The Regressed Tyrant Princess Rewrites Her Dark History - Chapter 1.14

The Hunting Tournament.

Unlike traditional hunting, this event targeted the monsters lurking within the forest.

It was an annual tournament hosted by the kingdom, serving as both a competitive sport and a means to cull the growing monster population.

Given these circumstances, participation came with considerable risks.

Most injuries were sustained by the guards, but fatalities were not uncommon.

However, when weighed against the annual toll of monster attacks, the casualties were deemed negligible.

While there were those who mourned their lost loved ones, no one made a fuss over the tournament’s death toll.

(Perhaps that’s why assassinations here are carried out so casually.)

People in this kingdom had grown far too accustomed to death—or so thought the one who had once been the greatest perpetrator of it.

Ariadne sat astride her horse, dressed in riding trousers, leading her guard.

She was here as a participant.

Meanwhile, the viewing stands were filled with noble ladies.

Many of them were there to pray for the safety of their favored gentlemen, gifting them handkerchiefs as tokens of good fortune.

In return, victorious men would dedicate monster cores to the ladies they admired.

In a surprising way, the tournament was steeped in romance.

That said, it was extremely rare for noblewomen to take part in the hunt themselves.

Ariadne’s appearance on the field sent murmurs through the crowd.

Some worried for her safety, while others scoffed at the idea of a woman hunting.

But the loudest voices belonged to the noble ladies swooning over her.

“Ah… Those dazzling eyes, so breathtaking. I wonder if I should gift her a handkerchief?”

“I understand your feelings, but she is of the House of Restour. Even if the late king granted them amnesty, it would be best not to approach her carelessly.”

“But did you hear? She saved the life of the former queen, Amelia!”

“That’s true… Then, what does Princess Olivia think of her?”

The young noblewomen turned their attention to Olivia, the daughter of the late king and Arnold’s younger sister.

Hiding her lips behind a fan, she directed her gaze toward Ariadne.

“There are many rumors about her, but I believe one must meet her in person to truly know her character. However, I am deeply grateful to her for saving my mother’s life.”

And so, the lively chatter continued.

While not all of it reached Ariadne’s ears, she did notice Olivia’s gaze.

(Princess Olivia… She’s difficult to deal with.)

Born shortly after the king’s death, Olivia was the late king’s last surviving child from Amelia, the former queen.

At fifteen, she was the same age as Ariadne, but she possessed remarkable intelligence and a charisma that captivated those around her.

She had always stood in Ariadne’s way, walking the righteous path.

If Ariadne had been the “Tyrant Princess” of the Second Prince’s faction, Olivia had been the “Saintly Princess” of the First Prince’s faction.

(Time to escape.)

With a swift and strategic retreat, Ariadne left the area.

However, no matter where she went, she drew attention.

Soon enough, Siegbert approached her.

“…Ah, so it’s you, Ariadne. What exactly are you doing in that attire? …Surely you’re not planning to participate in the hunting tournament?”

“That is precisely my intention, Prince Siegbert.”

“Hah! Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll never manage it.”

Ariadne twitched at his condescending tone.

(Calm down, calm down… It’s better if he underestimates me.)

Like most nobles of this kingdom, Siegbert believed men and women had distinct roles.

However, compared to others, he leaned toward meritocracy.

If someone was competent, he had no issue utilizing them—regardless of gender.

And yet, he had just told her to sit this out.

That meant he had completely bought into her deception.

He truly saw her as weak.

Which was precisely what she wanted.

Revealing her true skills here would be a foolish move.

Letting him continue underestimating her was far more beneficial.

“If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, stay in the spectator stands where you belong.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Your Highness. My personal knight is quite skilled. In fact, why don’t we make this interesting? A contest—between your knight and mine. Let’s see who can take down more monsters.”

With a bright, childlike smile, she playfully mocked him.

After all, it wasn’t as if the nobles were hunting themselves—their knights did all the work.

For a brief moment, Siegbert’s expression stiffened.

“…Hmph. Do as you wish. Try not to get yourself killed.”

With that, he turned on his heel and left.

As Ariadne watched him go, Hans spoke up beside her.

“Your Highness, it is true that the knights will be doing most of the hunting, but ultimately, their success reflects the strength of the master they serve. Therefore, that remark just now…”

“…Was disrespectful to Prince Siegbert?”

Ariadne flashed him a mischievous smile.

Hans sighed.

“…You did it on purpose, didn’t you?”

Ariadne merely smiled in response.

“…Please, Your Highness. Making such remarks to royalty nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“I know, I know. I won’t do it again.”

Considering everything Siegbert had done to her in her past life, this was nothing more than a minor jab.

Still, antagonizing him unnecessarily was unwise.

She decided to behave—for now.

…Of course, Ariadne had never been particularly good at keeping such resolutions.

Setting that matter aside—

As she continued preparing for the hunt, another familiar figure approached.

Arnold.

