Recently, Shi-en’s mood had not been good.
Born as the Fifth Imperial Princess of the Empire, she had lived a life of power that others envied. Dozens of attendants served her, and she was overflowing with wealth.
It was an environment where there shouldn’t have been much to feel upset about. Nevertheless, Shi-en’s heart had sunk to a level akin to depression lately.
It had been since the conflict with a certain man. Since then, her mood had been on a downward trend.
It was as if all the consequences pointed out that looking down on that man had been a grave mistake.
Gains were virtually nonexistent, but losses were plentiful.
First and foremost, the honor of the royal guards had been tarnished.
Four royal guards had been annihilated facing a third-year academy student. To make matters worse, they had been overwhelmingly defeated, leaving no room for excuses.
No matter how excellent the academy student was, they could not measure up to the Imperial Court’s royal guards. Yet, even when they had orchestrated a joint attack, victory had been decided in just a few exchanges.
It was at a point where she could hardly lift her head.
And the honor of her subordinates was directly linked to the prestige of the lord they served.
They were talented individuals she had chosen after much consideration, but with a single defeat, public opinion towards Shi-en had plummeted drastically.
She was subjected to criticism for her poor discernment, and it was not uncommon to hear remarks that good talents wouldn’t gather because she lacked popularity.
Shi-en had painstakingly worked to build a positive image until now. At any moment, it wouldn’t have been surprising if she had gone insane and jumped up and down in frustration.
Her eyes were not mistaken.
Her reputation was certainly not lacking.
Though she might not know her true feelings, to the outside world, Shi-en was the very embodiment of an ideal princess. If she were to entice others, there would be plenty who would lower their heads to her.
Yet, the defeat of all the knights who held her trust could only be attributed to the fact that the opponent was an extraordinary existence.
Ian Fercurus, a man who had unexpectedly stood out.
She had thought she could easily win him over. Shi-en was adept in human psychology and sensitive to desires.
She had been confident in her ability to read people.
However, that confidence had come crashing down.
Those indifferent eyes, lacking a greed for wealth, power, or even honor.
Could such a being truly be called human?
Perhaps it would be more fitting to call him a monster wearing a human’s skin.
No, not a monster, but a devil.
No, no. Just a bad guy. And a scoundrel, an ungrateful vassal who didn’t respect the Imperial family, and moreover, a foolish man who couldn’t even show consideration for women.
How dare he, being a lowly noble, how dare he…
Shi-en gnawed on her lips as she cursed Ian inwardly. In her frustration, she instinctively bounced her feet in anger.
“Ian Fercurus…!”
Just thinking of that day made her blood boil.
She could understand losing. To be honest, there was no greater humiliation, but it was reasonable to accept if her emotions had been lost for a moment after being splashed with water.
But what she couldn’t tolerate most of all was the emotion etched into her heart that day.
Fear?
It was not an emotion befitting a member of the Imperial Court that traveled across the continent. Yet, Shi-en had undoubtedly felt fear that day.
She had even dared not to meet Ian’s gaze.
That feeling burned itself into her mind like an unhealable wound. It felt as if she wouldn’t be able to endure without avenging that humiliation.
No one should look down on her.
Shi-en had waited, keeping herself composed for a while. If Ian came to her, begging for forgiveness and kissing her feet, she would have turned a blind eye to that outrageous disrespect from that day.
But now, too much time had passed.
With irreversible choices come consequences, and in the end, Shi-en chose the most brutal method.
She was well aware of when a person feels the most intense pain and loneliness. Shi-en immediately began attacking Ian’s associates.
It was the result of daring to insult the Imperial family.
In her childhood, Shi-en had vowed never to be looked down upon again. Since that day, her world had turned upside down, and it must continue to do so.
Though she had lived a little over 20 short years, this was the first time she faced a true enemy.
She would trample them thoroughly and set an example.
She planned to attack his clan and associates, dragging their reputation down to the abyss, making them feel what it was like to be opposed by the world.
Of course, hesitation still lingered. There was no way Shi-en could enjoy unilaterally destroying someone.
But if the other party did not back down, breaking them was the best option.
Once that conclusion was reached, only action remained.
Shi-en operated the academy branch of the Imperial Intelligence Department disguised as the News Department.
Almost instantly, rumors began to spread, and an atmosphere formed that sought to harass Ian and those around him. The Five Great Noble Families of the Empire began to move, and a crisis was about to strike Perkus Manor.
