BOAI Ch 1

Your Majesty, until when must Sei be confined to his room? Could it be that Your Majesty is hiding Sei because you are ashamed of him, so that no one can see him?!”

A voice like a regressed child, coming from the mouth of a grown man, torments the eardrums. It was the sullen voice of the Omega, Seisello, who was sitting facing the Crown Prince Bessarian, straddling his knees.

Let’s pretend I didn’t hear him referring to himself as “Sei.” If I nitpick every little thing, I won’t live to see old age.

“Haha. Seeing your eyes puff up so cutely tells me you are quite angry. You look just like a sulking baby wren. Hahaha!”

“Hmph! It’s no use laughing so dashingly! Today, Your Majesty is the mean Crown Prince! How could you not look for Sei all morning! Sei was so bored alone in his room… I absolutely, positively will not play with you!”

Let me say it once more, Seisello is an adult male Omega.

Despite the fact that he dares to pound on the Crown Prince’s chest and complain, Bessarian’s eyes, looking at Seisello, overflowed with love. He seemed completely smitten with Seisello, as if he would give him his heart if asked.

“Oh dear. I prepared a toy that Sei likes, but now I don’t know who to give it to.”

“A toy for Sei…?”

“Yes. A toy.”

The Crown Prince placed something that looked vaguely like a dagger in Seisello’s hand.

“I, I would never…! Th, th, this is something Your Majesty likes, is it not…!”

After confirming what the object was, the Omega protested in a flustered voice, his face flushed.

The part that looked like a blade was a smoothly polished crystal, the size of two fingers, and the golden handle was decorated with rubies, sapphires, and amber. It was impossible to tell how one would play with such a toy, but I could guess from the words that followed.

“I wonder what kind of naughty thoughts our Sei had to make his face so red. I must check.”

“Wah, no! It, it tickles, Your Majesty! That’s… Ah, Your Majesty! No, oh my!”

The Crown Prince slipped his hand inside Seisello’s clothes and wrapped his arms around his waist, while Seisello, conversely, clung tightly to the Crown Prince’s neck, kicking his legs. If he disliked it so much, he could simply remove the Crown Prince’s hands and get off his lap, but what a sly one he is.

It seems I can no longer bear to watch this. My patience has reached its limit, and if I sit here any longer, I’ll make a verbal blunder.

‘Disgusting, please stop it.’

Or perhaps.

‘Birds of a feather flock together, and you two are quite the pair!’

I’m afraid such words might slip out.

“I shall return to my office first. I have much work to attend to.”

I gulped down the unappetizing tea and stood up. The adulterous Crown Prince and his paramour Seisello — keeping a lover isn’t illegal in this country — why must I witness their sickening display of affection? If this is how it’s going to be, I wish they would at least let me dine separately, but I don’t understand why Bessarian insists on having me sit here for every lunch while they carry on like this.

“Erendil. Where did you learn the etiquette of standing up before the Crown Prince has risen?”

Eti…quette…? The Crown Prince spoke with a look of utter annoyance, markedly different from the expression he wore when looking at Seisello. How can his expression and tone change so completely in an instant? It’s quite a talent if you can call it that.

“Speaking of etiquette, is it proper etiquette of the time-honored Teronia Imperial Family for the Crown Prince to embrace and play with his lover, who isn’t even a concubine, while the Crown Princess is right there?”

Even if there isn’t a law against infidelity after marriage, openly flaunting it is going too far. Even his father, the Emperor, didn’t openly carry on with his lovers like this.

The Crown Prince’s face contorted further. Honestly, I hadn’t intended to argue, but his behavior was so absurd that I couldn’t just let it slide. He opened his mouth, looking as if he couldn’t believe I’d dared to talk back to him.

“Erendil! Are you being so impertinent because you rely on your father? Or are you ignoring me! Your arrogance is exceeding all bounds!”

I had the illusion that his lemon-colored eyes were blazing red with fury, but I couldn’t possibly be afraid of someone who has his lover on his lap. He’s less frightening than a drunkard on the street at dawn.

The reason he’s so excessively angry is probably because of Seisello. Perhaps he doesn’t want to appear subservient to me, the Crown Princess.

“I’ll teach you this time, once and for all, how an Omega should serve his husband. Ackerman!”

Teach me what? I’m well aware that I’m not about to die, so no matter what threats he makes, they pose no real danger to me.

Talking about husbands, you crazy bastard.

“You called, Your Majesty.”

“Immediately confine the Crown Princess to her quarters and do not let him take a single step outside! Furthermore, have him write thirty pages of self-reflection every day and pay his respects to me morning, noon, and night. Without fail, every single day.”

The Crown Prince of a nation has finally lost his mind, obsessed with an Omega.

“Y, Your Majesty… Couldn’t you forgive the Crown Princess just this once…? He must have just made a slip of the tongue! Making him write a reflection essay like a child would be too humiliating…. Sei will beg you like this… Please…?”

