Hey, readers! It's me again 😊. I sincerely apologize for not updating sooner because I kinda ran out of ideas, and my brain is kinda fried...Haha... Oh, and Merry Late Christmas (I was hoping to publish this chapter on Christmas, but I was too busy because of Christmas parties I'm so sorry *sobs* T_T)! Also, I hope you forgive me if this chapter doesn't meet your expectations! I really really tried my best! My writing is not the best, and English isn't my first language! There may be grammar errors in this chapter, but feel free to criticize it (*sobs* T_T)! And thank you all for the supporting comments and hearting this story! Words cannot express how happy I feel! Now, I'll leave you alone to read chapter 4! I hope you have a lovely day! Bye~ ❤❤❤

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"My sweet Athanasia..."

Diana held a tiny newborn and stare at her daughter's face with warm eyes. She whispered, "It pains me knowing you won't remember me. I'm so sorry for leaving you. But you won't be alone. You have a caring brother and a loving father. Your father will be cold to you at first, but I know he will come to love you just as much as he and your brother loved me."

Diana lifted her hand and felt her heart leaped when she felt her daughter's small hand grasped her finger tightly. Her tears fell and she held back a weep, "My sweet baby, please forgive your mother..."

Diana's hand dropped as the light in her eyes dimmed. A sharp wail shattered the silence in the room.

I sat up with a startled gasp and observed my surroundings. I let out a breath I didn't realize I held in and tried to get rid of the painful feeling that swelled in my chest. I felt my eyes stung and angrily wiped my tears away with the back of my hands.

Where should I start? Well, I'm currently nine years old. And it's been five years since the birth of Athanasia and the Ruby Palace Massacre. Ever since Diana's passing, Claude had been using magic to flush her from his memories. It pained me to know that he couldn't bear the grief he carries inside and began to forget her slowly.

As the novel and manhwa go, Athanasia is raised in the Ruby Palace and is currently five years old. Without her knowing, I'd been visiting her twice a week during her sleeping hours just to be sure she was doing well and treated right. But let's keep that a secret. No one knows I'd been sneaking out at night just to see her, not even Claude or Felix.

I flipped my legs off my bed and began to change out of my nightwear. Usually, I would wait until my nanny would barge in and helped me change but I didn't feel like waiting today. Why? That's because today is the day Athanasia cross paths with Claude. How do I know, you may ask? I have a gut feeling, and it's never wrong.

After I was done changing and satisfied with what I'm wearing to present myself, I walked over to the mirror that was attached to a wall and looked at it. I stare with a dazed look. The features of this boy who shouldn't even exist and was never mentioned in the manhwa of "Who Made Me A Princess", Athanase de Alger Obelia... He was the literal meaning of attractive. His tousled golden locks which gleamed brilliantly when the light touches, a gorgeous face like a porcelain doll, and a pair of jeweled cerulean eyes. He was also tall, roughly 5'4" (or 162 cm), which was another bonus.

I snapped out of my trance and blinked. Woah, I can't believe I was staring at myself--err, or Athanase? This certainly convinced me that Athanase's beauty is remarkably alluring and eye-catching. Ugh, I feel like a pervert.

From the mirror, I saw the door swung opened to reveal my nanny. She looked surprised at first when she saw my attire but smiled. She bowed deeply, "Good morning, Your Highness."

I smiled. "Good morning, Rita."

She straightened her back and said, "His Royal Majesty summons Your Highness at the Royal Audience room. Please have breakfast before you leave."

"Thank you, but I must see Dad immediately. Send my apologies to the head cook," I politely said.

Nanny's eyes widened and she protested, "Your Highness! You don't have to apologize for--"

"I insist," I cut her off. Giving her one last smile, I swiftly left my chamber and head to the royal audience room. The guards swung the doors opened and announced my entrance, "Enter His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Athanase de Alger Obelia!"

I stepped inside and was mildly confused by the crowd of aristocrats and nobles in the audience room. I felt uneasy inside, just what was going on? There were also some unfamiliar faces but I tried my best not to dread over that fact. The party made a path for me when I made my way over to Claude and stood in front of him. I bowed lightly to display some formality, and raised my head to meet his gaze. Then, I noticed his attire: his regular casual robes. I laughed inside my head, typical Claude.