It was perfect.
By this point, she expected Ian to come weeping and begging to cling to her.
However, soon after, the Academy’s News Department unexpectedly altered their tone.
[98% of academy students were unaware of the truth that day! In fact, Ian Fercurus has no weaknesses whatsoever? The Yuridina Clan was shocked, and so was the Imperial Court! “If you touch the little Ian Fercurus, you’re in for real trouble.”]
“…What is this trashy title?”
That was Shi-en’s straightforward impression upon seeing the front-page headline of that day.
Even the scraps of newspapers sold in the market wouldn’t use such a title. Shi-en fell into brief contemplation.
Should she propose to her mother the need for a qualitative improvement in the Imperial Intelligence Department?
However, what was even more surprising was the reaction of those around her regarding this situation.
A woman, glancing at the newspaper Shi-en was holding, smiled wryly. She was a distinguished maid whose elegant black hair suited her well.
She was the head maid who had cared for Shi-en since childhood.
With her stature as one of Shi-en’s closest confidants along with Airen, she had been serving Shi-en for a while, substituting for the dejected Airen after the recent defeat.
The head maid’s personal strength was also quite proficient.
Of course, she couldn’t compare to Airen. Still, she would be able to buy Shi-en enough time to escape in worst-case scenarios.
She had once been involved with the Imperial Intelligence Department. Thus, Shi-en believed that the head maid’s assessment could be trusted deep down.
Until she heard the words that followed.
“Well, it’s a title that seems like they did their best.”
“…What?”
Shi-en looked at the head maid with a gaze full of disbelief.
With her beautiful looks, her actions inevitably seemed cute. Let alone, the head maid was someone who had served her since her childhood.
The head maid laughed lightly as if finding the princess adorable. Shi-en felt a hint of warmth emanating from her, making her feel somewhat flustered.
The princess, sensitive to malice, was also weak to goodwill.
Against someone like the head maid, who consistently showed her kindness, it was only natural to be vulnerable.
“Of course! It reflects the current trends well. Such sensational titles attract more people. And regardless of the content’s quality, just by reading it, the information exerts influence.”
“…The News Department, has it taken the side of that low noble?”
Ha, Shi-en half-laughed in disbelief.
However, the more she listened to the head maid’s explanations, the clearer that fact became.
They had cooked the News Department. This meant that the low noble had seized control over the Imperial Intelligence Department’s academy branch.
But how?
Not understanding the reason, Shi-en attempted to make contact with the News Department. However, the responses she received were always cold.
The News Department insisted on respecting the right to rebuttal of the subjects they covered.
It was a ridiculous notion. They were masters of group incitement and information manipulation.
Even though dozens had witnessed Ian slaughtering Shi-en’s royal guards, they were the ones who cleverly distorted the testimonies and memories.
It was absurd that those who made it their business to turn lies into truth spoke of a “right to rebuttal.”
Even more unbelievable was that the head maid’s prediction had come to pass.
As the News Department began to actively incite public opinion, perceptions towards Ian rapidly worsened.
The problem was that the worsened perception had turned him into “a madman who would cut off limbs without regard for anything like expulsion if provoked.”
The academy students who had previously tried to attack the weakness of “expulsion” using the princess as a backing could only hesitate.
No matter who they were, no one wanted to deal with a mad dog that attacked anyone indiscriminately. This was a conclusion anyone capable of rational judgment could come to.
While earning the princess’s favor was important, life was surely more precious.
It was the moment when harassment towards Ian and those around him was swiftly wiped away.
At that time, Shi-en was standing before a door, wearing a sorrowful expression.
As if she had steeled herself, she gently rapped on the door.
There was no answer from inside.
Shi-en sighed deeply and added one more line.
“It’s me, Shi-en.”
Then she felt a startled reaction from within.
After a while, as time passed, the firmly closed door opened slightly.
It was a woman with mysterious blue hair. The once proud lady knight, adorned with such beauty like a single flower, now looked a bit weary.
It was only natural, considering she had been cooped up in her room all day. Long hours without any external activity seemed to have softened even her once-toned muscles.
The look in Shi-en’s eyes darkened as she gazed upon the fall of her beloved knight.
“…Your Highness.”
She bowed her head deeply, as if feeling ashamed. Concern quickly filled Shi-en’s face.
“Airen, it’s time to come out… right? What happened that day wasn’t your fault.”
