"Please let me see him 'safely' once a month. That's the condition of the divorce agreement."
The troubled jade eyes studied my expression carefully. Soon, a calm voice was heard.
"You won't give up on a man who doesn't love you and only thinks of himself? I didn't realize you, a smart person, could be so naive."
Change is accompanied by countless failures and pain, they say. After meeting him, my life itself changed. I braced myself, reminding myself once again of the truth that life is inseparable from the laws of equivalent exchange and causality.
"We weren't in love. We'd never been properly loved before, so we couldn't possibly know what love was."
The Queen chuckled and leaned back against the back of her chair. With the face of someone who had already experienced miserable failure, she dismissed my immigration requirements.
"Ah, so you want to see the truth with your own eyes. You're a man of integrity. I'll let you do that. It's a good opportunity to experience firsthand how vile humans can become, depending on the circumstances."
“Yes. I’m curious too.”
How far can humans, pushed to the precipice of reality and circumstances, go? Will their yearning for one another remain unchanged, as Noah repeatedly emphasized, "Nothing changes."
“You will be responsible for all future blame and responsibility.”
It was a correct warning from someone who had already experienced it.
If the karmic retribution that had killed so many people during his lifetime were to return, I slowly raised my eyelids, which had been closed.
“I am prepared to take on all of it.”
I simply wanted to accept that as well. A worse karma could befall me. In this unfamiliar world where retribution exists without justice or moral reward, where only painful karmic vengeance reigns, what was the best I could do? I gritted my teeth. With the sole intention of taking him and fleeing to a place where I wouldn't have to commit any sin, I placed my pen on the divorce papers on the desk of determination.
Diana Rotsilt
This was the last time we shared the name that signified our marriage. The pen tip touched the paper, slowly drawing strokes, and the Queen's soft voice seeped through like pitch-black ink.
"Diana, don't give up the talents befitting your station. If you're driven by mischievous emotions, you'll end up with nothing. I cherish you greatly."
She added cool, rational advice based on her own experience.
“They say that once it’s over, it’s nothing.”
The next day, the government officially announced the divorce of Princess Medea and the former Frogen officer. People praised my courage, saying I had risked the stigma of divorce to secure my rightful place on the throne. People had always been kind to me, supporting my choice simply because I was a powerful member of the royal family.
On February 7th, the Third Republic of Francia was occupied by the Frogen Alliance. The last line of defense, Fort Linden, fell in vain.
“The construction company in charge of building the fortress is involved with Frogen forces.”
It was as Noah had predicted. I realized this situation began with the construction of the fortress. The blueprints had likely been leaked to Frogen. Someone had deliberately tampered with them. After the fall of Francia, a global depression began, shaking the very foundations of the nation. Several countries that had secured capital through excessive loans for the war were saddled with debt, and even their governments were destroyed, leading to what was called anarchy. Only a handful of financial powers, such as the Lenin Federal Republic, the Kappel Federal Republic, and Medea, managed to stave off the Great Depression.
If things continued this way, Frogen would risk their life on the reckless gamble of landing on the Medea mainland, and if it failed, they would face ruin. Queen Grace II was a resourceful and extraordinary woman. Instead of passively responding to the war by issuing a partial mobilization order, she provided high-interest military loans to nations. After reducing spending and thus preventing the Great Depression, she preyed on insolvent nations that had lost their ability to repay their debts under the guise of protection.
Currently, I'm focused on building up my naval forces and defending the mainland, waiting for the Frogen invasion to exact a massive indemnity. I knew exactly what I had to do: prevent Noah from returning to Frogen, and halt the conquest efforts of the Conquering Alliance to bring an early end to the war. I had doubts about my ability to accomplish this, but being the Princess of the United Kingdom allowed me to do more than I expected. Furthermore, while I wasn't fully trained, I was receiving military training, which would soon qualify me as an officer and commander.
“I want to go home.”
Just like now, standing on the vast parade ground, my breath wafting from my body. I was at the Air Force training camp, dressed in my winter training uniform. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get used to physical activity. Who would have thought I'd be shooting or bayoneting?
"You should have gone to the Technical Administration Department. You're applying to the Air Force Squadron to get your pilot's license."
Henry, wearing a dark brown peacoat and a thick wool scarf, brought me a stainless steel bottle of hot water and put it in my hand. I sniffled, my nose red from a cold. Boaz, who had come with him, panted, blowing his breath. We sat side by side on a bench under a tree. Henry leaned over and said,
"The Esatian fighter pilot of Chyntia that the Princess spoke of earlier. Was it Johanna Ostrik?"
