I've Suffered for Five Years, Now It's Your Turn. ~The Crown Princess Has No Intention of Forgiving~ - Final Episode

Rocked gently by the motion, I slowly opened my eyes.
The carriage moved along the stone-paved road under the early morning sun, taking us home to Sylvan, my homeland.

“Awake at last, Lady Filia.”

“Good morning, Ryug.”

I greeted Ryug, who rode with me as my escort, and shifted closer to the window.
The scenery outside helped clear the lingering drowsiness, and the wind brushing through my hair felt as if it were sweeping away the memories of the five years I had spent in the Kingdom of Harvin.

“It’s over now. I’m finally starting to feel it.”

“…”

“Ryug, your duty is done. Stay with me a while—I’d like to talk.”

He nodded at my words and spoke softly.

“You were magnificent. What you’ve done… the people of Sylvan will surely be proud.”

“Hearing that eases my heart.”

As the thin morning mist lifted, a field of young grass swayed in the wind, stretching out before us.
Wildflowers, sparkling with dew, bloomed in vibrant colors under the morning light.

In the distance, I could see calm mountains I recognized.
We were getting close to Sylvan.
The peaceful, warm scenery almost felt like a welcome home.

“Ryug… I’ve been thinking about these last five years. About the loneliness and unfairness I endured as the crown princess.”

“…”

“There were so many times I nearly broke. What kept me standing… was everyone back home. The people of Sylvan.”

“Lady Filia…”

“But still, I keep wondering if this was really the best way. If I had acted sooner… if there had been a better way. Did I really do my part as someone meant to carry Sylvan on their shoulders?”

It was the truth I had been holding back—maybe even a weakness I hadn’t dared speak aloud.
To be honest, I feel like I took on a revenge far too big for me.

Was there a better way? Did I do what I should have for the people?
Would Father scold me once I returned? Had I lost the people’s trust?

“Heh… maybe I’m afraid of being judged after all. I guess that’s just… human nature.”

“I don’t think fearing judgment is a bad thing.”

“…!”

“If you stay true to the right path, no matter the mistakes you’ve made, they can be made right again.”

His words lifted the weight on my heart, like a soft breeze over the plains outside the window.
Ryug spoke not as a knight bound by duty, but as someone who truly cared, someone who had been by my side through it all.

“Erik and the others chose a different path. One that led to ruin. That’s a mistake they can never take back.”

“Yeah… you’re right.”

“But you’re not like them. Among all the choices, you chose the one that stayed true to your values.
You chose a noble fight—one that brings no shame to the name of Sylvan.”

He looked at me with unwavering eyes.
These weren’t words of obligation. They were from the heart.

“You chose to stand your ground and fight. For that, I respect you.
You worked to bring justice, and for that, I thank you.”

“…!”

“And as someone born in Sylvan… I’m proud of you. I know everyone waiting for your return feels the same.”

“…Thank you, Ryug.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you.
For fighting a proud fight for Sylvan.
As someone sworn to serve this kingdom, I offer you my deepest respect and gratitude.”

A citizen’s heartfelt praise.
How comforting his words were… how they eased my fears.

“I’m actually… looking forward to going home now.”

There was no more doubt in my heart.
The knight who had watched over me more closely than anyone else had given me his blessing.
I had fought for Sylvan, and I had done it the right way.
With that truth in my heart, I could finally move forward.

“This is where it really begins, isn’t it?”

Five years of hardship had come to an end.
I had stepped out of the darkness and was ready to face my people with my head held high.

Joy slowly filled my heart as I let go of the pain I had carried for so long.
From now on, I would shape my own future.
Everything I had been through would light the path ahead.

“My happiness… finally starts here.”

I truly believe that.
After enduring every hardship, I fought with honor for the sake of pride.

Now, as Princess Filia Sylvan of the Sylvan royal family…
I return home with my head held high.

I’ll be okay.
Because this time…

It’s finally my turn to be happy.

—Fin—