The Reincarnated Princess Spends Another Day Skipping Story Routes: Volume 9

By Bisu and Yukiko

A princess’s story usually ends with her happily ever after...but there’s a new chapter in Rosemary’s book! Now that Rose has achieved her dream of marrying Sir Leonhart, she has a new goal: becoming a wife and duchess worthy of a fairy-tale ending. She must balance her duties to the duchy with her work at the new medical facility, but luckily, she has more than enough motivation—and a dashing husband by her side! Things only seem to be getting better and better for the new duchess, especially when she finally gets her hands on some rice, the food she’s been coveting for years. However, in order to establish a rice trade, Rose must host a delegation from the country that grows it—the mysterious Kingdom of Osten. Can Rose navigate diplomatic waters and ensure that trade routes remain open?

• Language: English
• Publisher: J-Novel Heart
• Release date: Feb 4, 2025
• ISBN: 9781718384149

Book preview

Prologue

Among all the many fairy tales that exist, almost all of them conclude with the same line: And they all lived happily ever after. When I was a child, I often read stories that ended with those very words.

A hero sets off on an adventure, overcomes many hardships, and returns to his hometown where his parents await—a kidnapped princess locked on the highest floor of a tower is rescued by a prince on a white horse. Those types of stories have comforting endings that’ll leave a smile on your face...and it’s the grand finale that I love the most. Of course, I love being left in suspense or feeling my heart race with excitement, but I can enjoy those emotions because I’m promised a happy ending. Even as an adult, I’ll still feel the same way.

However, a thought suddenly struck me. What comes after that happily ever after? Will the hero go on a new journey after he returns to his village? Or will he build a family with that girl who was his childhood friend? Will the princess marry the prince now that she’s been rescued from her tower?

With those vague questions leading me, I daydreamed about what happened afterward. And now, those fantasies pertain to my reality.

Ever since I was a child, all I had ever dreamed about was becoming Sir Leonhart’s bride. Then, because I single-mindedly charged toward that goal without pause, my dream miraculously came true. Sir Leonhart and I pledged our devotion to each other in a church while our loved ones watched over us. It was the happiest day of my life, and it was just as I had always pictured it would be.

But that was not my final scene. After marrying my dearly beloved, my life continued on. Creating an epilogue befitting that happily ever after would depend on me. As the first titled duchess in the kingdom—no, in the world—and as the wife of Sir Leonhart, the former captain of the royal guard and the kingdom’s hero, I want to become a magnificent lady approved by all.

My new objective certainly wasn’t a reckless one. At the very least, it was far more realistic than stopping a war between nations, halting the demon lord’s resurrection, or preventing an epidemic.

Even someone like me—someone my own father calls a wild boar—should be able to become a splendid lady... Probably... Surely...

That’s what I’ll believe.

The Reincarnated Duchess Socializes

The Kingdom of Osten?

We were in a room in the medical facility. Wolf, who’d been leafing through some documents, stopped moving his hands and repeated what I’d said. It wasn’t a kingdom people mentioned often, so he looked puzzled.

Yes, it’s an island nation situated to the east of the continent, I said.

I’ve never heard of it.

That’s fair. After all, we hadn’t had any diplomatic relations with them until recently. They’ve established a completely self-sufficient and independent culture. They’re known for their deft craftsmen, and their products are extremely high quality, so they’ve drawn the attention of many merchants. It was rumored that the Osten people are exclusionary, but they actually have a strong thirst for knowledge and are brimming with curiosity. Apparently, their culture is quite advanced too, I gushed enthusiastically.

Mary, you know an awful lot about them. You’re doing a fine job as a feudal lord, Wolf said with admiration.

Hearing praise made me choked for words rather than happy. I hadn’t actually learned that knowledge during my studies to become a feudal lord—my close friend and renowned merchant, Lord Julius, had taught me all of it. Furthermore, I hadn’t gathered all this information on our neighboring nations to be a good feudal lord. No, my reasons...were very much personal.

Why the weird expression? That was a compliment.

Um... You see, this nation actually produces rice.

Though I was hesitant, I decided to tell him the truth. Lord Julius had given me rice flour in the past. At the time, finding some had been a coincidence, but then he’d investigated its source and established a trade route—and not for rice flour, but whole rice grains. The aforementioned Osten Kingdom had a rice-based diet. In short...it had all happened because of my voracious appetite and culinary desires. I’d gained this knowledge because of my hobby.