Oh, how touching. Seisello ‘pretended’ to take my side with a tearful voice. Inside, he’s probably hoping I’ll be thrown into a dungeon. The only person who would fall for such low-level acting is Bessarian, whose intelligence matches that performance.

“Sei, you have such a kind heart. But even if you ask, I cannot do that. It is my duty as Crown Prince to punish the Crown Princess. If a wrong has been committed, punishment must follow. There can be no exceptions, not even for the Crown Princess.”

The Crown Prince stared directly into my eyes, and I didn’t avert my gaze. Because I did nothing wrong. Seisello, who was looking back and forth between the Crown Prince and me, asked in exaggerated surprise,

“Whaaat?! Th, then would you punish Sei like this even if Sei were the Crown Princess…?!”

“What? Haha, how could that be! Where else could I find such a kind and pretty Omega as Sei? There would be no reason to scold you, so don’t worry. It would have been nice if the Crown Princess were even half as good as you, tsk.”

Is he trying to make me vomit up the food I just ate for lunch? If I had half the intelligence of Seisello, I’d probably have to wear diapers and suck on a pacifier…? He says such outrageous things without a care.

And by the way, Seisello is openly coveting the position of Crown Princess. He doesn’t even realize that I’d gladly hand over this position if I could.

“Hmm… Since our Sei asked, I suppose I shall show some mercy, Erendil. If you kneel before me now and offer a sincere apology, I will let you off with just one page of reflection.”

The Crown Prince pointed at my feet with his chin.

Kneeling is of no consequence to me. However, I’ve done nothing wrong, so I have nothing to apologize for, and even if I had committed a grave sin, I would never kneel before this man who’s embracing Seisello. If he must be punished for his wrongdoing, this bastard should be struck by lightning and die instantly.

“No. As you said, if a sin has been committed, punishment is due. It would be too shameless of me to burden you with having to reconsider. I shall completely refrain from leaving the Crown Princess’s Palace and remain quietly. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I refused his worthless offer in a very gentle tone. If it were the Erendil of the past who was madly in love with him, I would have undoubtedly knelt and begged until my hands were raw, but now, it’s different.

Even confinement is a welcome change if it means I don’t have to see the Crown Prince and Seisello carrying on.

“Erendil!”

The Crown Prince finally roared when his offer was flatly rejected. It meant he was exactly that furious. I didn’t care and turned around. Since I’m following his orders, there’s nothing more he can criticize.

But I also felt a twinge of annoyance at just quietly withdrawing. Before opening the large door, I turned around again and spoke.

“Oh, right. Should I transfer the Crown Prince’s birthday preparations I was working on to Young Master Seisello? Or will Your Majesty handle it personally? Very unfortunately, I am forbidden from leaving the Palace, so I cannot make the preparations.”

“That…!”

“Ah, I apologize. I was being unnecessarily meddlesome. I’m sure you will manage it well on your own. Then, I shall take my leave.”

“Erendil! Stop, Eren! Come back this instant! Eren!”

I didn’t want to celebrate your birthday anyway, you bastard, so this works out perfectly. It’s your birthday, so you should try preparing it yourself for once.

“Master! If you leave like this, won’t you completely fall out with His Highness? Are you sure about this…?”

On the way back to the Crown Princess’s Palace, after checking our surroundings, Jib, my attendant, asked cautiously. He’s been my attendant since childhood, so he calls me “Master” when we’re alone.

“What’s not to be sure about. I’m telling you, I really don’t care about that man anymore.”

“Just a while ago, you lived as if His Highness was your whole world, how can you suddenly change like this! Of course, I think your current self is better, but if a person changes so suddenly, they’re looking for death….”

I glared at Jib, who was rambling nonsense. He has no filter, especially in front of someone who’s about to die.

“Don’t worry about it and just do what I told you, Jib.”

“That thing! …A, a, are you really going to do it?!”

Jib asked again in an even smaller voice. He looks like a scrapper, why is he so timid?

“Of course.”

Some might wonder what gives me the confidence to hold my head high and defy the Crown Prince of a great nation.

“Gather everything, indiscriminately. Jewelry, porcelain, silk, everything.”

The truth is, I know this damned country is thoroughly cursed. I even know my own tragic fate, of being sold to the monsters of the neighboring country and meeting my end.

“That’s not something you can say so easily! It’s not like the Crown Princess can just run away?”

“Is there a law that says I can’t run away?”

“Yes, there is!”

“Ah, whatever. I’ll run away even if it kills me.”

If I’m going to die anyway, I might as well try escaping first. I’m preparing to run away to avoid a dog’s death.

⚜️

Smack!

A loud cracking sound, one that shouldn’t echo in the garden, assaulted my eardrums. From the sound alone, I could tell someone had been slapped. Whoever did it, it didn’t sound like their first time.

“Shall we go and see, Master?”

Jib asked, already stepping outside the gazebo.

“No… it’s fine. Don’t bother with trivial matters.”

I didn’t want to interrupt this peaceful rest under the marble gazebo in the corner of the garden, bathed in warm sunlight and a cool breeze. I don’t know when I last had such proper relaxation.

