Chapter 2.2

Chapter 2.2

A supernatural ability. The legendary power was real. He finally understood her confident demeanor. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, from the way she strained to keep her back straight and the excessive clarity of her gaze.

“A supernatural ability, you say…”

One corner of his mouth twitched subtly. Even his shadow, flickering in the candlelight, seemed enormous, as if it would swallow Rosette whole. Then, a low voice emanated from him, silhouetted against the faint light.

“How interesting. A princess who has a supernatural ability. Indeed, I would be the one who could use that ability most effectively.”

“Since I’ve shown you my ability, I will propose the trade again, Your Majesty.”

His eyes, which had been fixed on her, gleamed for an instant. Seeing his acquiescent stance, Rosette, as if having made up her mind, spoke with ambition.

“I will use my abilities to help Your Majesty and the Empire. And when I am no longer useful… then, you may discard me.”

This was her true trump card, her final struggle. Her body was excessively rigid, her face pale and bloodless from tension. After hours of riding and then using her supernatural ability, she must have been struggling just to stand. Her appearance was desperate, and her slightly trembling voice and shaking fingertips clearly showed it.

“A princess who sacrifices herself to save her country… How truly moving.”

“Then…”

“Very well. My forces will return to the Kaysen Empire in one week. You will travel with us to the Empire. Prepare to depart accordingly. I am a man who keeps his word in a deal.”

He then tore up all the bundles of parchment Rosette had laid on the floor. These were the lists of tributes she had intended to offer.

“Since I’ve bought your ability, consider this paltry sum something I haven’t received.”

“I am deeply honored, Your Imperial Majesty.”

With that, Rosette bowed to Theodore and turned away. His sharp gaze pierced her slender retreating back, but Rosette kept her back straight and her pace steady until she stepped out of the tent.

Her fate, which had succeeded in saving her family, her people, and her country, changed that day. Rosette would now live not as Hersia’s beautiful flower and beloved daughter, but as a hostage of the Kaysen Empire. It would be a difficult journey, with no promise of an end, but it was the best possible solution. Realizing this, Rosette’s expression turned bitter.

The news that the Kaysen Empire was advancing on the Hersia Kingdom came one day like a bolt from the blue. Her homeland was, in truth, an insignificant small kingdom.

The Hersia Kingdom, which had kept its distance from fierce territorial wars, was also a symbol of peace and a fertile land preserving ancient verdure. Perhaps someone envied the blessings bestowed by its ancestors. Her small but resource-rich land had become its prey.

Theodore Alexius.

Known as the “Tyrant of Blood,” he was the Emperor of the Kaysen Empire. A bastard son of the previous emperor, he had cruelly massacred his father and half-brothers before ascending the throne himself. After that, it was only a swift matter of time before he extended his hand to swallow the Hersia Kingdom through numerous territorial wars. It was a battle like David and Goliath, a fight that was never even.

The occupation of Hunt, Rosette’s maternal uncle’s border territory, was the beginning. His army, using it as a signal, advanced with unstoppable momentum. Every place they passed, notorious for their lack of mercy, was stained crimson, and it didn’t take long for them to reach the capital from there.

If things continued this way, the beautiful country where Rosette was born and raised would vanish from the map. Not only that, but her family and all her people would be in danger. She could no longer stand by and watch innocent sacrifices.

So Rosette decided. She would sacrifice herself to save everyone. And if this was the fate of her awakened supernatural ability, she would accept it willingly.

Theodore, a bastard son of an emperor who seized the throne through rebellion, lacked legitimacy and honor. While everyone in the Empire trembled before his innate strength, martial prowess, and cruel nature, they often whispered behind his back about him being an illegitimate and lowborn emperor. They called him a cold-blooded beast who had harmed his own father and brothers. The Emperor, who knew this well, accepted her proposal.

He would have quickly calculated her value, knowing how useful she could be in many ways. For Rosette, it was a gamble, but she succeeded in her deal with him and thus protected her beautiful land. After completing the transaction, Rosette returned and calmly revealed everything to her parents.

Isis, the Queen of Hersia and Rosette’s mother, clutched the back of her neck and swayed, unable to believe the situation the moment Rosette finished speaking.

“My goodness… He’s infamous for his cruelty… It can’t be, Rosette. How could I send only you into that death trap?”