Claude's cold and stern gaze softened as he greeted me, "Son."

"Dad," I spoke back with a smile.

Then, I took notice of two men that stood by the steps where Claude sat on his throne. They looked at me intensely with a calculating look on their face before lowering their head as a small sign of courtesy and respect. On my left was an intellectual and handsome man with long black hair and wore specs over his lavender colored eyes. I could tell he was a highly respected noble by his attire and air. On my right was an intimidating man with crimson hair and light red eyes. It was obvious he was a knight by the way he carried himself. I narrowed my eyes and took a closer look at him. Huh, he kind of looks like Felix.

"Now that my son is here, we shall begin," bellowed Claude in a royal tone as I stood at my respective place, which was next to Claude's throne. I stared at my father in confusion, start what exactly?

A nobleman took a step forward and said humbly, "Greetings to Your Royal Majesties, Emperor Claude de Alger Obelia and Crown Prince Athanase de Alger Obelia. I am Ambassador Hendrick Graham, sent by the Lenseur Kingdom to propose a solution to our alliance--"

Oh. So, this is why I was summoned here for. An aristocratic and noble debate with the Emperor and I being their audience. My eyes drooped and I let out an inaudible sigh of exasperation. How lovely. Now, I'm starting to understand why Claude gets super irritated with gatherings like this. He has to deal with their constant bullshit.

'This is going to take a while,' I thought in annoyance as my day has begun with a horrible start.

*** Six Hours Later ***

Long story short, the peace treaty between the Obelian Empire and the Lenseur Kingdom is falling apart. So, the King of Lenseur sent his ambassador here to discuss a solution. The Lenseur Kingdom's ambassador, Hendrick Graham, boldly proposes that an arranged marriage between me and their first princess would solve it otherwise war will be declared As one would expect, Claude was angry--wait, no that's not the right term that explained how he felt. Claude was PISSED, and he instantly called an end to the meeting.

"Leave this instant!" roared Claude furiously. Everyone in the audience room flinched and bowed deeply before taking their leave. The instant the doors closes, I looked at Claude in concern and placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Dad?" I called out softly.

He inhaled sharply before relaxing his fists and turned to me. He looked at me in the eye with promising eyes, "Do not worry, Athanase. I won't let those dirty mongrels force a marriage between you and their mere princess."

Honestly, I am touched by his words. But the only way to prevent a war from occurring was to marry the first princess of the Lenseur Kingdom to guarantee the safety of our people and decrease the number of losses. If Claude tells the Ambassador that he says no, then I fear war will take place in the future. And because this war wasn't mentioned in the manhwa, I'm guessing this is happening precisely because I reborn into this world as the firstborn and the heir to the throne. If that's the case, it is my responsibility to keep the plot of Who Made Me A Princess the same. To do that, I must wed the first princess to stop a war.

"Dad, if it means to promise a brighter future and bring prosperity to both Obelian and Lenseurian people....then please allow this marriage," I said modestly. Claude's eyes stretched and then saddened. I was taken aback by this and asked softly, "Is something the matter?"

He laid his hand on top of mine and sighed, "Athanase, I want you to be happy more than anything. I know that marriage isn't what you want, and I know you worry about the Empire." He smiled at me reassuringly, "But I will do everything in my power to stop a war from happening at all cost."

Okay, now this moved my heart. Seriously, how did Claude and I built a relationship like this? I remember he used to treat me like trash until I wriggled my way into his heart at the age of 3 when we met.

I couldn't resist a grin that arose on my face and hugged him, catching him off-guard and surprised. Claude was tense at first before he relaxed and wrapped his arms around me. After a few moments, we withdrew and I suddenly remember about Athanasia. Oh shit, I hope she's still near the golden statues.

I quickly looked at Claude and asked, "Hey, dad? Can we go for a walk? I think we need a breather after getting a migraine from those scoundrels." To my astonishment, Claude laughed at my little joke and nodded in approval. He rose from his throne and we make an exit from the audience room. Felix shortly joined us for my relief.

Sheesh, all the panic attacks I get to keep the plot the same.

