The Trials of Treasure

By Andy Eriful

"When Treasure woke up after an incident that took her life, she realized that she

had returned to her twenty-three-year-old self-back when she was labeled as the

most hated woman in the Empire. She was, once again, married to Reagan Trace

Arzen, the reigning Emperor of the Arzen Empire; the man who hated her the

most...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Dec 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9789360492663

Book preview

The Trials

of Treasure

Andy Eriful

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2023

Content Copyright © Andy Eriful

ISBN

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

www.ukiyoto.com

For my sister, Guileene — for inspiring me to write again, for encouraging me to start over, and for pushing me to always choose my peace.

Contents

Un

Deux

Trois

Quatre

Cinq

Six

Sept

Huit

Neuf

Dix

Onze

Douze

Treize

Quatorze

Quinze

Seize

Dix-Sept

Dix-Huit

Dix-Neuf

Vingt

About the Author

Un

W

hen Treasure opened her eyes, she didn’t recognize the room right away.

Her throat was parched and she felt like she had been in bed for years as she slowly sat up; looking around in confusion. She’s not… supposed to be here. She’s… supposed to be somewhere. She’s supposed to save—

The splitting headache that sliced through the middle of her head blindsided her. It felt like someone had stabbed her in the back of her head. Treasure was quick to clutch the throbbing area, freezing shortly when she felt something damp underneath her hair. Slowly, she brought her hand to her face… gasping silently when she saw blood on her palm.

O-Oh no…!

Memories came flooding to her the moment she saw blood.

She had been killed—that’s right. She had been killed.

She’s not too sure who did it exactly… but she knows who ordered her death—and the deaths that would soon follow before her body could even settle in her grave. But if she died… what is she doing here? Slightly confused and despite the many aches on her body, she got off her massive bed and headed straight to the large vanity—staring with wide eyes at the figure reflected before her.

And she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She had to slap herself twice in case she was dreaming.

Her long, silver, and luscious locks extended down to her hips; curling from the middle down to the tip. Her skin was as pale as snow—an obvious sign that she had been sick in bed for a long time and not simply because of her fair skin. Her eyes were tinted emerald green—big, clear, and blank—lined with thick lashes. She had a pale glow on her cheeks, coupled with light-colored freckles that were sprayed evenly from each cheek and over the bridge of her nose. Yet, despite her sickly appearance, she was still very pretty.

Treasure Trevelyen-Arzen—Crown Princess and the next Empress of the Arzen Empire. The equally treasured, envied, and most hated woman in the Empire. People have always envied her and coveted her position after she managed to bag the most eligible and sought-after bachelor in the Empire: Crown Prince Reagan Trace Arzen. And she used to mock people simply because she was higher than them.

Being the Crown Princess, the next Empress and the future mother of the Emperor’s children was something she was so proud of. Not only that, she is the future wife of the Crown Prince. But her dreams become nightmares when she soon realizes that the Crown Prince has never loved her—and will never love her. Her love became desperation and obsession. And she tried to hide her insecurities and anger with vanity.

Despite not being loved by the Prince, she was still the most beautiful woman in the Empire.

She met her untimely demise after learning that the Imperial family was in danger… and that the Prince had fallen in love with another woman.

Treasure stared at her youthful yet sickly face again.

She’s… so young. Just what in the world happened?

She headed to the study table next, making a mess of the neat pile of books and paperwork until she finally found what she was looking for—a calendar. And when Treasure saw the date, she was so stunned that she dropped it on the floor.

No wonder she looked so young… no wonder she was back in her bedroom in the Palace when she was supposed to be somewhere else…

After she died… it seems like her soul returned to the past… back when she was still twenty-three.

But why? How?

She has read about reincarnations and resurrections before. But she didn’t think it was possible. While magic existed in the Arzen Empire, resurrecting someone is taboo because it requires many sacrifices—particularly the life of the wielder.

