The Empire’s Princess

“I see, so that’s how it is. Your party members are chasing after you?”

Moonlight streamed in through the window. Iris sat on the edge of the bed, organizing my story. Even in the darkness, her blood-red hair shone brilliantly.

“To think, the reason for visiting a princess at this late hour is a love problem.”

“It’s not a joke, Iris.”

“Oh, is that so? Then you’ve come to comfort me, who’s weary from state affairs? You’ve brought an amusing story.”

“I’m serious, really.”

Perhaps sensing the desperation in my voice, Iris’s expression changed.

“So, how does our runaway Hero-nim feel? Being chased by beauties from all over the continent?”

“Is it funny?”

“Of course. The strongest Hero party in the world, fighting to win over the Hero… it’s enough to make a play out of.”

“I guess, to you, it might just be a comedy.”

A playful smile touched Iris’s lips. Her expression kept changing as I spoke. Sometimes with surprise, sometimes with delight.

“I didn’t realize it would turn out like this.”

“Typical of you. Building the strongest party for five years, and then not realizing they’d try to capture you… is that it?”

Pouring wine from a table next to the bed, Iris continued.

“I understand. You’re worth it, after all.”

Handing me a wine glass, she gave me a meaningful look.

“So, tell me secretly. Which one are you thinking of choosing? The Dragon’s treasure, the Elf’s king, the Saintess’s partner, the Cat’s owner… quite attractive offers, aren’t they? Our Hero-nim is very popular.”

I glared at her with a heavy sigh.

“Stop teasing me.”

“Hehe… Alright, alright. I’ll stop teasing you.”

Iris raised her hand and laughed. But soon, her expression turned serious.

“Remember? Five years ago, when we met on the front lines. I was just the Third Princess waiting for death.”

Her words brought back vivid memories of that time. The Third Princess abandoned on the front lines, a royal family member who had become a political sacrifice.

In the game, Iris was a hidden character. Most players simply passed her by as background to the story. The Third Princess abandoned on the front lines, a royal family member who had become a political sacrifice.

But I knew. The hidden route. Her true value.

At the end was the ‘Iron-Blooded Empress’. An empress who reformed the empire with cold judgment and ruthless execution.

Even in reality, she didn’t disappoint. She was even more perfect than in the game.

“But that weak girl has now become the real power in the empire. Who’s responsible for all this?”

“We just helped each other. Your abilities were outstanding.”

“No. It’s all thanks to Hero-nim. If it weren’t for you, I would have died a long time ago.”

We looked at each other. The sincerity hidden within her cold calculations felt poignant.

“If you hadn’t been there… I would have died on the front lines. Or something even worse. Crying out, ‘Ah, miserable world!'”

The red wine reflected in the moonlight sparkled like her eyes.

“The reason I, who lacked both power and tactics, was able to rise to this position… it’s all thanks to you.”

“We just helped each other.”

“Hehe… I didn’t know you were so modest.”

She cut me off firmly.

“You could have chosen another general with skills instead of the incompetent Third Princess, right?”

Iris put down her wine glass.

“But you chose me. So now it’s my turn to help you.”

“What do you mean by ‘help’…”

“Of course, I’ll hide you for now. In the heart of the empire.”

Iris got up from her seat. She walked to the window and looked out at the night view of the capital.

“The Dragon’s magic, the Elf’s spirits, the Saintess’s divine power, the Cat’s claws… none of them work here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. Challenging the authority of the empire is…”

She turned around and gave a cold smile unique to the Leonhardt family.

“…the same as declaring war.”

“Still, I feel bad for using you.”

“Using? Hehe…”

Iris walked back towards me. Each step was elegant. The moonlight flowed along her silhouette.

“There’s no meaning to such words between us. I’ve always used you, and you’ve used me. We’ve come this far by using each other.”

Iris returned to the bed and sat down.

“Don’t worry. Even if they know you’re here, they can’t act recklessly. The Dragon’s sage will suspect the Elf Queen, the Elf will check the Saintess, and the Saintess will be wary of the Cat. They’ll all hold each other back.”

“I don’t intend to hide forever.”

“Of course not. But you need time now, right?”

Iris placed her hand on my shoulder.

