One day, out of the blue, I was reincarnated as a princess in a different world. The last memory I had of my world was the fact that I was crying and in pain. I don't know why I was crying. Some of my memories are vague, but I retained most of what I knew—knowledge, skills, and the lessons I learned.
I got reincarnated as the daughter of the Empress of the Sapphire Empire—the largest and most powerful empire on the continent of Vermanyan. I grew up presenting myself as a prodigy, a genius. I have a twin brother who was born after me. I never knew who my father was, and neither my mother nor the servants would speak of him. Whether he was dead or alive, I couldn't find out.
Noticing my talents, my mother began teaching me magic and this world's education. I learned far faster than my peers. But being a princess isn't easy. People came after me, yearning for my love and attention. Some were genuine, but most were looking for profit and influence. I received many enticing offers—but none of them ever interested me.
Yet, my heart yearned for love and affection, even though I never understood why.
Then things changed.
I caught wind of a tale—a story so grand it sounded more like a myth. The ten-year-old crown prince of the Drakseid Kingdom had conquered a fort and a city in a single day. At first, I thought it was nonsense—but then I realized Verdune really had fallen, and everyone was talking about it. Some believed it. Some didn't.
I couldn't understand how a ten-year-old could lead an army, defeat a force twice its size, and capture a city and fort without a siege. There were only two possible answers—he was both extraordinarily smart and talented… or a reincarnated person like me.
Curiosity turned to fascination.
I sent a message under the name of the Sapphire Empire, requesting a meeting. If he was a reincarnated person, then maybe—just maybe—we could understand each other.
So I set out with high hopes—and a strange sense that my life was about to change.
We encountered a few bandits along the way, but with the protection of the Black Knights Legion, I arrived safely at Verdune. The sights enthralled me.
The people looked happy, and the streets teemed with life and business. This was not the image of a recently conquered city—it was thriving.
I was greeted by the new Duchess of Verdune, who escorted me to the city's most luxurious mansion, where I was to meet the prince of Drakseid. The Duchess's eyes widened—she hadn't expected to see a princess.
I was told that my visit was being kept a secret from the public to avoid trouble or rumors.
The carriage rolled through the mansion gates and stopped at the foot of the steps.
I stepped out of the carriage gracefully, carrying myself with the poise expected of a princess.
There, waiting at the top of the steps, was the prince himself.
He stood in formal royal attire, a large red cape draped over his shoulders. From his commanding posture to the sharp cut of his uniform, he looked captivating—a quiet strength beneath his regal bearing.
But it wasn't just his appearance. I could see kindness in his eyes, even though I had mentally berated him before for using a crucifixion to set an example.
Every small movement from him left me tense, and a steady heat curled in my chest. My temperature spiked—I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks.
I knew this feeling well—but I never expected to feel it here.
I had fallen in love with the prince at first sight.
The prince descended the steps with calm, measured strides.
I stood frozen. Every movement from him seemed effortless—graceful yet controlled, as though he commanded the very air around him. His eyes, calm yet piercing, locked onto mine.
"Princess of the Sapphire Empire." His voice was smooth, deeper than I expected for someone his age. "Welcome to Verdune."
I took a deep breath, steadying my pulse. Then I stepped forward, lowering my chin slightly and resting a hand lightly on my chest.
"I am Diana S. Sapphire, First Princess of the Sapphire Empire." My tone was calm and even, each word carrying the weight of my status. "It is an honor to meet the Crown Prince of Drakseid."
A flicker of something passed through his gaze—approval, perhaps—but it vanished almost immediately beneath that unreadable calm.
"Prince Rhydher of Drakseid," he replied, his tone polite but measured. "I could hardly refuse a request from the Sapphire Empire."
He extended his hand toward me. I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand in his. His palm was warm, steady—but the contact sent a jolt through my arm. My cheeks heated further as he helped me up the last step.
"Shall we?" He gestured toward the entrance.
The Duchess of Verdune trailed behind us as we entered the mansion. Polished marble floors reflected the sunlight streaming through tall glass windows. Gold and silver trim decorated the walls, and crimson banners bearing the crest of Drakseid hung from the ceiling. Despite the elegance, there was a subtle restraint to the décor—a balance of wealth and discipline.
"Your occupation of Verdune appears to be progressing smoothly," I said as we walked side by side down the hall.
"It is," Rhydher replied. "The city's nobility and merchants surrendered swiftly after the crucifixion of the duke and his minister. Most of them saw reason once they understood the benefits of Drakseid's protection."
"And those who didn't?" I asked, testing him.
His gaze remained steady. "They were… persuaded."
There it was—that edge beneath his calm exterior. Ruthless efficiency tempered by quiet control.
He led me into a large chamber at the end of the hall. The high, vaulted ceiling was supported by pillars of white marble veined with gold. A long table was set with fruit, wine, and delicate pastries. A line of soldiers in bronze armor and red cape stood stationed near the walls—silent and unmoving.
Rhydher pulled out a chair at the head of the table. "Please, sit."
I took the offered seat as he sat beside me. His movements were calm, deliberate—utterly composed.
"So," he began, "what brings the princess of the Sapphire Empire to Verdune?"
Direct. Good.
I folded my hands in my lap, my heart still beating faster than it should. "Curiosity."
His brow lifted slightly. "About?"
"You." I met his gaze directly. "A ten-year-old crown prince who can conquer a fort and a city in a single day is… remarkable."
Rhydher's expression remained neutral. "Is it?"
"You don't think so?"
A faint smile touched his lips. "Let's just say I had the right tools."
I studied him carefully. His expression was calm—too calm for someone so young. There was a calculating sharpness beneath his composed exterior.
I leaned slightly forward. "Are you a reincarnated soul?"
His eyes sharpened.
He said nothing at first, his gaze measuring me carefully. "Interesting question."
"Interesting answer," I countered.
Rhydher leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. "And why would you think that?"
"Conquering a city and a fort in a single day without casualties at ten years old isn't normal." My tone was sharp, cutting. "Military tactics at that level? There's no way you learned them naturally."
"Or perhaps I'm simply gifted."
I didn't let him off that easily. "Gifted? Or experienced?"
His smile sharpened. "What are you implying?"
"That you've lived through a battlefield before."
Rhydher's gaze darkened—just slightly.
"And if I said I wasn't?"
I held his gaze. "Then I'd call you a liar."
A beat of silence passed. His eyes didn't waver.
"And if I am?"
My pulse quickened. "Then I'd have more questions."
His smile widened faintly. "I see."
"Are you denying it?"
"I'm neither confirming nor denying it." His tone was light, but his gaze remained sharp.
I narrowed my eyes. "Avoiding the question doesn't make it go away."
"Perhaps."
I leaned closer. "So which is it, Prince Rhydher?"
His gaze sharpened further. For a brief moment, I saw something beneath that calm exterior—a quiet calculation, an edge honed by experience.
But just as quickly, it was gone. His expression relaxed as he picked up the silver carafe on the table and poured two glasses of wine. He slid one toward me.
"To shared questions," he said, raising his glass.
I hesitated before lifting my own. "And shared answers."
Our glasses touched with a soft chime.
I took a sip, feeling the warmth of the wine spread down my throat. Rhydher's gaze remained on me—steady, piercing. I could feel the weight of his attention, the quiet pull of his presence.
"What if I am?" he asked suddenly.
"A reincarnated soul?"
He nodded.
"Then we'd have more in common than you think."
His smile deepened. "Perhaps."
Despite myself, I smiled.
And for the first time in a long while, I felt like I wasn't alone.