“Uh…… huh? What’s the matter?”
Veronia immediately opened her eyes, wondering what urgent matter would wake her from sleep.
Linda handed over the newspaper she was holding and spoke urgently.
“It seems a large-scale rebellion has broken out in the southern region. So His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince have been awake since dawn attending an emergency meeting.”
“Ah…..”
Veronia’s mouth gaped open in shock. Her sleepiness had vanished completely.
Linda continued explaining the situation.
“It seems the imperial court will issue an imperial decree today and send reinforcements to suppress the rebellion. There were orders from Her Majesty the Empress for the princes and princesses to be prepared as well.”
“……I see, alright.”
Veronia immediately left the bed and headed to the bathroom.
Her fingertips were trembling.
‘To think a rebellion has already occurred!’
This was only the beginning.
The imperial army would fail to suppress the rebellion. And the rebellion that started in the southern region would gradually spread throughout the country.
‘And eventually…… the imperial family will fall!’
A chill ran down her neck, and goosebumps rose all over her body.
‘Even if Killian has developed sympathy or affection for me…… he won’t be able to go against the general trend.’
The imperial family was already corrupt to the core, and the people were angry, exhausted from hunger.
Many nobles and the justice-minded Killian would never ignore the voice of the people.
They would eventually turn their backs on the imperial family.
‘When the imperial family falls, I’ll be placed on the scaffold.’
She recalled the scene she had once seen in a dream, on the scaffold. The horrifying scene where everyone gathered in the square eagerly awaited her death.
She felt pathetic for having been so excited by Killian’s sincere confession that she couldn’t sleep, and pitied herself for being lost in a brief dream of love.
She was frustrated at herself for expecting that she could completely change the original story.
‘A romance novel with me and Killian as the main characters…… how could that exist! You fool!’
Tears were about to burst forth.
That’s when it happened. The communication stone bracelet flickered.
‘It’s Onyx!’
Indeed, the only way to preserve her life was to escape.
[This is the timeline separator]In the waiting room of Sharald’s shoe store. Veronia’s feelings were complex as she waited for Onyx.
‘Even if the original story is twisted and the imperial family doesn’t fall, it’s still a problem. Staying in such an imperial family will eventually lead to withering away and dying.’
Or being poisoned like last time. Veronia anxiously checked the wall clock.
The atmosphere in the imperial palace was very ominous.
They were discussing the issue of sending reinforcements to the great lords of the south who were suppressing the rebellion.
Who would be suitable to lead the troops was also an issue. It would look best if the crown prince stepped up, but he was not one to take such safety risks.
It was clear as day that it would be pushed onto the second prince.
Taking advantage of everyone’s distraction, she had slipped out secretly, so she couldn’t linger for long.
She couldn’t afford to be caught like last time and needlessly provoke the imperial family’s anger.
Fortunately, the wait wasn’t long, and soon Onyx appeared.
As soon as he arrived, he opened the jewelry box placed on the table. It was what Veronia had brought to pay the fee.
A satisfied smile spread across Onyx’s face at the sight of the expensive jewels sparkling brilliantly.
“Excellent as expected! It’s a bit of a hassle that I can only cash them in after a few years. But you need that kind of patience to survive in this business.”
Chuckling briefly, Onyx got straight to the point.
“Good news. The preparations finished much faster than expected.”
Indeed, the man before her was skilled.
Veronia’s brow, which had been furrowed with tension and worry, relaxed comfortably.
“You’ll become the granddaughter of an elderly couple living on the outskirts of the capital. It’s better that way since a young woman suddenly appearing alone would be too conspicuous. They’re good people. I’ve made sure to silence them, so don’t worry.”
“If they’re trustworthy people, that seems best.”
Veronia nodded readily as she spoke.
“Now we just need to set a date. When would be good? A week from now? Two weeks?”
“……”
To set an escape date! This really means freedom! A wave of joy surged through her, almost taking her breath away.
After catching her breath for a moment, Veronia slowly opened her mouth.
“The sooner the better. Let’s make it a week from now.”
“Alright. The atmosphere in the palace must be unsettled these days, so contact me right away if you need to change the schedule. It’s not difficult to change it by a day or two.”
“I understand.”
[This is the timeline separator]Fortunately, no one questioned today’s outing. It was because everyone in the palace was focused on the southern region.
‘Did I benefit from the rebellion?’
Just as she was patting her trembling chest and taking a breather, it happened.
A servant entered and announced a summons from the Emperor.
Veronia immediately followed the servant towards the Emperor’s palace. She had a rather bad feeling about this.
In the Emperor’s office were not only the Emperor but also Sandra and Jonathan.