“I believe in you. As always, you’ll find a way this time too.”

Her words gave me a strange sense of relief. Yeah, that’s why I came to Iris.

“Thanks, Iris.”

“No thanks needed. We… need each other.”

***

Daily life in the Imperial Palace was extravagant. Every breakfast had more than 20 dishes, and there were over 30 maids attending. But… this was the extent of luxury and pleasure in this other world. I miss modern times. YouTube, VTubers, web novels.

“Our runaway Hero, have you been cooped up in your room again today, bored?”

Iris came barging in again. With a pile of documents again today.

“It’s an honor to have the busy Princess-nim visit so often.”

“Hehe, my back hurts from sitting at my desk. I just came for a walk.”

Iris leaned back comfortably on the sofa and smiled. Every gesture of hers was captivating.

“So, who chased you today? Did the Dragon find you in the sky or something?”

“It’s still quiet. It seems they’re busy keeping each other in check, as you said.”

“Too bad. I was hoping for a more exciting story.”

“Is my escape a form of entertainment for you?”

Iris giggled. Where did the pride of the Leonhardt family go? She seemed like just a playful girl now.

“Oh, right. Did you hear? They defeated another of the Four Heavenly Kings in the north.”

Suddenly, her expression turned serious.

“News that humanity has won even without the Hero party… aren’t you happy?”

“Of course I’m happy. That was our goal, after all.”

“Actually… I’m a little disappointed.”

For a moment, I doubted my ears.

“What? Saying that in front of the Hero…”

“Because we’re partners. We should be honest with each other, right?”

“Don’t deliberately speak ambiguously.”

Iris looked out the window and continued.

“Think about it. How strong was the Demon King’s army? But after you guys subjugated the monster army and defeated two of the Four Heavenly Kings, the tide turned.”

“Thanks to that, now… humanity can handle it on its own. At least defensive defense, that is.”

“Why are you disappointed about that?”

“War is also an opportunity. When Father is alive, when everyone’s attention is still focused on the demons… we need to change everything now.”

“What…”

“The old traditions of the nobles, the rules of the old era… I’m going to make everything new. They’ll resist, but… we’re at war now. Any reform can be justified.”

“You’re clever. But is that really for the empire? Or…”

“For my own greed?”

Iris laughed once more. This time, even colder.

“Both. The development of the empire and my ambition… do you think these conflict with each other?”

She continued.

“The stronger I become, the stronger the empire becomes. The reforms I want will develop the empire… and that development will strengthen my power again.”

There was a cold calculation in Iris’s voice.

“So that’s why you’re still a princess.”

At my unintentional words, Iris’s eyes flashed.

“Yes. The current Emperor should take responsibility for the radical reforms.”

She held up her wine glass to the light. The red liquid rippled in the sunset.

“It would be best if Father took all the infamy to the grave. That way, the next generation… can inherit a clean empire.”

“Still, isn’t he your father?”

“The throne demands responsibility, not sentiment. The blood of the Leonhardt Imperial Family knows that well.”

The view of the capital spread out beyond the window. The peace we created together, the calculations hidden within it.

Iris was using even her own father for the sake of the empire’s future. And I… was using her.

We knew each other too well. That’s why we could trust each other even more.

“You’re really… a scary woman.”

“Thanks for the compliment. Sometimes… it’s more fun to control the strings from behind like this. Isn’t the playwright more attractive than the actor on stage?”

“That’s you.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. And…”

Iris’s voice suddenly turned serious.

“Sometimes waiting is necessary. Everything… has its proper timing.”

Iris turned around. Her usual playful smile was gone, and a sharp glint flashed in her eyes. I couldn’t know exactly what her words meant, but I knew she was definitely planning something.

“I have a good idea.”

“…What plan is it this time?”

“Hehe, it’s still a secret.”

A smile touched her lips. It was a friendly smile as usual, but I felt a dangerous aura somewhere.

“Don’t worry. Have I ever disappointed you?”

A chill ran down my spine. That smile… she had that smile before eliminating the other heirs to the throne.

“Don’t tell me…”

“Why are you so scared? I just want to help you.”

“Still…”

“Hero-nim, please rest now. You look tired.”

