The Regressed Tyrant Princess Rewrites Her Dark History - Chapter 2.13
The war with the Theocracy of Avelia was about to begin.
Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom. With Siegbert focused on organizing the military and Arnold working tirelessly to secure the supply lines, it was only natural that tensions would rise.
Some lamented the uncertain future, while others boldly called for the complete destruction of the audacious Avelian forces.
Regardless of the differing opinions, relations with the neighboring country were deteriorating rapidly.
Amidst this growing unrest, Ariadne quietly continued her administrative work at the estate, waiting for a certain opportunity.
It was then that her butler, Heino, entered the room.
“Your Highness, a visitor bearing the crest of Restour seeks an audience with you.”
“They’ve arrived!”
Ariadne abruptly rose from her seat.
“Yes, however… they have not given their name and are concealing their face beneath a hood.”
“…A hood?”
Oscar had been posing as a commoner. Under those circumstances, she could understand his caution.
But why go so far as to hide his face with a hood?
She would need to meet with him to find out.
“Very well. Escort them to the finest reception room.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
After dismissing Heino, Ariadne immediately summoned her maids.
“Prepare an outfit for me.”
“As you command.”
Ashley nodded and swiftly coordinated with the other maids, helping Ariadne out of her current attire.
As she let them work, she caught Sybilla’s gaze in the mirror.
“How is Lucia’s education progressing?”
“She initially struggled with etiquette, but she has been putting in great effort. Her magic skills have also improved—her instructor has declared her ready to move beyond the beginner level.”
Ashley flinched slightly.
Even at a beginner level, magic was not something easily mastered.
For Lucia to have progressed so rapidly in such a short time was nothing short of extraordinary.
Ashley, herself a mage, had every reason to be shocked.
She truly was a saint.
“That’s good to hear. But is she only making efforts in her general education?”
Sybilla had spoken as if Lucia were excelling in all areas, but she had only specifically praised her effort in academics.
Noting the omission, Ariadne pressed further.
“My apologies, Your Highness.” Sybilla lowered her head respectfully.
“Due to her time spent in the orphanage, she struggles to break old habits. However, she is determined to be of use to you and has taken it upon herself to assist with maid duties.”
“A maid? How convenient. Have her attend to the guest in the reception room.”
Ariadne’s voice was calm yet decisive.
“Inform her only that the guest is from the Theocracy of Avelia. Do not reveal their true identity.”
At her words, those around her momentarily froze.
They remained composed, but Ashley hesitantly spoke up.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but Lucia is still untrained in proper etiquette. And the guest is… well…”
The unspoken question lingered in the air—Isn’t this guest someone of great importance?
Ariadne nodded in acknowledgment.
“They are traveling incognito, so it won’t be an issue.”
“That may be true, but…”
That did not mean an inexperienced maid should be attending to them.
Some might even suspect Ariadne was deliberately trying to offend the guest with poor service.
She swiftly dispelled that notion.
“There is no need to state the obvious, but we are currently in a tense situation with the Theocracy of Avelia. Anyone visiting me at such a time must be prepared for the worst—perhaps even accepting that they might not leave the palace alive.”
That was the level of resolve required.
“That is precisely why Lucia should be the one to serve them. She, too, is from Avelia.”
By doing so, Ariadne would demonstrate that she did not judge people by their birthplace.
That was the official reasoning.
(Of course, that’s just a convenient excuse.)
In truth, Lucia was still an orphan with no known family.
No one would equate her status with that of a royal.
Ariadne’s real goal was to arrange a meeting between Oscar and Lucia.
She had no intention of forcing a political marriage upon them, but she wished for them to form a connection.
Thus, she orchestrated their first encounter at a moment when neither of their identities had been revealed.
With that thought hidden deep within, she finished dressing.
A short while later, Ariadne, accompanied by Ashley and Lucia, made her way to the reception room where the guest awaited.
Seated on the sofa, the hooded figure exuded an air of nervous tension.
As soon as they noticed Ariadne, they rose to their feet.
“Are you Princess Ariadne?”
The moment the voice reached her ears, Ariadne froze.
It was not Oscar’s voice.
In fact, it was not even a man’s voice.
(No… It couldn’t be…)
As she sifted through her memories from before her regression, the woman pulled back her hood.
Golden-blonde hair spilled out, cascading down her shoulders.
Her striking pink eyes locked onto Ariadne.
It was an unmistakable appearance—one that Ariadne recognized.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Ariadne. My name is Leonora. Please forgive me for answering my brother’s invitation in his place.”
(She’s here? In this country? …No, I should assume history has changed.)
Her plans to introduce Lucia to Oscar had been disrupted.
However, this development was far more advantageous.
Quickly regaining her composure, Ariadne responded gracefully.
“There is no need for apologies. In fact, I had hoped for an opportunity to speak with you, Princess Leonora.”
She gestured for Leonora to take a seat before settling into the opposite sofa herself.
Ashley remained standing behind her, while Lucia was instructed to prepare refreshments for them both.
Ariadne watched as Lucia left the room before shifting her gaze back to Leonora.
The princess was still visibly tense.