If she died and was resurrected… who called her back to life? Who died… for her to live again… and why?

She slumped on the floor, trying to remember what happened before she was resurrected. She was pretty sure she was back in Trevelyen Viscounty… researching. And she was rushing to return to the Imperial Palace when she was killed. But what was she researching? It has to be something important… because that was the reason why she was killed. Someone ordered her dead after her discovery… but why can’t she remember the name? Why can’t she remember the face?

It was at the back of her mind… at the tip of her tongue. But at the same time, it was all… blank.

As if her memories were there but had been blurred. It’s like meeting someone again for the first time—it’s like knowing it happened… but not remembering if it truly did.

But there was something that she was quite sure of: she remembered the sequence of events before her death… and even after. Treasure understands the events before her death and why she remembers some of them if not all. But the memories after… she couldn’t understand—as if the memories weren’t hers at all.

In your next life… I will be sure to protect you, my lady…

Another splitting headache sliced at the back of her head. Treasure clutched her head tightly; squeezing the tender part despite the pain; hoping to relieve the ache she was feeling. Who was that voice? Was it the person who resurrected her? Was it related to what she was researching about—to her discoveries?

Was it related to the fact that the Imperial family was in grave danger?

The back of her head started to hurt again. Ow… She stared at her bloodied hand, quickly looking around for a cloth to wipe it clean. And when she found one, Treasure carefully pressed it at the back of her head to stop the bleeding. She was in the middle of standing in her room when the door suddenly opened, revealing her lady-in-waiting, Jenny, who gasped at the sight of her.

Y-Your Highness…! Jenny screamed; almost rendering her deaf. Setting aside the basin of fresh water she was holding, she dashed into her bedroom and rushed to her. Your Highness! Thank God, you’re finally awake! We were so worried about you—

Ssh, Jenny, she shushed her, still in pain. You’re hurting my ears.

I-I… I apologize, Your Highness, when she started to sob, Treasure was rendered defeated. I was just so worried about you. You have been asleep for two months now after the accident. The Royal Physicians said there might no longer be a chance for you to ever wake up due to the serious injury on your head. I… I thought you had left me, Your Highness.

Despite body and headaches, Treasure couldn’t help but smile at Jenny. She has always been the only one who cared for her and she treated Jenny like a friend—a sister because she never had one after her parents died when she was still a child. She reached out for Jenny, about to wipe the tears off her face, when the latter gasped at the sight of her hand.

You’re bleeding! Jenny was quick to grab her hand to check if she was injured before rushing behind her and spotted the fabric pressed at the back of her head starting to get soaked in blood. I-I will call the doctors, Your Highness! Please lie down right away and don’t move!

I’m fine, Jenny—

Please, Your Highness, she sobbed again. If not for you and me… for the sake of the Prince and the Princess. They have been visiting you almost every day, blaming themselves for your accident.

She froze when she remembered the Prince and the Princess—her children—and was instantly forced down the bed the moment she was distracted. Jenny ordered the guards and maids stationed in front of her room to call the doctors and give the announcement that she had regained consciousness.

It hadn’t been an entire minute since Jenny requested the Palace physician when a swarm of doctors and nurses came to her room, all worried and relieved that she had finally regained consciousness. The doctors were quick to clean the back of her head, replaced the soiled bandages with new ones, and did a very thorough checkup on her. When asked about what happened to her, Treasure was told that she had been in a carriage accident involving the Prince and the Princess—that she saved them from getting hit and suffered the damages instead.

Aside from her head injury, she had also sprained her leg and arm. She also had several broken ribs and other wounds that are mostly healed now. However, she will need assistance in walking since it would take months for her right leg to completely heal.

She frowned at the thought that she would be bedridden for a couple of weeks. She had so many things that she needed to do. If the Imperial family is in danger—if her children are in danger—then she needs to prevent that from happening. The answer lies within the Trevelyen Viscounty. She needs to be there as soon as she can. Because whoever is planning to endanger the Imperial family… is certainly someone within her family.

