The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 7

“Reinforcements!”

One of the guards fighting the bandits shouted with joy.

At the same time, the sound of multiple horses’ hooves echoed from the distance.

(Help is coming…!)

Before long, a group of riders carrying an impressive banner came into view.

The flag fluttering in the wind bore the crest of the Ernstahl royal family.

Soon, the knights who had arrived charged into battle against the bandits.

Elze clung to the carriage window, holding her breath as she watched.

The reinforcements seemed to be few in number, but they moved skillfully like an elite force.

One knight in particular fought with such ruthless precision that it was terrifying to watch.

He struck down the bandits without hesitation, like a soulless killing machine.

(Even with training, how can someone be so cold and unfeeling…?)

Gradually, his clothes became stained with bl00d.

One bandit, realizing they were losing, tried to flee—only to be pierced through the chest by a sword from behind.

At that moment, the knight who had been facing away from Elze finally turned slightly, revealing his face.

It was expressionless, devoid of emotion, yet unbelievably beautiful.

The moment she saw him, Elze gasped in shock.

“Richard…!?”

It was the same Richard she had seen in her visions—the one from her “Future Sight” dreams and the portrait enclosed in the letter seeking a bride.

(Why…? Why is Richard here!?)

Unlike the confused Elze, the envoy beside her spoke excitedly.

“To think that Prince Richard himself would be here!”

So it really was him.

The moment she realized this, the fear she had nearly forgotten came rushing back.

In her dream, this man had slaughtered the people of Maglier—her family—just as mercilessly as he was killing these bandits.

The terror and despair from that vision were still fresh in her mind.

(This is the man who will kill my country… kill everyone…)

Even as his clothes and skin were splattered with bl00d, he showed no concern.

A prince as cold as ice.

“Princess Elze!”

The envoy’s voice snapped her back to reality.

“Ah… It looks like we’re saved.”

“Yes, and it’s all thanks to Prince Richard! This is a rare chance—why not go and greet him?”

“What!?”

(You want me to talk to Richard!?)

The envoy likely meant well, considering Elze was one of the potential brides.

But just imagining standing before Richard made her shudder.

(Wait, is it safe!? What if I say something wrong and he just stabs me on the spot!?)

The scene from her dream flashed through her mind—Richard’s emotionless face as he drove his sword into someone.

Her bl00d ran cold.

She hesitantly glanced out the window and saw one of Richard’s knights pointing at their carriage and speaking to him.

(But… if I keep running away, nothing will change.)

She had come here to change her fate.

Meeting Richard before the bride selection even began was an opportunity—she had to see it that way.

With that thought, Elze reached out with trembling hands to open the carriage door.

But—

“What!?”

Richard didn’t even glance her way.

Without a word, he turned his back on them, mounted his horse, and rode off.

It happened in just the few seconds before Elze could step out.

(He knows one of his potential brides is in this carriage, right? And yet he acts like he doesn’t care at all? He’s that uninterested…?)

Realizing just how difficult Richard would be to deal with, Elze shivered.

(No, I can’t back down. I hesitated this time, but if I get another chance, I need to act immediately!)

With renewed determination, Elze made a silent vow to herself.