DBWD 01

“I Died, but It Was Perfect”

“What’s your first memory?”

I faced that question twice in my life.

The first time was during therapy.
My doctor said that question could reveal the true self—to solve present problems by understanding the past.

The second time… is now.
And the purpose is the same.

I’m falling from the top of a tower into flames.

My brain panics and starts rewinding everything—
They say that’s what it’s like when your life flashes before your eyes.

My first memory… was my fourth birthday.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes!”

I answered with confidence, sitting in my father’s arms.
But honestly, I didn’t know what he meant.

At four years old, I moved on instinct, not logic.

So I didn’t expect the castle gates to open the moment I replied, or the huge crowd waiting outside.

“Look! The princess has arrived!”

“Wooooah!”

Even after 19 years, I still can’t forget that moment.

The sea of people in front of the palace was endless.

My father whispered:

“Aria, wave to them. They came from all over the empire to celebrate your birthday.”

“Because of me?”

“Yes, they are your people.”

I awkwardly waved.
The scattered noise of the crowd turned into one chant.

“Aria! Aria!”

The sound shook the ground.
The palace echoed.
The chant was so loud it made my ears ring, my hair stand up.

They were calling my name.
I was only four.
I hadn’t done anything except be born.

But the whole world welcomed me.

“Even before you were born, the people of the empire were waiting for you,” my father said with pride.

“Look into their eyes. You’ll feel their loyalty.”

But I closed my eyes tightly instead.

That’s how I could see better.

The crowd’s thoughts and emotions—each shining brightly in their own way.
Warm, calm, and intense.

People’s hearts had color and scent.

If I stared too long, I thought I’d go blind.

Like someone in a trance, I opened my mouth.

“They’re so beautiful. I was worried about the weak prince, but now that Princess Eshafe is here, I’m relieved.”

“Aria, what are you talking about?” my mother whispered nervously, holding my brother’s hand.

But I couldn’t hear her.
The voices in the crowd were too loud.

— Look at her golden hair, just like the Emperor’s!
— Why show a child so soon after a rebellion? The royal family must be desperate.
— All the filthy barbarians should be wiped out.

“Peace and prosperity to Ramsar!”

As I kept talking nonstop, I realized everyone was staring at me.

I looked up and saw a glowing butterfly.

“…A butterfly?”

It wasn’t just me.
Everyone saw it.

“That’s proof of awakening…!”
“She read the minds of this many people at age four? That’s A-rank!”
“No, I’m an A-rank and I can’t do that. She must be S-rank—legendary!”

The butterfly landed on my finger.

“It’s warm…”

And suddenly—I felt everyone’s hearts.

Desperate trust.
Hope.
Affection.
Respect.

A flood of overwhelming love poured into me.

I carefully savored each emotion.
My heart beat faster. My body tensed.
A thrilling warmth flowed from my toes to my head.

“People… love me.”

Who wouldn’t feel that way?
If millions of people shouted your name and you could feel their love—

Even a monk would feel excited.
A weak mind would go mad with power.

And I was only a child.
A toddler, desperate for adult attention.

That wave of love hit me like a bomb.

It pulled me out of my dreamy world—
And became my very first memory.

People… truly love me.

— The princess awakened as the first S-rank Eshafe in history! What a blessing to the empire!
— “S-rank” doesn’t even describe it. No one else will ever reach her level.
— At six years old, she can read everyone’s mind within a kilometer. She could even control them one day. That’s godlike power!
— No one would dare rebel against the empire now.
— Soon, the empire will rule the entire continent!

After that, every corner of the empire buzzed about me.

Even locked away in my palace room, I could hear their praise.

Their voices were sweeter than any music.

I didn’t want to eat or sleep—I just wanted to hear more.

Then one day, my mother came to me.

She spoke with quiet fear:

“Aria, never read the minds of those close to you without permission. It’s for their sake—and yours.”

“Okay.”

“The people’s love isn’t free. You must live your life to repay their trust. That’s the duty of royalty. It’s a heavy burden, but it will make you stronger.”

She held my hand and asked me to carry the empire.

I had just turned four.

But I nodded.

“People love me.”

And I loved them back.

People usually love themselves.
They think they’re good even if they’re not.

I had no way—or will—to judge them.

So I loved them too.

Just like they loved themselves—I loved them.

My heart fluttered like first love.
I couldn’t sleep from excitement.

And my mother gave that energy direction.

“I want to become the perfect princess they dream of.”

I wanted to make my people happy.

“Aria, don’t forget your studies. Especially imperial law. Aim for a perfect score.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best.”

I met every expectation.

“If you take revenge like that, you’ll die too.”
“I don’t care. I have nothing left.”
“But I do.”
“What?”
“I care about you, Nocturne. If you take my hand, I’ll help you succeed.”

I saved people close to me.

“The civil war from Binphen is spreading. If this continues, the empire will break apart. Its history will end with me…”
“Calm down, Father. We can end this without anyone dying.”
“That’s impossible! In this situation, how—”
“Give me the title of Supreme Commander. I’ll finish it in a month.”
“…Are you serious?”

Saying “I’ll take care of it” became a habit.
And I always followed through.

Even if I didn’t know how—I just made it happen.

“For the peace and prosperity of Ramsar!”

I never stopped, always running forward—
For the people’s eternal wish.

“The empire is more prosperous than ever. And they say it’s all thanks to you—not me.”
“Father, that’s…”
“Bloodless Conqueror, Aria.”

I had many titles: Little Emperor, Prophet of War, Golden Butterfly, the Empire’s Treasure…

Each meant something.
Power. Achievements.
Love from the empire.

But my favorite was:

“Bloodless Conqueror.”

I expanded the empire with reforms and diplomacy—without a single drop of blood.

“I’m proud of you,” my father said softly.

“We don’t need to delay the coronation anymore. The empire already sees you as their ruler.”
“…Just one more thing. Once Cambiata is handled, then…”

Most efforts in the world go unrewarded.
But I was lucky.

I earned my parents’ pride, my allies’ trust, the people’s love.

And not long ago, the person I loved proposed.

Ah… it was a perfect life.

Except for one thing.

“No… please wake up, Aria!”

Not being able to marry you, Nocturne.

That… is my only regret.