The Regressed Tyrant Princess Rewrites Her Dark History - Chapter 2.8

A month had passed since Lucia was taken in.

Then, one day, a town near the royal capital was attacked by monsters. Up to this point, events had unfolded much the same as before Ariadne’s return to the past. However, the damage caused by the monsters was noticeably less than before.

This was due in part to Ariadne subtly mobilizing knights in a way that wouldn’t seem unnatural, as well as the kingdom’s swift military response.

As for the latter, Ariadne suspected that Carla’s increased vigilance around the area had played a significant role.

Regardless, while the overall damage from the monster attack had been mitigated, the outbreak of disease could not be prevented.

This was exactly as Ariadne had anticipated.

Monsters emitted miasma—an existence akin to a living poison. Their very presence contaminated the environment, and their corpses, in particular, released large amounts of miasma, which slowly eroded the bodies of the living.

Of course, those aware of this danger made efforts to dispose of the carcasses. However, such duties fell to the soldiers employed by the local lords who governed the towns.

And corruption—nepotism, embezzlement, and negligence—was an ever-present reality.

Because of this, the clean-up efforts around Rosewood were delayed, and people began to suffer from illnesses caused by miasma.

Even if the damage from the monster attack was reduced, this outcome was inevitable—Ariadne had predicted as much.

That much, however, was not particularly unusual.

The real problem was that among the monsters that attacked this time, there had been a special specimen. The miasma it spread mutated into a highly infectious plague.

This same disease had caused a massive outbreak a hundred years ago.

Yet, as time passed, people forgot the terror it once brought.

Thus, when it reemerged, the response was slow. By the time people realized the gravity of the situation, it was too late—the plague had spread across the entire kingdom.

Even after returning to the past, it seemed that history had not changed.

Ariadne received word from Rosewood that people were falling ill due to the miasma. However, the reports lacked any real sense of urgency.

But Ariadne still remembered the tragedy from before her return.

Upon hearing the news, she immediately summoned Ashley to devise a countermeasure.

Yet, as they spoke in a private chamber with no other ears present, Ashley’s expression was tense as she faced Ariadne.

“Your Highness, Princess Ariadne… A disease caused by miasma has broken out in the town of Rosewood. There is also unverified information suggesting that it is contagious.”

“There have been similar cases in the past. Back then, the entire continent suffered devastating losses. Fortunately, however, it is known that purification potions serve as an effective cure for this disease.”

Ariadne had already ordered the mass production of such potions.

They had more than enough to handle the initial outbreak if they acted swiftly.

“…Yes. However, there is also the matter of the monster attack…”

Ashley averted her gaze.

Beneath her troubled expression was an overwhelming sense of guilt.

It was only natural—Ashley believed that Ariadne had caused this entire situation.

Perhaps, in Ashley’s mind, she had only expected the emergence of an ordinary illness. Yet, the result was a deadly plague claiming the lives of innocent people.

Thinking that she had played a role in this disaster, it was only natural for her to be consumed by guilt.

“Ashley, you only created medicine to save lives. Isn’t that right?”

“That… may be true, but…”

(But she still believes she turned a blind eye to the inevitable…)

How could Ariadne ease the weight of Ashley’s guilt?

After a brief moment of contemplation, she decided to employ a small, harmless deception.

“Ashley, listen carefully. I did not cause the monster attack—nor did I create this plague.”

“But…”

It was true that she had ordered the mass production of purification potions a month in advance. That alone suggested prior knowledge of the outbreak.

“I predicted a monster attack based on the situation in the surrounding regions and historical records. But I had no certainty that it would actually happen. That’s why I only prepared purification potions—just in case.”

(Though, even as an excuse, it does sound a bit flimsy, doesn’t it?)

As Ariadne rarely looked troubled, Ashley let out a small chuckle.

“…Ashley?”

“Ah, I apologize. It seems I lost my composure for a moment.”

“Does that mean… you’re feeling better?”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

Her expression remained heavy with guilt.

Even so, she raised her head, determination flickering in her eyes.

“Your Highness, Princess Ariadne… You, too, bear guilt for all of this. No—since you are at the center of everything, you must be suffering far more than I am. And yet, you still try to carry my burden as well. I could never turn my back on you.”

