Chapter 3. A Tedious, Time-Limited Life (3)
“Indeed, Llewellyn. I have already heard the reports—you seem to be achieving quite impressive results at the academy.”
“I am honored.”
“Good. Do not grow complacent—continue to strive.”
As if that were all he had to say, the Emperor patted Llewellyn on the shoulder and shifted his gaze toward Elia. She had been blankly staring at the father and son, whose silver and blond hair created a striking contrast, when his sudden attention made her flinch.
So he’s not actually interested in having a proper conversation.
In that moment, she could tell that the Emperor’s smile was merely part of playing the role of a father. Llewellyn, on the other hand, seemed to want to speak with him at length…
The Emperor walked past Llewellyn—who was still looking at him—and stopped in front of Elia, meeting her eyes.
“Do you recognize who I am?”
“I believe… you are His Majesty, the Emperor.”
The word Your Majesty did not come easily. No matter how many fantasy novels she had read, it was still an awkward term for someone who had lived in the modern world.
“Yes. I am the Emperor of this Empire—and your father.”
There was a reason his downward gaze felt familiar. It resembled the eyes of her father from her previous life—the same emotionless look he had given her after she was diagnosed with an incurable illness and admitted to the hospital.
“I do not know what hardship caused you to forget even me, but it does not feel pleasant to be a father forgotten by his own child.”
“I deeply apologize.”
After Elia had fallen ill with an unknown disease, the Emperor had cut off all support to her—as if she were a useless child no longer worth investing in. Knowing this, no matter how sweet his words sounded, she could not take them kindly.
Is he just putting on a show because I’ve lost my memory?
“Is your health any better? I was quite worried when I heard you suddenly collapsed.”
“Thanks to your concern, I have improved greatly.”
It had been a week since she awakened in Elia’s body, and not even three days since she had started speaking. With no knowledge of Elia’s personality or manner of speech, she had kept her mouth shut, pretending she couldn’t talk at all.
“However, I only remember fragments of my past, so I believe it will take some time to adjust.”
Her conclusion during that silence had been simple: pretend to have amnesia. Since she truly knew nothing, it wasn’t entirely a lie.
The current year was Imperial Year 619—one year before the original story began. This was a period never depicted in the novel, leaving her with almost no information. The only thing she knew was that Aaron and Lote were likely living peacefully around this time. Back when Lote was still a princess, aside from the unrest caused by a rebellion, the kingdom had been described as relatively stable.
If the opportunity arose today, she needed to ask for permission to visit the Kingdom of Veronica—or at least request that Aaron or Lote be invited to the Empire. How many chances would she have to sit like this with the Emperor?
With the arrival of the Empress—Llewellyn’s biological mother—the conversation came to an end, and as soon as the meal began, silence fell over the table.
“Elia, if there is anything you need, feel free to speak.”
At the Emperor’s sudden remark during the meal—whether sincere or not—her ears perked up.
Something I need?
She had been wondering when to bring it up, and now he had given her the opening first. Perhaps he wanted to play the role of a caring father. Either way, it worked in her favor.
“Then… there is something I would like to request.”
Setting down the fork and knife she had been holding, Elia looked directly at the Emperor. This was their first family meal since she had collapsed—a rare opportunity. She wasn’t the one who brought it up first; he had told her to speak. Even if it was mere politeness, there was no reason not to seize it.
“Speak.”
“May I visit the Kingdom of Veronica for a short time?”
She had spoken with hope, encouraged by how readily he seemed willing to agree—but the atmosphere around her instantly turned heavy.
“No.”
Before her sentence had even fully settled, a firm voice cut through the silence.
It was Llewellyn—the novel’s male lead, and her half-brother in this body. His youthful face made it hard to imagine that he would one day become a tyrant, yet his eyes were dry and devoid of emotion.
“Would you explain why not?”
“If word spreads that a princess of the Empire is traveling abroad, it could pose a danger. Furthermore, your health is fragile—if you were to collapse again like before, it would be a serious problem.”
On the surface, everything he said made sense—but it was still hard to accept. Even if a princess traveled abroad, she would be accompanied by knights and heavily guarded. What exactly was the issue?
Even if Llewellyn opposed it, the Emperor could still grant permission… but judging by the way he nodded, he had already been persuaded.
“Yes, Llewellyn is right. Traveling such a long distance in your condition would be difficult for you. Don’t worry too much—just rest comfortably.”