"Your Majesties, how did it go?" inquired Felix, curious about the meeting.

I frowned and remarked, "It went terrible." Claude hummed in agreement and walked closely beside me, sending Felix a warning glare. The red-headed man saw this and flinched, taking ten steps back. I was oblivious to this since I was too busy whipping my head around to find a certain little girl.

After we made a sharp turn to a corner, I could've sworn my heart stopped beating when I saw a familiar character biting on a golden cupid statue. I was about to go toward her direction until I saw Claude's infamous death stare that pinned on her. I followed as he approached the little girl and spoke coldly, "What is this filthy bug doing in my palace?"

I saw Athanasia flinched and twirled, revealing her face to the world. I dropped my jaw. I always knew Athanasia was adorable in the manhwa but seeing her in person with my own eyes....this level of adorableness is on a whole different scale. And she would've looked exactly like a child version of Diana if her eyes were violet and not the royal heritage ones.

Athanasia raised her head and paled at the sight of Claude. I would've laughed at her reaction if it weren't for the heavy pressure in the air. One of the bags filled with Athanasia's jewels fell from her leg and a horrified look crossed her face.

I tried to hold in my laughter as I stared at the look on her face. I get that Claude is scary but she looks like she's having a seizure. I understood why she felt like that, though, because I was pretty much like her back then. Claude has the impression that he's going to kill you the moment he lay eyes on you.

"That face. I've seen it before," started Claude. He paused before proceeding, "Yes. Was it that dancer from Siodonna? You look like that wench. Then again, it doesn't matter who you came from."

My heart stopped beating for a split second when Diana's graceful smile popped in my head. But anger rushed in me when Claude called Diana a wench. Nu-uh, nobody disrespects my mama or my baby sister like that.

"Dad," I said in a warning tone.

At the same time, Felix spoke uneasily, "Your Majesty."

When I called Claude 'dad', Athanasia gape at me in shock. I could almost read her thoughts; 'What? I have an older brother? But that wasn't mentioned in the novel.'

Claude ignored us and reached his hand out, lifting Athanasia's chin with his finger. He smirked darkly, "And I think I remember...what that wench named you." I held in my breath.

"I believe it was Athanasia."

Ohh boy. I swallowed thickly and wiped away the non-existent sweat that poured on my head. Felix glanced at me in concern but I pretend I didn't notice and observe the scene before me.

"You were a tiny bug who could barely lift its head back then. You've grown a lot," stated Claude and crouched down. Athanasia only gazes at him with her lips tightly shut. Then, her other jewel pouch dropped and jewels flew out. Claude glanced at it before looking at her.

Athanasia stomped on a ruby jewel and successfully destroyed it. I laughed inside my head at how terrified she looked when Claude raised his arm and, to her utter surprise, lifted her high off the ground. He stood there for a minute before saying, "You're heavy. You have chubby cheeks but I didn't expect you to be this heavy. Now, what were you doing in my palace?"

I slapped my hand over my mouth, trying my best to hold in my laughter. My ribs were beginning to hurt as I laughed silently behind Felix. Man, this is just hilarious.

Claude glanced at the golden cupid statue and scrutinized the spot Athanasia was biting on. The girl in his hands began to sweat furiously and didn't dare look away from Claude's gaze when he looked at her again. Felix spoke up to defend her, "Maybe she thought it was a toy."

Claude hummed, "She must've wandered off during playtime. Felix--" Without a care, he tossed Athanasia to Felix who caught her and stared at the child with wide eyes. Claude said indifferently, "Carry her. I should have some tea with my guest."

"Huh?" breathed Felix, dumbfounded and shocked as Athanasia.

Claude took my hand as we walked back inside the Emerald Palace. I'm not a kid anymore, dad. I'm physically 9-years-old and subconsciously 22-years-old. But I'm not going to tell him that if I don't want to risk my neck in danger. I sighed and tried to ignore the curious eyes that were staring behind my head. Moments later, we entered a room and Claude sat on a couch, leaning against it. Deserts were all over the table and he stares at Athanasia expectantly, who sat still and quiet across from him. He sighed, "Well this is boring."

I saw Athanasia flinch and forced a cute smile on her adorable little face. She giggled, "Athy can talk!"