Though the formal greetings were over, the fact remained that her life was now in Ariadne’s hands. It was only natural that she remained on edge.
As Ariadne observed her, she recalled the details of Leonora’s profile.
Leonora, now twenty-two, was a brilliant and knowledgeable woman.
She was third in line to the throne, yet Ariadne knew she had the potential to be an exceptional ruler.
“I do not care what happens to me. But please, at least spare my brother.”
Before Ariadne’s regression, when Leonora had become the princess of a defeated nation, she had pleaded with her in desperation.
Yet Ariadne had taken Oscar hostage and turned Leonora into a puppet queen.
After that, the siblings never saw each other again—at least, not until the day Ariadne’s previous life came to an end.
(Looking back, I really was cruel, wasn’t I?)
Betrayed by Siegbert and executed as the “Tyrant Princess,” Ariadne had earned her title not from false accusations, but through the countless enemies she had crushed along the way.
With those memories lingering in her mind, she refocused on Leonora.
“I will be direct. Princess Leonora, will you strike a deal with me?”
“…With me? Not with Oscar? Are you asking me to withdraw the troops stationed along the border?”
Leonora’s eyes wavered with uncertainty.
She had no authority over the military at present.
If that was Ariadne’s request, then she would be unable to fulfill it.
However, that was not Ariadne’s intention.
“There is no need for you to pull back the border troops. Let me make a prediction—Prince Garrett will fall before my brother, Siegbert.”
She deliberately referred to Siegbert as her brother and declared this with absolute confidence.
Siegbert was the enemy she sought vengeance upon.
But that did not mean she denied his or his faction’s capabilities.
She knew all too well how formidable Siegbert was.
Granheim’s victory was inevitable.
What mattered was how they won—how much damage could be mitigated and how the outcome could be shaped for a better future.
However, lacking Ariadne’s knowledge, Leonora furrowed her brows.
“You have remarkable confidence in your country’s military strength.”
“My conclusion is based on a clear assessment of the differences in our forces.”
Ariadne’s tone remained unwavering.
“…Then you have no need for my assistance?”
“I mean no offense, but I am aware that you, Princess Leonora, currently lack the authority to command the withdrawal of troops.”
“…Then what is it you seek from me? Did you not arrange this meeting to prevent war?”
“Not quite.”
“…Not quite?”
Leonora’s frown deepened.
“If war could be avoided, it should be. However, this war has already progressed beyond the point of prevention. Wouldn’t you agree?”
If Granheim had been the aggressor, there might have been a chance to stop the conflict.
Or, if Leonora and Oscar had been the ones leading the charge, negotiations might have been possible.
However, the one who sought this war was Garrett.
And his objectives directly clashed with Ariadne’s.
“Then what is it that you want?”
“It is not quite a desire, but… I wish to introduce a certain woman to Prince Oscar.”
“If you intend to use my brother—”
Leonora abruptly stood, raising a hand toward Ariadne.
At the same moment, Ashley, standing behind Ariadne, immediately tensed, readying herself.
Both were prepared to unleash magic in an instant.
If one attacked, the other would undoubtedly retaliate.
The air crackled with tension, teetering on the edge of conflict—
Yet Ariadne remained seated, entirely unshaken.
“Princess Leonora, what is it that you desire?”
“…Desire? My only wish is for a prosperous future for the Theocracy of Avelia.”
“If that is truly the case, then you would accept the idea of Prince Oscar entering a political marriage for the sake of Avelia’s future, would you not?”
“That is…”
Leonora faltered, unable to immediately answer.
At that very moment, the door to the reception room swung open—without a knock.
Ariadne immediately recognized it as a mistake.
Lucia had simply forgotten to knock.
However, given the tense atmosphere in the room, Leonora perceived it as a deliberate act of aggression.
Reacting instinctively, she began forming an offensive spell.
Of course, she had no true intent to attack.
It was merely a defensive measure, a warning—a means to prevent an ambush.
Yet, triggered by Leonora’s actions, Ashley also activated her own magic.
Both perceived the other’s spell as a direct threat.
And in that split second, both released their attacks.
A tragic accident.
Leonora’s wind blade shot toward Ariadne.
Ashley’s black flames surged toward Leonora.
Somewhere in their hearts, they both realized the absurdity of the situation.
Regret flickered across their faces.
But once released, attack spells could not be stopped.
Both spells hurtled toward their respective targets—
And just before impact, they were deflected by an invisible barrier.
“—What!?”
Ashley and Leonora gasped in unison, their eyes widening in disbelief.
Then, almost in sync, their gazes turned to the one responsible—Ariadne.
But Ariadne paid them no mind.
With a simple snap of her fingers, she dispelled the barrier.
Gracefully, she brushed a stray strand of hair from her shoulder before shifting her sharp gaze to Lucia.
“You forgot to knock.”
“—Ah! M-my deepest apologies!”
Lucia, momentarily frozen in shock, quickly regained her senses at Ariadne’s words and lowered her head apologetically.
“It’s fine. Just be more mindful next time.”