Llewellyn’s mother, the former consort turned current Empress, added her voice as if supporting Elia, though it hardly seemed genuine.
If it were truly for her sake, it would have been something to be grateful for—but that was unlikely.
She had hoped to enjoy at least a little luxury as a princess—like the wealthy who traveled to resorts to recuperate. Was even that too much to ask?
The Emperor seemed to deliberate before eventually shaking his head.
“As Llewellyn said, your safety could be at risk. I cannot ignore that and allow you to go. Your condition could worsen at any time, and traveling abroad carries too great a risk. Is there anything else you wish for, aside from leaving the Empire?”
She suppressed a deep sigh. Showing it openly would only invite criticism for lacking decorum—and she had no desire to hear that.
“If Your Majesty says so, then I cannot insist further…”
If even the Emperor refused, what could she possibly do? Though she briefly considered pressing the matter, she quickly abandoned the idea. With this frail body, there was nothing she could accomplish alone.
In some ways, it might be safer to remain in the imperial palace—after all, if someone truly wanted her dead, there were countless ways to do it.
Without realizing it, Elia glanced at Llewellyn—then hurriedly looked away.
Their eyes had met for the briefest moment.
Feigning calm, she smiled at the Emperor and spoke again.
“Then… please allow me to meet Sir Aaron Albert, the Commander of the Knights of the Kingdom of Veronica.”
If she was destined to die at any moment, she at least wanted to see her favorite character before she did. If even this request were denied, her second life would truly be hopeless.
Aaron Albert.
A loyal subject, a man of unwavering devotion who wished for the happiness of the woman he loved. What would he be like in person?
Before I help bring Lote and Aaron together… surely it’s fine if I indulge myself just once?
If Lote were invited, Aaron would naturally accompany her—but requesting to meet a king of another nation might be more difficult than asking to meet a knight.
Besides, although Lote, as queen of Veronica, had once wished to establish relations with the Empire, the Emperor had firmly refused.
Then there must be a reason for that, right?
It was even stated that Lote only set foot in the Lierre Empire after Llewellyn had begun his tyranny. So her expectations remained modest.
“It is not a difficult request, but I am curious—how do you know of him?”
“I learned about him while studying our Empire’s history again. The Knight Commander of Veronica is said to be both brave and deeply loyal, and among them, Sir Aaron Albert is known as the most devoted to his country. I was also curious how he compares to the Imperial Knights.”
She realized too late that she might have said too much, but continued as naturally as possible. Her desire to see Aaron had nearly made her forget her “amnesia” act.
Please let this work…
Watching the Emperor carefully, she waited anxiously for his answer.
“Hm. Very well. I will send a letter and inform you once a reply arrives.”
Unexpectedly, the Emperor agreed without much resistance.
She couldn’t understand why he had refused Lote’s request to visit, yet accepted hers so easily—but regardless, one thing was certain: she had narrowly escaped a life of meaningless confinement leading only to death.
“Yes… it would be nice if Her Highness Lote could visit as well.”
Just knowing she would have the chance to see Aaron made this meal worthwhile.
Operation: Bring Aaron and Lote Together.
Will it succeed?
“You are asking me to go to the Lierre Empire?”
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Veronica was filled with confusion upon receiving the letter.
Three years ago, when they had assisted during a rebellion among the Empire’s nobles, the Emperor had declined their visit, saying it was more important to stabilize the nation. Yet now—after Lote had ascended the throne—he was inviting them for the first time, and for the sake of a mere knight commander?
And all because of the request of the Empire’s only princess.
“As I am responsible for Your Majesty’s protection, the decision is not mine to make. Please give your command.”
Aaron spoke while watching Lote, who seemed deep in thought. A royal guard leaving without the king’s permission was unthinkable.
“Then I shall go as well.”
Lote’s gaze slowly shifted from the letter to Aaron.
“It is not often that he extends an invitation. I should take this opportunity to visit.”
Aaron lowered his head deeply in respect.
“I will obey your command.”
The next morning, even though governance had been entrusted to the chancellor, they could not be absent for long. Before the sun had even risen, the sound of neighing horses filled the air.
The journey to the Empire reminded Aaron of the day he had fled the capital to protect the young Lote.
The day the king and queen had died in the rebellion, and he had taken Lote’s hand as they escaped the palace for the first time.
Though the circumstances were different now, it had been a long time since they had left the royal capital and traveled so far.
