Prologue

“Lady! Lady!”

It was in the middle of the night that Sera rushed to my room. She had an urgent voice, so I quickly dropped my brush and opened the door.

“What’s going on?”

I was quite surprised because nothing so urgent could have happened to Marquis Evgeny, who was so quiet.

“F-forgive me. But it’s too important to wait till tomorrow morning!”

“So what is it? Say it quickly.”

“Now the Crown Prince has sent his m-marriage proposal! The message has just arrived.”

“What?”

I was so surprised that my mouth was wide open.

I thought that my relationship with him had already ended beautifully in the Capital, so I stood blankly for a moment because there was no sense of reality.

“You have to go straight up to the capital, right? I’ll arrange it for early tomorrow morning..”

“What are you talking about?”

I sighed and found my cool at the sound of Sarah’s excitement.

Having been handed the proposal by Sarah, I opened the envelope, checked the brief details, and spoke casually.

“I’m going to write a rejection letter tomorrow morning. You don’t have to make arrangements.”

“Pardon? R-rejection?”

Sera had a puzzled look on her face.

It was because there would be no woman on this continent who would reject Ixion’s proposal.

It was the capital, no, the palace, that I knew best.

With black hair, white skin, and blue eyes that look like studded jewels, the future Emperor, 3rd Prince, Ixion was certainly so beautiful that people can’t open their eyes. (This is basically because he’s too handsome it’s hard to see it xD)

Moreover, he was an undefeated war hero and had a good appearance, so he used to stand out everywhere.

“Does the Marchioness know about this?” (t/n : Marchioness is Marquis’s wife.)

“No, she went to bed early—”

“Then don’t let her know. I can’t bother her for nothing. You have a lot of work.”

“A-are you really sure you’ll refuse?”

“That’s right.”

“R-really? Are you sure you don’t want to? Really?”

If I keep answering kindly, she will repeat the same question all night.

“I’m really going to say no, so stop asking. Good night, Sera.”

I checked one more time, then grinned and closed the door.

The Marquis of Evgeny is a periphery lord, so although monsters often appear, it was basically a peaceful and beautiful place.

I had no intention of going back to the capital and intertwining with the imperial family.

I stood in front of the mirror instead of going back into bed.

Shining silver hair and red eyes.

It’s been a while since I came into this body, but it was still awkward.

Unlike when she first possessed this body, she has a slender form, fair skin, sweet features, and is now an outstanding beauty.

“Elsia, I saved him as you wished. Not only that, I’m going to live my life to the fullest from now on.”

I remember the moment I possessed Elsia Artise in the book. It’s because her earnest desire had been conveyed to me.

[Save him. I beg you, you can do it.]

I can do it. Because I’ve already read a book.

[And… Me… Me too… I want to live. I don’t want to die like this.]

Of course you didn’t want to die like that. I understood that mindset, and I survived so well after the possession and came in as the Marquis’ adopted daughter.

The development of the book had already all gone awry, so it’s just my life from now on.

“Well, I’ll live well now.”

Of course, I had no intention of accepting Ixion’s proposal. Before, it was true that Elsia loved him, but that is not me.

“Prince Ixion, please take care of yourself. Do you know is it better to marry a young lady, an aristocrat who is more powerful? I don’t know if you’ll become the Emperor. But you will have a great castle.”

I muttered, putting the proposal I received from Sera in a drawer.

“I didn’t save you for something like this.”

After turning off the light and lying on a soft bed, I soon began to fall asleep.

******

“What?”

Ixion, who came out of the practice field, looked dumbfounded by the absurd news he had been waiting for him.

“Rejection?”

Aiden, a member of the Knights of Peltron and an assistant to Ixion, sighed incredibly. It was something no one expected.

“Aiden Gibs.”

Aiden recoiled at the cold words and bowed his head carefully. By the way, he didn’t propose to Elsia because he had a thing for her.

“….Yes.”

