PHATFO 69

~Chapter 69~

Until now, I had never thought about why I returned.

After realizing that no one but me remembered the past, I tried hard to forget it. Even if I spoke about it, no one would believe me.

I just thought, I was lucky. I got a chance to change my life.

But now, realizing that all of this could have happened artificially—

‘Why didn’t I think it was strange?’

Nothing in the world is given for free.

‘But why…?’

If someone turned back time, why did they erase the memories of everyone in the world—even Armin, who became Emperor—yet leave the memories only to me?

It was natural for someone who died miserably and came back to want to change things.

If the one who caused the regression had an intention, then their goal must have been for me to change the future.

But my thoughts got tangled and went no further.

My survival was my personal matter, not something that benefited anyone else.

Especially from Charlotte’s side. Charlotte and the Count couple needed me dead to fully take the Count’s house.

But who could cast such a great spell for me?

No matter how I thought, there was no one who would do that. Especially thinking about my past life locked inside the Rohilton house.

‘If it was intentional, maybe they’ll come later to demand payment.’

If the price was life itself, then surely it wouldn’t be easy to pay.

“See, this is why I hate paying later.”

“Do you need money?”

I raised my head at the unfamiliar voice.

“When did you come?”

Armin was standing at the door.

“For a while now.”

“…Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I didn’t make my presence known.”

His gaze dropped to his hand.

“What’s that?”

“A letter from Aisha Eblain.”

Why would Aisha send me a letter…?

I blinked several times before realizing—

I had been shut inside this room for five whole days.

“Am I… fired?”

For being absent without notice?

“I would’ve liked that, but no. You’re not.”

Oh.

“Do you want to read it?”

When I nodded, he handed it to me.

As expected of Aisha, the letter skipped greetings and went straight to the point.

“Without thinking I used magic once, and everyone went silent. You must’ve been surprised, huh. I get it. But it was just during sparring, right? Nobody cares, so don’t feel pressured.

Also, since it’s only a letter between us, I’ll say this: it’s fine even if you break some buildings. The Imperial budget is meant to be wasted! So, how about blowing something up properly? If it’s hard to make it big, then at least aim for my lab…”

I didn’t need to read further. I lowered it, and Armin asked,

“Was something strange written?”

“No… just very Aisha-like.”

She was so consistent it actually comforted me.

“…Why are you looking like that?”

“Because Bella isn’t her usual self. You’ve been stuck in this room for days. How about going outside to clear your head?”

“The garden? The weather isn’t bad for a walk.”

“No, I mean outside.”

“…?”

Only after a moment did I realize he meant outside the Grand Duke’s estate.

“So, right now…”

“I’m asking you on a date.”

He smiled.

“And I’d prefer if you didn’t refuse. There’s an unwelcome guest in the mansion right now.”

“Huh?”

Just then, voices came from outside the open door.

“Is it true His Highness is away?”

“I told you already! How many times will you ask? Do you want me to open his office for you?”

One voice was unfamiliar, the other was Commander Beryl.

“It’s a regent from the Imperial Palace. Likely here to dump campaign duties on me, since the borders are noisy with the barbarians these days.”

Unless the Emperor himself came, he said, there was no need to meet such a man.

I realized something new.

‘Since I came here, he hasn’t gone to the battlefield even once.’

In another time, I might’ve thought his staying in the estate meant something else. But not now.

That warm smile—he had long passed the stage of pretending.

He stayed not for anything else, but because he wanted to remain by my side.

“So, your answer?”

Just by meeting his gaze, I felt tied by something invisible.

‘Oh no.’

It seemed I was weak to people who treated me kindly.

Naturally, once I admitted defeat, my answer was already decided.

We arrived at a busy district near the capital.

I had passed through tourist towns and trade streets when fleeing Rohilton, but none were as splendid as this. Of course, the city where the Emperor lived was different.

As we walked through the colorful streets, Armin stopped now and then, pointing out shops.

“This bakery is run by Den and Shura, a married couple. Their croissants are famous. Shall we go in?”

“I’m fine.”

“Then how about fresh juice over there?”

“That’s fine t—”

Before I could finish—

“Oh my, if I knew you were coming today, I would’ve prepared! Welcome, Your Highness!”

The shop owner greeted him first.

“So, what can I serve you?”

Armin glanced at me, then said,

“She doesn’t need a drink. More importantly, business is well?”

“Sales are a bit low… but since Your Highness rents to us cheaper than other shops, we’re always grateful.”

…Rents?

I must’ve looked surprised, because Armin explained,

“That building is mine.”

“The whole building…?”

“Also, that bakery I mentioned earlier is mine too.”

My jaw dropped. We had only walked one street, and two shops already belonged to him.

“Shall we go this way next?”

“What’s there?”

“The second-largest jewelry shop in the capital.”

I had a hunch.

“That’s yours too?”

“Yes.”

“……”

“The first is Baron Paginian’s. He’s clever and obsessed with his store, so no matter what I offered, he wouldn’t sell.”

This must be how rich people think. Armin said it so calmly while I was stunned.

“You have… a lot of shops.”

“Most were inherited from my mother.”

Ah, yes. I remembered—the late Empress loved real estate.

“And there are more in that alley.”

Was he showing off wealth?

Thankfully, no.

“If Bella is going to the Magic Tower because of money, I want to say you don’t need to.”

“…What?”

I realized he had taken my earlier words seriously.

“Why does it matter if I’m rich? That has nothing to do with me…”

“Of course it does. We promised a future together.”

“….”

“And between husband and wife, all assets are shared.”

My face burned.

I’d heard him say that before, but knowing it was his true intention made it impossible to meet his eyes.

“You’re embarrassed, right?”

“N-no! It’s just… hot! That’s all.”

“Then let’s go inside somewhere.”

And with that, he pulled me into the dessert shop just ahead.

“Welcome—oh! Your Highness? What brings you here…”

The woman with the name tag looked at Armin, not with awe, but as if checking what business he had.

‘Here too?’

By now, I wouldn’t even be surprised if every shop in this district was his.