Ah. Your eyes light up whenever it comes to food and cooking.

It seemed produces rice was all he needed to hear to understand my motives.

I mean, if they’re a rice-based society, then they might have other products too. Like miso, soy sauce, sake... And my research shows they have tons in common with Japan. Of course I’ll become fascinated and study them from top to bottom.

You’d better rein in your hobbies so you don’t turn off your husband.

His words stabbed me right in the chest. It was out of the question to let my interests impede my work, so obviously, I only read books about the Osten Kingdom during my free time. However, I did have to wonder what Sir Leonhart thought of me when I sat in the same room as him with my nose constantly buried in a book.

He’s usually reading something himself, and he doesn’t look particularly displeased by it. But Sir Leonhart is mature, so it’s possible that he’s just being considerate of me. What’ll I do if all his accumulated discontent explodes one day? No, it’s still salvageable if he gets upset. That would be a chance to improve our relationship. But if he brings up a divorce, I’ll die. I’m not talking about a mere mental death—I’ll have a heart attack and physically die!

Just imagining Sir Leonhart leaving me sent shivers down my spine.

I can’t leave things like this. Just because he’s older doesn’t mean I can keep depending on him like a spoiled child. I need to initiate too! When we both have time, we should chat a lot. And we shouldn’t constantly do what I like to do. I want to do things Sir Leonhart enjoys too. I may not be athletic, but even I should be able to handle some light exercise.

Determined, I solemnly nodded to myself.

Well, I’m sure you don’t need to worry about that though, Wolf said with a faint smile.

No, that was very helpful advice. I shouldn’t push my hobbies onto him. It’s important that I learn about his hobbies too.

"Aren’t you your husband’s hobby?"

Huh?

No matter what you do, he’ll always have that lovestricken look on his face when he sees you. He’s probably thinking something like, ‘Oh well, she’s cute.’ I’m telling you, you’ve got nothing to worry about. You could snore while you sleep or look like a fool when you yawn and he’d probably still call you cute.

I-I don’t snore!

I don’t, right?! But what if I just never realized?

Seeing my mind spiral in the wrong direction, Wolf sighed. That’s not the takeaway I wanted you to have... You two truly are a perfect fit for each other. In more ways than one.

I was a bit curious about what he meant by the last statement, but hearing that we were a perfect fit honestly made me happy. I was in a superb mood now. Wolf, on the other hand, looked like he’d witnessed something regrettable.

Oh well. Anyway, back to our topic of the observation session, he said.

Right.

We’d gotten quite sidetracked, but I had come to discuss that topic with him. Only a year and a half had passed since the medical facility had been completed and begun its operations. Most of the divisions were still trying to acclimate, so it was in a trial period of sorts. The only place that was completely up and running was the treatment center spearheaded by the Khuer tribe.

However, despite being only partially functional, the facility was still getting an obscene amount of attention from other nations. We had been receiving incessant requests to allow inspections ever since the facility opened. No matter how many times we’d declined—citing the trial phase as our reason—they’d persisted and continued to hound us.

We’d decided we would show the treatment center (and only the treatment center) to a handful of people. In addition, observers would not be allowed to interfere with the employees’ work, though this condition didn’t seem to deter anyone.

We’d already hosted a number of sessions after reluctantly opening our doors. This time, the request had come from a distant island nation, the Kingdom of Osten.

I don’t mind. It’s not like this will be our first rodeo anyway. Still, I wonder whether another high-ranking idiot will be joining us again.

That...was a unique case.

My eyes glazed over with a faraway look as I reminisced.

The participants of our observation tours were generally medical professionals, scholars, researchers, or bigwigs involved in politics, plus a few guards. However, a high-ranking noble who had no medical knowledge or interest in the subject once took part.

Perhaps wealth and peerage were not enough to satisfy him, so he sought fame too. He brandished his authority to force his way into the observation group without understanding his position.

During the tour, he ignored the terms we set and did whatever he pleased. He entered places we prohibited and did every single thing we explicitly instructed him not to do. He hurled insults at the workers and patients and conducted himself with utmost arrogance.

When I heard that, my patience reached its limit. Using my authority as a feudal lord, a card I rarely ever pulled out, I banned him from the medical facility.

He was a man accustomed to being served and apparently couldn’t handle it when a young woman like me opposed him. He raised hell, his face bright red like a boiled octopus.