I put a brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, warmed to just the right temperature, into my mouth. Warm against cool, sweet with sweeter. Truly a perfect combination. With each chew, a deeper flavor filled my mouth. I could almost feel my stress levels decreasing in real time.

“How can you be so calm! For the crime of causing a disturbance in the Crown Princess’s Palace, they should be torn limb from limb, their head chopped off and tied to the main street in front of the Imperial Palace, to be run over by carriages and their skull…”

I waved my hand dismissively, stopping Jib. He often makes chilling jokes. Torn limb from limb for causing a disturbance… Sigh, never mind.

“Don’t overreact. It’s probably just the servants disciplining each other. Ignore it and eat this.”

Just as I was about to have another brownie after refreshing my palate with some tangy lemonade, a voice piercing my eardrums brought me back to reality.

“How dare you ignore me?! A lowly thing like you blocking my way! Get out of here this instant!”

Seisello shouting as if possessed. A venomous voice, different from the lisping tone he uses in front of the Crown Prince. This, by the way, is the real Seisello. His two-faced nature is an open secret within the Palace.

I could roughly picture the situation. Seisello, trying to enter the garden, must have been stopped by someone. Angered, he’s resorting to violence and causing a scene.

“Sigh… That one is truly…”

I don’t understand why he’s coming all the way to my Palace, where I’m confined, to cause a commotion. I stood up at the sound of another crack that reached my ears. If I don’t intervene, the commotion will only grow, and I absolutely cannot stand by and watch Seisello lay his hands on my people.

As expected, Seisello was confronting the attendants of the Crown Princess’s Palace. Knox Briston, an attendant who usually hangs around with Jib, was standing his ground, blocking the entrance to the garden, even though his cheeks were already flushed red.

“This is the Crown Princess’s Palace. Unauthorized outsiders are not allowed to enter. Please leave.”

“Ha, authorized?! Outsider! It seems you want to die!”

Seisello, his face contorted like a melting monster, raised his hand to strike Knox’s cheek again. I quickly approached and grabbed his slender wrist, preventing his nasty habit.

“What is the meaning of this, Young Master Seisello?”

Seisello was a typical Omega. He had thin bones and a small frame, fragile to the extreme. He couldn’t even shake off my grip, even though I’m also an Omega. I don’t understand how someone so frail can be so violent.

“Which bastard dares touch me… Ah, Your Highness the Crown Princess!”

That sly one must have known it was me and still cursed first. Seeing the venom in his expression subside somewhat, I released his wrist.

“What is going on to cause such a commotion?”

“This bastard had the audacity to block my way into the garden! I’m allowed to go anywhere in the Palace by His Highness the Crown Prince’s order!”

“Anywhere in the Sapphire Palace, not the entire Palace. You are aware that this garden belongs to the Piena Palace, are you not?”

The Sapphire Palace was the Crown Prince’s Palace, and the Piena Palace was the Crown Princess’s Palace. Although the vast gardens of the Piena Palace stretched to the rear of the Sapphire Palace, it was clearly the Crown Princess’s property. Therefore, the Crown Prince’s lover could not enter.

“Excuse me? What are you talking about? Just as the Crown Princess belongs to the Crown Prince, the Piena Palace naturally belongs to His Highness the Crown Prince as well. Therefore, it’s only natural that I can enter anywhere in the Piena Palace.”

The boy, who hadn’t even shed all his childishness, argued insistently, unaware that the words coming out of his mouth were nonsense. Unable to bear his ridiculous wordplay, I stopped Knox, who was about to explode, and spoke.

“The Crown Princess belongs to the Crown Prince… Do you truly believe that?”

“Of course. Does merely managing the household and signing a few documents grant one power? What abilities does an Omega possess? It’s the Crown Prince who allows you to do those insignificant tasks, so naturally everything belongs to His Highness the Crown Prince. Can you say otherwise?”

The Crown Princess assists the Empress in managing the inner palace. Managing countless staff and enormous expenditures is no easy task. Moreover, the preparations for daily parties, banquets, and events also fall to the Crown Princess. It’s not a position for someone who just sits around, acts cute towards the Crown Prince, and produces heirs.

However, Seisello was greatly underestimating the role of the Crown Princess.

“Therefore, I will not let this impertinent attendant go unpunished. How dare an attendant ignore His Highness the Crown Prince’s orders.”

While I was momentarily distracted, Seisello struck Knox’s cheek again. The Crown Prince’s constant praise has gone to his head.

“I see. So I do have that insignificant power.”

Even though I want to hand over the position of Crown Princess immediately, at times like these, I want to stay put until I die. He could have stayed neutral, but I don’t understand why he insists on saying hateful things and making enemies.

“Jib, immediately remove Young Master Seisello and forbid him from entering the gardens. And don’t forget to inform Baron Briston of the current situation and ensure that he receives compensation from Viscount Jenica.”

Viscount Jenica was Seisello’s father, and the Briston family was Knox’s family.