“Speak.”
"I think she'll be transferred to the Capital Air Defense Command soon. It's nice to have the Princess's friend as my backer."
It was with the help of Commander Chelsea, Barbara's father. I nodded without showing any emotion. Henry lowered his voice.
“She’s cool. I like cool people.”
“She already has a boyfriend.”
I answered, recalling Logan Reynolds's powerful confession to Johanna. They said he was currently working with a defense contractor to develop new combat and protective clothing made of new materials. Henry, who had been wrinkling his nose, sighed.
“The Princess is more beautiful.”
"Thank you."
“You know what? The Princess has no room for error.”
“What chance?”
“I’m saying there’s no room for me to interfere.”
I chuckled and tilted my head.
“Henry, weren’t you trying to woo me?”
“Will you accept it if I do it?”
Henry's violet eyes grew drowsy, and a loose smile played on his lips. Perhaps he was ordered to do so by his family or superiors, but neither Ted nor Henry was overly courting or overstepping the bounds. They simply did their jobs and won my heart. If not, that was it. I shook my head.
“No, I won’t accept it.”
"I know. Feelings aren't something you can force into existence just because someone tells you to. Just give me a seat when you become Queen. That's all I ask."
The handsome young man who asked for a favor smiled brightly. Thinking it would be better to be honest, I answered favorably.
“I’ll do it after seeing you do it.”
"Yes. I'm a dog secretary now, but I can do other things better."
“Can you please send me a toilet attendant?”
“No, no. That’s too high a position for me.”
"Dog Secretary, stop whining and come quickly! The Princess's training is over, so we should get ready for the banquet!"
I heard Eileen's cry from afar, calling Henry's nickname. Henry jumped to his feet and looked at me with a serious expression. Why was his cheeks turning red? I couldn't tell what he was trying to say, but he looked a little embarrassed.
“I bought that Princess’s stock.”
You bought a theme stock? Why would you say that as if it were a confession? Henry blurted out those meaningful words and ran off with Boaz. Ted approached, applauding my shooting skills.
“You have talent. You are as good as Her Majesty the Queen.”
I looked embarrassed as I remembered the Queen who had not been able to hit a single target while hunting migratory birds.
“Are you saying I'm good at it or not?”
"You're capable of protecting yourself. It's unlikely you'll ever use it in real combat, so it's okay if you're not outstanding."
Yes. In this fierce battlefield, I'm just a walking bonus, a surplus human. All I've received in this world is my status as a Princess, and no other benefits. I stretched my arms, looking up at the hazy winter sky. The dull colors made me think sleet would fall soon.
It seems the Queen is willing to keep her promise to me.
When I returned to the palace, I heard from Millia that Noah would be coming to Loganfield in three days.
And, there is news that Erita has died.
In a filthy, cramped space, filled with the loneliness of dawn, a woman with a visibly sick appearance lay on a filthy bed. She was wearing tattered rags and breathing heavily.
“Oh dear, you're going to die soon. You fake Princess.”
A hoarse voice accompanied the dirty, rough fingertips that ran across the patient's pale forehead. The woman who shared the room was awaiting her death.
“Devil. I am Erita. I am not a fake Princess.”
The woman laughed at the words she spoke, panting and breathing heavily. The two women called each other "fake Princess" and "devil." The devil pursed her lips and pouted.
“Names don’t matter. We’ll soon be dead and forgotten.”
“Please, call my mother one last time. You can open the door and go out.”
"You want me to know who your mother is and call her? And leaving this building is impossible. Those above want to dispose of us, useless as we are. They'll just wait for us to starve to death or devour each other like animals. We're the only ones who are worthless. This is truly a noble decision."
The devil's grotesque laughter grew louder. Erita, coughing uncontrollably, stared up at the mottled plaster ceiling with blurred vision and thought of Queen Grace. Beautiful, elegant, and unattainably high and noble. She had once been her mother.
"She always loved me. Even when she was harsh with me, even when she scolded me. I realized it too late... but I'm sure she'll forgive me and give me a chance."
"That's right. Since the rations stopped, you've been the only ones getting bread and porridge. You little rascal, you never shared with me, even when I was starving. That's why you're still so fat."
She lifted Erita's limp arm, then let it go, laughing happily. A ghastly demon, her teeth nearly missing from malnutrition, clutched her neck.
“Die quickly. Everyone is waiting for you.”
