“Is that really what happened? The party members are chasing after you?”
Moonlight filtered through the window. Iris sat on the edge of the bed, organizing my story. Even in the darkness, her blood-red hair glowed brightly.
“Is it really about a romantic dilemma, coming to find the princess so late at night?”
“This isn’t a joke, Iris.”
“Ah, I see. You’ve come to console me because I’m exhausted with state affairs? That’s an interesting story you brought.”
“I’m serious, really.”
Noticing the desperation in my voice, Iris’s expression changed.
“So, how does it feel to be chased by all the beauties of the continent, our fugitive hero?”
“Is it amusing?”
“Of course. The strongest hero party in the world fighting for the hero… it could be turned into a play.”
“I guess, to you, it might seem like a comedy.”
A mischievous smile curled at the corner of Iris’s lips. Her expression kept changing as I spoke—sometimes with surprise, sometimes with amusement.
“I never thought it would turn out like this.”
“That’s typical of you. After creating the strongest party for five years, I never imagined they’d try to capture you… Is that what happened?”
While pouring wine from the bedside table, Iris continued.
“I get it. You’re worth it, after all.”
She handed me a wine glass, giving me a meaningful glance.
“So, tell me just between us. Who are you thinking of choosing? The dragon’s treasure, the elf king, the saintess’s mate, the cat’s master… quite tempting proposals, huh? Our hero is very popular.”
I gave her a heavy sigh and glared at her.
“Stop teasing me.”
“Heh… Alright, alright. I won’t tease you anymore.”
Iris raised her hand and smiled. But soon, her expression grew serious.
“Do you remember? Five years ago, when we met on the frontlines? I was just the 3rd princess waiting for death.”
Her words brought back vivid memories of that time. The abandoned 3rd princess on the frontlines, a royal turned into a political sacrifice.
In the game, Iris was a hidden character. Most players just passed her by as part of the background story. The abandoned 3rd princess, a political sacrifice turned royal.
But I knew. I knew the hidden route. Her true value.
In the end, there was the ‘Empress of Iron Blood.’ A female empress who reformed the empire with cold judgment and ruthless execution.
In reality, she didn’t disappoint me. She was even more perfect than in the game.
“But that weak girl has now become a key figure in the empire. Who made that happen?”
“We just helped each other. You were talented, after all.”
“No, it’s all thanks to you, hero. If it weren’t for you, I would have died long ago.”
We looked at each other. The sincerity hidden in her cold calculations felt painfully clear.
“If it weren’t for you… I’d have died on the frontlines. Or maybe ended up in an even worse fate. ‘Ah, wretched world,’ I’d have cried out.”
The red wine reflected in the moonlight, sparkling like her eyes.
“With no power, no strategy, how could I have risen to where I am now… It’s all thanks to you.”
“We just helped each other.”
“Heh… I didn’t know you were this humble.”
She sharply cut me off.
“You could have chosen a more capable general instead of the incompetent 3rd princess.”
She walked to the window. Moonlight poured down on her red hair.
Iris set down the wine glass. Her cold smile glimmered under the moonlight.
“But you chose me. So now it’s my turn to help you.”
“Help me? What do you mean?”
“Of course, I’ll hide you. In the heart of the empire.”
Iris stood up from her seat and walked to the window to look out at the cityscape.
“The dragon’s magic, the elf’s spirits, the saint’s divine power, the cat’s claws… none of them work here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. Challenging the empire’s authority is…”
She turned with the characteristic cold smile of the Leonhardt family.
“It’s like declaring war.”
“Still, I feel bad for using you.”
“Using me? Heh…”
Iris came back toward me. Every step she took was graceful. Moonlight flowed down her silhouette.
“There’s no need for 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 won’t act recklessly. The dragon’s sage will suspect the elf queen, the elf will keep an eye on the saint, and the saint will be wary of the cat. They’ll all hold each other back.”
“I’m not planning to hide forever.”
“Of course not. But right now, you need time, don’t you?”
Iris placed her hand on my shoulder.
“I trust you. As always, you’ll find the way.”
