Chapter 51
Chapter 51
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: Bloodied (7)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The day of the mock battle arrived.
A noble named Jeil Stimond had challenged Kline to a duel.
It was an unprecedented event.
An older, more skilled noble challenging a younger noble still in training.
That alone was enough to cause a stir and whispers.
And naturally, Kline was under no obligation to accept. In fact, refusing would have been the expected response.
Yet he accepted.
That oddity drew her footsteps toward the arena unbidden.
-Honestly, I thought you'd refuse. Anyone could see there was no need to accept that challenge. But it wasn't something you had to do, right? This isn't what I meant when I said I wanted to watch. You didn't have to do this for me at all.
In response, Kline admitted it was an emotional decision.
That made sense on one hand, but it was disappointing on the other.
'What the hell.'
You made such a big deal out of it, but in the end, you're just as emotional as anyone else.
I thought you were different—someone superior, with lessons I could learn.
Turns out you're just like me.
If that's the case, don't get my hopes up.
-But that doesn't mean I'll shirk my duties. If it were purely emotional, I wouldn't have accepted. Isn't this duel about ensuring it ends without leaving too deep a scar?
But then Kline said something unexpected.
It wasn't just emotional.
And he hoped the duel wouldn't leave excessive wounds.
She couldn't make sense of it.
This duel could only breed wounds.
If Kline lost, Jeil would face backlash; if Kline won, Jeil was finished.
Yet he spoke of another outcome?
Unbelievable.
Even if she couldn't believe it.
-Fine, do whatever. Hope you come out looking great. I'll watch. I said I'll watch. Fine, let's see what amazing thing you do.
Words slipped out unbidden.
She couldn't believe it, yet she hoped anyway.
Kline had that mysterious aura about him.
And Kline proved it.
He honored her declaration that she would watch.
Yes, it was probably from that moment.
That Kline began to grow uncontrollably in Adelheit's heart.
By the time the ball began, her resolve was set.
At balls, men typically ask women to dance.
That's the custom; the reverse draws attention.
Meaning, for a woman to show interest in a man, she must overcome many hurdles.
It's announcing to all the nobles: I like this man.
No—it's more like a declaration.
A warning to other women not to pursue him.
Especially for a highborn lady, such actions are risky.
Due to the political intricacies tied to her background.
Thus, originally, even Third Imperial Princess Adelheit should have followed suit.
'But I don't want to.'
Yes, she hated it.
Why should she care?
A life fixated on others' gazes didn't appeal.
Let them look. Stare all they want.
See exactly which man I've chosen.
...But saying that didn't mean Adelheit was immune to shame.
She was a girl, a young woman in her prime.
Of course she felt embarrassed. Asking a boy to dance was mortifying enough, let alone in public.
But that's what made it thrilling.
That reckless act.
Something against all norms.
-Young Master Kline... Would you dance with me?
Asking Kline to dance stemmed from that very impulse.
-No misunderstandings, okay?
She extended her hand first, signaling she'd lead.
Kline's expression was peculiar, but he nodded.
Good. That's how it should be.
After she'd mustered such courage.
But it irked her slightly.
He still hadn't admitted he liked her.
What? Not some playboy.
-Do you know what I saw most growing up in the imperial palace?
They danced and talked.
Revealing her inner thoughts to a man she fancied was an experience she'd longed for.
She shared what she'd heard and seen in the palace over the years.
Nobles who shirked their duties.
Indifferent to the responsibilities they should bear, content to enjoy their birthright.
Chasing only those who could expand their political power.
That was every noble she'd met.
Especially the young lords approaching her with marriage in mind—they were all the same.
The thought of their advances made her shiver.
-And do you know what they say about me? 'You're a princess, so fulfill your duties. Understand the burdens on your shoulders.' Ha! People who can't say a word to my siblings, but lecture me, the Third Princess, endlessly.
She was also dissatisfied with her retainers.
Her older brother and sister had built their factions.
Retainers not in those were effectively barred from the next throne's succession.
She, as Third Princess, couldn't accommodate them all.
Perhaps that's why they nagged her relentlessly.
Whether from loyalty or envy, she didn't care.
It displeased her.
-But you were different. You accepted Jeil's duel for emotional reasons, yet handled the outcome without bias.
Once started, she couldn't stop.
She didn't want to stop.
She wanted to live honestly with herself.
To embrace her feelings.
-The mere fact that you watched... That's what drew me to you.
By then, her cheeks burned.
Embarrassing.
Saying such things first to a boy—her gaze kept drifting away.
Yet she didn't stop leading.
She was older than Kline.
She didn't want to lose ground in this romantic dynamic.
-This is too sudden. I think Her Highness could take more time to consider.
His response didn't sit well.
What? After she'd said so much. He should say yes.
Am I not enough? I may not like boasting, but they call me the empire's most cherished flower.
You could get by on looks anywhere, but that doesn't mean I'm lacking.
-Hmph. A girl lays it all out, and that's your response?
-Well... Sorry, but I have a scary little sister at home.
Irritated, she pressed; Kline gave a wry smile.
A scary little sister.
So he's a brother.
...If his sister approves, he'll accept?
Just watch. Hmph.
That was the last time Adelheit met Kline.
Nothing much happened after.
She just thumped her pillow in her room, heart pounding.
I'm crazy. Crazy. Crazy.
How could I say that to a boy? Really. Something's wrong with me.
She kicked the blankets furiously, only to end up smiling to her ears.
-...
Still.
Good that I said it.
But such cute dilemmas didn't last.
Suddenly, the Yeon-Aeng Palace turned into a monster's innards.
She panicked at first.
Unaware of Bloodyed's location, she didn't know why.
