himself refused. If they accepted Aerlas' conditions now, the alliance would undoubtedly be formed. Even if the marriage condition was later withdrawn, there would be no problem since they had no fault. It would be lucky for them.

(If no one wants me for myself, I should marry the Crown Prince, even if he doesn't want me. This marriage would only benefit Freud and not harm it. Well, it's a shame I can't immediately convey the content of the reality dream, but I can send a letter...)

Lirith, who had been tossing and turning in bed, suddenly sat up with determination. She raised her fist and shouted.

"Aim for the role of a pushy wife! Defeat Fontae's ambitions!"

Taina, who had been waiting, sighed deeply at the sight.