Chapter 1

During the New Year's holiday, I will try writing in a genre I've been wanting to attempt!

"Yuria, I will break our engagement."

This is the palace hall. I was suddenly told of the engagement break in front of the crowd. The one who said this is Edward von Neinstadt, the first prince of this country, who is fifteen years old and was my fiancé.

"I humbly accept."

I had already anticipated this day, so I decided to at least not show an ugly face. With this thought alone, I quietly and sincerely accepted the proposal to end the engagement.

I was born as the only daughter of a baron's family and was recognized as the country's Holy Maiden at the age of ten. At the same time, I was set to be the fiancée of the first prince, who is five years younger than me. Although our family status did not match, the engagement was probably to tie me to the country to prevent the Holy Maiden from leaving.

He rarely came to the church to comfort me.

I worked as the Holy Maiden for the country for ten years. During that time, the holy magic power I originally possessed was gradually and completely drained. Eventually, I would collapse immediately after using magic.

Around that time, the news of a "new Holy Maiden being recognized" stirred the country. Elia von Darius, a young girl from a duke's family, who is also fifteen years old. Her family status and age match the prince's. I heard that her wavy golden hair, unlike my silver hair which gives a cold impression, is very lovely.

"…Are you going to become engaged to the newly recognized Holy Maiden?"

At my question, Prince Edward frowned in disgust.

"Do I have an obligation to answer that?"

Saying this, he glared down at me from his high seat.

—Damn, I hit a nerve, and it must have irritated him.

"First of all, you are twenty, an old maid, and have no backing. You were born into a low-ranking baron's family, which no longer exists. Even if you are a Holy Maiden, your power is almost depleted. What value is there in welcoming such a woman as the queen of our country!"

I couldn't get married until I was twenty because I had to wait for you, who is five years younger, to come of age.

I lost my parents in an accident, which is why I have no backing. I was told to prioritize my duties as the Holy Maiden and couldn't even attend their funeral. It's painful to be blamed for that sad memory.

The depletion of the Holy Maiden's power is because I faithfully fulfilled my ten years of arduous duties!

"…!"

I tried to argue but barely suppressed the words at the back of my throat. Under my bowed head, I bit my lip tightly.

…Even if I argued, the only future for someone with no value to be used is either death or imprisonment.

"You will go to the Demon King's territory as a symbol of friendship. The Demon King is unmarried, so a marriage would be a good form. The country will arrange a marriage for you, an old maid. You should be grateful. Even if your power is waning, you are still a Holy Maiden, and that title has value."

The prince declared this with a smirk. However, the fact that he can declare this means that the king and the church have already approved it.

"…What!"

The Demon King's territory, ruled by the terrifying demon race, and a marriage to the Demon King… The fear made me faint.

—I had a dream.

For some reason, I was a woman with black hair and black eyes, poorly groomed, and wearing a simple suit, working in front of a computer every day (why do I know these names?).

—From morning till night, immersed in work. It's the same in the dream as it is now.

Even in the dream, I felt like laughing bitterly.

I, Chika Tachibana, came home to my one-room apartment on the last train one night, as usual, took off my shoes, and was about to step into the room when my knees gave out, and I collapsed, my vision going black.

—Hmm. Is this my memory?

I finally woke up.

That's right, that day I came home from work, exhausted, and collapsed at the entrance!

"Was that… death? A past life?"

That's right. I have memories of living as Chika until the age of twenty-nine.

When I woke up, the memories of my past life as Chika Tachibana returned.

I plan to update more frequently during the New Year's holiday!

I would be happy if you could enjoy this as a companion for your stay-at-home New Year's! (*^^*)