However, the reason why he has no choice but to be frustrated is that Ixion had a habit of constantly thinking about things that were beyond his expectations.

His cool-headed and meticulous personality could let him leave this alone by simply saying, ‘Oh, Elsia rejected me.’

“I would have been dead if she hadn’t told me about the assassination plan.”

“T-that’s right.”

“It was none other than her brother who tried to assassinate me.”

“Yes. That’s true.”

“She saved my life by abandoning her country.”

“….Yes. That’s right.”

“When I said I didn’t know why it would happen, it was her who gave me the answer.”

Aiden closed his eyes tightly at the thought that something had come up.

But at the time it was a very reasonable inference.

‘What kind of woman betrays her motherland and saves the Prince of the Enemy?’ There was only one reason by any stretch of the imagination.

“It’s because she loves me.”

“R-right.”

“It’s because I helped her not to be insulted at the victory banquet three years ago.”

“Yes— It was an impressive event for many people.”

“Then why—”

Ixion looked at Aiden with sparkling blue eyes.

“Why refuse my marriage proposal?”

“….”

“She saved my life. I could’ve paid her back enough with marriage. With any common sense, shouldn’t you come running happily when your crush proposes?”

It’s a peaceful capital, but Aiden felt as if he was being questioned for the reasons of failure on the battlefield.

Aiden nervously put up with wanting to bite his nails.

“T-that’s..”

It was Aiden, who is said to be the son of a socialite, but in fact, he didn’t even dream that Elsia would reject the marriage proposal.

That’s why he stumbled through words, acting unfavorably.

Everyone agreed that Elsia loved Ixion.

Not a single person who knew Elsia had doubts about that fact.

But he couldn’t even guess why things turned out like this.

“I-I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Yes…”

“You don’t even have to ask anyone else, because you know the gossip of the capital has already been taken over.”

Ixion spoke in a low voice. And he continued without hesitation.

“This fall, the destruction of the monsters is going to be the responsibility of Marquis of Evgeny.”

“Pardon? Then Evgeny—”

“You’ll find out when you meet him in person.”

Aiden sighed and looked at Ixion.

Ixion wasn’t one who left things he didn’t understand in his life alone.

If love was not the reason why the enemy kingdom’s princess saved him, she had to have another good reason.

Aiden sighed and thought about Elsia.

Three years ago, she was taken into the palace as a hostage to the Kingdom of Artise, a grim-looking woman who had her face down.

She was just a formal hostage with nothing exceptional in her impression, including a cluttered gaze and a trembling voice. And not long ago she saved Ixion’s life.

Suddenly a storm began to rage, and she was at the center of it.

The woman, who seemed to not be a variable when she was first brought in as a hostage, changed everything.

Episode 1. Escape the Imperial Palace (1)

So—my reincarnation into this novel was not just a coincidence. I was reading a novel on my phone on the bus when I got into a car accident and died there.

In that short moment when the bus capsized with a roar, I really thought I didn’t want to die.

I thought I didn’t have any regrets, but after the accident, I thought I didn’t want to die like this.

There were many things I haven’t done yet. The yoga center that I opened a while ago was just settling down, but I haven’t even achieved my dream of making money and being free in the countryside after taking an early retirement—.

Like a cell phone that flew far away and smashed, I’ve lived my life as it is. That was when I was convinced.

[I don’t, I don’t want to die!]

As I was dying, I heard someone else’s voice.

[I am Elsia Artise—.]

‘Elsia Artise? An extra novel I read right before I died?’

Her role was to have a miserable early death.

[Save him. I beg you, you can do it.]

Having read the novel, I knew who she meant by ‘he’. She was referring to the 3rd Prince of Eastheim.

The empire, which had taken her hostage after being abused by her brother in her country, was cold to her.

He was the only one who reached out to her, who was so intimidated.

It was a simple act of sympathy, but with that single occasion, Elsia fell deeply in love with him.

It was the first favor she had in her miserable life.

[And I… I want to live too.. I don’t want to die like this.]