“Why my father!”

“Didn’t you assault Young Master Knox? Baron Briston, no less, not even a commoner. Since you have nothing to offer as compensation for the assault, your father, Viscount Jenica, will have to take responsibility. Or would you prefer to be flogged like a common servant?”

Many of the Crown Princess’s attendants were children of noble families. Vassal families or lower nobles seeking connections. They are clearly different from common servants. And Knox belonged to the former.

“What will you do?”

Seisello’s face turned a mottled red and blue. His jaw muscles twitched, and his lips turned white as if venom was welling up inside him. Soon, absurd words spewed from his mouth.

“Your Highness, have you perhaps contracted a terminal illness?”

“Young Master!”

“Shut up! You lowly servant, how dare you interrupt!”

Jib, appalled by the ridiculous question, flared up, but Seisello retorted with an even more enraged voice. I know very well why this young Omega is saying such things to me. The ‘Erendil of the past’ was always on the receiving end of Seisello’s abuse. I used to cower in fear, lest I displease him and be abandoned by the Crown Prince. Now that I’ve changed overnight, he probably thinks I’ve contracted a terminal illness.

“It’s touching that you care about my health. Thanks to your concern, I am in better health than ever, so rest assured.”

“…Why would I worry about Your Highness…!”

Time’s up. Talking to Seisello gives me a headache. He’s definitely someone I want to avoid. I placed my hand on the shoulder of the boy, who was about to raise his voice again, and whispered softly.

“When the time comes, this position of Crown Princess will be yours, Seisello. So you needn’t be wary of me.”

Seisello looked at me with uncomprehending eyes. It wasn’t a lie. I’m actually looking forward to the day Seisello takes the position of Crown Princess. Because then, my predetermined tragic end might be transferred to him.

When that day comes, he’ll probably curse me for handing over the position of Crown Princess.

“Aack…! Why, why are you doing this, Your Highness…!”

Seisello suddenly collapsed on the floor, babbling in his lisping tone. Just as I was wondering if he’d finally lost it, I felt a chill down my spine. This isn’t a good feeling. That sickening voice means…

“What is the meaning of this!”

It meant the Crown Prince had arrived. The black shadow that brushed past me wrapped its arms around Seisello’s shoulders on the floor.

“Sob… Your Majesty… it’s nothing…. It’s all Sei’s fault, hiccup….”

Seisello’s eyes quickly reddened, and large teardrops began to fall. I don’t know how he can produce tears so instantaneously.

“Erendil, I asked what happened.”

Bessarian’s voice was laced with unconcealed anger. It’s as if he wouldn’t be this angry even if he lost his kingdom.

“It’s my fault! The Crown Princess has every right to be angry. I dared to try and enter the garden….”

“…You struck him just because of this insignificant garden? How can someone who is the Crown Princess of a nation be so narrow-minded and greedy!”

My head started to throb even more. Should I really engage with them here, or would it be better to leave them to their misunderstandings? My explanations won’t be believed anyway. Ah, so the answer is obviously the latter.

“Sigh… I won’t bother explaining myself. In any case, the garden is my space, so I hope we won’t have to raise our voices over this again.”

It was a way of telling him to manage his lover and prevent him from entering my palace.

“Tsk, so heartless. I should have known you were such a cold-blooded person. Very well. I’ll have an even more beautiful garden built for you, so stop crying.”

The Crown Prince, seemingly having no further business with me, helped Seisello to his feet. I turned around, no longer looking at them. From now on, I’ll have to lock the garden gates tight.

Just as I was about to leave…

“I should have listened when this ‘attendant’ yelled at me to stay away. Sob, if I had only gone back when he scolded me for trying to enter… Hiccup….”

Seisello cried even louder, drawing everyone’s attention.

“What? A mere attendant dared to, you…? Even the attendants are arrogant like the Crown Princess! I shall personally administer punishment! Ackerman!”

Seisello’s plan had succeeded. He’s managed to anger not only the Crown Prince, but me as well.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Don’t make up such lies. My patience is wearing thin.”

I blocked Seisello and warned him. It doesn’t matter to me since I’ll be leaving the Palace soon, but I absolutely refuse to stand by and watch innocent Knox suffer because of me.

“Erendil! You dare threaten me to my face, you haven’t repented at all! This attendant will receive your punishment as well!”

Bessarian grabbed Knox by the collar and dragged him. I wanted to avoid getting entangled with him as much as possible, but I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. Because of their insane love games, innocent Knox would be falsely accused and suffer. I grabbed the Crown Prince’s wrist as he held Knox by the collar.

“Let him go. Knox is my person. You may be able to punish me, Your Highness, but you cannot punish my subordinates. That is entirely my prerogative.”

Although I spoke bravely, I was startled by the Crown Prince’s golden eyes and let go of his wrist. Raw emotion, bordering on murderous intent, poured out of him. It was disconcerting, as if he was about to strangle me to death right there and then.

“How dare you…”

As I stepped back to avoid him…

Smack!