Her expression was rigid, yet in that moment, she looked both noble and beautiful.

Even so—

(It’s not like I actually caused this…)

She did feel guilty for knowing about the event in advance yet doing nothing to prevent it.

But not nearly to the extent that Ashley imagined.

In truth, the one suffering the most right now was Ashley herself.

Feeling somewhat sorry for her, Ariadne nonetheless pressed forward.

“That’s a commendable resolve. Now, let me ask again—are all the preparations complete?”

“Yes. We have secured three thousand vials of purification potion. As per your instructions, they were produced in secret. Even if someone investigates the source, they will never be able to trace it back to us.”

“I see. Then there’s no issue.”

Ariadne nodded in satisfaction, but Ashley’s face still carried a trace of doubt.

“Um… May I ask something?”

“Are you wondering why I ordered them to be produced in secret?”

“I think I understand the reasoning—it’s because if people knew they were prepared in advance, they would suspect that you orchestrated the entire situation. But in that case…”

“Yes. It means we cannot openly distribute the purification potions. If we do, it would expose the fact that we had them ready beforehand.”

If that happened, they wouldn’t be able to use the stockpiled potions at all. So, what was the alternative?

The answer was simple.

“Someone else will use them on our behalf.”

“…Someone else? But that would mean you won’t receive any credit for it, Your Highness.”

“I don’t intend to take credit for it.”

Ariadne smirked.

If someone who retained memories of the past had seen her at that moment, they would have declared her the reincarnation of the infamous “Wicked Princess.” That was how unsettling her smile was as she casually brushed a stray lock of hair from her shoulder.

“Now, let’s begin our staged humanitarian aid.”

After convincing Ashley, Ariadne immediately summoned her knights.

Gathered in the courtyard of the royal retreat, the knights stood at attention as Ariadne ascended the platform. She addressed them directly, announcing their mission—to provide humanitarian aid to the plague-stricken town of Rosewood.

A brief silence followed.

Then, Hans spoke up.

“Your Highness… Surely, you are not saying that you intend to accompany us?”

“No. I’m saying that I will be the one leading you there.”

Hans’s expression twisted into one of deep discontent.

It was an expected reaction.

Even so, Ariadne believed that the trust she had built with them would be enough to sway them.

And then—

“There’s no point in trying to stop you, is there?”

Hans let out a resigned sigh, breaking the silence.

At that moment, Ariadne smiled innocently.

“Exactly. I am not some princess who merely waits to be protected. As the leader of this knightly order, I command you—lend me your strength to save the plague-ridden town of Rosewood!”

“—As you command, Your Highness.”

The knights bowed their heads in unison.

Ariadne wasted no time in executing her plan.

First, she purchased large quantities of food supplies for humanitarian aid. She then ordered Ashley to continue producing purification potions while secretly mixing the existing stock into the aid shipments.

The key point here was that, to the public, the production of purification potions was only now beginning.

The number of vials transported by carriage would be recorded naturally in the inventory as part of their reserves.

Simultaneously, Ariadne officially declared the dispatch of a knightly order to provide aid to Rosewood, securing the king’s approval.

By then, rumors of the plague had already spread, so the approval was granted without delay.

Thus, Ariadne led a small but elite force out of the capital.

As before, they stopped for the night in a nearby town.

However, this time, the plague had already spread there.

Even more concerning—it had mutated.

Rather than spreading solely through direct contact with miasma, it was now infecting people through human transmission. And the origin of the outbreak? A local inn.

Hans was the first to react with shock upon receiving the report.

“It has already spread to other towns…?”

“This is no time for despair,” Ariadne cut in sharply. “Isolate the infected immediately and have the healers treat them. Deploy personnel to other towns as well—under no circumstances can we allow this plague to reach the capital!”

That was the greatest tragedy of the past timeline.

When the plague engulfed Granheim, the kingdom suffered catastrophic losses, leaving it vulnerable in its war against the Holy Kingdom of Avelia.

Ariadne had no intention of letting history repeat itself.

She swiftly ordered the knights to isolate the infected.

“However, Your Highness, we have limited purification potions, and we have no way of knowing how many patients there are in the surrounding towns. What is your plan?”

