The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 115

Vladimir, who was captured on the battlefield, was tried as a traitor and executed several weeks later.

 

The Emperor did not attend the trial or the execution.

 

It was said that he was so deeply shocked by the betrayal of his second son—whom he had cherished quite a bit before his collapse—that he couldn’t bear to see his final moments.

 

However, a few close confidants knew that the Emperor had visited the underground prison where Vladimir was held the day before the execution. Yet, no one knew what was said between the two during that meeting.

 

After a few weeks of rest, the Emperor returned to his duties. Crown Prince Rubens began assisting him with the administration of state affairs.

 

Frederick and Grace returned to their territory.

 

As promised by the Crown Princess, the Winstaine family was able to reclaim the property that had previously been confiscated by the Imperial family—as a reward for saving the Emperor’s life.

 

“With this, the Empire’s debt has been repaid.”

 

Although he had recovered from the poisoning, the Emperor’s eyes looked much weaker than before. The betrayal by Vladimir and the experience of nearly dying had clearly affected him deeply. The sharp and cautious glint in his eyes was no longer there.

 

“To be honest, I used to view your family with suspicion and disdain. It’s quite shameful to admit that I owe my life to your wife now.”

 

“It’s alright,” Frederick replied with his usual impassive expression.

 

“I’d like to apologize on behalf of my ancestors as well.”

 

“That’s not something for me to forgive or not. Your Majesty need not feel guilt over it either.”

 

“Thank you for saying that.”

 

And with that, the audience with the Emperor concluded.

 

Two days before their departure, Grace met privately with the Crown Princess.

 

“You’ve done so much. I’m deeply indebted to you,” the Crown Princess said, grasping Grace’s hands in gratitude.

 

“So much has happened. I don’t know how we would’ve made it through without you. I only hope that what I’m doing now is enough to repay you.”

 

“Not at all. I received much help from the Imperial family as well. If it hadn’t been for Panbion, I wouldn’t have grown as I did.”

 

“I really hope we can meet again. Please keep in touch.”

 

“Yes, I will.”

 

Grace warmly returned the Crown Princess’s gesture as they said their goodbyes.

 

The night before their departure, Grace found herself unable to sleep. Rather than forcing herself to rest, she stayed up talking with Frederick for a long time.

 

“So many things have happened,” she said, her mind swirling with memories of everything that had transpired in the capital.

 

“I didn’t expect it to be this intense when we first arrived…”

 

“If we had known, we never would’ve come,” Frederick said with a sigh.

 

“They really wrung every bit of use out of us before sending us off. Truly relentless.”

 

“But we did receive help too.”

 

“And all of it was used to stop Vladimir. Only now can we finally go home. That’s a relief—we should leave before they find another reason to hold us back.”

 

A faint crease formed between Frederick’s brows.

 

A few days earlier, the Crown Prince had subtly suggested they stay in the capital, citing the restoration of the Winstaine family’s property.

 

“There’s plenty of land in the capital now. You could build a house and live here comfortably. I’ll take good care of you.”

 

“I plan to return to the territory. My resignation as commander of the knights has already been accepted.”

 

Frederick declined without hesitation.

 

“That can always be reversed. Is life here uncomfortable for you?”

 

“Life in the north suits me better.”

 

“Well, at least visit sometimes, okay?”

 

“I’ll consider it.”

 

Frederick responded coolly and stepped back. Rubens pulled a mock-offended face and muttered, “So cold…” but he didn’t try to stop him further.

 

Frederick wasn’t bothered—he knew Rubens didn’t truly resent him.

 

“Did you enjoy your time in the capital?”

 

“Yes, I learned and experienced a lot. Of course, we did go through some pretty intense things,” Grace said with a smile.

 

“It all feels like a dream now.”

 

“What part?”

 

“The fact that I no longer have powers. The time when I could use them so easily already feels like a distant memory.”

 

After she passed out following the battle, Grace had awakened to find all of her quantum abilities gone.

 

She could no longer sense the energy that once flowed through her. She tried to summon it out of habit, but nothing happened.

 

She didn’t know the reason.

 

Maybe the divine beasts had taken the power back through some unknown means, or maybe it had all been used up fighting Felixius.

 

“Do you miss having powers?”

 

“Not really. It wasn’t mine to begin with. I just think of it as something I borrowed for a while.”

 

It did allow me to save the Empire, though…

 

But she didn’t feel greedy. She couldn’t even consider herself lucky for having had that power—it had come at the cost of the fox’s life.

 

“I like how things are now.”

 

She truly believed she was better off as an ordinary woman again. Such great power had never been necessary for her, and being revered for it had felt burdensome. Now, those days were simply a fading memory.

 

“I’m happy I get to return to the territory with you.”

 

Grace loved life in the territory.

 

The people were kind, and she could live peacefully surrounded by nature. The lively bustle of the capital might be missed from time to time, but for a long-term life, the territory was far better.

 

“Now we’ll finally have time just for us.”

 

When Frederick was commander of the Imperial Knights and Grace was growing as an Armento, they had both been busy. There had hardly been time to be alone together. Their late-night conversations before bed were all they had—and even those often ended with them too tired to stay awake.

 

“I think so too. We’ll finally get to do all the things we couldn’t before.”

 

“Like going horseback riding together, or going out to sketch… I want to do it all.”

 

“Let’s do it all when we get back.”

 

Frederick pulled Grace gently into his arms. Grace leaned against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

 

“Thank you for staying alive.”

 

His words echoed in her mind again, more real now than ever. Now we can finally live happily.

 

Grace’s heart swelled with joy.

 

 

“Your Grace! My Lady!”

 

As soon as they returned to the territory, the staff greeted them with great enthusiasm. Dorota, in particular, looked delighted.

 

“When we heard there was a war in the capital… and that Your Grace had joined the battle, we were so worried. Of course, we knew you were brave and would return safely, but still…”

 

“I’m glad we didn’t cause you too much worry.”

 

Frederick responded with a faint smile to Dorota’s warm greeting.

 

“You’ve both returned safe and sound. That’s what matters.”

 

Seeing the happy faces of those who welcomed them, Grace knew they had made the right decision in coming back. She smiled in return.

 

“Thank you for taking care of the territory while we were away.”

 

Frederick turned his gaze to Anthony, who stood quietly beside Dorota.

 

“I was just doing my duty, Your Grace.”

 

Anthony bowed politely.

 

“Prepare the bath, Dorota. After that long journey, I feel quite worn out.”

 

“Yes, understood. Shall I prepare one for the lady as well?”

 

“No need. My tub is large enough. Just fill it to the brim.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

Both Grace and Dorota turned to look at Frederick.

 

“U-um…”

 

“Understood! Right away, Your Grace!”

 

While Grace was still stunned, Dorota quickly accepted the command.

 

“And no need to send anyone in to assist. No one is to enter during the bath.”

 

“Yes, of course. I will ensure your orders are followed. We’ll be off to prepare it now.”

 

“I’ll take my leave as well. Please rest well.”

 

What… What is happening right now? Grace stood frozen, watching Dorota and Anthony walk away.

 

“F-Frederick…”

 

“Is there a problem?” he asked, as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

 

“D-did you just say we’re going to bathe… together?”

 

“Yes. Is there an issue?”

 

Bathing together—this had never happened before.

 

“You said we’d finally get to do the things we couldn’t before.”

 

“Y-yes, but…”

 

So that’s what you meant?! She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.

 

“Don’t be shy. This sort of thing will happen often now.”

 

Frederick answered nonchalantly as he walked away, leaving behind a blushing Grace.

 

He’s gotten shameless… Grace shook her head and hurried after him.