Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death
chapter-596

Mia Moved by Her Granddaughter’s Growth

After everyone left to make preparations, Bel and Mia were the only ones remaining in the room. Bel had stayed silent throughout the discussion, appearing lost in thought, her expression dark.

“I’m worried about Rina-san.”

Bel nodded in response to Mia’s words.

“Don’t worry, Bel. I will definitely rescue your friend, Rina-san.”

Mia’s reassurance made Bel open her mouth as if to speak, but she hesitated, closed it again, then took a deep breath before finally beginning to speak.

“Mia-oneesama, I have been thinking of something since earlier.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I think that maybe I should go instead of you.”

“Huh?”

“I think it might work if I went in your place. If I cut my hair, people who don’t know us well wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

“Ah, I see.”

‘Like a body double or decoy.’ Mia thought, almost nodding.

“That won’t work.”

Mia shook her head.

‘If I did something like that, Rina-san would definitely kill me.’

The thought of being chased by a bloodthirsty Citrina made Mia quake with fear, a shiver running down her spine.

‘For instance, if Bel were as strong as Dion-san and immune to all of the Serpents’ attacks, then the plan might make some sense. Or if I were that strong and could lead a separated fighting unit or if I had the strength of a thousand warriors and could rescue Rina-san myself. Well, if I could do things like that, then maybe the strategy would make sense.’

In the present situation, even if Bel transformed into Mia, it would be meaningless. It might ensure Mia’s safety for the moment, but even if she survived, Mia would inevitably face great peril.

“Besides, Bel, aren’t you undervaluing yourself? If you were to disappear, Rina-san, Lynsha-san, and everyone, including myself, would be very sad. Please don’t forget that.”

Bel nodded vigorously in response to Mia’s words.

“Yes, I understand, Mia-oneesama. But you know how I feel. If it’s for the sake of my friends and those I care about, then I shouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice my life.”

Bel gave a troubled smile.

“Mia-oneesama, even though you are the Wisdom of the Empire, don’t you know this? I love this world. There’s Mother Anne, Mother Elise, Professor Ludwig, General Dion, Grandfather Abel, and Rina-chan. A warm world where I’m surrounded by kind people. I love this world that Mia-oneesama has built.”

Bel smiled brightly.

“That’s why I want to live here forever. I don’t want this dream to end. But that doesn’t mean I will turn into a coward just to survive. After all, I carry the blood of the Wisdom of the Empire.”

Mia caught her breath at the sight of Bel’s eyes, shining with unwavering determination.

“I will not bring disgrace to Grandmother’s glory. I want to live with pride so that I can always be by your side, Mia-oneesama. I’m always thinking about how I can achieve that.”

“I see…”

Mia was overwhelmed by Bel’s confession and looked at her with deep emotion.

‘Bel probably won’t try to thank anyone with gold coins anymore. She surely won’t live her life as if she could disappear at any moment.’ Mia thought.

‘Bel was thinking about living proudly in this world.’ Knowing this made Mia a little happy.

“Now that I think about it, it’s been a while since you arrived here, Bel.”

Mia muttered, recalling that day.

“Yes… that time…”

Mia remembered the strange book she had found in the library. She had rejected the bright future that had been written in it. She had refused a future where Abel would be exiled from his country and sought a happier one instead.

“Hmm, now that I think about it, if I had accepted that future, things might have been a little easier.”

‘Afterward, Bel had come along. As a result, I gained many more allies—Esmeralda, as well as the other Etoiles. I will have to confront Abel’s sister and might also get involved in his family matters.’

“Although it’s been difficult, if I think about it carefully, things have turned out exactly how I wanted. In that sense, maybe you have truly been my guiding light.”

“Huh? Umm, Mia-oneesama?”

“Hehehe. It’s okay, Bel. Everything will work out. Grandmother Mia will take care of everything, including Rina-san and the Serpents. I told you before, didn’t I? I won’t let your dream come to an end.”

With that, Mia laughed confidently.

The following day, Mia and her group, the ‘Citrina Rescue Unit’ left the Southern Capital.