Elsia was a hostage brought to the Eastheim Empire.

It was the 3rd Prince Ixion, who led the war against Artise to victory.

The defeated Kingdom of Artise sent Elsia, a royal daughter, to the Imperial Palace with huge war reparations.

For three years after the war, Elsia was locked up by herself in the palace like she was dead.

No one was interested in her like that.

Decan, the brother of Elsia and king of Artise, secretly prepared for war to defeat Eastheim again.

However, he was guilty of scheming a secret assassination of the royal family, knowing that he would have no choice but to be defeated if he had to meet the 3rd Prince on the battlefield.

And he had wanted to kill Elsia first just in case she would talk about the royal secret.

It was just before I was assassinated that I opened my eyes as Elsia.

******

“Princess, I’ve made tea with tea leaves from my home country. Would you like to drink that before breakfast?”

Elsia, who was stuck in the corner of the palace, had only one maid.

Sera was a very poor woman, but she was a warm and innocent maid of honor.

“Sera.”

There was no time to be amazed or panicked by her reincarnation. If I drink that tea, I die.

“Throw away the tea now. Throw away all the tea leaves.”

“Yes?”

Elsia’s big brother, Decan, sent her tea leaves every quarter.

Supposedly, it was because she would miss the familiar tea from her home, but in fact, it was to get rid of her easily whenever she became a bother.

[I want to live too.]

I will try to live somehow. Her desperate desire to live was because I knew, who had already died in a car accident, knew the novel well.

Especially after sending her as a hostage, she had no intention of keeping her loyalty to her home country, which had only thought of getting rid of Elsia from beginning to end.

I stood up, recalling Elsia’s desperate words. No, I tried to stand up—.

I couldn’t get out as lightly in my old body, and I felt pain in my back.

‘That’s right, it’s…obesity and lack of exercise!’

One more thing to pay attention to in the future has been added.

...  ...

I had a habit of warming up by yoga every morning, but simple stretching was too much for this body.

Elsia has always been obese because she had a habit of binge eating due to stress from the Kingdom of Artise.

I thought I needed to improve myself for my health and do yoga again, my hobby and job.

But to do that, I’ll have to deal with urgent matters first.

“Sera, when is the 3rd prince’s birthday banquet?”

“Are you talking about Prince Ixion?”

Sera smiled and answered.

“It’s today.”

Then the assassination will take place today.

Now, as he wandered around the battlefield and the place to defeat the monsters, there were few days to stay in the imperial palace, but he couldn’t help but attend his own birthday party.

I, The Princess of an enemy country who got locked up in the imperial palace, had no choice but to attend the banquet.

“Sera, did you get an invitation to a banquet a few days ago?”

“Ah… Right.”

Sera looked surprised. That’s because Elsia hasn’t attended a banquet since the victory banquet three years ago.

The invitation was just a formality.

There will be no one to talk to at the banquet anyway.

It was natural for Elsia to eat delicious food in the small room of the Imperial Palace rather than being insulted in the banquet; since there was always plenty to eat in the Palace.

“It’s late, but I’m sending a reply. I’m going to attend the banquet.”

“….Pardon?”

There was really no time now.

Even if I hadn’t died, the plan for the assassination of the Prince would remain unchanged.

For Decan, I was, ‘Just in case there’s any interruption, we’ll kill her first.’

“Wow, Princess, you’re going to the Royal—banquet?”

Sera’s pupils shook wildly.

“Princess! We only have a few hours left, right? Besides, you need to—”

“Do as you please.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“But—but! A-are you sure you want to go?”

“Yeah, I’m going. So let the person in charge of the banquet know quickly. I’m going to attend.”

Sera stamped her feet and ran out.

And when she came back, she was holding something in both hands.

“We don’t have time—but..”

Sera’s hands were full of crude cosmetics, combs, hairpins, and cheap perfumes.

I admired the naive Sera’s favor, but I didn’t expect much of an outcome.

