The Regressed Tyrant Princess Rewrites Her Dark History - Chapter 1.25

“It’s not like I go out of my way to be cruel to anyone except villains, you know?”

Ariadne had overheard Olivia and the others making subtle remarks about her ruthlessness.

She wouldn’t deny that she had anticipated Khalid’s betrayal, but it wasn’t as if she had decided from the beginning that he would turn against her.

(…Well, I did think he’d betray me.)

Regardless, Ariadne had sent a formal letter requesting a meeting with a certain person—

A person who, despite everything, still held considerable influence.

A Meeting with the Queen

In the drawing room where she had been led, Carla sat elegantly, her presence unwavering as she greeted Ariadne.

“I didn’t expect you to come calling so soon after everything that happened.”

Ariadne curtsied gracefully before taking a seat across from Carla as offered.

This time, it was an official visit.

Behind each of them, their respective ladies-in-waiting stood in silent attendance.

“I appreciate Your Majesty’s willingness to grant me an audience on such short notice.”

“I have a good guess as to what this is about. But let’s not forget, Ariadne—you and I are enemies.”

Ariadne and Carla were, by all means, on opposing sides.

Ariadne had sworn revenge against Siegbert.

And Carla had declared her intent to eliminate Ariadne.

For now, they were engaged in a battle of wits—but in time, they would no doubt attempt to kill each other.

But that time was not yet.

“A great strategist does not allow emotions to cloud their judgment. And I know well that Your Majesty is nothing short of a brilliant strategist.”

Carla let out an amused chuckle.

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere, but I must admit, I don’t dislike it. So? Continue.”

Encouraged, Ariadne met Carla’s gaze head-on.

“Even among enemies, if an opportunity benefits them both, a temporary alliance is not unthinkable. That is why I am here.”

“…Indeed. You understand my way of thinking. However, you are overlooking one crucial point. You have become an obstacle—a significant one—to me and my son, Siegbert.”

“I have not forgotten that.”

Ariadne remained composed, her gaze unwavering.

Carla was the type of woman who would entertain an alliance, as long as it served her interests.

There was no need to state the obvious.

Carla smirked.

“…Very well. I’ll hear you out. You want the Hoffman family’s daughter’s claim to legitimacy recognized under royal authority, correct?”

“As expected, you are well-informed.”

“Of course. I know you negotiated with that acting count—Khalid. And I know he betrayed you.”

Carla’s tone was laced with amusement.

“It was rather careless of you. It’s not like you to let your guard down.”

“I had hoped for a sincere agreement, but—”

Ariadne’s previous life’s memories had already told her that Khalid was not a man to be trusted.

“I see. So, in the end, it was he who was discarded.”

Carla’s eyes gleamed with amusement.

“And? What will you offer me in return for granting legitimacy to the Hoffman daughter?”

Ariadne signaled to Ashley, who handed a magic tool to Carla’s lady-in-waiting.

After confirming its safety, it was passed to Carla herself.

Carla observed it curiously.

“Ah, yes. The infamous new magic tool. I hear it is highly cost-effective and can be powered with low-grade mana stones. Quite the innovation, is it not?”

“Yes. With this, low-grade mana stone mines will become valuable assets.”

“Oh? A bold claim. True, there may be some profit to be made. But don’t exaggerate—it’s nowhere near the value of a gold mine. Logistics costs alone could negate any earnings.”

“You are absolutely right.”

It was true.

While this development could stimulate local economies, it wouldn’t generate vast fortunes overnight.

Carla’s lack of personal interest in her own low-grade mana stone mines made sense—profitability had always been the main hurdle.

However—

That obstacle could be overcome.

By producing the magic tools on-site, rather than transporting the raw mana stones elsewhere, logistics costs could be eliminated.

But Khalid had been too short-sighted to recognize this.

Instead, he had chosen to align himself with the Second Prince’s faction, believing that securing their support was more beneficial than gambling on a business venture.

He had also assumed that Ariadne would manufacture the tools exclusively in the old Restour capital—raising the value of his mines.

But there was nothing forcing Ariadne to manufacture them there.

“In fact, Your Majesty, I have already purchased a portion of land within your domain.”

Carla’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“…I did notice some unknown merchant syndicate poking around in my territory.”

Ariadne smiled.

“I suspected you had. If Your Majesty agrees to my conditions, I will establish a large-scale magic tool production facility near your mines.”

“…Magic tool production? But wouldn’t you keep the technology a secret?”

“While the performance is unique, the manufacturing process is not much different from traditional magic tools. Left alone, others will start producing imitations soon enough.”

Ariadne’s words carried a hidden message.

(Carla, you understand what I’m implying, don’t you?)

She fixed Carla with a challenging gaze.

For a brief moment, Carla’s eyes widened.

Then, she let out a low laugh.

“I see… So that’s your game. You want to use me.”

Ariadne simply smiled.

In the previous timeline, Ariadne had introduced magic tools under Siegbert’s banner.

However, the First Prince’s faction had quickly copied the technology—preventing Ariadne from securing a monopoly.

