Chapter 7

... So, I died.

However, when I was reborn as a prince, I had a few memories from the start. As I grew, it was as if the doors to my memories were opening, and I gradually recalled various things.

At the age of 13, I finally remembered everything up to the moment of my death, and I couldn't help but shout:

"Why!?"

Why was I reborn with my memories intact? And this time as a prince? Come on, I didn't want to be born into this cursed bloodline twice.

Overwhelmed with shock and confusion, I ran to the palace library, almost fainting, to check the historical records. I didn't understand why this happened, but if my power had worked properly and that person had survived, it would be enough. If I could confirm that one point, I would take my time to think about the rest.

... In the end, I couldn't confirm that the person had survived.

There was no mention of the person anywhere in the historical records. No matter how much I searched, I couldn't find even their name, despite them being a hero at the time.

Could they have been assassinated by the nobles, and their achievements erased? ... I almost went mad with hatred, but as I investigated further, I came to a conclusion.

─── Probably, my half-brother erased the records of the person.

Not only the person's records, but all records related to the holy maiden were erased. There was no mention of the experiments conducted by the royal family or the oral traditions of the holy king. Everything was completely wiped clean. Thinking about it, I had never heard my parents, the king and queen, talk about the oral traditions of the holy king. Also, I only had one younger brother.

I could confirm my half-brother's name in the list of past kings. In this era, no one knew the conditions for activating the holy maiden's power. As my half-brother had said, the tragedies surrounding the holy maiden's power had ended. The founding legend was now just a legend, and the goddess had become a distant existence to us.

It was said that the holy maiden's records had been burned in the great war, but I knew that my half-brother, once he decided to do something, would do it thoroughly. ... Still, I couldn't help but feel a chill down my spine. How many people must he have silenced to completely erase the holy maiden's records?

─── Well, he's a man who keeps his word, so he probably didn't directly harm the person...

However, without any records, there was no way to confirm anything. Also, I didn't understand why I had memories from my past life. Does activating the holy maiden's power cause reincarnation? I had never heard of such a thing.

It couldn't be that the person wished for my reincarnation, could it? I shuddered at the thought, but then reconsidered. At that time, the person was already losing consciousness, and their life was fading. They probably didn't even realize that I had slit my own throat.

"What the hell is going on..."

That's how I was, lost in confusion, until my doubts were resolved two years later.

※

I shifted my gaze back and glanced at Sylvia.

She was drinking tea happily, and the air around her was peaceful. There was no trace of the anger and intensity she had when she was 'the person.' She was very laid-back, and her lack of caution made my stomach hurt with worry.

But she used to frown and worry a lot.

I deeply rejoiced that Sylvia could now live a peaceful life. Every time she smiled happily, my whole body was filled with joy.

This laid-back personality is probably her true self.

'The person' had talent, but it was a talent that only manifested during war, not something she desired. Still, because she had the power to fight, she went to the battlefield to protect everyone. In reality, she always wanted a peaceful life without killing.

... I probably misread the person's wish at that time.

Sylvia said she was grateful to me. That means she had already accepted her death. What a terrible person. She was so desperate to save her subordinates, yet she didn't cling to her own life.

At that time, the person probably wished to be born in a peaceful era.

That's why we were reborn in this peaceful era, three hundred years later, with our memories intact. I was born as a prince to protect this peaceful era, as per her wish.

Well... it's just a guess, but now I think it was for the best.

The current Sylvia is the youngest daughter of a duke's family. She is unlikely to be targeted for her life as she was before. She has parents and siblings who love her.

I can't help but love her deeply. I know I'm not worthy of her, but my love for her never fades. It wells up from the depths of my heart like a spring.

There's no stopping it. I have decided that she is my destiny. Even if she doesn't feel the same, I don't mind. I love Sylvia. My love for her has become like flesh and blood to me.

─── I like you, Sylvia.

If you really want to become a queen, I will do my best to provide you with a life of 'spending the whole day lounging around.' Please rest assured. I am your red-haired dog.

I will do my best to maintain this peace for your sake and even support a romance novel publisher.

As I secretly made this vow in my heart,

Sylvia narrowed her eyes and said:

"What a nice day, Your Highness."

"Yes, it really is."

"It's perfect for cherry blossom viewing."

"You really love cherry blossom viewing, don't you? Is there a reason for that?"

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That's the end. Thank you for reading this far.

I think these two will probably get married in about five years.