Sadly, when I opened the closet, there was only one dress to wear. It was a red dress with a frill running excessively, and the light was all faded.

Since Elsia was trapped in the palace, she has become fatter due to severe binge eating, so she did not fit properly with the dress, but she had no choice.

‘No matter how hostage you are, you were once a princess, but how does this look like this…’

No matter how much Sera picked up her hairpin, her hair was unkempt, so her hair kept sticking out.

In addition, Sera was unfortunately dexterous.

“Princess, are you—really going to attend?”

Sera wept and cleared up my clothes until the end.

I didn’t know what was going to happen because I’d already had enough eyes of great surprise when I walked down the hall before.

I’ll have to hear a lot of laughing at me. Of course, there was no man to escort me either.

It had to be a good sense of security to bite at the banquet.

“I’ll be back.”

“But—”

“Sera.”

Sera was stamping her feet, scared I’ll be hurt.

I gave her a laugh.

“I need to lose some weight for my health in the future, but it is not that their appearance or position evaluates people’s value.”

In my previous life, I always said this to a member who was worried about body type when I was in a yoga center.

“Why do you spend every day like a ‘gift’ looking at others’ eyes? I can go on my own way confidently. If I’m strong, I won’t get hurt. Don’t worry.”

For Elsia and me, it’s been a long life. There were far more critical things than reputations and insults.

In the original book, Elsia described in quite depth when she fell in love with Ixion.

*******

(The Previous Elsia’s POV)

Three years ago, Elsia had no ability not to participate in the victory banquet.

Because it was a place to announce that she came as a hostage.

“Oh, my God. Hey, look at the dress on the back of her waist.”

“Are you saying that Artise doesn’t even give the Princess basic self-care?”

“I can’t even see her face properly— I guess she didn’t even learn manners.”

The basic disregard for the defeated Princess and the outright criticism of her appearance—.

Elsia shrank even more, bowed her head, and spent all that time alone.

She couldn’t leave until she was declared hostage.

“Who will Prince Ixion dance his first dance with?”

“Who knows, because he doesn’t attend banquets very often—.”

“This is the victory banquet of Prince Ixion, so he had to come.”

The reason why the Kingdom of Artise was defeated was because of Prince Ixion. He ended the war in an instant.

Elsia also knew him well. A creepy handsome war genius.

“Artise won’t make trouble again, right?”

“No way, they even brought the royal family hostage.”

“But the condition is—”

“I don’t think it will be regrettable at all in Artise—?”

Elsia was holding on to her humiliation. She held back her tears, looking only at the patterns on the floor. It’s what she expected since she got caught here.

“Shall we make a bet? How many men will ask that Princess dance?”

“I’ll bet there’s no one.”

“Me too.”

“So do I.”

“Oh my, that doesn’t make a bet.”

Then, a large hand carefully stretched out into her blurred vision.

“Princess Elsia Artise.”

It was a low and dry voice.

“May I ask you for one song?”

Elsia looked up in disbelief.

The calm blue eyes were looking at her. And she felt all the attention of the banquet hall.

“I understand your loss. I’m sorry for making this situation like this. But Eastheim is also a place where people live, so you will have good memories here. Don’t be offended by the light talk of the poor.”

In a way, it was the Prince of the enemy who was the cause of the defeat. But Elsia felt her heart pound.

Even as a result of sympathy and guilt, it was respect and goodwill that she had never felt in her home country.

So when Elsia was assassinated and dying, she notices Decan’s real goal was Ixion, and she is more depressed by Ixion, who’s in danger, than the fact she’s dying.

Even though she never saw him for the next three years, she couldn’t forget his favor—.

******

Instead of living her life, I once again vowed to fulfill her wishes.

‘Let’s save Ixion.’

And I had to live, too. If I stay still, Decan will try to kill me again.

‘And I have to end this damn imprisonment in the Imperial Palace. I will escape somehow.’

On my way to the banquet hall, my mind was spinning for future plans.

