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Chapter 4
The Elision Empire.
The main setting of *How to Live as an Immature Crown Prince*, and a nation wielding enormous influence across the continent.
As mentioned in the founding myth dealing with the tales of dragons, fairies, and drachens, it was also an empire protected by dragons for generations upon generations.
A founding myth dealing with the narrative of dragons, fairies, and humans joining forces to fight the evil beings called drachens and restore peace.
And the original work begins against the backdrop of the sealed drachens beginning to awaken, and all manner of monsters under their influence starting to rampage in earnest.
Only the direct bloodline of the imperial family, protected absolutely by dragons, possesses complete resistance when dealing with monsters. That was also the reason the male protagonist began hiding his identity and solving incidents while pretending to be a layabout.
“As expected, the information I know is correct, at least for now.”
I slammed shut the thick history book lying on the desk in the Grand Duke’s study.
As a result of diligently checking over the past half month, the worldview itself largely matched the setting I remembered.
I couldn’t remember all the years, but I’d also organized the major events before I forgot them. Of course, they were all information that wouldn’t be useful until ten years from now.
I leaned back in the chair and tilted my head back. Staring blankly at the ceiling, I muttered.
“Ten years……. That’s a long way off.”
It felt even more so thinking that I didn’t know what would become of my life three years from now. Including the fact that I couldn’t rule out the possibility of dying of illness.
No, seriously—in a worldview where magic has developed this much, does it make sense for a person to die from a mere disease? Even in a noble family where money is no object?
Honestly, it didn’t feel real, but for now, I wanted to live.
I don’t know how I happened to recall my past-life memories, but looking at it differently, this was also an opportunity.
It’s nothing grand—I just want to take care of my one life. So what?
First, I need to find the cause of death, then find some way to resolve it. And then……
“What are you doing there?”
“Mommy!”
At the voice that suddenly came out of nowhere, I screamed and jumped in surprise. When I hurriedly turned around, my eyes met those of a handsome giant of a man standing with his arms crossed, leaning against the bookshelf.
“Your Highness the Grand Duke?”
Seeing Kaien striding toward me, I quickly rose from my seat and bowed.
“Welcome back. Did your outing go well?”
I’d heard he returned three days ago.
“More or less.”
True to a man of few words, there was no answer beyond that. Under his sharp gaze sweeping me from top to bottom, I immediately added a question.
“Did you have business in the study?”
“Well…….”
The man’s face, trailing off and closing his mouth, was truly neat and beautiful. Is this what it feels like to appreciate a work of art?
Anyway, I can take a hint—I began neatly organizing the books I’d left on the desk. At that, Kaien expressed puzzlement.
“What are you doing?”
“Ah, you said you’d prefer we don’t cross paths unless in front of others.”
Honestly, I’d thought I wouldn’t see his face for at least a few months, but I never expected to run into him this soon.
“Come to think of it, do you have a set time for visiting the study?”
Kaien’s eyes narrowed as if gauging my intentions.
“Why do you ask?”
“Why, of course—so I can avoid that time slot.”
It wasn’t that I particularly wanted friction with him, and if Kaien was in the study, I couldn’t investigate freely.
It was a huge relief that only history books were out right now—if they’d been books related to the imperial family, it would have been a disaster. I’d have looked suspicious no matter what!
“……I heard you’ve been roaming the estate freely these days.”
“Huh? Yes. I’m interested in all sorts of things.”
“I heard you’re also interested in trivial tasks that servants would normally do.”
How should I explain this? Worried it might look suspicious, I carefully chose my words.
“I don’t know what Your Highness might think, but I do place meaning in learning itself.”
Anyway, the time I can stay in this estate is probably three years at most, and if so, wouldn’t it be better to learn as much as I can while I’m here?
In my previous life, I was busy working, and when I came home after overtime, I was too tired and fell asleep—I’d hardly ever had a proper hobby.
Just as studying becomes fun when you don’t need to take exams, everything was enjoyable when I thought of it as not work.
Who knows. As I learn various things like this, I might find my true calling.
I awkwardly scratched my cheek and added.
“And honestly, I don’t really have anything to do, so I get a bit bored.”
I may be called the Grand Duchess, but in reality, I’m essentially unemployed right now.
In modern times, I might have been busy doing nothing, but that’s only possible when you have the means to do nothing. Besides, I don’t even know how long I can stay in this estate—learning various things couldn’t hurt.
“If that’s the case, wouldn’t a more wholesome hobby be better?”
“Noble hobbies usually require being with others, and I really have no talent for things like embroidery…….”
A while ago, I boldly tried sewing, but after nearly pricking my finger five times, I gave up. The maid teaching me asked several times if I was all right—that says it all.
As I answered in a deflated tone, I was startled by a sudden thought and covered my mouth, asking back.
“Gasp, surely ‘live as if dead’ didn’t mean stay in your room?”
I thought it would be fine as long as I quietly roamed the estate!
As I asked with wide eyes, Kaien was silent for a moment before opening his mouth.
“No, that’s not what it means.”
“Then that’s a relief. And I’d like to go sightseeing in the Grand Duchy soon—would that be all right?”
“…….”
“I’m absolutely not trying to make a formal procession as the Grand Duchess! I just saw a city near the estate and wanted to take a look.”
While I’m at it, I could look into information brokers, and it wouldn’t hurt to find at least one escape route in case something happens.
Anyway, our family is a villain family closely connected to the mastermind, and we could fall at any time.
And from the start, I was the only ‘ordinary’ human in our family without any magical talent, sold off as a link to the Grand Duke—so I had no particular attachment to my current family.
Rather, life at the Grand Duke’s estate, where people might glance at me but no one mistreated me, was much more comfortable emotionally.
My family from when I was Joo Ha-yeon had already been dead for a long time.
Suddenly, I felt absurd. If you’re going to possess someone or reincarnate, is there some kind of requirement that you have to be a wretched orphan? Really.
“If that’s the case, do as you please. Anyway…….”
The vivid golden eyes stared at me as if piercing through me.
Was it because his gaze was so intense? Meeting his eyes, I felt as if everything I was hiding was being laid bare.
While I was tense wondering what he would say, Kaien let out a sigh-like remark.
“I’ll need to visit the capital soon.”
“The capital?”
“His Majesty the Emperor said he’s curious about what kind of person my marriage partner is.”
I’d wondered why he suddenly brought this up—now I understood the context. I pointed at myself with my finger and asked.
“Surely you don’t have to take me with you?”
Judging by Kaien’s expression, which looked as if this was a nuisance, bingo—I’d guessed correctly.
After a moment’s thought, I asked seriously.
“Then what kind of person should I be?”
“……Pardon?”
“It’s my first time being the Grand Duke’s wife, after all.”
I may be able to come and go freely within the Grand Duke’s estate, but outside—especially in the imperial palace—isn’t that a different matter?
Anyway, since we’re married, helping him save face would benefit me too.
“Would a noble lady be good? Ah, you said to live as if dead, so maybe a moderately timid impression would be better. Or would you prefer we look like we get along? I received decent etiquette training, so…….”
As I offered various opinions, Kaien, who had been watching me with an unreadable look, stroked his chin and answered low.
> “Just—normally.”
Ah, the most difficult request of all.