A tremendous cracking sound rang in my ears, and my vision spun. I heard a high-pitched ringing and felt a searing pain on my cheek.

“… …”

Silence hung heavy in the garden. The one who struck, the one who was struck, and those who witnessed it all remained silent. Perhaps it was because there were no words to be said. The attendants didn’t dare intervene, fearing they might become the next target of Bessarian’s wrath, and I was so stunned that words failed me. The Crown Prince… well, he seemed flustered after having landed the blow.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess!”

Jib was the first to regain his composure. Startled, he rushed to my side and helped me up. Surprisingly, the next person to speak was the Crown Prince. As if a perpetrator of domestic violence had any right to speak.

“It’s your fault, Eren. It’s your fault for humiliating me over a mere attendant.”

The flustered expression vanished in an instant. His shameless statement was even more shocking than the slap itself.

“I will consider this as Knox’s punishment having been fully served. Humiliating the Crown Princess by being struck by the Crown Prince should be sufficient, wouldn’t you agree? Therefore, I will also demand proper compensation for Young Master Seisello’s assault on Knox. As Your Highness said, if a wrong has been committed, punishment must follow.”

“Eren!”

“The price for that assault will not be cheap. I shall take my leave now. Let’s go.”

I turned first. A ringing still echoed in my ears, and the pain in my cheek intensified with time, but I didn’t show it and continued walking. I didn’t want to display even the slightest hint of disarray. It doesn’t matter now, since I hold no expectations for Bessarian, but what if it had been the Erendil of the past who had been slapped?

Back then, I wouldn’t have let the situation escalate to this point, but the shock of being slapped by the Crown Prince would have been immense. Slapped by the person I loved most in the world. But what about me now?

Naturally, I don’t love Bessarian, let alone have any interest in him. Instead, my negative feelings towards him are much stronger now.

Ah, I haven’t mentioned this yet. I, Erendil, am different from the Erendil of three or four months ago. Completely.

⚜️

My name is Erendil M. Flovis. I am the Crown Princess of the Teronia Empire and the second son of the Marquis of Marcel, the only Duke in the Empire.

If you were to observe me from afar, you might envy me as a perfect Omega who possesses everything. I come from a prestigious family, married the man I loved, and even attained the position of Crown Princess. I won’t deny that I, too, lived in such a delusion until I became the Crown Princess.

However, if given the chance, I would immediately relinquish this hollow position. Because I know the price of choosing the man named Bessarian.

I have to witness, up close, the Crown Prince, who gives me not a shred of affection, falling in love with another Omega. My father and brother will be beheaded on Bessarian’s false accusations, and our family will be stripped of all its assets. As if that weren’t enough, Bessarian will eventually sell me, the Crown Princess, to the ‘Monster Prince’ of the neighboring country as compensation for losing the war.

How do I know about a life that hasn’t happened yet?

No, I’ve experienced it all. This is me speaking after having lived through those harrowing times, every single blood-curdling, hellish day of it.

I once loved Bessarian more than my own life. I did everything to win his heart, and even though I knew he loved Seisello, I waited and waited, hoping he would one day look at me.

However, that love ended with the death of my family and my own suicide. Abandoned by Bessarian, I had nowhere lower to fall. I thought it would be better to end my life than to suffer the humiliation of being sold to the monster of the neighboring country, and I actually carried it out inside the carriage that was taking me away.

Just like that, I died, and when I opened my eyes again, I had traveled back in time by over a year. And in a perfectly healthy body.

This happened three months ago. Some might think I’m crazy, but three months is ample time to confirm the truth. What more proof do I need when every single event I remember is happening exactly the same way?

It was a miracle that I returned to a time when my father and brother are alive and I can escape death. Therefore, I intend to make the most of this precious opportunity.

I will no longer be at Bessarian’s beck and call, and I will prevent the death of my family. I will also avoid the future where I’m sold off to the monster of the neighboring country. And the method I chose to escape this fate was to run away.

It was the most realistic option in the current situation. The preparations are steadily underway.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess. Do you have a… moment?”

The voice that reached my ears interrupted my train of thought.

“I don’t.”

“…Are you truly occupied? You seem quite… free, however.”

“Only the person involved knows whether they are busy or not. Therefore, I am busy. Leave.”

“Your Highness! Even so, isn’t it too much to claim to be busy while lying on the sofa eating butter cookies?!”

I don’t understand why that old man is bothering me. Ackerman, the Crown Prince’s right-hand man, coming to see me could never mean anything good, so I didn’t want to listen to him at all.

“Are you saying, Ackerman, that what you have to say is more beneficial to me than these butter cookies?”

“…That’s… not what I meant….”

Ackerman took out a white handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. I’ve teased him enough, so I suppose I should listen to what he has to say. I was certain he would stay put until I heard him out.

“What is it?”

I sat up properly and offered Ackerman the sofa seat opposite me.

“It’s… the preparations for the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration are a mess. Since Your Highness the Crown Princess, who was originally in charge, is gone, the staff are in disarray and unable to find their tasks!”

