After Killian left, I devoted serious time to self-reflection.
What have I done wrong? Or rather, what did I do right? Why—how—did Killian so willingly agree to become my ever‑loyal companion (“baedong”)? I only ever intended to watch over him from afar and use my influence to subtly pave flowered paths for him.
Emperor father suggested I treat Killian like a toy: if I grew tired, I could simply dismiss him. But I couldn’t—if I got too close, I risked triggering his curse. Even now, it’s dormant, but under extreme stress or emotional upheaval, it erupts.
If he ever lost control because of me… then not just I, but the entire empire, would collapse.
Avoiding the original ending would be a long, brutal, chaotic ordeal. I must find a way to coexist without causing him stress.
I need a plan.
I tapped my foot thoughtfully. It’s wonderful to be near my favorite, but I can’t endanger him.
I still lack proof enough to discredit Duke Märchen—the villain in the original novel—and I’m not ready yet. But doing nothing isn’t an option. As I chewed on chocolates stuffed with almonds that Liz brought, a brilliant idea sparked.
Find Adelaide!
In the original, Killian only meets Adelaide after going off to war. But since they will meet anyway, meeting her now might be better. Let them both clumsily misunderstand each other at first—but building connection from childhood seems promising.
I could be the bridge of their love. From friends to lovers—how dreamy! Raising that bond from a young age means I might help stop his curse—or maybe even prevent it. This is the fastest route to a happy ending.
Perfect!
Thankfully, I know where Adelaide is—at an orphanage in a small northern village near the capital. The girl raised in an orphanage, having lost her parents as a baby, is in truth the lost daughter of Marquis Lewendiff.
Without hesitation, I summoned Liz. I must act quickly while thinking is fresh.
“Liz! I need your help.”
“Yes, Princess?”
“There’s someone I want to find.”
“Yes? Who this time?”
Not to torment! I stared at her seriously. Liz grinned wryly.
“Ah. You said you’ve changed, Princess.”
“Yes. So—can you find someone?”
“You know where she is?”
I nodded. Adelaide is at the orphanage in the village of Kaiar, where children who lost their parents gather.
“And that orphan is the Marquis’s daughter — Adelaide Lewendiff.”
Liz stuttered back a couple of steps.
“Who… are you?”
“Liz…? Seriously?!”
Liz started to panic, about to shout.
“Relax. Trust me.”
“You’re the real Princess?”
“I am. And I know you like Sir Briven.”
Liz gasped at that secret I shared once and whispered in shock.
“So you’re really the Princess?”
“Exactly. Anyways—find Adelaide. And we’ll split half the reward the Marquis offers.”
“Princess! How do you even know that?”
“Don’t ask how I know—don’t uncover it. Anyway! Will you go or not?”
“Yes… yes. …Ugh. What on earth am I doing?”
Her attitude was existential despair—and I totally understood. I couldn’t exactly explain: “I’m a transmigrator from another dimension, and the original Princess is a villainess who gets decapitated!” Thankfully I’m still in control—but it’s frustrating even imagining.
“Wouldn’t showing up in person be good? A chance to prove that the Princess has changed. Transform the image! Overcome prejudice!”
“Nah. Too bothersome.”
Liz tried again, but I brushed it off.
“I’ll just send knights.”
Liz’s argument made sense. I did consider appearing at the orphanage myself—it was a lovely excuse—but it would attract too much attention, and I’m not ready yet.
“It’s for the best—for everyone’s sake. Just trust me this once.”
“I must,” she relented.
How tsundere she is. Complains about it, but still listens and gets it done. My most reliable ally. In this life, I’ll treat you well, Liz—just trust me!
I nudged her.
“Go now! Bring knights, find Sir Briven too! I’ll stay locked in my room.”
Liz grimaced but promised to assemble knights. Once she left, I opened the letters Killian sent.
How many had he written in just a few days? Judging by the dates, this was the first one.
His handwriting resembled his face—clean and elegant—with my name written so prettily.
“Why does someone with good handwriting also have to be handsome?”
I’ll archive them carefully!
Opening the stationery, I was greeted with a sweet, cool scent reminiscent of Killian.
**[To the star of the Empire’s shining brilliance, Princess Celestia:
Your Highness, I hope you have been well.
This is Killian Märchen of the Märchen line. The sun is particularly harsh this morning—I suppose summer is near. I hope the heat won’t fatigue you.
By the way:
That strawberry cake you kindly provided was absolutely delicious. Thank you again! It would have tasted even better if we had shared it. I wonder—what sort of dessert does Your Highness prefer? I find myself curious.
[…]
I was taught that an engaged couple should keep such frequent correspondence. I await your reply.
Until we meet again, may you remain well.
Your fiancé,
Killian Märchen]**
The other letters echoed similarly: asking about me, expressing anticipation for future time together.
I smiled—but I also froze. My body is seven, but my mind isn’t. How did his opinion of me shift so hard from dislike to sweetness? Reading his letters deepened my confusion rather than resolved it.
He changed that much after just one meeting? Is this just his style? Did a single strawberry shortcake do this? Or…
Ah! I realized I haven’t done that many awful things yet!
The novel’s original Celestia wasn’t born evil—though obsessed with Killian, she wasn’t truly malicious in her youth. Only after he returned from war with Adelaide—smiling tenderly at her—did jealousy drive her into villainy.
Come to think of it, Canon Celestia was actually the first to notice Adelaide’s cross-dressing. That’s when the spiral really began…
I’m so grateful I’m only seven.
In that case—being his companion might even be fine.
Engagement? Absolutely not. But being his loyal aide allows me to connect Adelaide and support Killian. Frequent calls to the palace provide a buffer: Duke Märchen won’t dare abuse me while I’m frequently in the Emperor’s presence. He’d hate rumors that he mistreated his child.
To think I could become the childhood friend of my ultimate favorite!
This is the best welfare package in any world! Yay!