Ariadne chuckled softly before instructing Lucia to arrange the tea and pastries on the table. As Lucia carried out the task, Ariadne turned back to Leonora.
“I apologize for startling you, Princess Leonora. This girl—Lucia—was a child abducted from the Theocracy of Avelia.”
“I-Is that so…?”
Leonora’s expression stiffened slightly—it was no coincidence.
Her earlier exchange with Ariadne had already determined the balance of power in the room.
Even if Leonora had unleashed her magic at full strength, she wouldn’t have even managed to take her opponent down with her.
She now fully understood that if Ariadne so wished, she could end her life without resistance.
Fear distorted Leonora’s refined features, but she quickly pressed her lips together, forcing herself to remain composed.
“…From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand, wasn’t I?”
“If you’re asking whether I could have killed you at any moment—yes, that is true. However, my goal is not to take your life. So, no, I would not say you are in the palm of my hand.”
“Yet you mentioned introducing a woman to my brother. Does that not mean you intend to bind him through a political marriage?”
Ariadne inwardly reflected, (I certainly did that before my regression), but this time, she had no such intention. She shook her head.
“That is not my intention. I simply wish to introduce Prince Oscar to a woman who could serve as his strongest support.”
She smiled gently, as if to reassure Leonora.
After a moment of scrutinizing her expression, Leonora exhaled.
“…I see. It seems I misunderstood you.”
“No, I apologize for causing such a misunderstanding.”
With that, Ariadne cast a casual glance at Lucia, who had just finished serving the refreshments.
Originally, she had planned to introduce Lucia to Prince Oscar.
However, in an unexpected turn, it was Leonora who had come instead.
“…Come to think of it, you mentioned that maid is from the Theocracy of Avelia?”
“Yes. Her origins are unclear, and we are currently investigating. If we uncover any clues about her parents, could I ask for your assistance in returning her to them?”
“If that is all, then of course, I would be happy to help.”
“I appreciate it.”
Ariadne turned to Lucia with a soft smile. “That’s good news for you, isn’t it?”
She then dismissed her, instructing her to wait outside until called upon.
“Now, let us return to our discussion.”
“Yes… If I recall correctly, you said you wished to introduce a woman to my brother. But you claim this is not a political marriage? Then, who exactly is this woman?”
“A woman who will make him a king.”
Leonora blinked, as if struggling to process the words.
“…How am I supposed to respond to that? Should I laugh it off as a joke? Or should I be furious at such nonsense?”
“I don’t make jokes that could cause misunderstandings.”
Ariadne answered with complete composure.
“You’re serious, then?”
“Yes. The woman I wish to introduce to Prince Oscar is the Saint.”
“—!”
Leonora inhaled sharply.
A Saint was one who bore the divine blessing.
Every nation revered such figures, but in the Theocracy of Avelia, they were regarded as truly sacred.
“…Are you truly suggesting you would introduce a Saint to my brother?”
“If he wins the support of a Saint, the Avelian faith will stand behind him. With that backing, it would be only natural for Prince Oscar to become the next king. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“What you say is certainly logical… if such a Saint truly exists.”
“…You doubt her existence?”
“Of course. If a Saint really existed, and you knew her whereabouts, why would you not use her for your own country’s political gain?”
Ariadne had no immediate answer.
Before her regression, she had tried to use Lucia politically—only for it to fail disastrously, culminating in her running her sword through Lucia’s chest.
She could not simply admit she was acting out of guilt.
Nor could she say she wished to honor the Saint’s own desires, for such reasoning would make Leonora question her political competence.
Thus, she offered a different explanation.
“I acknowledge that the Saint holds immense political value. However, she is unnecessary for the First Prince’s faction, which already possesses an undeniable claim to legitimacy. In fact, she would only serve to create unnecessary complications.”
At present, the most politically legitimate heir in Granheim was Prince Arnold, who had secured his claim by becoming engaged to Ariadne—a princess bearing the true royal lineage.
If a Saint were to appear now, it would only complicate the political landscape.
“So, instead, you intend to offer her to Avelia in exchange for a political advantage?”
“You may interpret it that way if you wish.”
If the existence of a Saint were to be revealed in Granheim, someone would inevitably try to exploit her for their own gain.
The simplest solution was to erase all traces of her existence from within the country.
Leonora fell silent, contemplating Ariadne’s words.
“…It is difficult to believe, but not incomprehensible. However, if everything you say is true—what do you seek in return?”
“A future alliance between Prince Oscar and Prince Arnold once Oscar ascends the throne.”
Ariadne smiled. That was all she desired.
Leonora blinked in surprise.
“That’s all?”
“That is all. However, I do not mean it in the superficial sense. When the time comes, you will understand what I meant.”
Leonora hesitated, uncertainty flashing across her face.
“This feels like a riddle.”
“You do not need to believe me just yet. On my end, the Saint will not be handed over immediately. You may decide whether or not to trust me once that moment arrives.”
“…And when will that be?”
“You will know when the time comes.”
Ariadne’s amethyst eyes gleamed with an eerie confidence.
Overwhelmed by the sheer weight of her presence, Leonora involuntarily shuddered.