She changed the subject. As if to not allow any further questions.

‘Just what is she planning?’

I pondered, watching her leave. The plan hidden behind that smile felt somehow uneasy.

***

‘I think I’ve rested enough now.’

I checked each of the equipment spread out on the bed. Various magical equipment and materials that could be obtained in the empire. It wasn’t enough, but I had finished the minimum preparations.

‘Should I start from the eastern graveyard… pass through the Black Forest and go north?’

I stopped drawing the route on the map. The noise coming from outside distracted me.

“What’s that noise?”

I raised my head at the boisterous noise coming from outside the window. The sounds of instruments, cheers, and horses’ hooves were mixed together.

I checked the calendar, but it wasn’t a special anniversary. It wasn’t Founding Day, and it certainly wasn’t Victory Day.

Knock knock-

“Hero-nim.”

The door opened and the silver-armored head of the Maid Knights entered. Her expression seemed excited, unlike usual.

“Princess-nim is calling for you. She hopes you will definitely attend tonight’s party.”

“Wait a minute.”

My voice became sharp without me realizing it.

“Wasn’t it a secret that I was here? Iris was supposed to hide me. But suddenly a public appearance…”

“It is Princess-nim’s request.”

The head of the Maid Knights’ voice was firm.

“And… she said to tell you that she’ll pout if you don’t come.”

I sighed. I was planning to leave tonight…

The party members would be busy keeping each other in check, and the security would be lax. Now would be the most perfect timing.

Well, it wouldn’t be bad to give Iris some last-minute prestige before leaving. I won’t be able to see her for a while after I leave.

I got into the carriage under the escort of the Maid Knights. The streets visible through the window were already full of a wave of celebration.

“What is all that…”

Arches decorated with flowers were erected everywhere on the streets, and magical fireworks exploded spectacularly in the sky.

‘That’s strange. It wasn’t even this much when our party caught the Four Heavenly Kings.’

The streets were filled with the excitement of the festival. People cheered and waved at the carriage.

An even more amazing sight unfolded when I arrived in front of the grand palace. It seemed like all the nobles of the empire were gathered. The colorful dresses and formal wear shone dazzlingly.

“Finally, the protagonist of today has arrived!”

A noble shouted happily. In an instant, all eyes were on me.

“Wait, what exactly is…”

“This way, Hero-nim.”

The maid knight led the way. Every time I passed through the hallway, I could hear the nobles whispering.

“That’s the Hero-nim.”

“As expected, he’s dignified as the rumors say. Princess-nim’s eyes are never wrong…”

“It’s the empire’s good fortune. The empire’s future will be brighter now.”

Something was strange. The hallway was decorated more lavishly than usual, the nobles’ gazes were full of excitement, and this tension…

The nobles’ whispers echoed along the hallway. The atmosphere was strange. It didn’t seem like it was just because I was the Hero…

Finally, I arrived in front of the main hall. The huge golden door slowly opened.

For a moment, I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

There, Iris was standing in a pure white wedding dress. Her red hair flowed down like roses over the moonlit white dress.

‘Wait… this…’

“Now, shall we begin?”

Iris gave a familiar smile. That suspicious smile she had shown me a few days ago.

I finally realized. What she meant by ‘good plan’.

“Iris, what is this…?”

“Can’t you tell by looking? It’s a wedding.”

The cold smile unique to the Leonhardt family flashed.

“What are you talking about?”

She lifted the hem of her dress slightly and took another step closer. The long train of the wedding dress rustled as it brushed against the marble floor.

“The wedding of the princess and the Hero. Isn’t it perfect?”

“Hero? Wait…”

Cold sweat formed on my forehead. Don’t tell me…

“Is there another Hero besides me?”

A sharp glint flashed in Iris’s crimson eyes.

“Of course, the Hero is unique. My Haru, only you.”

I could hear the nobles whispering around me. The wedding of the princess and the Hero… their gazes became even hotter.

“This is the ‘good plan’ I was talking about.”

This was the plan she had been hiding for days.

I finally realized. That she was no different from the other party members.

No, perhaps Iris was the scariest. Unlike the others, she had perfectly concealed her obsession.