He kicked up a fuss, yelling things like How dare you treat me, a duke, with such insolence! or This will turn into an international issue! but I couldn’t care less.

I was a duchess myself and ex-royalty. If that was how he wanted to play, then I would engage at full force. I was ready to utilize all my power and connections in a way befitting a former villainess.

This certainly will be an international issue. When I said that with a sweet smile, his complexion changed. But, even though the duke’s face turned an even deeper shade of red and he seemed irate, the reactions of those with him were the exact opposite. They turned white as a sheet and trembled.

It was a reasonable reaction on their part. Anyone capable of sound judgment would recognize when they were at a disadvantage. They groveled before me, apologized profusely, and shoved the still-fuming duke into a carriage and left.

I received an official apology letter from his country sometime later. They seized part of the duke’s territory to show he was bearing the responsibility for his actions. I didn’t pity him. If anything, I wanted to laugh in his face and say, Serves you right.

My mind snapped back to the present when Wolf spoke up.

Well, those kinds of fools are a dime a dozen everywhere, so perhaps it was for the best that it happened early on. It set an example for other countries. Moreover, now we all know that if anything happens, you’ll do everything in your power to protect us. Wolf’s lips curved into an amused smile. We’re working more fervently than ever. It’s only left us with good things.

Come to think of it, after that incident, I feel like I’ve gotten closer to the other employees. Everyone in the Khuer tribe is friendly with me, but there used to be a wall between me and the new workers. Even though I’m actually a ball of disappointment on the inside, to people who don’t know me, I’m a former princess and now duchess, so I’m difficult to approach.

The ruckus had occurred while I had had no other choice but to sadly bide my time and wait for them to warm up to me. Sometimes disasters are actually blessings in disguise. This will be the only achievement that domineering duke will ever leave behind.

Now no one commented when I secretly disguised myself to help out the hospital when it was busy. They watched me with tepid gazes, and perhaps they gossiped about what a bizarre feudal lord I was.

I don’t want to have to deal with any more fools though. Wolf sighed. I dearly hope the group from Osten has some decency.

I heard that people from the Kingdom of Osten are very courteous, so I think it should be fine... But apparently, their third prince applied to be part of the observation group.

A prince? Why? And the third prince at that. He’s not hoping to gain achievements or whatnot for some wearisome plot, right? Wolf raised a brow suspiciously.

No, that doesn’t seem to be the case, I replied.

The royalty of the Kingdom of Osten had been blessed with fertility for many generations. There were four princes and two princesses under the current crown. However, there wasn’t a power struggle as Wolf might’ve feared. Primogeniture ideology had deep roots in their country—perhaps it was due to their history of having many children. The crown prince and his right-hand man, the second prince, got along very well. The third and fourth princes also intended to become their brother’s subjects once they came of age.

After I explained that to Wolf, he nodded. I see. Perhaps he’s paying a visit to broaden his insights for when he has to become independent.

Most likely.

Then I’m sure he won’t misbehave.

I hope not. But in the unlikely chance he’s like that domineering duke, I’ll handle him.

Oh my, how reliable. Wolf smiled. Very well. I’ll allow it, and as long as they’re not busy, I’ll have Lily or Rolf guide them.

Thank you.

Lily seemed like a natural choice for that job, but I’d been surprised when I’d heard that Rolf had taken on the role of guiding observers. He even had an excellent reputation for being succinct while thoroughly answering any questions.

I can’t believe it! Rolf, the brat of all brats. The little twerp who flung insults at me as easily as he breathed. People really do change. Well, he still treats me the same though. I guess it’s more accurate to say he adjusts for the situation now rather than say he’s changed. According to Wolf, he still acts like a spoiled kid, though I haven’t been able to confirm that.

Oh well. Rolf’s insults don’t really deal any damage, so I don’t mind. I just think of it as parenting practice for when my own child goes through their sullen, rebellious phase. He’d fly into a rage if he knew that though, so my lips are sealed.

After my discussion with Wolf wrapped up, I left the room. Klaus, who’d been standing guard outside the door, turned his gaze to me.

Sorry for making you wait so long, I said.

A broad smile spread across his handsome face. Not at all! I had an exhilarating time.

My expression stiffened reflexively. It’s great that you find your duty worthwhile, but I wish you weren’t so happy about standing guard in the corridor. Does this count as abandonment play? All I did was get a bit engrossed in conversation.