Your Highnesses…!

Treasure quickly turned in the direction of the door where she heard the voices and rushed footsteps… and was more than surprised to recognize the two children running toward her. The smaller of the two, the female, was quick to stop at the foot of her bed, hiding behind the bigger male child. And despite being twins, they were as different as night and day.

While Prince Aspen Frostine Trevelyen-Arzen is dark-skinned and silver-haired, Princess Alaska Hale inherited her pale skin and her father’s dark hair. But what’s amazing is that they both have multi-colored eyes—possessing a right molten lava-colored eye and a left emerald green eye. They have been called God’s gift to the Empire due to their unique appearance… and she had been very mean and cruel to them as a mother.

W-We were told that you’ve finally regained consciousness, Y-Your Highness, Prince Aspen was visibly shaking as he looked down at the floor, hands tightly clasped together while his twin sister, Alaska, was hiding behind him looking like a terrified rabbit. We hope that we are not disturbing you. The Princess and I just wanted to make sure that you are alright.

They were scared of her, it was quite obvious. And Treasure knew that it was a very known fact within the Imperial Palace with the way the maids, physicians, nurses, and knights were glancing nervously at each other and then back to her and the children.

Just how much did she neglect these children simply because she had been abandoned by the man who never even bothered to look at her? Why did she disregard them when she could have poured her love into these two pitiful, shaking children?

They were her kids, for goodness’ sake!

Clearing her parched throat, she ushered them closer. Come closer so you can see.

Aspen and Alaska stared at each other in surprise before hesitantly approaching her. They stood a few feet from her, still terrified and anxious.

She smiled. You may come closer.

They looked like they didn’t want to—as if they were afraid that they would be punished—but still decided to obey as they closed the distance between them. They looked so small now that they are now standing before her. Treasure instantly saw the nearly healed injuries on their arms and face.

You’ve been… hurt, she mumbled as she stared at a particularly large wound on Aspen’s arm.

T-This is nothing compared to Your Highness’s injuries, he answered quickly before lowering his head. When Alaska saw what her twin did, she was also quick to bow before her. W-We thank you for saving our lives, Your Highness! And we are very sorry for causing so much trouble!

T-T-Thank you, Y-Y-Your Highness! Alaska said as well; her eyes shut and her fists clenched tightly—as if waiting for a punishment that would not come.

Treasure knew why her children were afraid of her. She was never a good mother to them and neglected them before they could even see or hear. She was never there for them and chose to distance herself and hate them simply because the Crown Prince loved them when he couldn’t even show her the slightest affection. And not only that, she was a very violent mother; hurting them physically and emotionally even at the smallest of mistakes.

And she died without even fixing their relationship.

After a short period of silence, Treasure finally found her voice despite the guilt that was eating her up from the inside. She was alive again for a reason. Aside from saving the children from their possible death, this could be her chance to finally fix her relationship with her children. You don’t have to thank me. It’s… a mother’s job to make sure that her children are safe and sound. Besides, I didn’t do a good job… seeing that you two still sustained injuries.

O-Oh, don’t say that, Your Highness!

Treasure was startled when Aspen suddenly grabbed her bandaged hand. She didn’t even realize that she had also broken a few bones on her fingers. O-Ow…!

I-I’m so sorry, Your Highness! Aspen turned ashy white as he shrieked in obvious mortification. Even Alaska, who didn’t even do anything, turned as white as a sheet as she stared at her pained expression. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Your Highness!

I-It’s alright! she said just as quickly; trying to will away the ache on her broken fingers. She didn’t want him to think that she didn’t want to be touched. As soon as she could finally move her fingers, she carefully held it out and lent it to Aspen, smiling at the mortified child. Here, you can touch.