Her words brought a strange sense of relief. That’s why I came to find Iris.
“Thank you, Iris.”
“No need for thanks. We’re both necessary to each other.”
The daily life in the imperial palace was luxurious. More than twenty dishes were prepared for breakfast, and there were over thirty serving maids. But…
The luxury and indulgence of another world were finally at this level. I miss modern life. YouTube, VTubers, web novels…
“Our fugitive hero, did you spend the day stuck in your room, bored?”
Iris suddenly showed up again, carrying another pile of documents.
“It’s an honor to have the busy princess visit so often.”
“Heh, sitting at the desk makes my back hurt. I just came for a short walk.”
Iris sat comfortably on the sofa, laughing. Every movement of hers was captivating.
“So, who’s chasing after you today? Did the dragon find you in the sky?”
“It’s still quiet. As you said, they’re probably too busy keeping each other in check.”
“That’s a shame. I was hoping for something more exciting.”
“Is my escape drama just entertainment for you?”
Iris chuckled. Where had the pride of the Leonhardt family gone? Now, she seemed like a playful girl.
“Oh, by the way, did you hear? They’ve repelled the Four Heavenly Kings from the north again.”
Suddenly, her expression turned serious.
“Isn’t it nice that humanity won the battle without the hero party?”
“Of course it’s nice. That’s what we aimed for.”
“Actually… I find it a bit disappointing.”
For a moment, I doubted my ears.
“What did you say? Saying that in front of the hero…”
“Because we’re partners. Partners should be honest with each other, right?”
“Stop being vague on purpose.”
Iris continued, gazing out the window.
“Think about it. How strong was the Demon King’s army? But after you and your party defeated the monster legion and took down two of the Four Heavenly Kings, the tide of the war turned.”
“Thanks to that, now humanity can manage on its own. At least we can hold a defensive position, that is.”
“Then why do you find that disappointing?”
Iris stood up and walked to the window.
“War is also an opportunity. When my father was alive, when everyone’s attention was still focused on the demons… we need to change everything now.”
“What do you mean?”
“Old noble traditions, the outdated rules… we’ll remake everything. They’ll resist, but… we’re in a war right now. Any reform can be justified.”
“Smart. But is this really for the Empire, or…?”
“For my ambition?”
Iris laughed again. This time, it was even colder.
“Both. The Empire’s development and my ambition… Do you think they’re in conflict?”
She set down her wine glass and continued.
“I need to become stronger for the Empire to become stronger. The reforms I want will develop the Empire… and that development will, in turn, strengthen my power.”
Iris’s voice was tinged with cold calculation.
“So that’s why you’re still a princess.”
I blurted it out before I could stop myself, and Iris’s eyes flashed.
“Yes. The responsibility for radical reforms falls on the current emperor.”
She spoke as she held the wine glass to the light, watching the red liquid ripple in the sunset.
“It’s better that all the shame goes to my father’s grave. That way, the next generation can inherit… a clean Empire.”
“Isn’t he still your father, though?”
“The throne demands responsibility, not sentimentality. The Leonhardt bloodline understands that well.”
The view of the capital stretched out from the window. The peace we had created together, and the hidden calculations within it.
Iris was using her own father for the future of the Empire. And I… was using her in return.
We knew each other too well. And that’s why we could trust each other even more.
“You’re a truly terrifying woman.”
“Thanks for the compliment. Sometimes… it’s more fun to pull the strings from behind the scenes. Don’t you think the playwright is more interesting than the actor on stage?”
“That’s so like 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, replaced by a sharp gleam in her eyes. I couldn’t fully understand the meaning behind her words, but it was clear that she was planning something.
“I have a good idea.”
“…What’s the plan now?”
“Heh, it’s still a secret.”
A smile appeared at the corner of her lips. It was the same friendly smile as usual, but there was an unsettling aura about it.
“Don’t worry. Have I ever disappointed you?”
A chill ran down my spine. This smile… She had worn it before eliminating other claimants to the throne.
“Don’t tell me…”
“What are you so afraid of? I just want to help you.”
