TSMMT Ch 157

The Man from My Past Life

At daybreak, Dianna boarded the carriage. Perhaps out of consideration for her physical condition, Guiscard accelerated as gradually as possible. Consequently, the other dukes and ladies had already returned to Lodbrog.

Inside the carriage, Dianna pondered Guiscard, specifically the man he had been in her past life.

The Guiscard of her past life and the Guiscard of her present were the exact same person. Had he harbored feelings for her back then, just as he claimed now?

If so, why? Why had he acted so coldly?

She had assumed he hated her because she was the child of his abuser, viewing his cruelty as only natural. Yet the present Guiscard insisted his past self must have loved her.

Even in her past life, Dianna had found the key to his restraints and freed him. She slipped a few gold coins and a farewell letter into his coat, wishing him well.

She remembered the wretched boy from back then. His face had been bruised beyond recognition, his clothes tattered, his skinny ankles exposed beneath outgrown trousers.

He was innocent, yet imprisoned like a criminal. Witnessing his plight, she could do nothing but set him free. As she remembered that boy, the lingering hatred from her past life crumbled.

His rage was entirely justified.

Exhausted, Dianna closed her eyes.

Come to think of it, what became of Guiscard after my death?

She had never considered the aftermath. In her desperate struggle to evade fate and survive immediate crises, the thought had never crossed her mind.

When she decided to end her life back then, she had pondered her fate dispassionately. As a criminal's daughter who dared choose death, perhaps her body was thrown to the wolves in accordance with Lodbrog law. Or perhaps, deeming her unworthy of even that, he had ordered her remains cast aside in disgust.

Only now did the memory resurface.

[Guiscard] "No, no... Please don't leave me, please..."

She remembered his panicked face as he cradled her dying body.

His piteous, begging voice. His expression of absolute ruin in the face of her death was one the present Guiscard often wore around her. It seemed almost ironic that she remembered that face only now.

Did he love me in my past life? Perhaps he did.

It was a foolish thought. Why treat his love as meaningful when he was the very man who had driven her to such an end?

Unlike the present Guiscard, his past self was far colder and far more ruthless.

[Dianna] "Whether you loved me or not, I want you to suffer agonizing regret."

She wished for that sincerely. Yet she knew full well that her lonely death would trigger no grand upheaval. Even if Guiscard felt regret, it would hardly last a lifetime. The world would keep turning without her.

Her thoughts turned bitter. A gentle knock sounded against the carriage door. She opened the window and found Guiscard standing outside.

He gestured that they were taking a brief break.

How many breaks does this make already?

Dianna stared at him with a stiff expression before offering a warm smile.

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Apprehension gripped her as they approached Lodbrog. No matter how brilliant Revius was, was it acceptable for the King to leave the kingdom for so long?

Dianna studied Guiscard's profile. He appeared relaxed, unbothered by whatever lay ahead.

As they entered through the capital gates, wild cheers greeted the royal couple. Looking out the carriage window, Dianna saw bright, smiling faces among the citizens.

When they had departed, the people looked drained and hopeless, but now their former vitality had returned.

What a relief.

When the carriage reached the royal palace, Dianna disembarked with Guiscard's help. Looking at the grand palace after so long, a strange emotion washed over her.

This place had once felt like a prison, a realm where she was destined to die trapped. Yet strangely, it no longer felt that way.

[Revius] "It has been far too long! Welcome back!"

Revius rushed out, beaming like a loyal guard dog. Dianna exchanged silent greetings with Mable and the other maids.

[Revius] "You have arrived at the most opportune moment. Timing couldn't be better!"

He chuckled. Looking at his beaming face, Dianna struggled to suppress a grimace. Managing her expression around him was always a challenge.

[Revius] "Everything transpired exactly as Your Majesty commanded. Duke Kragel and Duke Eirick rendered immense assistance."

What is he talking about?

[Revius] "Are you curious? You must be curious, right?"