And an entirely unexpected person as well.
“Lord Killian?”
Veronia’s brain stopped functioning properly as soon as she saw him.
The words he had spoken last night replayed in her head.
‘I’m bothered by that night I spent with Your Highness. I’m bothered by the kiss with Your Highness. I’m…… bothered by Your Highness.’
Get a grip, Veronia! She clenched her molars tightly, trying to organize her thoughts.
“I greet Your Highness the Princess.”
Killian’s face immediately brightened upon seeing Veronia, but he didn’t show it.
He seemed to be trying hard to hold back, given the serious discussion ahead.
Beside Killian were his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Drea. Looking at the assembled faces, it wasn’t difficult to guess the purpose of this gathering.
‘Surely…… are they trying to set a date for Killian and my wedding? At a time like this?’
Veronia’s heart began to beat wildly as she slowly took her seat.
Anxiety swept over her.
“I’d like to hasten the marriage between the princess and Lord Killian before public sentiment worsens further.”
The Emperor spoke first.
The Duke and Duchess of Drea showed no particular change in expression, as if they had anticipated such remarks.
Sandra and Jonathan took turns speaking next.
“Don’t we need to show the people the beauty of dreams and hope, especially in difficult times? So I’d like to announce their marriage without further delay, taking this opportunity.”
“If the House of Drea, which commands the respect of the people, is strongly tied to the imperial family through marriage, won’t the people follow the imperial family with even more reassurance and joy?”
It seemed to be Veronia’s turn next, as Sandra rolled her eyes, signaling to Veronia.
Veronia responded by turning away her gaze, ignoring it.
At this, Sandra’s eyes narrowed dangerously, flashing like an axe blade.
Sandra forced a smile on her red lips and spoke in a sweet voice.
“Does the princess have nothing to say? Don’t just stay silent, speak freely if you have something to say.”
“……”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Veronia.
‘I have a lot I want to say… but since she said not to hesitate, should I really say it? What if I get hit in front of the Duke and Duchess…’
She couldn’t cause any incidents or accidents for the next week.
It was a time to be cautious, extremely cautious.
But she wanted to prevent the announcement of her marriage to Killian by any means necessary.
She didn’t want to run away with their marriage officially announced. Because it would likely leave some kind of scar on Killian.
“I agree with the idea that it would be good to show the people the beauty of dreams and hope in difficult times. However, I believe there is something that must be done first.”
“What might that be, Your Highness?”
The Duke of Drea, who had been silent all along, asked. Veronia looked at the Duke and spoke slowly and clearly.
“First, we must listen to the voices of the people. We need to understand what they find difficult and why they are in pain.”
Everyone gathered seemed somewhat surprised by the unexpected opinion that flowed from Veronia’s mouth.
The Emperor wore a bewildered expression, and Sandra’s fair face contorted.
Jonathan furrowed his brow.
Regardless of their reactions, Veronia continued her words.
“After grasping their actual situation, we should prepare countermeasures. I think it’s sufficient to show the beauty of dreams and hope through Lord Killian’s and my wedding ceremony after that.”
Having said all she wanted to say, Veronia quietly closed her mouth.
She was both excited and fearful of what thunderbolt might fall.
It was when no one could easily open their mouths. Ahem, Killian cleared his throat and spoke gravely.
“I too strongly agree with Her Highness the Princess’s opinion. It won’t be too late to schedule the wedding ceremony after the rebellion is fully resolved. However, I don’t think we need to delay the announcement as well. So how about we postpone the wedding date but bring forward the announcement?”
“As expected of Lord Killian. What a splendid idea.”
Pleased with his statement, Sandra’s crumpled face brightened at once, and she laughed contentedly, “Hohoho.”
But Veronia felt like crying.
‘Killian… please just stay quiet…’
Unaware of her thoughts, Killian continued speaking.
“While announcing the wedding schedule, I will personally go down to the south to create an opportunity to hear the people’s grievances.”
“Oh ho, what a truly admirable thought, Lord Killian. If the princess were to accompany you, I think the people would be even more moved. What do you think, Veronia?”
The Emperor’s insensitive gaze fell on Veronia.
Although it seemed he was asking for her opinion, everyone here knew it was actually an order.
Swallowing the sigh that was about to burst out, Veronia slowly opened her tightly closed mouth.
“I will gladly go to the south with Lord Killian to listen to the people’s stories. I am honored to be able to lend even a small strength, Father.”
Afterwards, a brief meeting about the specific schedule took place.
But Veronia’s ears couldn’t properly hear any of the words.
Only one thought filled her mind.
‘I need to move up the escape schedule!’
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