******

Socialite, Eastheim’s best love counselor, and various banquet sources, Aiden Zibeth also had a happy time surrounded by the young lady at the 3rd Prince’s Birthday banquet.

Although Ixion, the main character of the banquet and the idol of all the young lovers, was just sitting at a nearby table with a face that shows everything was boring.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Maybe you have a young lady in mind?”

Aiden smiled bitterly. Perhaps Ixion was not interested in this banquet and was thinking about the next monster subjugation instead.

3rd Prince Ixion still has no fiancee.

He did not contact nobles in case he was kept in check by the Crown Prince.

And since he never pays attention to women, it also played a part in it.

“Not really.”

As if Aiden wasn’t worried, he made a gentle smile at the young lady around him.

“Don’t worry; he’s so neat about women.”

The problem was that it was so neat that there was nothing. Aiden grinned and raised a glass of wine.

“By the way, how about Marquis Evgeny’s first son’s fiancee?

“Ah, let me explain! I heard it a few days ago at tea time.”

“There are rumors about breaking up again this time.”

When Aiden, who turned the conversation into an exciting topic, listened to his curiosity, the banquet hall door suddenly opened.

“Princess Elsia Artise is entering the hall!”

Everyone stopped talking to the unexpected name and turned to the door.

Aiden sighed without knowing it.

Dresses that are out of style, walking that look anxious, messy hair that’s already sticking out of the way—.

‘Why did the hostage of the enemy suddenly appear here?’

It’s started.

“Oh my, Princess Elsia?”

“It’s the first time since I had seen it three years ago—”

“She looks fatter, don’t you think?

“Look at the hair. I wouldn’t even do that on the street.”

“Why did she come here?”

“No way, she doesn’t think Prince Ixion will dance as he did three years ago, right?”

“Look at the dress—the frill is so old-fashioned. It’s a bit dull.”

“Look at the steps. There is not a single manner in there. Why is it so fast?”

Ixion was the only person who glanced at her and turned his head as if he wasn’t interested.

Because Aiden couldn’t take his eyes off her either.

Maybe because it’s old-fashioned? Because it doesn’t suit this fancy banquet? Because she’s a very unexpected person?

It wasn’t.

Aiden, who has an excellent memory in this kind of work, quickly found a crucial difference from the last Princess Elsia he saw three years ago.

Even in this messy, she’s keeping her head up.

It was a wrong step, but she was straightening her back.

And the eyes—her red eyes were shining. As if their gaze had nothing to do with it as if there was only one thing that mattered to her.

“Today, something really strange is going to happen.”

Aiden muttered unknowingly. And that strange thing happened in an instant.

Elsia stood in front of Ixion without hesitation despite the eyes of others; she gave out her hand.

“May I ask for one song?”

Everyone was stunned to the point of opening their mouths.

...  ...

It is considered impolite for a woman to ask a man to dance.

That’s why so many Young Ladies wished to dance with Ixion but couldn’t even speak. She appears to be uneducated because she did not want to die.

But I don’t have time to be concerned about such practices or reputations right now.

To be honest, those things made me laugh. The fact that I can recognize Ixion at a glance in the crowded banquet hall.

White skin that contrasts sharply with black hair, blue eyes with the color of glass grains

He sat leaning against a chair, indifferent and seemingly empty, without looking at me. I took Ixion’s hand first, who had a slight frown on his brow.

Not only were all eyes on her but there was also a click of the tongue and sighing.

However, Ixion’s expression shifted. This is due to the fact that he felt a note squaring in his hand.

He got to his feet and responded. He looks tall as soon as he stood up because the pressure was so intense.

“I’m flattered.”

Speaking casually? It’s normal for a Prince to address a Kingdom Princess in this manner. But three years ago, he was the most polite of all.

As he escorted me, I whispered quietly.

“I, I have no idea how to dance.”

Elsia may have learned to dance before, but this body has only recently taken possession of me.

Ixion also spoke in hushed tones.

“Just relax, I’ll handle it.”