Aspen was on the verge of tears as he stared at her outstretched hand. Y-Your Highness…

Once again, Treasure smiled. It’s okay. It doesn’t hurt. I was just… surprised. You can touch my hand.

His small hand was still shaking when he placed it over hers. Treasure waited until the young Prince had finally calmed. It took him a while and she was happy when he somehow managed to relax. His hand was on top of hers and, as if regaining the courage to touch her some more, Prince Aspen carefully gripped her hand with both small hands. He stared at the bandages covering her fingers… and stunned Treasure when he carefully placed them on his small, heated, tear-stained cheek.

Treasure glanced at Princess Alaska who was still hiding behind her brother. And after a nod of encouragement, she hesitantly went to her brother’s side and also touched her aching arm, carefully massaging it as if she wanted her internal pains to disappear.

They were so small… so precious. How could she ever be so cruel to them?

Thank you for visiting me, Prince Aspen, Princess Alaska, she told them with a smile. I appreciate it very much.

Glancing at Aspen, Alaska turned to her hesitantly; her multicolored eyes big and hopeful. M-M-May we… c-come again tomorrow, Your H-Highness?

Of course, she replied almost instantly. The two of you can come anytime, Princess. Come see me whenever you two are free. I will happily wait here and look forward to your every visit.

They beamed at her response, any signs of fear and hesitation were finally gone as they smiled at each other. Alaska looked like she wanted to climb up her bed and sit beside her so she urged her to do whatever she wanted. A maid helped the little Princess to her side and, despite being awkward around the children, she spent quite a long time talking to them, asking them if they were doing well and what kept them busy.

The Royal Physicians advised her to take it slow and carefully—that she must not overstrain herself with activities that could prevent her from fully recovering. They even prescribed her medicines and gave her maids a long list of food that she must eat to regain her strength before finally leaving her with the Prince and Princess.

The children told her what happened: that they were out on a tour outside the Palace when another noble’s carriage lost control while heading in their direction. It was originally supposed to hit the two of them along with their nannies. But she had pushed them out of the way, acting faster than the knights accompanying them, and was hit instead.

Treasure couldn’t remember any of that happening at all. She couldn’t remember anything that led to her accident. She couldn’t even remember being hit by a horse carriage in her past life.

Could it be? Is it possible that it happened because she died in the future… and that event happened because her soul from the future will possess her body in the past? Is it possible that her soul died when she was hit by the horse carriage for her soul from the future to inhabit the body?

Another piercing headache sliced at the back of her head. But because she didn’t want the twins to worry, she struggled to maintain a normal face as she listened to the two of them talk about that day—and their healing journey. Treasure decided to focus on her children first. She’s still in the healing process so she’ll have more time to spend with them. She died at the age of thirty-three which means she has ten years to prevent the possible future from happening.

But for now, she would like to focus on her strained relationship with her kids. It is high time that she acts like a mother to them. That way… even if she can’t prevent a future where she will die, she will make sure that they will live and will only have good memories of her.

Announcing His Royal Highness, Emperor Reagan Arzen.

Stunned, Treasure went stiff when she eyed the direction of the door in time a much taller and bigger figure stepped into her bed chambers.

Deux

R

eagan visiting her is the last thing on her mind.

She didn’t even remember his existence until his arrival was announced. Aspen and Alaska jumped off her bed, rushed toward their father, and jumped to embrace his leg. They are not as carefree in front of her compared to when around Reagan.

Father! The twins looked extremely overjoyed as they greeted the Emperor, wrapping their small arms around his legs as they barely reached his knees. Treasure watched in silence as Reagan bent down to acknowledge their children before finally turning in her direction.

The Arzen Royal Family is known for its olive skin and striking raven hair. Even as a child, Reagan Trace Arzen was taller and bigger compared to the other noble children; only becoming more defined as he grew older. He is still as sinfully handsome as she remembered, sharp-jawed, and had eyes the color of ochre—burning… like flickering embers in the middle of a very harsh, very white winter; a trait befitting a militant family who has defended the Empire’s borders for hundreds of years from barbarians and other countries. Ever since Reagan became an adult, at the young age of sixteen, he participated in the war and led the Empire’s victory.

