The Regressed Tyrant Princess Rewrites Her Dark History - Chapter 1.20

Ariadne, the forgotten and scorned princess, was suddenly acknowledged as Raphael’s daughter overnight and found herself proposed to by Arnold.

Despite being the center of attention, Ariadne was far from celebrating. The secret of the jewel-like eyes, revealed by Raphael, meant that Siegbert would inevitably come after her life in the future.

(But that’s exactly what I want.)

She had avoided direct confrontation to gain strength, but she had never once forgotten her desire for revenge. From the very beginning, Siegbert had always been her target.

And so, Ariadne decided to accept Arnold’s proposal. To discuss the details, she made her way to the detached palace where Arnold and Amelia resided.

News of Arnold’s proposal had likely already spread. Despite visiting the day after the Founding Ceremony without prior notice, she was immediately led to the highest-ranked reception room.

Before long, Arnold appeared.

“Prince Arnold, I apologize for visiting unannounced. I wished to discuss the matter from the other day as soon as possible.”

“There is no need for formalities, Princess Ariadne. So, does this mean… you’ve accepted my proposal?”

“Yes. I would like to accept your proposal for a contractual marriage.”

Arnold’s expression froze.

“…I beg your pardon? Could you repeat that?”

“Oh? Ah, I apologize. Since I am still a minor, it would technically be a contractual engagement.”

“…No, that’s not the issue… A contract, you say?”

Arnold held his head in his hands.

“Is something wrong?”

“Wrong… No. Whether it’s a contract or not, a marriage is still a marriage, isn’t it?”

He massaged his temple before motioning for her to continue.

“Then, first, my request. I want you to protect me from the attacks that will inevitably come from the Second Prince’s faction.”

“…Protecting you is a given, but… attacks?”

“What?”

Ariadne suddenly felt something was off.

“I am aware that Prince Siegbert is trying to recruit you into his faction, but even if he fails, do you truly believe he would go so far as to take your life?”

Ariadne’s suspicion turned into certainty.

If Arnold knew the secret of the jewel-like eyes, he would naturally understand that Siegbert would try to kill her after her engagement to Arnold.

And yet, Arnold hadn’t reached that conclusion.

(Could it be that Prince Arnold doesn’t know about the jewel-like eyes?)

Even in the previous timeline, Ariadne herself hadn’t known. If that was the case, it was entirely possible that Arnold was also unaware.

(But wait… then why did he propose to me?)

She had assumed it was because he wanted to pass the jewel-like eyes on to his children. Gaining the proof of the true royal lineage would have been reason enough for him to protect her from the Second Prince’s faction.

That was why she had believed in the necessity of a contractual marriage.

But Arnold didn’t know about the secret.

Nor could he have known that Ariadne possessed memories of the future. She had saved him and his mother, but people didn’t propose out of gratitude alone.

(Could it be that Prince Arnold… has feelings for me?)

The moment she reached that conclusion, Ariadne clutched her chest.

She had never particularly disliked Arnold, even in the previous timeline, despite him being an enemy. In fact, she had respected him as a highly capable individual.

But—

(I killed him.)

A future that had been erased by her regression.

And yet, she still remembered.

She was willing to atone for that sin. She had no qualms about making a deal with him. But taking advantage of his genuine feelings felt different.

“Prince Arnold, I must apologize. The truth is—”

She had mistakenly believed it was a contractual marriage.

Just as she was about to say it, Arnold shook his head.

“Princess Ariadne, you don’t need to say anything more.”

“But I misunderstood—I thought this was a contractual arrangement, so…”

“It is a contractual marriage.”

Arnold smiled.

“…That’s a lie. You don’t even know my secret, do you?”

“That doesn’t matter. What I desire is for you to become my partner. In return, I will protect you. If that isn’t a contract, then what is it?”

“That… is…”

Even knowing that Ariadne did not reciprocate his feelings, he still wanted this arrangement.

That alone was enough for it to be considered a contract. Whether or not Ariadne could accept it was another matter.

(But realistically, I need his power. And he needs me as well. If this is a transaction rather than love, then there’s no reason to refuse… right?)

Ariadne was unsure. She had never understood romantic feelings. In her previous life, she had devoted everything to seeking familial love.

“Are you truly fine with this, Prince Arnold?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m the one who made the proposal, after all.”

If he was that determined—then so be it.

“Understood. Then let’s make the contract.”

“Thank you for accepting. Now, let’s discuss the terms. I will protect you from all hardships. In return, what will you offer me?”

(Wait… wasn’t the marriage itself supposed to be the price? Well, in that case, it would actually be easier for me to offer the secret of the jewel-like eyes in exchange…)

Since she needed his protection anyway, she decided it was time to reveal the truth.

“If you protect me, I will grant you the rightful proof of the true royal lineage.”

“…The rightful proof of the true royal lineage?”

Arnold’s eyes widened.

“I heard it from His Majesty Raphael. The royal family of Restour was originally the Granheim royal family, who were exiled due to a political upheaval.”

“I’ve heard the rumors. But how does that relate to the proof of royal lineage…?”

Arnold’s breath hitched.

Because Ariadne pointed to her own eyes.

“Could it be that the true royal family is…”

“It is a possibility.”

The royal family of Restour, who possessed the jewel-like eyes, were the rightful heirs of Granheim. Meanwhile, the current Granheim royal family was descended from those who had usurped the throne during the political upheaval.

—That might be the truth.

“…This is unexpected.”

“If you regret this, you may break our contract.”

“Of course not. However, given these circumstances, it’s now undeniable that Prince Siegbert will either try to take you by force or eliminate you at all costs.”

Ariadne nodded solemnly. In the previous timeline, after Siegbert had drawn her into his faction, he had ultimately chosen to kill her. That had to be the reason why.

“Yes. I believe that after the engagement ceremony, I will have a certain degree of safety. However, that alone is not enough. If possible, could you introduce me to Princess Olivia?”

“…My sister?”

“Yes. I would like to enlist her help.”

Olivia possessed a near-saintly charisma. Even in the previous timeline, despite having a significant weakness, she had still been strong enough to stand against Ariadne.

If she could be convinced, she would be a powerful ally.

Most importantly, having experienced regression, Ariadne now knew how to eliminate Olivia’s weakness.

“Understood. I will relay the message to my sister.”