Chapter 4.1

Chapter 4.1

A week passed by even quicker than expected. Time flew, and the day Rosette was scheduled to depart for the Kaysen Empire arrived.

The scenery visible through the fluttering fallen leaves, following the lush foliage, showed a small kingdom. It was a place where nature’s verdant beauty blended with artistic architectural styles passed down through generations. This dazzling panorama was the pride of the Hersia Kingdom and the source of its self-esteem.

The view was most radiant when seen from the full-length window of the Imperial Princess’s palace, located in the very heart of the capital. Yet, Rosette’s expression, as she gazed at the blessed vista with indifferent eyes, was deeply somber.

Not long after her ominous dream, she was faced with another incident. Her younger brother, Elliot, had twisted his ankle. She didn’t want to believe it, but this too was something she had encountered in her dream… This left Rosette with no choice but to be certain.

The dream was her future. The end of the path leading to the distant empire was death. More importantly, her death wouldn’t be enough; the beautiful Hersia Kingdom she sought to protect would also turn to ashes in an instant.

For several days, she agonized over this. Her agreement with him was already complete. There was no turning back now. Was this how a moth felt, knowing it would burn and perish, yet still diving into the flame? She had been disheartened by the grim situation many times, but there was one thing. She had a way to avoid the tragic future.

If I genuinely help him and secure my own path… there’s definitely a chance.

In her dream, she had tried to assassinate Theodore first, leading to a terrible end. Now that she knew her future, what if she dedicated herself to his cause and helped him become a perfect emperor?

The dream had been fragmented like a series of scenes, so Rosette didn’t know all the circumstances of why she tried to kill him, but one thing was clear. This was a future she could change.

And then there was the woman who appeared in her dream, the one who made Theodore genuinely smile. Theodore had placed his hand on her shoulder and shown her an innocent smile. It was a stark contrast to the wall he had put up with Rosette at their first meeting, and the weariness in his eyes.

If she could genuinely support their love, and then gracefully exit at the right time… she could achieve the best possible ending. Rosette’s two fists clenched tightly as she finalized her thoughts, and her expression also took on a determined light.

“Princess. It’s time for you to depart.”

Just then, the voice of her maid, who served her closely, reached her. Rosette turned at the sound of her name, reminded herself of her situation, and left the room.

Her mind, once filled with complex thoughts, was now flowing in a single direction. She would live, and she would save everyone else too. With that resolve, Rosette’s eyes suddenly held a brilliant light.

“Yes. I’ll go.”

Leaving behind her family, who were shedding tears and bawling at her departure, Rosette climbed into the carriage and began the long journey to the Kaysen Empire.

On the surface, she was a distinguished guest, but in reality, she was merely a hostage. No one who had witnessed the war between the two nations was unaware of him. However, only she knew that if she made even the slightest mistake, her head would be cut off, just as in her dream. As the dream resurfaced, a chill ran down her spine, and goosebumps rose all over her body.

She tried to shake off the thought and admired the scenery outside the window. The beautiful kingdom she had tried so hard to protect swiftly passed by, moment by moment. Perhaps she wouldn’t see this landscape for a very long time, or perhaps never again, so she etched the sight into her clear, silver eyes.

How many days had they traveled like that? The scenery outside the carriage, which had passed through towns lined with small buildings, now transformed into a vast desert plain, stretching endlessly with expansive sand.

The desert sky, where the sun set quickly, was already growing dark. The party, who had stayed in inns or lodges up until now, had to camp in the desert. Having stopped for this purpose, they began to move busily, unloading simple tents for their stay and food for dinner from the supply wagon.

Rosette, who had fallen into a light doze inside the carriage and woken up to the commotion, moved her stiff body and stepped out. She then questioned a busy soldier.

“Are we staying here tonight?”

“Yes, Princess. We are setting up the tents now, so please wait a moment.”

“Alright. Before that… is there anywhere nearby to fetch water?”

“Water? Here it is.”

The soldier took out a canteen from his pocket and handed it to Rosette.

“No. I want to drink water and wash my face. I haven’t been able to wash for the past few days…”

“If you go straight east, there’s an oasis, but it’s very far. Perhaps I can give you more water instead…”

“It’s water to be shared; I can’t impose. I’ll go quickly, consider it a walk.”

“Pr-princess…!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”