“Still…”
“Hero, why don’t you rest a bit? You look tired.”
She turned away, as if not allowing any more questions.
‘What exactly is her plan?’
I stared at her retreating figure, lost in thought. There was something unsettling about the plan hidden behind that smile.
‘I think I’ve rested enough.’
I began checking over the equipment spread out on the bed. Various magical tools and materials I could get in the Empire. It wasn’t enough, but at least the minimum preparations were done.
‘Should I start from the eastern cemetery, pass through the Black Forest, and head north?’
I stopped drawing the route on the map as noise from outside disrupted my concentration.
“What’s that sound?”
I looked up at the commotion outside. The sounds of instruments, cheers, and hoofbeats mixed together.
I checked the calendar, but it wasn’t any special day. It wasn’t the founding day or a victory anniversary either.
Knock knock.
“Hero.”
The door opened, and the captain of the maid knight order in silver armor entered. Her expression seemed unusually excited.
“The princess calls for you. She would like you to attend the party this evening.”
“Wait a minute.”
I unknowingly snapped.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be a secret that I’m here? Iris promised to hide me. Now suddenly a public event…”
“It’s the princess’s request.”
The maid knight captain’s voice was firm.
“And… she asked to be told that if you don’t come, she’ll be upset.”
I sighed. I had planned to leave tonight…
The party members would be busy keeping an eye on each other, and their vigilance would be relaxed. This would be the perfect time.
Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to let Iris show off a bit before I leave. I wouldn’t be seeing her for a while.
Escorted by the maid knights, I got into the carriage. The streets outside were already filled with the festival atmosphere.
“What’s all this?”
Arches decorated with flowers stood everywhere on the streets, and in the sky, magical fireworks burst brightly.
‘This is strange. Even when our party defeated the Four Heavenly Kings, it wasn’t like this.’
Noble carriages lined up, and the streets were filled with the energy of the celebration. People waved their hands toward the carriages with cheers.
When we arrived at the palace, an even more surprising scene unfolded. It looked like the entire noble class of the Empire had gathered. The dazzling dresses and formal attire sparkled in the light.
“Ah, the star of today has arrived!”
A nobleman greeted me enthusiastically. In an instant, all eyes were on me.
“Wait, what’s going on here…?”
“This way, hero.”
The maid knight led the way. As we passed through the hallways, whispers from the nobles could be heard.
“So, that’s the hero?”
“As magnificent as the rumors say. The princess’s taste is impeccable…”
“The Empire’s fortune. The future of the Empire looks even brighter now.”
Something felt off. The hallway was more lavishly decorated than usual, and the eager looks from the nobles were accompanied by tension…
The whispers from the nobles echoed through the hallways. The atmosphere felt strange. It didn’t seem like it was just because I was a hero…
Finally, we reached the main hall. The massive golden doors slowly opened.
For a moment, I felt like I stopped breathing.
There, standing in front of me, was Iris in a pure white wedding dress. Her red hair flowed like roses over the ivory dress, shining under the moonlight.
‘Wait… this…!’
“Shall we begin?”
Iris wore the familiar smile. The same suspicious smile she had shown a few days ago.
I finally realized what her “good plan” was.
“Iris, what is this…?”
“Don’t you recognize it? It’s a wedding.”
Her cold smile, typical of the Leonhardt family, gleamed.
“What are you talking about?”
She lifted the hem of her dress and took a step closer. The long wedding train rustled as it brushed against the marble floor.
“It’s the wedding of the princess and the hero. Isn’t it perfect?”
“The hero? Wait…”
Cold sweat beaded on my forehead. Could it be…
“Is there another hero, other than me?”
A sharp light flashed in Iris’s scarlet eyes.
“Of course, there is only one hero. My hero, and only yours.”
Around us, the whispers of the nobles intensified. The wedding of the princess and the hero… Their gazes grew even more intense.
“This is what I meant by ‘good plan.'”
So this was the plan she had been hiding for the past few days.
Now I understood. She was no different from the other party members.
No, perhaps the scariest thing was Iris. Unlike the others, she had perfectly hidden her obsession all along.
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