The Palace's Intrigue

I closed the book and was about to return to my room when I saw a knight come running towards the duke. He was breathless, but it was clear he had something important to convey.

"Dad, I will return to my room," I said, but as the knight began to speak, I realized that he had urgent news.

The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the elegant corridors of the castle. The polished marble floors reflected the fading light, and the tapestries on the walls seemed to come alive with their rich, intricate designs.

"Duke, the emperor has summoned the princess," he declared, causing the entire room to fall silent. The grand chamber, with its towering columns and chandeliers, was a stark contrast to the urgency of the knight's message.

I knew why I was summoned, but I hadn't anticipated it happening so soon. In this world, everything was old-fashioned, and I had no idea that someone could travel from the Dukedom to the capital and deliver a summons in just an hour.

"Dad, is it really possible to travel to and from the capital in an hour?" I asked.

"Yes," the duke replied, his voice echoing in the spacious room. "There are wizards who have created magical carriages that can fly using their magical power."

His words left me feeling like I had entered a fairy tale. The thought of magical carriages soaring through the skies was enchanting.

"But why do you ask?" he inquired.

"Because I understand why the knight came and what message he brought," I said, informing them of the situation. I instructed the knight to prepare the carriage for our journey to the capital.

As I began to ascend the stairs, the duke escorted me with a chivalrous demeanor. The candlelit sconces on the walls cast dancing shadows on the staircase, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

"Ladies should always be escorted," he said, sporting a bright smile.

Suddenly, a rush of memories overwhelmed me. They were memories of being treated poorly.

"I was never treated like a lady."

"Everyone looked at me as if I were a bug."

"Prince—"

"He slapped my hand and escorted Jessica Atréides, Baron's daughter, when I was the one who should have been escorted."

"Why?"

"Why did he make me feel so small?"

"Why?"

"Because I'm the princess, and I have everything I desire?"

"If that's the case, then I don't want to live as a princess. I wish I could be reborn as a commoner, so you would spare me a second glance."

Memories kept flooding my mind.

"Princess."

"Ella."

"Ellanious."

I finally snapped out of it.

"Oh, yes?" I responded.

It was the duke's voice calling me.

"Are you okay?"

"I've been calling you for a while, but you didn't respond," he said, his voice full of concern.

"I'm fine. You don't need to worry. Because—"

The person you're trying to know about is already dead. Ellanious De Olger Usoro is dead.

"Because?" he asked.

"It's nothing. How could you think anything would happen to me when you're with me?" I smiled, and his hand patted my head, making me appear cheerful in front of him.

"Dad, I'm already grown up," I told him, freeing myself from his grasp.

He smiled as well, but somehow, I felt guilty. These feelings he showered upon me weren't mine. These sweet conversations he had with me weren't mine; they were Ellanious's.

Why did you have to die?

How were you able to bring me into this world?

So many questions swirled within me. It had only been a day since I arrived here, yet so much had already transpired, leaving me anxious.

"Duke, we have arrived," one of the knights informed us. My dad once again escorted me as we made our way into the royal court. I could sense people's hostile glances, but I couldn't understand why. Even though Ellanious possessed power, people seemed antagonistic towards her. Why?

"Inform your Majesty of our arrival," my dad requested from the security officers.

"Let them in," the emperor's voice was colder than ice.

As we were granted permission to enter, we walked into the royal court. I immediately noticed the presence of high-ranking officials, including the Crown Prince and Baron's daughter, Jessica Atréides.

"I, Duke Arnous De Olger Usoro, greet Emperor Alexius Artemis Asteria," my dad greeted.

"I, Princess Ellanious De Olger Usoro, greet Emperor Alexius Artemis Asteria," I bowed.

"You may both raise your heads," the emperor said, though I felt a burning rage inside me.

Who was he to tell me when to bow or look up?

"Princess, do you know why you've been summoned here today?" he asked.

"Yes, your Majesty. I am aware," I replied.

"Then do you believe it is appropriate to insult the Crown Prince, who holds equal authority as the Emperor, ruling over the entire Empire?" he questioned.

I gazed at him, and as I looked, I couldn't help but think that the Emperor was even more handsome than I had imagined. His gray hair suited him perfectly. It didn't appear as a sign of aging; rather, he was the embodiment of a fine wine that had aged to perfection.

"Princess, I am asking a question," he said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, your Majesty, because I have something I need to clarify as well," I responded.

"What is it?"

"I want to understand the extent of my authority in your empire."

"What do you mean?" he inquired.

"I am asking about the value of being a princess in this empire," I asked with a voice that was more polite than I had expected.

"Of course, you have great authority. After the Emperor, you hold the highest position and serve as the saintess of the Empire. Your decisions will always be in the people's best interest and will benefit the Empire as a whole."

"Then, what should be the punishment for the Prince and the Lady Baron?" I asked, causing everyone to look at me with shocked eyes.

I couldn't help but smirk.

This was the moment I had been living for.

Prince, have you now tasted the bitterness of your own medicine?

I thought as I stared at him.