His achievements in saving the Empire from its conquerors gained him instant favor among the nobles. And every single noble parent in high society wanted him to be their son-in-law. He captured the hearts of many… and that also included Treasure.

That’s why she was the happiest when he was married to her. But her happiness didn’t last for very long. Reagan hated her guts. Her love for him turned into anger when he heartlessly did his duties to her as her husband… without even bothering to spare her a glance. And even as she carried their children, she had never seen even Reagan’s shadow. She’d only seen him after she gave birth when he came to check if she had successfully delivered a male heir.

Her hatred for him grew intense… until they became fully estranged. Yet, despite the hate, Treasure genuinely loved Reagan. That’s why she was devastated and beyond heartbroken when she learned that another woman had captured his interest. If she didn’t know about the concept of resurrection, Treasure is close to believing that her anger and hatred for Reagan resurrected her to exact revenge.

Still, despite the years of hate and anger, for some strange and painful reasons, her heart maintained feelings for the man who never wanted her.

But things are bound to be different now. She could never blame Reagan for not returning her feelings. After all, they are both saddled with a fate where they both have no say. If she suffered, she knows that Reagan suffered as well. And the only thing she can do for him is ensure that he will live to care for their children… should she not survive this ordeal.

Having lived and died, Treasure was determined to correct her mistakes toward Reagan. While she still holds affection for the man, she has now accepted her fate that he is not for her… and that he will not come to love her.

Because now she knows and has proven that Reagan is meant for another woman.

She carefully sat up to greet the Emperor of the Empire; mindful not to strain her back injury. She didn’t realize it before but the moment the doctors revealed her injuries, she is now feeling and experiencing all kinds of pain shooting all over her body. Now she’s starting to wonder how she even managed to walk around her bedroom the moment she came to be.

The Crown Princess of this Empire greets His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Reagan Arzen.

Treasure lowered her head before the Emperor, showing respect she had never shown before, only to wince slightly when she felt the painful twitch on her nape and head. She was quick to pull her head back up and maintained her eyes on the Imperial crest resting on Reagan’s chest. If Reagan from the future had such a devastating effect on her, he looked even more dashing now in his youthful prime and she’d rather not get affected by his strikingly stunning appearance.

So, it’s true. You’ve finally gained consciousness, Reagan’s voice was low, nearly baritone. This was the same voice that she yearned to hear every single day of her life. Still, despite hearing it now, it was cold and calculating—detached and uncaring.

With her eyes still not meeting his, Treasure nodded. Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much for visiting me.

Your Highness? Reagan was momentarily confused by Treasure’s choice of words. If anything, she was never that respectful. Did she hit her head so hard that it changed her personality? He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. He gave the twins a light pat on their shoulders, careful not to hit any remaining injuries, and walked toward Treasure. His eyes narrowed when he noticed how her already stiff shoulders became even stiffer… as if she didn’t want him to come close.

Ignoring the weird signals and her awkward body language, Reagan stood right next to her, looking down at her while she kept her eyes on her loosely clenched hands. His eyes narrowed at the sight of her bandaged hands, realizing that while he remembered each injury on Aspen and Alaska’s bodies, he wasn’t aware of what kind of injuries Treasure sustained in return.

Clearing his throat, he said, How are you feeling?

I’m all better now, Your Highness. Thank you for asking.

She doesn’t look any better. One look at her and Reagan knew instantly that it was a lie. He wasn’t too worried because the Crown Princess’s Palace was equipped with nothing but the best medical officers in the Empire. But still, he was feeling a bit off-balanced around her and he didn’t like it.

Turning in the direction of Treasure’s lady-in-waiting, he said, Will the Crown Princess require anything for a speedy recovery?

