PVSR 02

Chapter 02

“Everyone, leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At my short command, the maids surrounding me all stepped back at once.

I barely held back a bitter laugh.

Most of them had cheered with joy when I was sentenced to death.

And now, here they were, bowing politely again.

‘Ridiculous.’

The room had grown quiet. Lost in thought for a while, I picked up the eyebrow knife from the vanity.

After a brief hesitation, I lightly cut one of my arms.

“Ugh.”

Bright red blood formed drops, glowing strangely as it flowed down.

‘My power… is enough.’

I was thirteen years old—the age when my father’s favor was at its peak.

Back then, a few drops of my blood could produce hundreds of refined stones. I had been in the sweet illusion that the empire, the royal court, and even this world were under my feet.

‘I have to leave.’

I could no longer stay, not after learning the truth.

I rose from my seat in a hurry.

Knock, knock.

“Your Highness, are you ready?”

The voice outside froze me in place.

It was Edgar, the butler of the Sun Palace.

“His Majesty is waiting.”

After a few seconds of stiff hesitation, I straightened myself and smoothed my clothes.

Opening the door, Edgar bowed respectfully.

“…I thought I told you not to rush me.”
“My apologies.”
“Step aside.”

I had only tried to imitate a slightly old-fashioned tone, yet a cold edge slipped out naturally.

Yes, this was how things were in those days.

I left Edgar bowing behind me and headed to the emperor’s lounge.

It felt strange. Moments ago, I had been in the underground prison—and now, I was back in the past, in the body of the princess.

Standing at the door, I hesitated.

The emperor’s cruel face, laughing like a madman across the iron bars, haunted me.

‘…Calm down. I can’t let him notice anything is different.’

The emperor was sharp; even a slight change would be obvious. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

“Your Majesty, Princess Loreia is here.”

“Oh, you’ve arrived, Princess.”

To my disbelief, the emperor was sitting in the lounge with a kind, gentle face. He extended his arm and welcomed me warmly.

“Sit down. I’m glad I prepared tea in advance.”

The aroma of tea filled the air. It was rosehip tea—the one I liked at this age.

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh.

‘So, it was all an act.’

It made sense. The emperor’s unusually kind behavior always had a reason.

As I sat on the sofa, he smiled.

“We need to replenish the refined stones.”

Of course. It was always about the refined stones.

“Has it come to this already?” I asked.
“The Duke of Carter had his son buy a huge amount again.”

The emperor crossed his legs and clicked his tongue.

“Seeing the Duke buy more and more refined stones, it seems his recklessness is growing worse.”

There was no hint of regret in his gesture.

“Uncontrolled magical power is poison…”

Now, with unstable magic across the continent, strong power eroded people’s minds. The only way to temporarily free them from this suffering was one: refined stones, monopolized by the royal family.

This was why the emperor could wield absolute power.

I stared at him for a moment, then forced a charming smile.

“Your Majesty, isn’t it good that the royal family can control dangerous elements this way?”

“Yes, that’s right. My Princess is very clever. You are playing an important role, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

The emperor smiled, satisfied.

“It seems we should adjust the refined stone supply again.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. I can handle it.”

I had never truly faced the Duke of Carter before—not in social circles or official events. I only knew that his bloodline was strong and dangerous, so he must be subdued.

‘I’m his daughter…’

Ridiculous. I lowered my head and let out a small laugh.

“Once again, you will have to help. I will call the chief administrator for blood collection…”
“Your Majesty.”
“Is there a problem, Princess?”
“I won’t do it today.”

I deliberately smiled innocently.

The emperor’s face stiffened for a moment, then softened into a gentle smile, watching me carefully.

‘If I hadn’t seen his true face before, I wouldn’t have noticed this fleeting moment.’

“What do you mean you won’t do it?”
“I’m not in the mood today. Meeting the administrator would ruin my whole day.”

I swung my feet slightly above the floor and let out a sigh.

“Your Majesty knows me well—I’m very sensitive.”
“…Really? Why is my Princess in such a mood? Are you unwell?”
“No, not at all.”
“Then what makes you uncomfortable?”
“Who in the royal palace could make me uncomfortable?”

“Would it help if I personally sent the royal jeweler? Shall I call all the gemstone artisans in the capital?”

His voice treated me like a beloved child, and I almost laughed.

Yes, there was a time when I believed I was indispensable to him.

But thinking about it, how could someone demand blood from their precious thirteen-year-old daughter so often?

I shook my head lightly.

“No, thank you. I just want a few days of rest.”

The emperor slowly closed his mouth at my firm refusal.

A cold silence fell in the lounge. I looked at him innocently.

Finally, the emperor slouched back, defeated.

“…Alright, if the Princess wishes it, she shall rest.”

He muttered, displeased.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I knew you would understand.”
“Your whims are impossible to follow.”
“I’ll feel better after a few days. You know me well.”
“…But it can’t take too long. My people need refined stones.”
“Of course.”

Lies. He didn’t care about the people at all. I smiled quietly to myself.

“I’ll call the chief administrator for blood collection in a few days.”
“Very well.”

I stood, lifting my skirt respectfully.

“The tea was delicious. I will take my leave.”
“Go ahead.”

Click.

The lounge door closed.

I wiped away my smile and let my skirt drop. I glanced beyond the door, then walked down the corridor expressionless.

There was nothing left for the royal family. Nothing at all.

That night, heavy rain fell.

I waited until everyone was asleep and carefully left the palace.

‘First, I’ll go to the Duke of Carter.’

The first thought after returning to the past was to find my real father.

The Duke of Carter’s estate was beyond the capital walls. It took two carriage changes over two days, plus four hours on wet roads.

Although I had snuck out of the palace before, I had never traveled for two full days.

As we neared the estate, I could feel my body weakening. My legs shook. The darkness and endless rain made each step difficult.

‘I guess a thirteen-year-old body just can’t handle this.’

Finally, I arrived at the front of the Duke’s mansion and straightened my trembling body.

“This is it…?”

The estate was as grand as the palace, yet its air felt ominous.

There were no guards—no one at all.

‘Completely abandoned, then.’

I crossed the garden carefully. Reaching the main building, I opened the heavy door and stepped inside.

A chill brushed my neck. A low voice spoke from above.

“Strange. I don’t remember inviting a palace rat here.”