And then I realized something.

This man doesn’t remember dancing with Elsia Artise three years ago. He was simply dancing out of sympathy. He was using honorifics because he felt bad for Elsia, who was being ignored.

Otherwise, I couldn’t have received it naturally because I couldn’t suddenly dance.

When the music started, he put his hand on my waist and pressed his upper body against me. I could roughly imitate the dance he led because it was a very simple step.

As I took a little breath and got used to the dance, his blue eyes flashed and shone as if he were asking me to speak.

I also whispered quietly because I didn’t want to waste any more time.

“Prince, I am here to warn you of the assassination that will take place today.”

His expression remained unchanged, but his arm around my waist tightened.

“I’m sure there were a lot of gifts to congratulate the Prince on his birthday.”

I didn’t have time to think about how my body moved.

“Among them is a book by Marquis Evgeny.”

His brow was wrinkled slightly.

“It’s a tactical book, and the title is written on the note I gave you.”

I spoke quietly but clearly.

I hope this man isn’t listening to me in vain.

“You will die if you open the book. Don’t spread it out and throw it away right away.”

“…Stop talking nonsense. Marquis Evgeny comes from a loyal family.”

“The Marquis Evgeny’s wife didn’t send it.”

The music became increasingly focused on the climax. He gradually moved to a corner as he realized the seriousness of the situation.

“Call the Marquis Evgeny’s wife at the end of the banquet and show her the list of gifts. She’ll probably claim that she never sent the book as a gift.”

“And then—”

“The Kingdom Artise has planted several plants in the Marquis of Evgeny. The three pieces were secretly inserted.”

Ixion’s eyes drooped coldly.

“My brother, Decan, intends to kill the Prince in this way… and then resume the full attack.”

“I’ve never seen or heard of the magic of using books to kill someone.”

“I’m certain you do. It’s the Artise Royal Family’s secret. It’s dark magic, and it comes at a high cost.”

In any case, Ixion has no choice but to listen to me. It was due to the fact that there was no benefit to ignoring.

No one, no matter how strong the heart, could have let it go when there was a risk of assassination.

As a result, I was able to remain calm and confident.

“And how can I put my trust in you?”

“As the Prince stated, the Marquis Evgeny family is a loyal family.”

I was speaking in a calm tone.

“Check the gift list with Marquis Evgeny and find out where the book came from. You’ll be able to figure out who’s behind the pieces if you catch three of them—”

I smiled at the expressionless Ixon.

“Kill my brother, and destroy Artise for a good cause. Otherwise, I, the whistleblower, will be in danger.”

I quickly added, looking at Ixion’s shocked expression.

Saving others was what saved Ixion, and it was something I yearned for.

“I’m not going to be held hostage any longer. Then give me my freedom. That is all I require in return.”

In any case, even if Ixion dies in the original work, Artise will be destroyed.

Decan was a traitor who murdered his parents and ascended to the throne, assassinated both of his younger brothers and was a war-crazed tyrant who neglected his domestic affairs.

Artise, which had been twisted in numerous ways without Ixion’s intervention, would be destroyed.

Ixion, on the other hand, remained silent.

In his mind, deciding how to handle a sudden situation will be complicated.

‘You won’t be able to trust me easily because it’s elaborate and careful. But there will be no reason to doubt.’

“If you require additional assistance, please find me. The terrain or tactics of Artise. I will do my best to assist.”

The music then stopped. I politely bowed away from him.

And, in the case of a three-piece by my brother, I spoke in a voice that anyone could hear.

“Thank you very much, Prince.”

People around me were looking at me, but I didn’t care. It’s because I assumed they were people I would never see again.

Now I’m going to do everything in my power to get out of this palace.

“It was my sincere desire to dance with the Prince once more.”

Without saying anything, Ixion kissed the back of my hand.

My hand was hot, but the way he looked through me made me cringe even more.

He didn’t do anything to ensure his status as a war hero, but the pressure was intense.