“Why are you telling me this? Shouldn’t you be discussing this with His Highness the Crown Prince? Or perhaps consult with Her Majesty the Empress.”

It’s probably true that things are a mess. I had only received and checked the samples of all the items but hadn’t placed a single final order, so naturally, it would appear as if no preparations had been made. If Ackerman starts comparing and preparing everything from each vendor now, he might be finished by next year’s birthday celebration. It won’t be the end of the world if we skip one birthday party.

“It will be a disaster if Her Majesty the Empress finds out! She is already displeased with His Highness the Crown Prince because of our Master Seisello….”

Ackerman spoke in a particularly distressed voice.

“Our Master Seisello? It seems you have grown quite fond of him.”

“Th, that’s not…!”

“Anyone would think he’s a member of your family, Ackerman.”

If I were to wring out Ackerman’s handkerchief, sweat would probably pour out. He was flustered, his face darkening.

“I was about to… offer to help with the birthday preparations because I feel sorry for you, always toiling under His Highness the Crown Prince….”

“Your Highness! Thank you! Truly, thank you!”

“But, there’s no need.”

“Excuse me…?”

“You can ask your esteemed ‘Master Seisello’ for help. I will not be involved, so leave.”

I lay back down on the sofa, placed the tin of butter cookies on my stomach, and popped one in my mouth. I closed my ears and continued eating, wondering if the gold trim on the ceiling decoration was real gold. If it’s real gold, I should take that too… I’ll have to tell Jib to go up and check later.

Ackerman will probably come looking for me again soon. Right before things go completely south. I’ll decide whether or not to help him then. Why would I help with such a thing, you ask? This is how one survives in the Imperial Palace. Trust no one, and befriend everyone.

⚜️

“Here are the reflection essays, Your Highness.”

I placed the stack of parchment on Bessarian’s desk. It was the reflection essays I’d been writing for several days now.

“Are you toying with me, Erendil?”

Bessarian’s voice sharpened as he looked through the parchment I handed him. He’s not a teenager, why is he so easily angered? Now that I’m experiencing this properly, what did the past me even see in this guy? Perhaps one needs to die to truly mature.

“Why do you ask?”

“Are you feigning ignorance? I told you to write thirty pages of reflection, and you bring me a single character on each sheet of parchment?! Are you mocking me!”

Bang!

Bessarian slammed his palm on the desk as if swatting a bug.

My wrist hurt, so I used a little trickery. Since the reflection essays were devoid of sincerity anyway, what difference would the number of pages make?

“You didn’t specify the font size, did you? It would only prolong the reflection period, so why would I intentionally provoke Your Highness? You misunderstand.”

He’s not so stupid as to miss the defiance in this, is he?

“This precious, top-quality parchment! Are you saying that someone of your stature as the Crown Princess is using it so frivolously? Do you truly not understand that all of this is paid for by the blood and sweat of the Empire’s citizens?!”

“…….”

I was momentarily speechless. I didn’t know how to respond to the sheer absurdity of his words. Even Seisello, who was sitting in the corner of the Crown Prince’s office playing by himself, had a similar expression to mine. It meant that anyone could tell it was nonsense. I don’t understand why he’s suddenly bringing up the citizens of the Empire.

“Your Highness, it was Your Highness the Crown Prince who ordered me to submit thirty pages of reflection essays a day, using this precious, top-quality parchment. If I hadn’t been ordered to write these reflection essays in the first place, there would be no waste of parchment. Wouldn’t a truly remorseful person write one page or thirty pages with the same sincerity?”

“That…!”

The Crown Prince started to yell, but then closed his mouth.

“Sigh… Very well. I shall make a special exception and forgive you this time. You may stop writing the reflection essays.”

I actually anticipated this reaction from the Crown Prince. Because Ackerman had been seeking me out three times a day already. At lunch earlier, I barely managed to stop him from tearfully kneeling on the floor. If the birthday preparations were truly that disastrous, there was no way the Crown Prince wouldn’t know.

“So, Erendil. About the preparations you were working on…”

Just as the Crown Prince was about to say something shameless…

“Out of the way! I have something to say directly to His Highness the Crown Prince! Step aside this instant!”

A large man forced open the door to the Crown Prince’s office and entered. Five royal guards were present, but they couldn’t stop the middle-aged man. The man who entered was someone very familiar to me.

“…Father, Father…?”

Duke Cevenius Marcel, my father.

“Marquis Marcel! What is the meaning of this!”

The Crown Prince shouted, rising abruptly from his chair.

“And what is the meaning of your actions, Your Highness! You have my son confined? Confined, you say, confined! What kind of utter nonsense is this!”

But my father was no ordinary man. He roared so loud that the heavens and earth seemed to tremble, and then slammed his hand on the Crown Prince’s desk. His presence was overwhelming. Bessarian practically collapsed back into his chair.