"Finally, I get to hear your voice. Why did you stay silent up until now?" asked Claude in a casual tone.

Felix leaned toward him and whispered, "Your Majesty, girls around the princess's age are shy."

Nope, you're wrong. She may look like a shy bunny to the both of you, but she's actually crying and screaming her heart out inside. I chuckled to myself, should I help her out or not? As much as I want to watch this part from the manhwa, I don't want it to change if I'm in here. Hopefully, the lines are the same as the manhwa. It would be a pain in the ass to fix them since I have no more brain cells left.

"Felix, leave us," commanded Claude.

The red-headed knight glanced at Athanasia in slight worry before he exits the room. I grabbed Claude's attention, "Dad--" I saw Athanasia whipped her head at me and sent me a desperate look. I could almost hear her thoughts, 'What, you're going to leave me alone with this cold-hearted freak who cares about no one but Jennette and maybe you [who showed up out of nowhere]?' I continued, "May I excuse myself?"

Claude seemed like he was having a war with himself inside his head before he nodded, waving his hand in a dismissal way. I put my hand over my chest and did a small bow before giving Athanasia a warm smile. She turned pink and shyly returned one. Aww, she's so cute. I swooned over at how adorable she looked before taking my leave. I stepped outside and shut the door quietly behind me. I heard Felix stammered, not expecting to see me, "Y-Your Highness, what are you doing out here?"

I looked at him and responded with a smile, "I asked dad if I could excuse myself for a bit. He allowed it."

Felix relaxed and quickly composed himself. An awkward silence occurred after that. I couldn't bear it and chose to start a chat. Furthermore, there was something I always wanted to ask the Emperor's Royal Guard.

"Felix," I grabbed his attention. I peered up at him, "Why did you become a knight?"

Felix looked surprised, and then he smiled. He answered, "At first, I didn't want to become a knight. But my father periodically compared me to my older brother who was knighted at his coming of age ceremony." I snapped my head at him, what? Felix has a brother? Could it be...that man from this morning at the audience room?! "Back then, I wasn't close to my brother and envied him. He was perfect; he was flawless, powerful, and talented. Everyone looks up to him and he always excels their expectations. One day, I followed him on an expedition and nearly died if it weren't for him. He took a blow for me, risking his life to protect mine. When we returned home, I was inspired by my brother that I decided to become a knight. I wanted to become stronger to protect my loved ones so that none of them would get hurt protecting me, just like my brother."

My eyes widened and I began to think about the future. If I want to protect Claude and Athanasia from that shitty dirtbag, Anastacius... I must become stronger and more powerful. I must learn how to defend myself and lift a sword to protect them. Then, I must learn magic to backlash Anastacius' black magic and the curse he put on my family. I gazed at Felix with sudden seriousness and he looked surprised when he saw this.

"Felix, would you train me to become a knight?"

The red-headed knight was taken aback by my request. "Your Highness, I am deeply honored that you ask that of me but your sword skills are impressive ever since you first wield a sword three years ago. I don't think I am worthy enough to teach Your Highness swordsmanship. Your Highness is becoming stronger every day."

"It's not enough," I said firmly. His eyes widened a fraction. "I want to be the strongest. I want to protect everyone I love. I want to be a knight like Felix!"

Felix's expression was cold and unreadable. His light gray eyes stare intensely into my jeweled eyes as if he was judging my soul. A chill ran down my neck. I was instantly reminded of Felix's title: The Knight of Crimson Blood. Now I can see why he is feared in battlefields and admired by other knights and servants. Felix spoke slowly, "I'm not sure why Your Highness looks so desperate, but if that is what Your Highness wants then your wish is my command." He suddenly kneeled. I stare down at him in shock. He glanced up at me and said with a smile adorned on his face, "I, Felix Robane, swear upon God and my title to turn Your Highness into the greatest and strongest knight the world has ever seen!"

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A quick preview of the next chapter:

"Starting today, Princess Athanasia will be treated as a proper princess." - Claude

'He won't save me. That man won't save me. He's going to watch me drown.' - Athanasia

"I've come to visit my beloved sister. Stand aside or face your punishment." - Athanase