A Blend of Romance and Fantasy Chapter 16

Chapter 16

The second ironclad rule of reincarnation romance fantasies:

If you want to defeat the villain, you need knowledge of the original story—and bonus points if you master swordsmanship or magic.

Unfortunately, I had neither.

I had no idea how those reincarnated heroines managed to be both brilliant and physically overpowered, steamrolling every obstacle in their path.

That definitely wasn’t me.

So instead, I survived everything using items and subordinates.

Even now, every single thing I wore was a magic item.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my study, checking each piece one by one.

Then—

“You’re dressed very differently from earlier.”

“You scared me!”

At some point, Leonard had already appeared on the windowsill, calmly fixing the cloak the wind had flipped over.

“Make some noise when you show up! Why do all swordsmen move around like ghosts?”

“If we made noise, everyone in the Blake imperial palace would be dead by now.”

Leonard landed lightly and walked toward me.

He had kidnapped me before.

Instinctively, I shifted into a defensive stance.

He blinked innocently.

“What’s wrong?”

“I thought you might kidnap me again.”

“I won’t do that anymore. Besides, judging by all those items you’re wearing, if I touch you wrong, I’ll probably end up tied up instead.”

He pointed to my bracelet.

It contained a binding spell.

And as they say, the best defense is a good offense—so I also had attack spells hidden in nearly every accessory I wore.

“So you understand. Don’t try anything strange.”

“I won’t. If you want, you can bring your knight.”

“If I do that, I’ll have to make excuses again. Let’s just go.”

Leonard let out a faint laugh.

“I like how straightforward you are.”

A massive teleportation circle bloomed into existence.

Just like before, a gate opened instantly.

No matter how many times I saw it, it was still impressive—

and extremely annoying.

“Come closer. Unless you want to be scattered into particles mid-teleport.”

“Gah—!”

At those terrifying words, I immediately pressed against him.

And in an instant—

we arrived in a dark forest.

Damp grass brushed against my boots.

At first, I felt relieved I’d worn proper shoes—

But the deeper we went, the worse it became.

The trees were withered.

The ground had turned black.

The air carried the stench of decay.

There was no sign of life anywhere.

Monster traces.

“Where are we?”

“Fleet Forest.”

“That’s impossible. That’s near the capital.”

“Isn’t that the palace over there?”

I followed his gaze—

and froze.

The spires of the royal palace stood in the distance, Singcester’s flag fluttering above them.

“But that doesn’t make sense. The capital is protected by my brother’s barrier. Monsters shouldn’t be here.”

“The barrier is excellent,” Leonard said calmly. “Someone simply released monsters inside it using dark magic.”

…So that’s why he needed the Saintess.

Seeing it with my own eyes—

I couldn’t deny it anymore.

“Leonard, I don’t have divine power. I’m useless here.”

“Didn’t I already tell you?”

He sheathed his dagger.

“Aurora is important because she can suppress dark magic. But we have alternatives—a high priest, a holy knight. We’re prepared if she refuses.”

“And yet you still tried to kidnap her. That’s incredibly rude.”

When I glared at him, he looked slightly awkward.

“My point is—we have options. But my ultimate goal is to become emperor. Once I do, I can imprison Damian and the Blueheart family immediately. Then none of this will matter.”

I was just about to mock him—

when realization hit.

“…Wait. When you asked for my help, did you mean helping you become emperor?”

Leonard avoided my gaze.

“To be honest, I thought you’d understand.”

“Are you insane?!”

“That’s a bit harsh.”

“This is me being polite!”

I clenched my fists.

“Blake is basically the size of the United States! How exactly am I supposed to help you unify something that big?!”

“But you already saved Singcester once. You said you secured yourself a peaceful life.”

“That was just dealing with Nox Glaston! And I had years of preparation! Your situation is completely different!”

My head spun.

I nearly collapsed—

but Leonard caught me before I hit the ground.

I wasn’t grateful.

“I absolutely refuse. And if stopping Singcester’s destruction helps you become emperor, then do both yourself.”

“That’s cruel.”

“I’m a very cruel woman.”

He studied me for a moment, then nodded.

“…Then I’ll speak to the Saintess again.”

“N-no, you can’t!”

I panicked.

Aurora and Erdan—

they were clearly in love.

Even if they tried to hide it.

“You said you have a high priest, right? Use them instead!”

“The king of Singcester should also know about this. Isn’t that obvious?”

I grabbed his sleeve—

but he gently removed my hand.

“Then we’re done here. Let’s go back.”

“That’s not the way back, you walking navigation disaster!”

* * *

Logically, nothing Leonard said was wrong.

…but emotionally?

Absolutely not.

That bastard.

That rotten bastard.

Who knew how many years he’d spent living comfortably as a prince—

only to suddenly panic and drag me into this mess?

If he’s from a fantasy novel, he should stick to fantasy characters.

Why is he dragging romance-fantasy people into this?!

I didn’t sleep at all that night.

“Princess? Princess!”

“Ah—yes?”

“Were you listening? You seem distracted.”

I blinked.

I was currently having tea with… some prince. Hans? Maybe?

Ever since hearing Leonard planned to meet Erdan and Aurora, I couldn’t focus at all.

“Of course I’m listening! Your younger sister’s wedding preparations are going well?”

“Yes. If possible, I’d like to attend next time with Your Highness—”

“Oh my. That would be lovely.”

Since the banquet began, I felt like I’d become some kind of social event manager—

but that was probably just my imagination.

As I nodded along absentmindedly, Abigail approached.

“Your Highness, forgive the interruption. His Majesty has summoned you. It seems urgent.”

Perfect timing.

“Of course. Please excuse me.”

I stood immediately.

Once outside—

“Abigail, thank you!”

“You should thank His Majesty. It seems serious.”

Serious?

Tilting my head, I hurried toward Erdan’s office.