“Ahem. Marquis Marcel. How can someone of your stature as Duke be so discourteous! Do you dare raise your voice in front of the Crown Prince of this nation?!”

Bessarian regained his composure faster than I expected. Or perhaps he didn’t want to appear weak in front of his lover, who was hiding in the corner of the office like a piece of furniture.

“You speak of courtesy? Nowhere in the history of the Empire is there a record of the Crown Prince confining the Crown Princess! Are you saying you’ll confine me as well for raising my voice? Or perhaps you’ll have my head?”

“Th…!”

Duke Cevenius Marcel. There was a reason why the lord of the Marcel territory spoke his mind without flinching, even in front of the Crown Prince.

“I, Cevenius Marcel, give you my word, you will deeply regret this, Your Highness. The Marcel family has never broken a promise.”

He was the only Duke in the Teronia Empire, the most powerful person after the Emperor. Unlike other nobles who received their territories from the Emperor, the Marcel territory belonged entirely to the Marcel clan. They earned considerable autonomy thanks to their immense contributions to the founding of the Teronia Empire. Therefore, it was the only region that even the Emperor couldn’t touch carelessly.

The vast territory was fertile and abundant, overflowing with food, and economically prosperous due to trade with the northern desert tribes. Moreover, they commanded nearly 40% of the private armies held by all the nobles of the Empire, and were the center of the anti-war faction opposing the Imperial family.

Furthermore, with the Emperor’s influence waning recently, and Duke Marcel paying significantly more taxes than legally required, enriching the Teronia Empire, he had the power to make such a grand entrance and speak so boldly.

Despite having such a powerful father, my tragic end was entirely due to Bessarian. Blinded by the Duke’s wealth and military power, he used malicious schemes to eradicate the Marcel clan and seize everything they owned. As a result, I had no one to help me when it mattered most.

The Crown Prince’s face was a sight to behold. He clenched his teeth so hard that his jaw muscles bulged, and his eyes blazed with fury. However, he quickly composed himself and spoke.

“…It’s a misunderstanding, Your Grace. How could I possibly confine Your Grace, a longtime friend of His Majesty and my father-in-law? Confining the Crown Princess was… It wasn’t actually confinement. I simply granted Erendil some rest because his workload seemed excessive.”

…What? I’ve just discovered the secret behind my confinement that even I was unaware of. To think there was such a profound meaning behind it, Bessarian is showing a new side of himself. He truly seems to be the most shameless person in the nation.

“…Do you expect me to believe that, Your Highness? The rumors that you confined him for damaging your pride in front of your… lover have spread throughout the capital!”

At times like these, I’m truly afraid of the world, no… of people. There were only the Crown Prince and our closest confidantes present, yet I don’t understand how the story leaked. Ah, if Seisello intentionally spread the rumor, then it makes sense.

“It’s all a misunderstanding. Isn’t that so, my dear Crown Princess?”

Suddenly, a bomb landed in my lap. What is Bessarian thinking, saying such a thing? Of course, the Erendil of three months ago would have undoubtedly sided with the Crown Prince and spun a web of lies. But knowing my recent behavior, I don’t know whether to call him brave or insane for acting like this.

“Is that true, Eren?”

My father’s voice, directed at me, his son, was markedly different. As always, a gentle and warm tone. Only now do I truly feel the devoted love contained within that voice. A love strong enough to barge into the Crown Prince’s Palace without fear.

I thought for a moment. How could I maximize my gains in this situation? All sorts of ideas flooded my mind.

“Well… it’s true that voices were raised, Father.”

My father looked as if he’d expected as much and was about to erupt in anger. I quickly spoke again before he ripped the Crown Prince’s head off.

“But we’ve resolved it all. It was just a simple difference of opinion. And it’s also true that His Highness allowed me some rest because I was overwhelmed with work.”

“…Really?”

My father and Bessarian’s expressions became similar. Both looked as if they couldn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth. Just how terrible of a Crown Prince must he be for my father to react like this? And Bessarian, why are you surprised too…? Did you not expect me to take my own side to this extent? This was an everyday occurrence just three months ago.

“It’s true. He even took over the procurement of relief goods and the management of refugee shelters for the territories affected by the typhoon, saying he’d handle it himself.”

This time, I gave the Crown Prince a pointed look. Pay up for collaborating with my lies. Helping others is a very rewarding experience, so I hope the Crown Prince gets to experience it.

“…That is correct. I… sigh, I did agree to do that.”

“Furthermore, he gifted me a diamond necklace as big as my fist and a golden toad larger than my head, saying I looked exhausted. His Highness cares for me very much.”

He didn’t think I’d let him off with just a few extra tasks, did he?

“Oh, and I was so touched when he gave me the villa at the Crown Prince’s private resort in the eastern part of the Empire.”

“Eren! …dil.”

The Crown Prince finally reacted, about to lose his temper, but he quickly regained his composure and lowered his voice.

“Ah! I apologize, Your Highness! You were trying to do these things secretly for me, and I’ve revealed it all…! Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

The Crown Prince cursed me with his eyes. Isn’t it too much to extort him like this over such a trivial matter? So I answered with my eyes as well.