Tears streamed down Erita's face as she lay flat, soaking the dark pillowcase. The wispy breath that had been leaking out in short gasps gradually subsided. As the dark curtain of the harsh reality slowly lifted, Erita heard the voice she had been longing for.
“My daughter, everyone is waiting.”
Her beautiful mother, Queen Grace, wearing a dazzling tiara and a gold dress with a royal blue sash, smiled kindly and extended her hand. Her body, once heavy and aching as lead, felt as light as a feather, and she sprang to her feet. Her broken, limping leg no longer ached. The pain of swallowing thorns with every breath was gone. Reaching out for the Queen, she was startled to see her own fingers intact, her eyes widening in surprise. The filthy, stench-filled room had been transformed into a luxurious Princess's chamber. Her rags had been replaced by a soft silk dress, and her feet were clad in silk stockings and luxurious satin shoes. Feeling the warmth of the roaring fireplace, Erita felt that God had given her another chance.
“I’m sorry, Mother. It was all my fault.”
Her mother's hand, which she was able to hold again with her whole hand, was really soft and warm.
Moved by this, Erita deeply repented her sins. She resolved to atone for all those she had killed and tormented, to atone for her sins, and to live a good life.
“We’re starting over. I need to apologize to everyone first.”
She looked around her room with its large chandelier, beautiful furniture, and cozy bed with tear-filled eyes, and then followed the Queen out the door.
“It’s over when you die, you idiot.”
The one who bid farewell to the departing soul was a shabby, low-class woman. In her eyes, etched with misfortune and absurdity, Erita was nothing more than another common corpse littering the streets. Pity and mourning for the dead were luxuries. The devil, left with only hunger, gazed at Erita's hand, limply draped over the edge of the rusted iron bed. It seemed as if it had desperately grasped at something and lost it. The devil gently touched the hand of the deceased, missing a finger and covered in black grime beneath its split nails. Her lips twisted strangely as she watched it stiffen like a wooden statue and tremble helplessly.
“I won’t have to worry for a few days.”
She muttered to herself, then inserted an iron skewer into the locked door and yanked it open. The woman, once a notorious thief, harassed the doors of her fellow thieves in the next room and the one next to it.
“Hey, come quickly before the guard comes to clean up.”
In a dog-eat-dog world where only the beast's appetite and survival instinct remained, the weak Erita was literally devoured. As befitting a powerless villain, her fate was miserable and tragic.
The troubled jade eyes studied my expression carefully. Soon, a calm voice was heard.
"You won't give up on a man who doesn't love you and only thinks of himself? I didn't realize you, a smart person, could be so naive."
Change is accompanied by countless failures and pain, they say. After meeting him, my life itself changed. I braced myself, reminding myself once again of the truth that life is inseparable from the laws of equivalent exchange and causality.
"We weren't in love. We'd never been properly loved before, so we couldn't possibly know what love was."
The Queen chuckled and leaned back against the back of her chair. With the face of someone who had already experienced miserable failure, she dismissed my immigration requirements.
"Ah, so you want to see the truth with your own eyes. You're a man of integrity. I'll let you do that. It's a good opportunity to experience firsthand how vile humans can become, depending on the circumstances."
“Yes. I’m curious too.”
How far can humans, pushed to the precipice of reality and circumstances, go? Will their yearning for one another remain unchanged, as Noah repeatedly emphasized, "Nothing changes."
“You will be responsible for all future blame and responsibility.”
It was a correct warning from someone who had already experienced it.
If the karmic retribution that had killed so many people during his lifetime were to return, I slowly raised my eyelids, which had been closed.
“I am prepared to take on all of it.”
I simply wanted to accept that as well. A worse karma could befall me. In this unfamiliar world where retribution exists without justice or moral reward, where only painful karmic vengeance reigns, what was the best I could do? I gritted my teeth. With the sole intention of taking him and fleeing to a place where I wouldn't have to commit any sin, I placed my pen on the divorce papers on the desk of determination.
Diana Rotsilt
This was the last time we shared the name that signified our marriage. The pen tip touched the paper, slowly drawing strokes, and the Queen's soft voice seeped through like pitch-black ink.
"Diana, don't give up the talents befitting your station. If you're driven by mischievous emotions, you'll end up with nothing. I cherish you greatly."
She added cool, rational advice based on her own experience.
“They say that once it’s over, it’s nothing.”
The next day, the government officially announced the divorce of Princess Medea and the former Frogen officer. People praised my courage, saying I had risked the stigma of divorce to secure my rightful place on the throne. People had always been kind to me, supporting my choice simply because I was a powerful member of the royal family.
