In fact, the princess’ final words before passing out were, ‘just my luck.’ Was she always this restless about being in the palace?

He decided to go against the empress’ best intentions for the time being, “A little fresh air won’t hurt her.”

Empress Delilah paused for a little bit before giving her best smile, “Oh dear. Are you sure, my dear emperor? What if she collapses again?”

“I’ll take responsibility for that,” Isaac reassured her. “I’ll send two of my best knights.”

H-his best knights?! The empress was about to lose her composure but stayed strong.

“It brings me great joy that you’re willing to go the extra mile for the princess, Emperor Isaac,” Delilah said, hiding her rage. “Maybe a little fresh air will bring her back to her senses, after all.”

“Yes. I think so too,” Isaac tried studying her. She wasn’t an open book like a good lot of people. “If that’s all, I’ll send Ephraim and Nate to her floor now.”

“Of course, your majesty.” Delilah slowly got up, so as to not look troubled. “I shall take my leave then. I hope the rest of your day goes well.”

“You too.” He dismissed her, going back to his documents.

Delilah made her way out the room and shut the door. When she heard the click, she shook in a frenzy.

I don’t know how that child survived… She started. But I’ll be sure to have her dose doubled…

She was hoping for the emperor to side with her and have Princess Genevieve stay in her room for a few more days. She would make sure that the maid gives her the medicine, even if she had to shove it down her throat herself.

She bit her thumb out of nervousness. She didn’t like hearing that maid’s account. Not only was the shy and weak princess starting to speak up, but also showing some fangs. It would be best to kill her now before she opens her mouth.

Delilah calmed down a little. Even if the princess did open her mouth, she could always feign confusion. Who would listen to a frail woman who was practically brain dead for a month?

That’s right. She stopped shaking. I just have to continue giving it to her and eventually she’ll stop struggling.

A smirk appeared on her face as she made her way back up to her floor. It’ll be alright. I’ll get rid of that annoying insect yet.

—

As soon as Veronica was finished with her bath, she put on her new training clothes and happily walked down the halls of Genevieve’s personal floor. It didn’t matter how weighed down she felt. A nice bath was enough to put anyone in a good mood.

“Aaaah~ What a lovely day, isn’t it, angels?” She had a large smile, showing her pearly whites.

The system looked at the happy woman in confusion.

“What? It’s clear as day that you’re angels. How else would I have gotten a second chance at life?” Veronica put her hands on her hips. “In fact, why did you give me a second chance?”

It started sweating and opened up a message.

Announcement!

Due to the nature of your reincarnation, we cannot say the reason. It’s classified information that will get us in trouble if revealed too early.

“Well, that just makes me even more suspicious,” Veronica tilted her head to the side. “But I can’t really pry, can I? I’ll leave it alone until you’re ready to tell me then.”

Happy stars popped out of the system while it danced a little. It was happy that Veronica didn’t read too much into it and just let it go. She would love to know the reason why she was saved from walking across the scorched pits, but if it means they get in trouble for opening their mouth, then she’ll just count her blessings.

Veronica wouldn’t want her parole officer to be out of a job.

At least they didn’t deny being angels…

There were heavy footsteps making their way towards Veronica. She stopped to listen. It sounded like two males making conversation.

“What do you think her highness looks like, Sir Ephraim?” one man energetically asked the other.

“She’s supposed to be the spitting image of his majesty, the emperor,” the man, Ephraim, explained. “Why do you ask, Sir Nate?”

“I’m just curious! It’s not everyday you get to see the princess! She’s so cooped up in her room!” the other man, Sir Nate, smiled. “She was described as too weak to move across the hallway and too shy to utter a peep!”

“Sir Nate, watch what you say,” Ephraim warned him. “It’s rude and against etiquette to pry into the business of those in the imperial family. While you’re in the presence of her highness, don’t bring up anything relating to her confinement.”

“I don’t know, Sir Ephraim. It looks like you’re the one who believes it to be confinement!”

“Don’t twist my words!”

Veronica couldn’t help but laugh at the conversation. It caused the footsteps to come to an abrupt halt. They were close enough for Veronica to make out.

Both gentlemen were young knights. She could tell from their silver armor and sheathed weapons. Ephraim had semi-long black hair with black eyes and Nate had short blonde hair with blue eyes.

They look as though they've seen a ghost. Veronica giggled. I should say something...

“You know, besides the shy part, you’re not wrong,” Veronica said, walking up to them. “Technically, you could call it confinement. I guess that’s what a lot of people think.”

There was a brief silence before both men quickly got on one knee, “Please forgive our rudeness, your highness!”

“W-wait, hold on. I’m not mad,” Beads of sweat dropped down her brow. “Please get up. You’re making me uncomfortable when you do this.”

“Our apologies for making you uncomfortable, your highness!” They both screamed in unison.

“Guys please…” She put a hand to her head. “I’m really fine. Just get up.” 

The two knights finally got off of one knee and took a good look at the princess in front of them. She wasn’t all dolled up in jewelry or frilly dresses. She was dressed like she was ready to set off on an adventure. Her stature was strong and poised, no slouching at all. She held good eye contact and kept a straight face.

The rumors about the princess were starting to become just that with each passing second. This woman standing before them wasn’t anything like the rumors stated. In fact, her attire and general stance reminded them of Emperor Isaac in his earlier youth.

She really is a spitting image of his majesty! They both thought, sweating.

Veronica sighed, “May I ask what you’re doing on my floor? Are you on patrol?”

Ephraim snapped out of his trance, “Apologies for the late introduction, your highness. I’m Sir Ephraim Ingram and the knight beside me is-!"

Nate quickly interrupted Ephraim, “Sir Nate Bulliard, at your service, your highness! We’re here to escort you while you go on your outing.”

Veronica blinked, “Escort me on my outing?”

Ephraim grew annoyed with the energetic knight, “Yes, princess. We were tasked to watch over you as you get some fresh air.”

She was a little perplexed by why the knights were here but remembered when she drove off that aggravating maid. That’s when she put two-and-two together.

“By chance, you’re not the empress’ knights, are you?” Veronica examined their facial expressions.

She read Nate like a book. He gave the most sour expression imaginable. Veronica had to keep a straight face to hold in her laughter, but her eyes screamed in delight.

Ephraim was a little harder to read but his eyes gave it away. He was fighting really hard not to have them roll to the back of his head.

I think I’ll take a liking to these two. She thought, smiling.

“I apologize,” Veronica sighed in relief. “Trust me when I say that I didn’t mean to offend.”

Ephraim flinched, “Please don’t apologize, princess. I never stated who gave us the order so it was a fair question to ask. My humblest apologies.”

She stood up, crossing her arms, “Your expressions told me everything. I’m sure you have your reasons for disliking the empress. I can’t fault you for your emotions.”

“I thank you deeply for your mercy, your highness.” Ephraim elbowed Nate, who still had a sour expression and bowed in respect.

Nate rubbed his arm while pouting, “Sorry for showing disrespect, princess. We still respect the title that the empress holds, but due to personal reasons, we can’t truly respect her.”

“Oh my, you’re quite bold, Sir Nate,” Veronica snickered. “Are you not afraid of being overheard?”

“My loyalty will forever and always lie with the emperor. He has my utmost respect!” His sourness eased up, giving a wide grin.

Ah, so it was father dearest. No wonder I’m getting escorted in the first place. She thought.