“Princess Ariadne… That outfit. Could it be…?”

“Yes, I intend to participate in the hunting tournament.”

“That is far too dangerous. Every year, many participants suffer injuries. What if something happens to you? If you wish for a monster core, I will obtain one for you. Please, do not put yourself in harm’s way.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I have no intention of backing down.”

Hearing this, Arnold let out a quiet sigh.

Given her age and delicate frame, his reaction was understandable.

But Ariadne, armed with memories of her past life, had extensive combat experience.

Through training, she had regained much of her former strength and magical prowess.

(Not that I can explain any of this to him.)

Unlike Siegbert, Arnold was not underestimating her.

He was simply worried for her safety.

That sincerity was touching.

However, Ariadne’s goal was to prevent the assassination attempt.

“Prince Arnold, if you’re truly concerned, would you allow me to accompany you on the hunt?”

“That is…”

Arnold hesitated.

And then—

“Prince Arnold is headed to the depths of the forest. That would be far too dangerous for Princess Ariadne.”

A knight standing behind Arnold interjected.

(Klaus Löwe. The son of Henrik, the knight commander destined to die today. When I fought against him in my past life, he was formidable. But now… he is still inexperienced.)

It was considered improper for a knight to interrupt their master’s conversation.

Of course, if it was necessary to protect their master, such an action could be justified, but this was not one of those cases.

As proof, Klaus was immediately reprimanded by the knight standing beside him.

(But now that he’s said it so clearly, I have no choice but to back down.)

“If that is the case, I will withdraw my request to accompany you. I apologize for my selfishness.”

Ariadne bowed her head slightly, causing Arnold to give her a troubled look.

“No, there’s no need to apologize. However, if possible, I would prefer that you reconsider participating altogether.”

“Unfortunately, I cannot do that.”

“…I see. In that case, at the very least, promise me that you will listen to your guards.”

“Of course, Prince Arnold.”

Ariadne responded with a radiant smile—despite having no intention of keeping such a promise.

Unaware of her thoughts, Arnold turned to the knights standing behind her.

“I know I don’t need to say this, but protect your master well.”

“Yes, Your Highness. We shall take your words to heart and carry out our duties with utmost diligence.”

Hans and the others stood at attention.

Satisfied, Arnold left.

And so, the hunting tournament began.

The participants set off into the forest, and Ariadne’s group, mounted on horseback, followed suit.

However—

“Princess Ariadne, a monster has appeared. It’s behind us—”

Before the knight could finish speaking, Ariadne snapped her fingers.

In an instant, the wolf-like beast behind them exploded into a spray of bl00d and fur.

The knights froze, their eyes wide with shock.

“P-Princess Ariadne… what just—?”

“Oh? Ah… If the goal was to collect its pelt, then that was a mistake. I should have been more careful. My apologies, I’ll be more mindful next time.”

“N-No, that’s not what I meant—”

Hans and the others were left speechless at the display of her power.

But the truth was, Ariadne had always been highly skilled—she had merely lacked the opportunity to show it.

Furthermore, with consistent training, she had been regaining the abilities she had honed in her past life.

She had intentionally revealed her strength here.

This was a calculated move—a step toward ensuring that her knights prioritized her commands above all else.

And so, she feigned innocence, as if oblivious to the weight of her actions.

Now, it was time to proceed to the next phase of her plan.

“Well then, let’s head toward the depths of the forest.”

Klaus had mentioned heading deeper into the woods, and Ariadne had noted the direction Arnold’s group had taken at the start of the hunt.

Moreover, the hunting grounds were clearly marked—even in the so-called “depths,” the area was not too vast.

She was confident she could locate Arnold.

However, the moment she voiced her intention, Hans frowned.

“Princess Ariadne, the monsters grow stronger the deeper we go. It would be far safer to remain in this area.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I have already decided.”

“Princess Ariadne!”

Hans raised his voice, his gaze filled with determination.

It was clear—he would not allow her to put herself in harm’s way.

Having failed to protect Aria, he was desperate to ensure that this time, he would not fail.

Ariadne met his eyes and spoke firmly.

“Hans, your concerns are valid. But my goal is not simply to hunt. For the future of the House of Restour, I must go to the depths of the forest.”

“What…? What do you mean?”

“I’m afraid I can’t explain just yet. But through my actions, I will prove it to you. So please, trust me.”

She looked from Hans to the other knights.

She was their master.

However, a master was traditionally someone to be protected.

If they believed she was someone who must be shielded, they would resist her orders.

But if they saw her as a leader to follow, they would obey.

At this moment, Ariadne was still young and had only recently assumed her role.

It was a gamble.

But—

(If they do not follow me now, saving Henrik will be impossible.)

So, with a silent prayer, she clenched her fists over her chest.

Then—

Hans dismounted.

And one by one, the other knights followed suit, kneeling in unison.

“I swore to be your sword, Your Highness. My duty is to obey your commands.”

“…Thank you. Then, follow me.”