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Chapter 1
I want to run away somewhere.
When faced with something yu can’t handle, doesn’t every person imagine that at least once?
But in reality, the number of people who actually do run away is vanishingly small.
Let me say this first: I ran away safely.
Far, far away from the danger and misfortune that would chase me. Suppressing the urge to keep looking back.
I had no regrets. It was a matter of life and death, time was critical, and it was the best option available to me.
Honestly, I also had a slight impulse to thumb my nose at those who tried to use me.
And above all, I thought no one would come looking for me.
……That’s what I thought, certainly.
Ordinary daily life is truly precious.
Against the backdrop of a sky where the sun was slowly setting, Rwen walked along the narrow path leading to the house on the hill.
“Tonight’s dinner will be pasta, and bread dipped in soup~”
Since cooking elaborate dishes becomes rare when living alone, her menu was always simple, but Rwen wasn’t the type to tire of things easily, so it was fine.
No, rather, this was far more comfortable than leaving everything to others. Wasn’t it much more enjoyable and free than living in a castle crowded with all sorts of people?
As Rwen walked along humming cheerfully, a pitch-black cat landed softly in front of her.
The yellow eyes that had been staring intently at the woman blinked, then the cat primly jerked its head away and went on its way.
That behavior and appearance reminded her of someone she knew, and Rwen let out a small laugh. A man who was gentlemanly and polite, but precisely to that degree had clear boundaries and was cold.
“I wonder if he’s doing well.”
I did tidy things up as best I could to avoid problems, after all. I’ve also been steadily building measures to prepare for future events.
At this point, I’ve done everything I can, so all that’s left is to look forward to the protagonists resolving the ‘future’ that’s coming and just watch……
“……Huh?”
Just as she thought she’d finally arrived home, Rwen discovered a large lump collapsed in front of the gate.
Judging by the size, it looked like a person.
Rwen immediately became calm. The cabin she lived in was situated on a hill somewhat removed from the village. Since you had to walk quite a ways into the forest to get here, it wasn’t a place people would easily find.
It had a nice view, but she’d chosen this location with the possibility of escape in mind, just in case.
“Excuse me, are you all right…… Hieek!”
The moment she carefully approached, pulled back the hood of the person lying on the ground, and confirmed the face, Rwen couldn’t help but gasp.
Black hair and well-defined features, wearing a plain brown cloak instead of fancy, luxurious clothing—but she recognized him at a glance.
She could swear she hadn’t been this surprised in recent memory, so the question that popped into her head came out without passing through her brain.
“Why is this person here?”
The man she’d thought of just moments ago when she saw the cat—Kaien de Siegfried Elision.
Why is His Highness the Grand Duke of the Elision Empire collapsed in front of my cozy little house in such attire?
Fortunately, when she checked the man’s pulse, it was beating normally. Her sigh of relief was brief—Rwen clutched her pounding heart and muttered under her breath with a serious face.
“Did he find me?”
Should I just pack my bags right now?
Leaving the village she’d grown attached to was regrettable, but it wasn’t more precious than her life.
“Mm…….”
Just then, the man let out a groan and shifted his body. Rwen startled, then began glancing at him again.
‘Is he hurt somewhere?’
Looking closely, the area around his eyes was dark and his lips lacked color—he looked gaunter than when she’d last seen him.
At the pained groaning, she wondered if something was wrong and turned his body over, discovering a dark red stain on his side. When she fumbled to touch the area, red came off on her fingertips.
“……Is this blood?”
And a considerable amount, at that. It didn’t seem properly treated, and no matter how healthy he was, it could be dangerous if not dealt with quickly.
Rwen fell deep into thought.
Kaien being here means, regardless, that he’s discovered I’m alive. Even if I abandon him and flee immediately, there’s a high chance a pursuit team would follow.
Then perhaps it’s better to have a proper conversation with His Highness the Grand Duke.
I’ve already cut ties with my family, and Kaien is a lenient ruler, so if I explain properly, he might forgive me.
I have absolutely no intention of being a hindrance to you!
“Can’t be helped.”
And honestly, shouldn’t I save the person first and think later?
Having made her decision immediately, Rwen supported the unconscious Kaien and lifted him up. Staggering under the heavy, large body but persevering, her back disappeared beyond the cabin door.
How did a woman living in a rural backwater get tangled up with one of the empire’s foremost powers?
To explain that, I had to start a story from a little while ago.
◇◈◇
So, the cliché of regaining memories of a past life.
I’d encountered it while reading countless novels, but I never thought it would apply to me.
“Oh my.”
Sitting blankly on the wide bed, I simply blinked. The reason being—my past-life memories had returned.
The past when I lived as Joo Ha-yeon, twenty-six years old, from South Korea.
And now I am Wendy Remia Dermis. The second daughter of the Dermis ducal family, and a bride who has just finished her wedding. I was in the middle of waiting for my husband to enter the room on our first night, but……
My stumbling over the flood of memories lasted only a moment—as soon as my thoughts organized, I turned pale at the realization.
These place names, this family name, and above all, this information I remember!
None of it was unfamiliar. No—when I thought of my husband’s family and name, I could confirm it immediately.
It seemed I was now reincarnated into the world of How to Live as an Immature Crown Prince.