Jenny, Treasure’s head maid, quickly stepped forward and lowered her head before him. The Royal physicians gave us a list of medications and food that the Crown Princess must eat and drink for a quick recovery, Your Highness.

Make sure you follow that list and provide everything that the Crown Princess would need. If there is anything that you cannot obtain, send a message to my Palace.

We appreciate your concern, Your Highness.

He turned in Treasure’s direction again, expecting that she would be staring at him again with moon and stars in her eyes… only to be caught off guard when her eyes remained ahead of her—towards the children—as if he wasn’t existing at all. Clearing his throat, he said, Would you require anything else, Treasure?

If Treasure was surprised that he called her by her name, she made sure not to show it. In a sign of acknowledgment, she once again slightly lowered her head to thank the Emperor. Nothing, Your Highness. I will be sure to ask my maids should I ever need anything. I hope I’m not keeping you from your duties. I truly appreciate your visit today.

Reagan frowned. Did she just kick him out?

Before he could even say anything, Prince Aspen quickly approached Treasure and reached out for her bandaged hand. He was worried that she would smack Aspen’s hand off and was momentarily confused when, instead of avoiding the child, a smile suddenly appeared on her face as she also reached out to hold the Prince’s hand. Y-Your Highness, would it be alright if Princess Alaska and I were to stay some more? We would like to spend some more time with you.

Of course, Treasure’s response was quick and without any hesitation. You may stay as long as you like. I’d been confined in this room for quite a long time. I would certainly appreciate the company.

Thank you, Your Highness!

Even Alaska looked genuinely happy—and less terrified—when she clapped her hands before climbing up Treasure’s bed. Reagan watched in confusion as she started playing with the children—something she had never done before. Treasure never cared about the twins. And to see her agreeing to spend time with them was unbelievable.

He gave them another look of confusion and, when he glanced in the direction of the maids, they also had equally worried and amused looks on their faces. So it wasn’t just him then. He gave the three one last glance before he finally turned his back on them and exited her room.

Something is off—way, way off. And he didn’t like it one bit.

As soon as Reagan exited her room, Treasure couldn’t help but heave out a sigh of relief. She was worried that it would show how his visit made her happy. She didn’t want him to see how such a simple gesture from him had raised her hopes sky-high. Visiting her when she’s sick or injured is the bare minimum. Besides, since this was her previous body, she can understand why it made her feel happy: the mind, heart, and body are still the same Treasure from the past who is madly in love with Reagan.

However, the soul is different now.

Treasure stared in the direction of the door where Reagan exited; her heart sinking a bit with longing. For some strange reason, her heart felt slightly heavy when Reagan left. A massive part of her heart had hopes that he would stay even just for a bit. She knew that despite the miracle that happened to her if there was one thing that didn’t change in her, it would be the unhealthy love and dark obsession that she had with the Emperor.

She resisted the strong urge to demand Reagan to stay—just like what she used to do before—and focused her entire attention on her children who wanted to spend time with her. It would be for the best… if she would steer clear of him going forward.

—

Reagan was taken aback by the strange distance Treasure showed.

It wasn’t disrespectful but he couldn’t help but feel offended.

Reagan could see the genuine surprise in her eyes when she saw him step inside her room; as if she completely forgot about his existence—as if he was the last person she wanted to see. He knew she would be awake if he were to visit her. After all, his Chamberlain, Peter, had initially informed him right away that the Crown Princess finally regained consciousness—and that the Prince and Princess were currently in her chambers. He was worried that she would do something to the children once again that would emotionally scar them—such as blaming them for her accident.

That’s why it surprised him to see her strangely polite and distant.

And her interaction with the children—allowing them on her bed, letting them mess her hair around, and permitting them to be near her and inside her room—was all… suspicious. It is unbelievable to say but it’s an open secret in the Arzen Empire that Treasure hated her children to her very core. She does not have a single ounce of love for Aspen and Alaska.