***
On February 7th, the Third Republic of Francia was occupied by the Frogen Alliance. The last line of defense, Fort Linden, fell in vain.
“The construction company in charge of building the fortress is involved with Frogen forces.”
It was as Noah had predicted. I realized this situation began with the construction of the fortress. The blueprints had likely been leaked to Frogen. Someone had deliberately tampered with them. After the fall of Francia, a global depression began, shaking the very foundations of the nation. Several countries that had secured capital through excessive loans for the war were saddled with debt, and even their governments were destroyed, leading to what was called anarchy. Only a handful of financial powers, such as the Lenin Federal Republic, the Kappel Federal Republic, and Medea, managed to stave off the Great Depression.
If things continued this way, Frogen would risk their life on the reckless gamble of landing on the Medea mainland, and if it failed, they would face ruin. Queen Grace II was a resourceful and extraordinary woman. Instead of passively responding to the war by issuing a partial mobilization order, she provided high-interest military loans to nations. After reducing spending and thus preventing the Great Depression, she preyed on insolvent nations that had lost their ability to repay their debts under the guise of protection.
Currently, I'm focused on building up my naval forces and defending the mainland, waiting for the Frogen invasion to exact a massive indemnity. I knew exactly what I had to do: prevent Noah from returning to Frogen, and halt the conquest efforts of the Conquering Alliance to bring an early end to the war. I had doubts about my ability to accomplish this, but being the Princess of the United Kingdom allowed me to do more than I expected. Furthermore, while I wasn't fully trained, I was receiving military training, which would soon qualify me as an officer and commander.
“I want to go home.”
Just like now, standing on the vast parade ground, my breath wafting from my body. I was at the Air Force training camp, dressed in my winter training uniform. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get used to physical activity. Who would have thought I'd be shooting or bayoneting?
"You should have gone to the Technical Administration Department. You're applying to the Air Force Squadron to get your pilot's license."
Henry, wearing a dark brown peacoat and a thick wool scarf, brought me a stainless steel bottle of hot water and put it in my hand. I sniffled, my nose red from a cold. Boaz, who had come with him, panted, blowing his breath. We sat side by side on a bench under a tree. Henry leaned over and said,
"The Esatian fighter pilot of Chyntia that the Princess spoke of earlier. Was it Johanna Ostrik?"
“Speak.”
"I think she'll be transferred to the Capital Air Defense Command soon. It's nice to have the Princess's friend as my backer."
It was with the help of Commander Chelsea, Barbara's father. I nodded without showing any emotion. Henry lowered his voice.
“She’s cool. I like cool people.”
“She already has a boyfriend.”
I answered, recalling Logan Reynolds's powerful confession to Johanna. They said he was currently working with a defense contractor to develop new combat and protective clothing made of new materials. Henry, who had been wrinkling his nose, sighed.
“The Princess is more beautiful.”
"Thank you."
“You know what? The Princess has no room for error.”
“What chance?”
“I’m saying there’s no room for me to interfere.”
I chuckled and tilted my head.
“Henry, weren’t you trying to woo me?”
“Will you accept it if I do it?”
Henry's violet eyes grew drowsy, and a loose smile played on his lips. Perhaps he was ordered to do so by his family or superiors, but neither Ted nor Henry was overly courting or overstepping the bounds. They simply did their jobs and won my heart. If not, that was it. I shook my head.
“No, I won’t accept it.”
"I know. Feelings aren't something you can force into existence just because someone tells you to. Just give me a seat when you become Queen. That's all I ask."
The handsome young man who asked for a favor smiled brightly. Thinking it would be better to be honest, I answered favorably.
“I’ll do it after seeing you do it.”
"Yes. I'm a dog secretary now, but I can do other things better."
“Can you please send me a toilet attendant?”
“No, no. That’s too high a position for me.”
"Dog Secretary, stop whining and come quickly! The Princess's training is over, so we should get ready for the banquet!"
I heard Eileen's cry from afar, calling Henry's nickname. Henry jumped to his feet and looked at me with a serious expression. Why was his cheeks turning red? I couldn't tell what he was trying to say, but he looked a little embarrassed.
“I bought that Princess’s stock.”
You bought a theme stock? Why would you say that as if it were a confession? Henry blurted out those meaningful words and ran off with Boaz. Ted approached, applauding my shooting skills.
“You have talent. You are as good as Her Majesty the Queen.”
I looked embarrassed as I remembered the Queen who had not been able to hit a single target while hunting migratory birds.
“Are you saying I'm good at it or not?”