As she grimaced, Guiscard reached out as if to pat Revius on the shoulder, only to grip it with crushing force. A dull crunch echoed, though Revius merely laughed through the pain.

[Revius] "Your Majesty remains as forceful as ever."

Revius escorted them to the audience chamber. Though still dressed in travel-worn clothes, Dianna took her seat on the throne beside Guiscard. Soon after, the nobles filed inside.

A surprisingly solemn atmosphere filled the room. Having just arrived, Dianna struggled to adjust to the heavy mood. She subtly adjusted her dress. Something major was unfolding.

Just as she wondered what was happening, a commotion erupted outside. The doors flew open, and her mouth parted in shock as a bound figure tumbled onto the floor.

Duke Levian lay tied up on the ground, with Duke Kragel looming right behind him.

[D. Kragel] "We intended to apprehend Duke Levian prior to Your Majesty's arrival, yet fell slightly behind schedule."

He smirked. Stroking his magnificent beard, he kicked the writhing Duke Levian.

[D. Kragel] "Oops, my mistake."

[D. Levian] "Aaaargh!"

[D. Kragel] "Don't wail so loudly. An old man's foot can slip now and then."

Duke Levian tried to object, but fell silent the moment he caught Duke Kragel's icy glare.

Dianna stared at his wretched state in complete bewilderment.

Does this make any sense? Is this even allowed?

Though Guiscard had mentioned purging Duke Levian, had matters already progressed this far?

She had assumed he would initiate the purge long after his return. Yet during his two-month absence, all preparations had already been completed.

[Dianna] "How on earth...?"

[Revius] "Who do you take me for? Hehehe..."

He preened at her side.

[Revius] "How could we arrest a duke of royal blood, you ask? It was no simple task..."

[Dianna] "..."

[Revius] "Ah, does this not prove my supreme brilliance? What say you, Your Majesty?"

When Revius caught her icy glare, he flinched and quickly turned his attention to Duke Levian.

[Revius] "Well, in truth, it was hardly my doing. Overestimating his station, he allied with the deceased Prince Mikhail's remnants to attack the capital."

He spoke patronizingly, as if explaining something to a child.

[D. Levian] "Y-Your Majesty! It is a misunderstanding!"

Duke Levian shouted desperately, his face flushed beet-red. Seated on the throne, Guiscard spoke with quiet calm.

[Guiscard] "It is hardly a misunderstanding."

He smirked.

[Guiscard] "Duke Islag confessed everything to me."

At his subtle nod, Duke Islag stepped forward and prostrated himself before the throne.

[D. Levian] "H-How?!"

House Islag had been one of the factions supporting Prince Mikhail. They were spared only because Revius insisted that monitoring a foundational ducal house was better than wiping it out, leaving their relationship with Guiscard abysmal. Naturally, Guiscard had once cut Duke Islag down with his blade, making them bitter enemies.

Yet Duke Islag bowed his head before Guiscard and spoke.

[D. Islag] "As I reported to the Prime Minister, House Levian mobilized troops to plot treason during Your Majesty's absence."

[D. Levian] "W-What absurdity! Duke Islag! Have you no fear of the heavens?!"

[D. Islag] "I would rather fear the heavens than ally with a treacherous, backstabbing bat!"

Duke Islag spat the words with icy scorn. Neither Duke Levian nor the assembled nobles could make sense of the scene. Why was House Islag—a family that had adamantly refused to obey Guiscard—submitting to him now?

[D. Islag] "I have heard much from my daughter."

He approached Dianna. She studied his face: coarse hair like a lion's mane, a dignified beard, and striking yellow eyes.

[D. Islag] "Not only did you overlook my daughter's foolish mistakes, but you also protected her in the face of death."

[Dianna] "..."

[D. Islag] "House Islag never forgets a debt."

With those words, he bowed deeply before her. It was a gesture far more respectful than anything he had shown during her coronation.

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