In the original novel, the tyrant Roxidean was described as a person born without emotions. Unfortunately, the wild blood of the imperial ancestors ran too thick in his veins. He was naturally insensitive to the feelings that made one human. Though intelligent, he struggled to grasp social etiquette or common sense because he was driven by raw, animalistic instincts.
To fix this, his parents had used magic to forcibly inject emotions into him. It worked well while he was young, but as he grew older, the magic began to fade.
'The more it faded, the more his madness returned.'
That was how he earned his reputation as a tyrant. Later in the story, this became a central plot point where the heroine would appear and become the only anchor for his spiraling sanity.
'But why is he acting so different around me?'
Noah knelt before me. "I'm late with my greetings, Princess. And... congratulations. It seems you've found a way to put an end to His Majesty's madness?"
"..."
"You’ve effectively neutralized one of the empire’s greatest hidden threats," he added.
'I didn't do it on purpose...' I thought.
"Congratulations are in order," Noah continued, "though there are... side effects."
"Side effects?" I asked.
"Munch... I hate to be the one to say it."
"What is it?"
"I really don't want to say it, but... Your Majesty—er, Princess—as you know, I need to understand the situation. I'll handle whatever side effect comes from making him an idiot. Just tell me. I’m prepared for anything."
Roxidean, who had been muttering to himself, suddenly called out, "Hey!"
Noah glanced at me. I nodded, encouraging him to speak.
"Mother must have left me a very special gift," Roxidean said.
As he looked at me, his entire expression shifted. The terrifying tyrant vanished, replaced by a soft, warm, and incredibly friendly smile.
"Yes, Liz. Mother must have given me a wonderful gift in the form of my sister."
"...Your Majesty?"
"Now that I think about it, is there anything you want? Anything at all?"
Noah’s mouth fell open, mirroring my own shock. Roxidean, looking every bit the doting older brother, was now crouching next to me. Despite his massive, intimidating frame, he was eagerly and affectionately asking how I was doing. He looked like a huge tiger trying to squeeze itself into a tiny kitten's box.
Noah stifled a laugh, but quickly turned it into a cough under the fierce glare Roxidean gave him when he momentarily snapped back to normal.
"Ah, well... how this happened... we’ll have to investigate," Noah said, trying to regain his composure.
Roxidean stood up. "Hmph. Let's postpone today's business. And you," he said, pointing a finger at me, "I'm warning you. Don't go wandering around outside."
"..."
I stared at his back as he walked away. It felt like a hurricane had just passed through the room.
* * *
Roxidean didn't return after that. Instead, my maternal grandfather, Duke Altsbeit, came back from his trip in a foul mood.
From my fragmented memories, I knew there was no love lost between the Duke and Roxidean. Their relationship was purely political and often hostile. Yet, strangely enough, both of them were incredibly indulgent toward Charlize.
'Well, I suppose they have enough affection for her that they let her get away with being a disaster.'
I looked at the pile of gifts my grandfather had sent.
"The Duke prepared these because he was worried about the Princess not leaving her room," a servant explained.
'Wow... they really don't know the real me, do they?'
The main problem remained: I still hadn't met my fiancé. My invitations were being returned unopened, while his requests to break the engagement were piling up on my grandfather’s desk. I had tried to be polite and patient, but it was time to take matters into my own hands.
'I wanted our first meeting to be proper and refined, but he’s leaving me no choice.'
I had all the information I needed about Askin. "I'm going out," I announced.
"Yes, Princess. I'll prepare the carriage immediately."
I knew exactly where he would be. There was only one place.
After a while, I stood in front of the mirror, admiring my outfit. I had chosen the simplest dress I could find, but 'simple' didn't really exist in Charlize's wardrobe. Everything she owned was the height of luxury.
'She’s so pretty... I could never get tired of this face.'
If I had looked like this in my past life, I could have made a living just by existing. Even with the homesickness gnawing at me, this level of beauty was a hell of a consolation prize. Charlize clearly knew how to use her looks to her advantage; her closet was filled with clothes that were extravagant and perfectly tailored.
I was about to leave when a maid blocked my path, bowing so low she was practically touching the floor. She was trembling.
"P-Princess! Please, don't be angry!"
'What now?' I thought. The staff here was still terrified of me. A few days of being "nice" wasn't enough to erase years of Charlize's terror.
"Why are you blocking me?" I asked, tilting my head.
"A-A guest has arrived."
"A guest?"
"Yes... the Princess's close friends."
'Friends?' The realization hit me. I wasn't the only one who had caused trouble in this city. Charlize had a "squad."
It was a group of people just as cunning and malicious as she was—a collection of socialites who hung around Charlize to pick up whatever influence or wealth she dropped. In the capital, they were known as the "Gaemang" squad, which was basically short for 'ruined lives.'
And as their leader, Charlize had met the most gruesome end of them all. I rubbed my neck, feeling a chill.
'I can really feel the "villainess" energy now.'
In the original story, I—Charlize—would be killed by the man I was obsessed with, and the brother I trusted would abandon me for the heroine. I would die alone and in agony.
'I’ve already met my "brother"... he’s more of a burden than an ally. I need to get on the heroine's good side as soon as she appears.'
If I could just survive this one year, I could leave before the original plot reached its bloody conclusion. But for that to happen...
"Cancel the carriage," I said.
"...Yes, Princess."
'If I want to survive the year, I need to get rid of these "friends" first.'
They were useless at best and dangerous at worst. It was better to cut them out now. 'Don't worry, fiancé. I'll come for you soon.'
It was a step back, but it was necessary for the long game. "Bring them in."
* * *
Charlize's salon was not your typical noblewoman's parlor. Usually, these rooms were filled with light, pretty tea sets, and large windows. Charlize's salon, however, had blackout curtains that kept the room in perpetual twilight. Even in the middle of the day, it felt like a high-end, shadowy bar, lit only by subtle magical lamps.
'It looks exactly like one of those luxury bars the rich kids hang out in in dramas,' I thought.
The servants, well-acquainted with Charlize’s depravity, had prepared everything perfectly. Several men and women were already lounge comfortably on the plush sofas, waiting for their leader.