She just tried to stay calm amid the abrupt crisis.
A terror-like incident.
What should she do?
-...
The old her might have hidden for self-preservation.
If emotional, survival instinct would rule.
But when it happened, Adelheit acted differently.
She navigated the monster's guts, seeking other nobles.
No need. Sudden terror—protect herself first.
No reason to check on others.
Yet she chose to.
The reason was simple.
It felt right.
It seemed correct.
It felt like... an ending without deep scars.
'Something's wrong with me too.'
Meeting that strange boy made her strange.
She rescued nobles wandering the monster's innards.
Glasses-wearing ones bled from their faces in agony.
Apparently attacked by Bloodyed.
'That woman was suspicious after all.'
She'd thought so from first sight.
The way she looked up flirtatiously.
Offering glasses? Probably to injure her.
When nobles asked where she was going, she said the first floor.
The moment she descended.
A voice pierced her mind.
-Ufufu. Hello, Your Highness?
A familiar voice.
Bloodyed's—the culprit.
Using magic to speak to Adelheit.
-Ah, stay calm. Don't tell others. This world is in my grasp; act rashly and see what happens?
"...What do you want?"
-Not much. Just one thing. I'd like our princess to come to the top floor.
Not worth hearing.
A trap.
She decided to ignore.
-Just come. If you do... I might overlook the other nobles?
"What?"
-Didn't I say? This world is mine. I can do anything. Not fully complete, but... if I want, most nobles will perish.
"..."
-So, Your Highness. Ufufu... I trust someone as sharp as you understands.
She ignored.
Searched the first floor for more nobles.
But it nagged.
Your sacrifice could save them.
All nobles could live.
Those words shook her.
Not because she's a saint.
Just her sense of responsibility.
Even that wavers when life hangs in balance.
"..."
But.
Adelheit steeled herself.
Yes, if sacrifice was needed, it should be her.
Duty aversion didn't matter now.
No—this rebellion started from youthful impulse.
Can't afford that in life-or-death.
Didn't want to go.
No one would.
Yet she must.
As said, it felt like... an ending without deep scars.
Her sacrifice saves other nobles.
A better ending.
"I'll go to the top floor. If I don't return, tell the others."
She told Elysia, a lady rescuing nobles like her on the first floor.
Then ascended to the top.
Where.
Bloodyed awaited, architect of the terror.
"Ufufu. Welcome, Your Highness."
Blood-red eyes.
Seeing them, Adelheit knew instantly.
This woman wasn't human.
No human has such eyes.
The demon eyes from ancient continental lore.
Bloodyed approached, eyes gleaming.
"Truly commendable coming this far. Sacrificing for others— a model for royalty."
"Model royalty? Spare me."
What was she supposed to do with that now?
Resistance crossed her mind, but she dismissed it.
The gap was obvious.
Bloodyed's power dwarfed hers.
Rebellion might doom other nobles.
"What I must do to you is simple. Don't be too scared? Not planning to take your life."
Bloodyed approached with fluid steps.
Strolling elegantly.
"That face."
Pointing at Adelheit's visage.
"The beauty the empire cherishes most... Just offer that, and we're good."
"..."
Blood droplets gathered.
Forming a hand, lunging to tear her face.
Heart pounded.
Of course she didn't want to give it.
No one would surrender their beauty.
Especially having her face ripped off.
Unable to face others again.
Hated that.
But couldn't back down.
Her sacrifice alone sufficed.
Noblesse oblige. Nobles' duty.
Then royalty's—saving imperial subjects.
"..."
The hand neared.
About to grasp her face.
End's here, she thought.
Slash!
A lightning sword severed the hand.
"Unexpected. Didn't think you'd practice noblesse oblige."
Kline sounded surprised; anger flared unbidden.
Who for?
Who inspired this recklessness?
"...I-It's your fault! You keep acting un-noble-like as a noble! Showing me that, and now look at me!"
Tears welled.
Unfair.
Didn't want this.
Her life mattered.
Her face, a girl's pride, especially.
Yet she tried sacrificing—for duty.
Emulating this damn boy before her.
"Then I'll take responsibility."
...Never expected that reply.
After, Kline fought admirably.
No—clearly, Bloodyed held the advantage.
Yet his unyielding resistance looked beautiful to Adelheit.
In battle, he taunted Bloodyed, prompting full-powered magic.
Oncoming blood mist.
Kline beside her looked awkward.
"Don't worry. I'll fight. Your Highness, stay safe."
Still fighting for her.
As if natural.
So Adelheit bared her truth.
"...! Y-You idiot? Why fight so hard? What am I to you? My sacrifice ends it. I'm a princess. Everyone said so. Everyone said I must bear duty... I ran because I hated it. But now I'm accepting. Why block me?!"
No more youthful rebellion.
Won't flee duty.
Just regrettable timing in crisis.
Her hard-won realization.
Why shatter it so cleanly?
"Princess or not, irrelevant. A world surviving on girls' sacrifices has no reason to exist."
Those words felt alien.
Girl?
First time hearing it.
All called her 'princess' before.
"What you think of yourself doesn't matter. You're more responsible than anyone, yet freely charming—a captivating girl."
Yet surprisingly sweet, pleasing.
Heart raced.
Even in peril, foolishly.
The one she liked, admired.
Calling her a girl, praising—felt so good.
Suddenly, urge to say something.
Not just her will.
Some special force dwelled within.
Like the otherworldly pool near Bloodyed.
A passage to the back world, another timeline's Adelheit speaking.
"...Do you. Do you find me beautiful?"
"The most in the world."
Hearing that.
The relief deep in her heart.
Was it her, or another?
She didn't know.
**
——