[Chapter 10] The Third Confession

Since I’ve been reincarnated into The Iron-Walled Princess, I have a goal. That goal is to make my baby happy and live well myself. In the original story, Leon was suffering, expressed in just a few lines, and I will protect him. I must bring my baby home.

‘…My heart feels heavy.’

“Lady Elach, don’t worry. His Majesty always follows his word, so the 5 days are correct.”

Seeing my darkened expression, the Crown Prince reassured me not to worry.

“…Haha, yes. Thank you.”

I responded with a slightly awkward smile, and the Crown Prince, who had been watching me, shifted the topic and spoke again.

“Lady Elach, regarding the livelihood relief policy you mentioned at the last luncheon…”

‘You mean the request I made about ensuring food for the poor, whether in the slums or orphanages, regardless of timing.’

“Yes.”

“It will be implemented as you suggested.”

“I’m so glad.”

The commoners who endure hardships every day. And despite the little help from the Empire, once they gain some power, they’re immediately taken away and conscripted to fight monsters.

Even in a world with a class system, it was an incredibly harsh treatment for those who had nothing.

“We’ll discuss that topic in today’s main meeting. Of course, the nobles will have to pay more in taxes and tributes…”

The Crown Prince continued, adjusting the tone of his voice.

“Since it is the Empire’s citizens who protect the nobles from monsters, they will eventually accept it.”

“Yes, Your Highness, I also believe we will see a positive result.”

The Crown Prince smiled at my response with a look of pride, as if he were pleased with me.

“Lady Elach, you’ve probably not eaten much while talking. Please eat comfortably.”

The Crown Prince noticed that I hadn’t eaten much of my food and kindly suggested that I eat more.

‘But, I’m so sleepy.’

After about 3 hours of having the course meal with the Crown Prince, sleepiness began to creep in. Yesterday, I went shopping in the capital plaza, met Leon, ate a course meal for about 4 hours, and woke up early today to come to the Imperial Palace. My weak body must have accumulated fatigue.

‘With the warm sun and a full stomach, I’m so drowsy…’

“…Lady Elach?”

Since I was nodding off, the Crown Prince must have gotten worried and approached me.

‘Ah, I should stay awake, but I’m so sleepy…’

Thud!

I felt a warm sensation on my forehead.

‘I don’t care. I’ll just sleep for a bit…’

* * *

The warm scent of skin tickled my nose. I could also feel someone gently patting my head.

‘It feels like someone touched my head even in my dreams… it’s so faint.’

“……?”

As my dazed focus returned, I also heard the sound of soft footsteps.

“My daughter, are you awake?”

“…Dad?”

“Yes, it’s me, Dad.”

“I’m sure I was eating with the Crown Prince and fell asleep….”

“That’s right. You fell asleep while having lunch with the Crown Prince.”

Gasp!

‘So it was the Crown Prince who caught my head when I almost hit it while dozing off.’

“Did the Crown Prince say anything?”

“No. He even apologized for holding on to you for so long.”

‘Thank goodness I didn’t do anything strange. I’m relieved.’

“By the way, my daughter, how did you meet the Crown Prince?”

“I met him while playing in the indoor garden.”

“…Hmm.”

At my words, Dad’s golden eyes grew serious. He placed his hand on his chin, thinking, and then spoke to me seriously.

“Nyx, my daughter.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Every man, except for your father, is a wolf.”

“Come on, Dad. The Crown Prince and I aren’t like that. I’m not interested anyway.”

“Even if you’re not, the Crown Prince may be interested.”

“Dad, don’t worry. I’ll handle it well.”

“…How dare he eye my daughter.”

Dad’s golden eyes flashed brightly. Despite my denial, Dad was already lost in his own thoughts.

“Don’t worry, my daughter. I will protect you like a fortress.”

“…Thank you.”

“By the way, I thought you were doing much better, but I haven’t been paying enough attention. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Dad. I overdid it yesterday. After a good nap, I feel fine now.”

“How is it that my daughter is so commendable?”

“Hehe, because I’m your daughter.”

Dad seemed moved by my words and gave me a tight hug.

‘Oh no, it’s hard to breathe.’

Just as I was about to tell him I was suffocating, Dad spoke up.

“My daughter, don’t go out tomorrow. Rest well.”

“Yes, I was planning to do that anyway. I got so excited when I came to the capital, I went out a lot, and now I’m a bit worn out.”

Tomorrow, I’ll have to make plans to bring Leon home.

‘This might be my last chance, so I need to make sure everything is ready.’

Soon, the carriage arrived at the townhouse.

I quickly washed up and fell into a deep sleep from the exhaustion of the past few days.

* * *

The next morning, I woke up with a clear goal in mind now that I had reincarnated into The Iron-Walled Princess. My goal was simple—make my baby happy and live well. The few lines in the original story that described Leon’s suffering, which I had read, gave me the drive to protect him. I must bring my baby home.

‘…My heart feels heavy.’

“Lady Elach, don’t worry. His Majesty always follows through on his word, so the 5 days are correct.”

The Crown Prince noticed my somber expression and reassured me not to worry.

“…Haha, yes. Thank you.”

I responded with a sheepish smile, and the Crown Prince, seeing me like this, changed the topic and spoke to me again.

“Lady Elach, about the livelihood relief policy you mentioned at the last luncheon…”

‘Oh, you mean the request I made about ensuring food for the poor, whether in slums or orphanages, regardless of timing.’

“Yes.”

“It will be implemented as you suggested.”

“I’m so glad.”

The commoners who endure hardship, and even though the Empire doesn’t provide much help, whenever someone shows even a little bit of power, they’re immediately conscripted to fight monsters.

Although the world has a class system, it was still a harsh treatment for those who have nothing.

“We’ll discuss that topic in today’s main meeting. Of course, the nobles will have to pay more in taxes and tributes…”

The Crown Prince continued, modulating his tone.

“Since the Empire’s citizens are the ones who protect the nobles from monsters, they will eventually accept this.”

“Yes, Your Highness, I also believe that a positive outcome will come from this.”

The Crown Prince smiled at my response, looking proud.

“Lady Elach, you’ve probably not eaten much while talking. Please feel free to eat.”

The Crown Prince noticed my plate was mostly untouched and kindly urged me to eat.

‘But I’m so sleepy.’

After having a course meal with the Crown Prince for about 3 hours, sleepiness began to overtake me. Yesterday, I had been out shopping in the plaza, met Leon, and had a 4-hour course meal, then woke up early to come to the Imperial Palace. I must have been exhausted from all of this.

‘The sun is warm, and my stomach is full… I’m feeling so drowsy…’

“…Lady Elach?”

The Crown Prince noticed I was drifting off and, perhaps worried, he moved closer to me.

‘Ah, I should stay awake, but I’m so tired…’

Thud!

I felt warmth on my forehead.

‘I don’t care. I’ll just sleep for a bit…’