“Since my lifelong dream has come true, I’ll be leaving.”

I turned around and walked proudly out of the banquet hall, ignoring everyone else’s ridiculous expressions.

*********

“Oh my, let’s take another look at the Kingdom Artise’s customs.”

Aiden smiled as he approached Ixion.

“This is the first time in my life that I’ve seen such a daring courting scene.”

The most interesting thing happened in society recently.

Aiden had no intention of passing up this opportunity.

“Why not invite someone to the next monster subjugation? Her ambition was on par with any other knight’s. I promised to do more mental training in order to achieve Princess Elsia’s goal.”

There was no one else on the continent who could ask Ixion a few questions about this event that would be talked about for days and days.

Ixion, on the other hand, said lowly with a frown that he didn’t even listen to Aiden with his ears.

“Aiden, immediately strengthen up the palace’s security. Pay close attention to Princess Elsia’s surrounding security.”

“Is there anywhere safer than the palace?”

“And now, without being seen, guide Marquis Evgeny to my room.”

“Pardon?”

Aiden had a ridiculous expression on his face when he looked at Ixion.

“Tell me if the gift is too much for me to accept, and I’ll give you some of it back.”

“What exactly are you on about, Prince? How many monster heads have we discarded at the Evgeny estate? On that side, it’s a natural sign of sincerity.”

“Keep quiet and do as you’re told. Right now, both of it.”

Aiden’s eyes shifted for a moment in response to Ixion’s firm words.

“All right, I understand.”

He’ll notice that it’s not a good time to laugh and make a lot of noise.

“Perhaps the weight of Princess Elsia’s wish is quite heavy.”

Aiden quickly bowed his head and vanished into the crowd, looking for Marquis Evgeny.

*****

Everything was exactly as Elsia described.

“The Marquis did not present this book.”

Mela Evgeny, Marquis Evgeny’s wife, was a lovely woman in her fifties. She was so humiliated that she chose the exact book from the gift list.

Elsia had delivered the exact title of the book in a note.

It was the first printing of a well-known tactical book. He who enjoys reading the tactics must have opened the book even if he hasn’t opened any other gifts.

Ixion ordered that the book be taken without being opened and read to the prisoner on death row in the dungeon.

As soon as the prisoner on death row opened the book, black smoke came out, and he died without any use of his hand.

Aiden and Mela’s faces hardened as they observed the entire scene. Then the black smoke vanished, leaving no trace.

“Oh, my God, this type of thing—”

“What a cruel way to end someone’s life with poison. I’ve never heard of it.”

Perhaps he would have died instantly if Elsia hadn’t told him, just like that prisoner. Aiden became terrified, sighing horribly just imagining it.

Ixion was unknowingly repeating what Elsia had said to Mela.

“Please return to your estates as soon as possible to find out who is behind this. I’ve heard there’s a lot of work going on in the Marquis.”

“Is there any other way? Because my eldest son is attending this banquet, I’ll request an accelerated spell.”

Mela lowered her head and shook her head.

“We brought a large number of caregivers to the castle last summer after the Marquis collapsed. It’s assumed it was mixed in at the time. I’ll get the evidence as soon as possible and report it. Nonetheless—”

Mela approached Ixion, who was unnervingly calm.

“Do you know who’s behind it?”

After a brief silence, Ixion responded.

“Kingdom of Artise.”

“Pardon?”

Aiden, too, was taken aback and feel like stopped breathing.

Artise has been able to lower himself and send tributes at the appropriate times until now.

Furthermore, Artise’s national power was dwindling, and waging war was now a sure way to ruin.

“Even though he lost three years ago, his ambition hasn’t waned.”

Aiden was deep in thought for a moment before opening his eyes wide and asking him.

“Did Princess Elsia tell you this, Prince Ixion?”

“…….”

“Isn’t the Princess the only one who knows the Artise’s secrets?”

Mela nodded slowly as she remembered Elsia’s strange dance request at the banquet.

...  ...