Instead, the real beneficiaries had been:

• • • • The nobles who owned mana stone mines

• • • • Opportunistic merchants

(But this time… I will control who profits.)

Now, Ariadne had ties to the First Prince, Arnold.

If magic tools were produced under his authority, the First Prince’s faction wouldn’t dare compete openly.

But the Second Prince’s faction would—unless Carla had a stake in it.

If Carla benefited, the Second Prince’s faction wouldn’t dare undermine her profits.

Only those Ariadne deemed worthy would benefit.

And the influence she would gain from this?

Unprecedented.

Carla smiled coldly.

“I like it. However—”**

Her gaze darkened.

“This still does not benefit Siegbert. And I do not support my son’s enemies.”**

“If you refuse my proposal, even if it results in Prince Siegbert suffering for it… you would still turn me down?”

“…What exactly are you implying?”

Carla’s gaze sharpened, taking Ariadne’s words as a threat.

The tension in the room thickened, causing Ashley and the other attendants behind Ariadne to hold their breath.

But Ariadne, as calm as ever, simply took a sip of her tea.

A Silent Message

“Did you know?” Ariadne continued smoothly. “Count Astor was nothing more than Wilfried Marquis’s pawn.”

Carla remained expressionless, but her lady-in-waiting visibly flinched—her face betraying her shock.

Ariadne glanced at her briefly.

Carla immediately turned her sharp gaze to the maid.

“…Forgive me, Your Majesty.”

“Leave us.”

The maid bowed hurriedly and withdrew.

Ariadne, however, made no motion to dismiss Ashley.

“You do not intend to send your attendant away?” Carla asked.

“She serves as the eyes of Queen Amelia,” Ariadne replied calmly.

A subtle but crucial message—

Even as she negotiated with Carla, she had no intention of betraying the First Prince’s faction.

Carla let out a small hum of understanding before cutting straight to the point.

“Is what you said about Count Astor… true?”

“Yes. It is a fact. And yet, Prince Siegbert saw fit to dispose of him. By now, Wilfried must be seething over it.”

A shadow passed over Carla’s elegant features.

A Calculated Warning

Ariadne observed her closely.

(So she already suspected something, but this confirms it for her.)

“I am sure you are aware, Your Majesty, that Count Hoffman’s acting head is originally from the Astor family. And that currently, his son is engaged to the daughter of one of Prince Siegbert’s closest aides.”

Carla’s expression darkened.

Wilfried Marquis was no fool.

He would use this engagement as an entry point, strengthening his ties to the Second Prince’s inner circle and ensuring Siegbert’s movements would eventually be leaked to him.

Ariadne saw realization dawn in Carla’s eyes.

(Yes… this was one of the greatest thorns in my side in the previous timeline. She won’t want it to happen again either.)

Carla seemed about to speak, but Ariadne cut in smoothly—

“I would advise against warning Prince Siegbert about this.”

Carla visibly tensed.

Ariadne had predicted her exact line of thought.

And she pressed forward before Carla could recover.

“If the Prince abruptly cancels the engagement, Wilfried Marquis will undoubtedly investigate why. If rumors spread that Prince Siegbert called off a betrothal because he suspected Wilfried… that would be rather problematic, wouldn’t it?”

Carla fell silent, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest of her chair.

This was not a rumor she could afford.

Wilfried Marquis and the Second Prince’s faction were allies—but if trust between them fractured, the damage would be irreparable.

A cancellation at this stage would raise too many questions.

And there was no stopping the rumors—

Because if Siegbert ended the engagement, Ariadne would personally ensure those rumors spread.

She had implied as much.

An Inevitable Choice

There was only one option left for Carla.

To accept Ariadne’s deal.

To allow the Hoffman succession dispute to be settled through royal decree.

And as a result, the engagement would be broken from the Hoffman family’s side.

This way, Siegbert’s hands would be clean—

And Wilfried would have no reason to suspect he was being watched.

After a long pause, Carla finally sighed.

“It is truly unfortunate that I could not make you my ally. At this rate, it would be far better for Siegbert if I simply killed you here and now.”

“But Your Majesty knows that is impossible,” Ariadne countered smoothly.

This was not a private meeting like before.

It was a formal visit.

If anything happened to Ariadne here, Carla would be held responsible.

And there was no chance that Arnold or Queen Amelia would let such an incident go unpunished.

Carla let out a dry chuckle, shaking her head in exasperation.

“…At what point did you plan all of this?”

Ariadne tilted her head playfully.

“Who knows? I’ve long since forgotten.”

Carla released a deep sigh, leaning back into her chair.

“Very well. We will consider this a draw. For Siegbert’s sake, I will persuade His Majesty to issue a royal decree.”

She met Ariadne’s gaze sharply.

“The one to inherit the Hoffman title will be Lynette Hoffman.”

Ariadne stood, her purpose fulfilled.

“A wise decision, Your Majesty.”

She curtsied gracefully and turned to leave.

(But really… what I wouldn’t give to see Siegbert’s face when he finds out the full extent of this.)

Ariadne thought it was just a little disappointing that she wouldn’t be able to witness it firsthand.