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Chapter – 05
Seeing the absurd time limit, my mind went blank.
And when I looked at the completion condition, I felt even more suffocated.
Find a partner to become king, a consort who will stand beside the king.
Why can’t I become king alone?!
I complained inwardly, but I already knew the reason.
Because the royal family’s power is weak.
If all the old kings and nobles were still alive, it might be different. But after many wars, there are very few royal members left.
So marriage alliances are unavoidable to bring the nobles to my side.
But… who should I choose?
The first face that comes to mind is Cedric.
‘I’m not saying this just because he’s my favorite.’
But if I marry Cedric and keep him under control so he doesn’t betray me… it might actually work.
The Marquis of Montpellier always brought him around since childhood, so he should be here today too.
‘If I can manipulate him from childhood…’
In the first playthrough, he became a villain because of his father. But if raised properly, maybe it will be different.
“Miss, would you like to take a rest?”
At the maid’s words, I smiled brightly.
“I’ll take a walk.”
I left the stuffy room and walked into the garden, thinking about my remaining time.
One year from now, Father will die.
And the culprit is—
“Miss.”
“Hmm?”
At the maid’s signal, a shadow fell over me.
When I looked up in surprise—
A disgusting face came into view.
“…Well, if it isn’t you.”
So it’s you again.
“Marquis of Montpellier.”
The mastermind who always pushed Astarote toward death appeared on his own.
I only realized he was the hidden villain during my final regression.
After failing the routes many times, I had once clung to a desperate plan—escaping with Shuden, the prisoner of the enemy nation, aiming for a “runaway ending.”
I thought maybe leaving the country would be a happy ending.
But that was just my illusion.
“Please die quietly. The filthy daughter of Halstein, Astarote.”
Through Shuden, I learned the truth behind my father’s death.
“You were going to die anyway.”
He never expected I would come back alive.
The only good thing I gained from that regression was discovering the mastermind.
Even so… if I could meet Father again, I wouldn’t fear death.
‘I can change the future. No—I must change it.’
From the moment the king quest appeared, I decided.
“Turn the other cheek” is nonsense.
If someone hits me, I will hit them back harder.
That is real revenge.
I will not be played anymore by the Marquis of Montpellier, who always uses others to steal the throne.
“Why would the precious star of Halstein be in a place like this?”
“I just came for a walk.”
Seeing his smug face brought back memories from my last regression.
But I didn’t show it.
“I heard you were weak, but you look quite healthy. I look forward to seeing you more often, Lady Astarote.”
His shameless words made me angry.
He was the one who spread those false rumors about my health.
“Is that really all?”
If this were before, I would have smiled and played along.
But not anymore.
At my unexpected question, he stepped closer with a fake friendly smile.
“I actually had something to say. Perfect timing.”
“To me?”
“Yes. This is all for your benefit. Come here.”
As if I would believe that.
I changed my expression and replied coldly.
“Even if I am young, I don’t think you are in a position to give me orders.”
He tried to grab my hand, but stopped at my tone.
“…That was not my intention.”
Liar.
Even while denying it, he kept pretending it was for my sake.
“My intentions must have offended you. I only thought it would be good for you to meet friends your age.”
“Then you should have simply asked that your son wanted to meet me.”
I deliberately provoked him.
“…!”
His expression twitched—hit right on the mark.
When doubt appeared in him, I suddenly smiled sweetly again.
“But what can I do? I am the only niece of His Majesty the King.”
In other words, someone like his son is not even worthy of looking up at me.
The Marquis finally frowned.
The Marquis of Montpellier’s affection decreases by 10.
Montpellier Affection: -10 (▼10)/100
Affection can go up or down. And sometimes, lowering it is useful.
[(NEW) Active Skill – “Arrogant Brat” Lv.1]
You can annoy a nearby noble with sarcastic words.
Temporary stat changes applied.
Duration: 1 minute
Cooldown: 1 hour
Royal Etiquette: 8 (▼2)/99
Speech: 7 (▲3)/99
Even if it’s unfair, right now the Marquis cannot act freely against me.
“How do you think I felt being dragged here like this?”
“I apologize. It was my foolishness.”
As expected, he immediately knelt down.
If I forgive him too easily now, he will continue to treat the royal family lightly.
“I—!”
This was my chance to max out “Arrogant Brat” and go even further!
“At least allow me to mention this—my son will also attend the ball.”
At those words, I froze.
Cedric.
Could I really see him as a child?
I swallowed nervously.
If I can lure Cedric…
Maybe I can change everything.
“Very well. I won’t refuse completely if that is what you wish.”
In noble terms, that means yes.
“I am honored.”
He thought he was winning, but I had a different plan.
If I can bring Cedric in, save my father, and prevent all tragedies…
Maybe I can break this endless loop.
“Miss.”
The maid signaled me again.
I nodded slightly.
“Just seeing his face is enough.”
“Then how about the garden at night?”
After a short pause, I answered.
“Just for a short time.”
“Thank you, Lady Astarote.”
He agreed too quickly, as if it were perfect.
Everything seemed to be going well—
“Excuse me.”
A young voice interrupted us.
Black hair rare in this kingdom, golden eyes, and sharp gaze.
“Why are you here, Marquis of Montpellier?”
I swallowed hard.
A new presence had arrived.