A young female staff member happened to pass by and see his smile. She blushed, captivated by him, and I wanted to tell her to snap out of it. His appearance might be first-class, but he’s a ticking time bomb on the inside, okay?!

One year had passed since Klaus had resigned from the royal guard and joined my duchy’s chivalric order. Now in his thirties, he had matured into a calm man appropriate for his age.

He no longer only praised my every move, and he now also admonished my shortcomings. He’d sworn his loyalty to me, and he did everything he could to support me, but he was no longer a mere yes-man. He was an excellent subordinate with his own opinions.

This part of him was the only thing beyond repair—he treated me like a coddling granddad would treat his grandchild, and his tendency to make perverted remarks that I couldn’t overlook was still going strong.

Working under Your Grace is a blessing in itself, but being in a position where I can protect you—the object of all my love and respect—with my own two hands is a truly special honor.

Sir Leonhart worked as not only my aide, but also as my guard when we were together. And since we were nearly always together in our mansion, Klaus had few shifts. As a result, he was excessively zealous today. I could practically see the sparkle effects around him. My eyes hurt.

Klaus, are you giving Mary trouble again? a voice asked with a sigh.

I turned around to see a familiar beauty. She wore a white apron over a simple, gray dress with a tight collar. Not even the loose-fitting nurse uniform could hide her splendid proportions. She had thick, wavy black hair and long lashes that framed her upturned eyes. Her red lips and the mole beneath them gave off a sexy allure. The young woman looked at me and smiled.

Bianca! I said.

It’s been a while, Mary.

Big Sis Bianca, Michael’s older sister and my friend, had left the viscounty to start working at the medical facility. During our sea voyage, she’d assisted with administering treatment for the sailors and Klaus, which had sparked her interest in medical care. Apparently, she’d been secretly studying medicine ever since.

Have you gotten used to working here? I asked.

I’m still a novice, so there’s much to learn. Though she said that, she wore an energetic smile.

She’d always been beautiful, but she appeared even more radiant now. As with Michael, a career related to medicine suited Big Sis Bianca’s nature very well.

Mary, I’ll improve enough that you can depend on me, so just you wait.

Delighted, I broke into a smile. Yes, I look forward to it.

Big Sis Bianca’s eyes went round with surprise and she gave me a long, hard look.

Hm?

Mary... You...

Huh? Is something wrong?

She placed her hands on my cheeks and scrutinized me closely. I was overwhelmed by her serious expression. Is there something on my face? Maybe a loose thread or lint?

Have you become a goddess?

Huh? It took me several seconds to process what she’d said. I’d heard her words loud and clear, but I couldn’t understand why she’d said them.

Was that a hard joke to understand? It didn’t feel like one to me. She called me a goddess with such a straight face that I don’t know how to reply!

I always knew you were cute, but I can’t believe you’ve become so lovely... Oh, you mustn’t show off that smile so readily. If you’re careless, there’ll be fatalities. I’ve built up resistance to a certain extent, but just now, I thought my heart was about to stop.

Huh?

Goodness, that adorable look won’t do either. It’s far too cute. I fear you’ll be swarmed by unsavory people.

Um.

You were an angel in the past, but you’ve become a goddess after your marriage. So precious... You’re just too precious. You’ve grown into a goddess and I get to meet you here? My workplace must be heaven.

Big Sis Bianca, I think your enraptured expression is much more like a goddess’s than mine. Your gorgeous face would turn anyone’s head, and yet the words pouring out of your mouth are much too regrettable. Also, we’re in a hospital, so I wish you’d stop talking about ominous things like heaven.

Unable to watch me petrified any longer, Klaus stepped between us. You’re the one giving her trouble, he grumbled, exasperated.

That snapped her back to her senses, and Big Sis Bianca apologetically averted her gaze. It’s been so long since I last saw you that I got too excited... I’m sorry, Mary.

O-Oh, it’s okay.

You don’t hate me? she asked with a crestfallen look.

Though I’d been overwhelmed by her intensity, I hadn’t particularly disliked it. I smiled at her cute question and nodded. I don’t! I like you a lot.

So precious... Big Sis Bianca and Klaus—who’d chimed in for some reason—said in unison. They put their hands together as though they were praying to me.

I wish you guys would stop that. The people passing by seem put off, so cut it out already. Really. Stop it.

I somehow managed to make them stop, but the two of them shared a look and then exchanged a firm handshake. Despite being a young man and woman of marriageable age, neither had