Shi-en’s tone was earnest as she spoke. She treasured her own people dearly. Seeing Airen trapped in her room made her heart uneasy.
Moreover, hadn’t Airen only tried to protect Shi-en?
Yet, even at Shi-en’s plea, Airen only smiled bitterly.
“I’m sorry, just a little longer…”
“Y-You said that two days ago, didn’t you? Come on, go outside for a walk, meet people… sigh, should I give you some time off? I’ll give you as much as you want, so please step outside! Ugh, I’ll even give you a cash bonus! Yes, I’ll give you a cash bonus! That Zeroth who lost his arm last time is currently at home receiving treatment…”
With a thud, the door shut firmly once again.
Through it, a barely audible voice trickled out.
“…I’m sorry.”
A daughter of the noble Rufemion family, and a loyal knight, Airen had been vanquished by a single defeat.
Indeed, the moment she stepped outside, mockery from others regarding Airen and the royal guards echoed all around. The same was true within the Rufemion family and the royal guard.
Shi-en, who knew well what it felt like to be scorned and mocked by everyone in the world, couldn’t bring herself to speak further.
She could only feel dejected as she took her leave.
As she walked down the stairs to the lobby, she found two beautiful letter envelopes.
The seals bore the emblem of a dragon. They were the insignia of the Imperial family.
Shi-en lifted each letter with a perplexed expression.
[Shi-en, I heard you’ve been having a hard time lately. Should I lend you a royal guard?]
[My dear sister, whatever you do is your business, but please do not tarnish the honor of the Imperial family. We carry hundreds of years of history upon our shoulders. It’s not like you’ll ever ascend to the throne, but remember, always be cautious in your actions.]
As Shi-en read those brief words, her grip tightened around the letters.
Crumpling the letters in her hands, Shi-en’s shoulders trembled. There was no need to check the sender; it was obvious.
The letters were undoubtedly from the First Prince Bulteon and the Second Princess Iris. Her hideous siblings, who were driven mad by power, willing to sacrifice even their own kin.
Just thinking of them smirking in the palace made Shi-en feel like she was going insane.
No, she was already mad.
Shi-en took a deep breath, exhaling sharply as she placed her palm on her forehead.
Then, as she moved to tuck her hair back, she could no longer contain herself and began to ruffle her hair.
Her hands picked up speed progressively. Before long, her beautiful dark blue hair was in a chaotic disarray.
Still, unable to quell her frustration, she let out a scream-like outburst.
“I-Ian… Fercurusssssssssssss!”
She could endure no longer. No, she couldn’t live like this.
Shi-en’s ashen eyes coldly settled down. However, there was a subtle warmth in her gaze, proving that she was not in her right mind.
Having taken control of the News Department, turning her beloved royal guards into shut-ins, and having experienced a rapid decline in public and imperial evaluation that led to mockery—this was the first time since childhood that things had unraveled so terribly.
In Shi-en’s eyes, a fixation and rage the likes of which could be likened to insanity glinted.
Yes, all of this was Ian Fercurus’s fault.
So, she simply needed to eliminate him. If she didn’t go and demand an apology right away, her feelings wouldn’t settle.
Thus, unlike her usual composed self, Shi-en shouted in a voice filled with rage.
“…Head Maid! Bring Airen to me!”
The head maid’s eyes widened in surprise at Shi-en’s furious command.
It had been a long time since she had seen Shi-en so agitated. But upon reflection, it made sense.
It had already been over a week since she had felt extreme mental fatigue.
The reputation she had built painstakingly was crumbling one by one, and her beloved knights had either been ruined or had long since returned to their hometown.
Amidst all that, the opponent she had declared she would trample had instead taken control of Shi-en’s organization. Because of that, he hadn’t suffered any real damage.
Moreover, she was being mocked by her siblings, whom she was not on good terms with, so it was only natural for her to be losing her mind.
Still, the head maid, demonstrating her loyalty, tried to dissuade Shi-en.
“Your Highness, no matter what, Lady Airen might need a little time to recover….”
“Just do it! Tell her to come down right now! I’ve already heard that excuse more than dozens of times! I’ll go first, so tell Lady Airen to follow me!”
The head maid tilted her head as if puzzled by Shi-en’s words.
“Go first? Where to?”
Shi-en, as if anticipating that question, smiled coldly.
“…If one horse has slipped from my deck, then I just need to bring in another horse.”
It was not long ago that she had vowed to pile on regret once more.