She is extremely jealous of them because of the attention he has shown their children.

Hence, he was surprised when he learned that she got into a terrible accident after saving the children from a horse carriage. And now, more surprised to see the three of them interacting—as if they had been in a loving, mother and child relationship for a very long time.

Is something bothering you, Your Highness?

Reagan glanced in Peter’s direction. He didn’t even notice that he was standing right beside him since he was highly distracted by Treasure’s weird behavior. Hm.

Peter paused, sensing something weird about the Emperor, and was instantly worried Is everything alright, Your Highness? he glanced in the direction where the Emperor came from and realized that he just exited the Crown Princess’s chambers. Is it about the Crown Princess? Did she bother you again?

Reagan glared at Peter. While it is not a secret in the Empire that he hated his wife, he still didn’t like it when people spoke ill about her. What made you think that she bothered me? The Crown Princess sustained nearly fatal injuries after saving our children. She’s sick. Watch your mouth.

I apologize, Your Highness. I was out of line.

When Peter gestured for him to step ahead of him on their way back to his office, Reagan walked in silence while still thinking about Treasure. Ever since she met the Crown Princess, she has been a constant headache and thorn in his existence. He is one to appreciate beauty and he must admit that Treasure exceeds the standard for beauty in high society.

With her glossy, illustrious silver locks and icy emerald green eyes unique only to members of the Trevelyen Viscounty, Crown Princess Treasure Trevelyen is the rarest of all rare gems. But her lack of grace, propriety, and indecency is her downfall.

As the sole heiress of one of the leading houses in the Arzen Empire, Treasure is not one to hesitate to use her power on people who serve her no purpose. In other words, Treasure is a malicious bully. And that is what Reagan hated about her. Even when he learned the news of her accident, a fleeting thought that he would be free from her if she were to die crossed his mind—which he had been quick to shoot down after a moment of guilt.

But today, Treasure was different—as if she was possessed… as if he was speaking with a different person.

The doctors involved in overseeing the Crown Princess’s health, he said to Peter after careful consideration. —did you learn about their findings regarding her condition?

Peter paused, also curious about the Emperor’s curiosity, before responding, "Well, if you are talking about the… sudden changes in the Crown Princess, I was told that she will be put under observation for now. The injury on her head is quite… severe compared to the other physical and internal injuries she sustained. That’s why the doctors are worried that there might be… permanent changes. But they are also not sure about that—whether it will be permanent or temporary."

Reagan can understand why Peter was being careful with his words. You will report to me all findings on her observation, won’t you?

Yes, Sir.

And I need you to station maids to the Prince and the Princess whenever they visit Treasure… just to make sure nothing happens.

I will, Your Highness, Peter paused again. Is everything alright, Your Highness? You are suddenly curious about the Crown Princess. leaning closer to Reagan, Peter said, Has she done something to you or the Prince and the Princess that alarmed you?

Reagan stared at Peter, pondering his answer to his question carefully. Did the Crown Princess do something? Quite the opposite. But what’s worse than the Crown Princess doing something to him or the children?

It’s not doing something.

Suddenly, the knight in Reagan couldn’t help but be extra aware and suspicious. Something’s wrong… and he’s certain that these wrong feelings stem from Treasure’s odd behavior a while ago.

Eyeing his retainer, Reagan said, I need you to plant someone in the Crown Princess’s Palace. Report any… suspicious behavior to me as soon as it was witnessed.

Peter, still confused by Reagan’s order, quickly straightened his back. I received your order, Your Highness.

—

Treasure stared at the figure reflected in the mirror.

While she could recognize herself, it still felt weird looking at her twenty-three-year-old self. She carefully lifted the hem of her long dress, staring at the wide cut across her lower belly. She remembered hating this cut before. Since she had some serious complications during the delivery of the twins, the doctors had no other choice but to cut her stomach open to safely deliver the twins. She remembered blaming