ATIRPBT 04

CHAPTER 04

That evening, I sat by the window of my chambers, gazing at the dusky sky.

Everything felt surreal.

In my previous life, the Emperor had never spared me a word beyond duty—let alone a compliment. And now, not only had he acknowledged me, but he’d told me my dress suited me.

I placed a hand over my chest.

My heart was still steady, but I could feel it—something stirring.

“Do you think His Majesty is starting to notice me?”

Emyn looked up from where he sat, scribbling on parchment beside me.

“Definitely! He called you by name and said you looked good.”

“…I thought I misheard, honestly.”

“You didn’t. I was there!”

He beamed with pride, as if he’d accomplished something himself.

“Your dress was really pretty today. And your hair looked awesome.”

I smiled faintly.

Emyn’s words held no pretense—only pure admiration.

“I’m glad you liked it.”

He puffed up like a happy squirrel. “Tomorrow, wear something even fancier!”

“…Then people will say I’m overdoing it.”

“Let them! You’re the princess!”

That made me laugh.

There was a time when even the thought of dressing boldly terrified me. I had worried endlessly about how others would perceive me, especially Yevgeny.

But that fear no longer held me.

Now, I wanted the world to see me—truly see me—for who I was.

Not some frail, silent girl hiding in the corners of the palace.

I looked back out the window.

The sky had deepened to twilight, the first stars flickering above.

I wonder if she’s seething.

Yevgeny had been silent when the Emperor asked me to stay.

She hadn’t even looked at me after the meeting.

But her silence was more telling than any words. She was angry. Furious, even.

In the past, she had controlled the palace’s social flow like a queen bee.

Now, the Emperor had excluded her and asked me to stay behind instead.

That must have been humiliating.

And I was sure she wouldn’t let it go.

“Sis?”

Emyn tugged at my sleeve.

I turned to him.

“What is it?”

He hesitated for a moment, then said,

“…I had a bad dream last night.”

My expression softened. “A bad dream?”

“Yeah. You were crying and no one was helping you. And then you disappeared.”

I reached out and pulled him close.

“That won’t happen.”

He looked up at me with big eyes.

“I promise,” I said quietly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Not this time.

He leaned against me, his small hands gripping mine tightly.

The next morning.

I awoke earlier than usual, feeling unusually energized.

Emyn was still asleep, curled up in a small ball beside me. His hair was tousled, his breathing soft.

Carefully, I slid out of bed, trying not to wake him.

Today felt different.

There was something stirring in the palace. A quiet buzz, like people were already whispering before the sun had fully risen.

Sure enough, when I stepped into the hallway, two maids glanced at me and instantly looked away.

I caught a snippet of their hushed conversation:

“—did you see how His Majesty spoke to her yesterday?”

“Unbelievable. That’s never happened before…”

I smiled slightly.

Let them talk.

Let them be confused, surprised, even envious.

As long as they stopped underestimating me, that was enough.

Later, at the breakfast table in the royal dining hall.

Yevgeny was already seated when I arrived, flanked by her ever-present entourage.

As always, she wore her carefully cultivated smile—gentle, poised, perfect.

But her eyes…

Her eyes told a different story.

“Good morning, Sister,” she said sweetly.

“Good morning,” I replied just as calmly.

Her gaze drifted across my attire—another bold dress, deep blue velvet with embroidered silver vines.

It was far more regal than what I used to wear.

“Your fashion sense has become quite… daring,” she said.

“Thank you. I rather like it.”

“…It’s just that the palace prefers more traditional—”

“I wasn’t aware we had a dress code.”

She blinked.

I added with a smile,

“If there’s a rulebook, I’d appreciate a copy.”

“…Of course not,” she said, regaining her composure. “I only meant that people talk.”

“They always talk.”

I met her gaze squarely.

“But that never seemed to bother you before.”

Her lips twitched.

The maid behind her lowered her head slightly, trying to hide her expression.

I knew I was pushing her.

And I didn’t care.

Yevgeny had ruled with veiled words and fake smiles for years. She thought she could smother me with politeness and poison.

But I wasn’t playing her game anymore.

I would confront her in the open, and I wouldn’t flinch.

She took a sip of tea, her expression carefully blank.

“…Are you implying something, Sister?”

I tilted my head. “Not at all.”

She set her cup down gently.

“I only hope you’re not mistaking momentary attention for genuine favor.”

The meaning was clear.

Don’t think you’re important just because Father looked at you once.

I smiled, serene.

“We’ll see, won’t we?”

For the first time, she didn’t respond right away.

Because she had nothing to say.

She wasn’t used to this version of me—the one who smiled back without shrinking.

This time, I wouldn’t run.

This time, I would fight.