"You're capable of protecting yourself. It's unlikely you'll ever use it in real combat, so it's okay if you're not outstanding."
Yes. In this fierce battlefield, I'm just a walking bonus, a surplus human. All I've received in this world is my status as a Princess, and no other benefits. I stretched my arms, looking up at the hazy winter sky. The dull colors made me think sleet would fall soon.
It seems the Queen is willing to keep her promise to me.
When I returned to the palace, I heard from Millia that Noah would be coming to Loganfield in three days.
And, there is news that Erita has died.
***
In a filthy, cramped space, filled with the loneliness of dawn, a woman with a visibly sick appearance lay on a filthy bed. She was wearing tattered rags and breathing heavily.
“Oh dear, you're going to die soon. You fake Princess.”
A hoarse voice accompanied the dirty, rough fingertips that ran across the patient's pale forehead. The woman who shared the room was awaiting her death.
“Devil. I am Erita. I am not a fake Princess.”
The woman laughed at the words she spoke, panting and breathing heavily. The two women called each other "fake Princess" and "devil." The devil pursed her lips and pouted.
“Names don’t matter. We’ll soon be dead and forgotten.”
“Please, call my mother one last time. You can open the door and go out.”
"You want me to know who your mother is and call her? And leaving this building is impossible. Those above want to dispose of us, useless as we are. They'll just wait for us to starve to death or devour each other like animals. We're the only ones who are worthless. This is truly a noble decision."
The devil's grotesque laughter grew louder. Erita, coughing uncontrollably, stared up at the mottled plaster ceiling with blurred vision and thought of Queen Grace. Beautiful, elegant, and unattainably high and noble. She had once been her mother.
"She always loved me. Even when she was harsh with me, even when she scolded me. I realized it too late... but I'm sure she'll forgive me and give me a chance."
"That's right. Since the rations stopped, you've been the only ones getting bread and porridge. You little rascal, you never shared with me, even when I was starving. That's why you're still so fat."
She lifted Erita's limp arm, then let it go, laughing happily. A ghastly demon, her teeth nearly missing from malnutrition, clutched her neck.
“Die quickly. Everyone is waiting for you.”
Tears streamed down Erita's face as she lay flat, soaking the dark pillowcase. The wispy breath that had been leaking out in short gasps gradually subsided. As the dark curtain of the harsh reality slowly lifted, Erita heard the voice she had been longing for.
“My daughter, everyone is waiting.”
Her beautiful mother, Queen Grace, wearing a dazzling tiara and a gold dress with a royal blue sash, smiled kindly and extended her hand. Her body, once heavy and aching as lead, felt as light as a feather, and she sprang to her feet. Her broken, limping leg no longer ached. The pain of swallowing thorns with every breath was gone. Reaching out for the Queen, she was startled to see her own fingers intact, her eyes widening in surprise. The filthy, stench-filled room had been transformed into a luxurious Princess's chamber. Her rags had been replaced by a soft silk dress, and her feet were clad in silk stockings and luxurious satin shoes. Feeling the warmth of the roaring fireplace, Erita felt that God had given her another chance.
“I’m sorry, Mother. It was all my fault.”
Her mother's hand, which she was able to hold again with her whole hand, was really soft and warm.
Moved by this, Erita deeply repented her sins. She resolved to atone for all those she had killed and tormented, to atone for her sins, and to live a good life.
“We’re starting over. I need to apologize to everyone first.”
She looked around her room with its large chandelier, beautiful furniture, and cozy bed with tear-filled eyes, and then followed the Queen out the door.
“It’s over when you die, you idiot.”
The one who bid farewell to the departing soul was a shabby, low-class woman. In her eyes, etched with misfortune and absurdity, Erita was nothing more than another common corpse littering the streets. Pity and mourning for the dead were luxuries. The devil, left with only hunger, gazed at Erita's hand, limply draped over the edge of the rusted iron bed. It seemed as if it had desperately grasped at something and lost it. The devil gently touched the hand of the deceased, missing a finger and covered in black grime beneath its split nails. Her lips twisted strangely as she watched it stiffen like a wooden statue and tremble helplessly.
“I won’t have to worry for a few days.”
She muttered to herself, then inserted an iron skewer into the locked door and yanked it open. The woman, once a notorious thief, harassed the doors of her fellow thieves in the next room and the one next to it.
“Hey, come quickly before the guard comes to clean up.”
In a dog-eat-dog world where only the beast's appetite and survival instinct remained, the weak Erita was literally devoured. As befitting a powerless villain, her fate was miserable and tragic.
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