“That’s true…”

Ashley was in charge of managing the purification potions.

Only she knew the true stockpile count.

Those unaware of the situation were naturally anxious—but revealing the actual numbers was not an option.

“We will send knights and healers to nearby towns. At the same time, we will enforce a quarantine to prevent further spread while requesting reinforcements from the capital.”

“But if we do that, Rosewood will…” Hans trailed off before sighing. “More importantly, what if you contract the illness, Your Highness?”

“You needn’t worry. I can use healing magic. But…”

While she could protect herself, the town of Rosewood would inevitably suffer casualties.

A young knight who had been listening suddenly sucked in a breath.

“Are we really going into a place like that?”

The words slipped out unintentionally.

It was a genuine fear—being sent to what was essentially a death zone.

However, Hans immediately rebuked him.

“A knight should not be speaking such cowardice!”

“I-I apologize! Of course, I have no intention of running away! If it comes to it, I will lay down my life to protect the people!”

Despite his fear, the young knight’s eyes burned with determination as he clenched his fists.

“…What is your name?”

“Sir! My name is Thibault, Your Highness, Princess Ariadne!”

Thinking he was about to be reprimanded, he quickly knelt on one knee in formal submission.

“Thibault, listen carefully. If the town has already fallen into a worst-case scenario, we will have to isolate the infected. In that case… there will be patients we must abandon.”

She let the words sink in before continuing.

“But even if that happens, I will ensure that you knights always have access to the purification potions until the very end.”

“That…!”

Thibault looked up at her in disbelief, his eyes darting around as he processed her words.

He must have thought she was testing his resolve.

After clenching his lips tightly, he finally responded, his voice firm.

“There is no need for that!”

He declared, his voice steady despite the slight tremor in his hands.

“We exist to protect you, Princess Ariadne, and the people. Therefore, the purification potions should be used for you and the civilians first!”

Though his hands trembled faintly, his gaze remained unwavering as he looked straight at Ariadne.

That was precisely why she let out a sigh.

“You are noble. But… you are wrong.”

“Wrong…?”

Ariadne nodded, then turned to look at the other knights who had been listening.

“Knights of Restour, hear me well! Your duty is to protect me, your liege, and to save as many lives as possible!”

“Yes! We are prepared to lay down our lives at any moment!”

Thibault declared.

Ariadne shook her head firmly.

“You will save countless lives from now on. To sacrifice yourself means abandoning all those people you were meant to protect. That is why—I will not permit such foolishness.”

Her gemstone-like eyes shone with intensity as she spoke in a commanding tone that brooked no argument.

Thibault’s expression turned complicated, his conviction wavering for the first time.

“…Are you telling us to abandon the civilians?”

“No. I am telling you to follow my command—for the sake of saving as many as possible.”

Her gaze bore into him, conveying the unspoken message: This is not your burden to carry.

(Ashley, and even the knights—none of them need to bear this weight.)

(If sacrifices must be made for the greater good, the one to make that decision will always be me.)

Ariadne once again swept her gaze over the assembled knights.

She had no way of knowing what they were truly thinking as they listened.

But regardless of their feelings, she would not allow them to die here.

After all, a war with the neighboring kingdom still loomed on the horizon.

And beyond that, Ariadne had a plan—a plan to take Wilfried’s head.

It would require difficult decisions and bitter sacrifices, and there would be times when the knights would resent her for it.

If they refused to obey her now, that plan would crumble.

And so—

“No matter what you think, no matter who criticizes me, I refuse to lose you here. If you cannot accept that, turn back to the capital now.”

With that, she turned her back on them.

Her silent message was clear: If you want to leave, this is your last chance.

Suppressing the uncertainty welling up inside her, she waited for their response.

A moment passed—one that felt as though it stretched into eternity.

Then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the air.

For a split second, Ariadne clenched the fabric of her dress, fearing they were walking away.

But the footsteps did not fade into the distance.

Tentatively, she turned back—only to see them, every last one of them, kneeling on one knee before her.

An indescribable emotion swelled in her chest.

“…You are prepared, then?”

“As long as we draw breath, we stand with you, Princess Ariadne.”