‘If you don’t like it, leave. You’re the one who needs this.’

Fortunately, the Crown Prince understood.

“…That is correct. So you needn’t worry, Your Grace. A small story often snowballs into a huge rumor, does it not?”

“Hmm… Is that so…”

My father didn’t seem to buy our ridiculous act at all. In fact, not only was our performance poorly coordinated, but anyone who knew our usual personalities wouldn’t believe it for a second. It was like trying to hide the sun with a finger.

“I apologize for my transgression, Your Highness the Crown Prince. Please, punish me.”

“Haha. What are you saying, Your Grace? Punishing my father-in-law, how could I? Haha, ha…”

It’s because you don’t have the guts. You despicable man.

“Then let’s go, Father.”

Having gained everything I needed, I took my father’s sturdy hand and returned to the Crown Princess’s Palace. To think he rushed over here upon hearing that I was confined, it might seem overbearing to some. But now, I’m grateful for my father’s excessive care. Why didn’t I realize its preciousness in the past? I deeply regret the time I wasted, hopelessly infatuated with Bessarian.

“What did I tell you? I said the Crown Prince was merely using you. Look at this, this is what happens after marriage.”

My father strongly opposed my marriage to the Crown Prince. There was the family’s position as the anti-imperial faction, but the biggest reason was that he didn’t want to marry me off to a strange man. Perhaps my father had already discerned Bessarian’s true nature back then. The reason the marriage ultimately went through was because I cried, screamed, and threw a tantrum.

My father had no choice but to accept the Emperor’s proposal. Probably because he loved me too much.

“I apologize. You’ve been put in a difficult position because of me.”

Thanks to me, the Emperor and the Crown Prince gained the leader of the anti-imperial faction without lifting a finger, and my father’s position became somewhat precarious. The son of the leader of the anti-imperial faction effectively became a hostage, even if it was nominally a marriage for peace.

“…Are you unwell, Eren?! Wh, what are you suddenly saying…”

My father was startled by my apology, as if he had seen a ghost. So much so that he even forgot to use the formal language he always used with me.

“It’s not that, well… let’s just say I’ve matured. I’m finally seeing the world clearly.”

“…….”

“I’m sorry… Father.”

My father pressed his lips together. His expression was difficult to read. At first glance, he seemed angry, like when he faced the Crown Prince, but then he seemed affectionate and sorrowful. It seems I still don’t know my father well.

Then, my father suddenly took out his handkerchief and dabbed at my eyes.

“Why…”

Startled, I touched my eyelids and realized they were wet with tears. It seems I was crying because I still couldn’t believe I was seeing my father’s face, safe and sound. Because I felt guilty for having driven my irreplaceable father to his death with my foolish choices. Because I was so grateful and relieved that I was given another chance.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. This father will protect you, no matter what.”

My father’s voice trembled slightly. The vibrations resonated in my chest. Now I understand. Those words were a declaration of his unwavering resolve, even if it meant his own death. I truly hope he doesn’t risk his life for me… This time, I will definitely protect my father.

“I must be going now, Your Highness. Staying any longer will only fuel unnecessary rumors.”

As if he hadn’t wavered at all, my father turned and walked away without looking back.

“Ah, Father!”

I called out to my father before he left the room. While he walked back towards me, I cleared my throat and calmed my heart. Since I had the chance to see him like this, I decided to tell him something I’d been meaning to say.

“Speak, Your Highness.”

But now that I was about to speak, the words wouldn’t come easily. No matter how I thought about it, it sounded crazy.

“Your Highness?”

“Ah, well… I have a small request.”

“A request, you say! Please, speak freely! Whatever it is, this father will grant it.”

My father’s face brightened as if he had heard long-awaited news.

“Well, I’m about to make an important trade.”

“You, Your Highness? What kind of trade are you talking about?”

“It’s… for Nanas.”

Father’s expression became bewildered. He seemed lost for words, unable to respond. I understand. It must be shocking for the Crown Princess to suddenly propose a deal involving the name of a weed.

Father finally opened his mouth while I, embarrassed, let my eyes wander everywhere.

“That… grass, you mean…?”

“It’s a medicinal herb, Father.”

“…Yes, and how much…?”

“As much as possible. As much as you can get. But there’s something important. Absolutely, under no circumstances, must anyone know that you’re buying Nanas.”

Although Father must have been bursting with questions, he simply nodded without asking anything further.

“Don’t worry about that.”

Nanas. I don’t know when, but it will be incredibly helpful later. It might even lead to an astronomical amount of money. Anyway, if the future unfolds as I remember, it will undoubtedly be a great asset. Although not every event is occurring at the same time as in my previous life, the crucial ones are definitely happening.

As soon as our conversation ended, Father left. His large frame, as he walked away, seemed somehow precarious. Is it because I know the terrible fate that awaits him?

A tragic fate, beheaded because of my foolishness. This time, please, let that not happen.