the cold general x political princess ch 2

A blinding golden light surrounded Jiya.

The next second—

"Your Highness! Your Highness! Wake up!"

Someone was shaking her shoulder.

Jiya slowly opened her eyes and stared at the beautifully carved wooden ceiling above her.

"...I'm alive?"

She quickly sat up.

Instead of the endless white space, she was now inside a luxurious bedroom. Pale blue curtains fluttered in the breeze, a large bookshelf stood near the window, and fresh flowers filled the room with a pleasant fragrance.

"So this is a princess's room..."

It looked like something straight out of a historical drama.

A young maid wearing a green dress sighed in relief.

"Your Highness, you scared this servant! You've been sleeping since noon."

Jiya looked at the girl.

"Oh... sorry?"

The maid blinked.

"Your Highness... are you feeling unwell?"

Before Jiya could answer, a familiar voice echoed in her head.

Ding!

Memory transfer begins.

A flood of memories entered her mind.

The original owner of this body was Princess Evelyn, the emperor's only daughter.

She was beautiful, cheerful, spoiled... and loved by almost everyone in the palace.

She had two older brothers who treated her like a treasure, while the emperor practically granted every request she made.

"...Wow."

This princess had an amazing life.

"Host."

System 909 suddenly appeared, floating invisibly beside her.

"How do you like your new identity?"

Jiya smiled.

"I have my own palace, servants, expensive clothes..."

She looked at the maid.

"I think I hit the jackpot."

The system laughed.

"Don't celebrate too early."

"Why?"

"It won't stay peaceful forever."

Jiya's smile slowly disappeared.

"Oh."

The maid carefully placed a cup of warm tea in front of her.

"Your Highness, today is the victory celebration."

"Victory celebration?"

"General Lucian has returned after defeating the northern rebels."

The moment his name was spoken, System 909 became serious.

Mission Target Detected.

Future Villain: General Lucian Ashford.

Jiya almost choked on her tea.

"Cough!"

The maid hurriedly patted her back.

"Your Highness!"

"I'm fine... I'm fine."

Inside her mind, however, she was talking to the system.

"So he's already here?"

"Yes."

"Tell me about him."

A transparent screen appeared.

Name: Lucian Ashford

Age: 23

Status: Youngest General of the Empire

Favorability: 0

Blackening Value: 15%

"Only fifteen percent?"

"He's still a hero."

System 909's voice became quieter.

"But in three years..."

"He'll be falsely accused of treason."

"The emperor will order his execution."

"His loyal soldiers will die protecting him."

"His younger sister will also be killed."

Jiya frowned.

"So that's how he becomes the villain."

The system nodded.

"He survives, disappears for years, then returns with an army."

"And destroys the empire."

Jiya sighed.

"Poor guy."

"So your mission is simple."

"Prevent all of that."

"Easy enough."

"...And eventually become his wife."

Jiya rolled her eyes.

"You never forget that part."

"It's literally my job."

A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

An elderly woman entered and bowed respectfully.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence at tonight's banquet."

"The young general will receive his rewards."

Jiya nodded.

"I'll be there."

After everyone left, she walked toward the large mirror.

The girl reflected inside was breathtakingly beautiful.

Long silver hair flowed down her back like silk.

Bright blue eyes sparkled like gemstones.

Her skin was so fair it almost glowed.

Jiya touched her own cheek.

"...Okay."

"I understand why she's called the empire's jewel."

System 909 proudly floated beside her.

"I chose a good world."

"You didn't choose it."

"...Management chose it."

"Exactly."

The system pretended not to hear her.

Soon, several maids entered to help her prepare for the banquet.

Within an hour, Jiya was dressed in a light blue gown embroidered with silver flowers.

A delicate crown rested on her head.

She honestly felt like a movie princess.

"This dress is beautiful."

One maid smiled.

"It was personally prepared by His Majesty."

"Your father really dotes on you."

"I can see that."

As the palace carriage stopped in front of the grand banquet hall, music drifted through the open doors.

Nobles stood in neat rows while ministers chatted quietly.

The emperor sat at the head of the hall with a warm smile.

The moment Jiya entered, everyone bowed.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

She almost looked behind her.

Right... they're greeting me.

Trying to stay calm, she smiled and nodded.

"You may rise."

The emperor laughed.

"Evelyn, come sit beside Father."

She obediently walked over and took her seat.

The banquet had barely begun when a guard announced loudly,

"General Lucian Ashford has arrived!"

The hall instantly fell silent.

Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor.

Jiya looked toward the entrance.

A tall young man wearing black armor walked inside.

His expression was calm, almost emotionless.

A long sword hung at his waist, and a small scar crossed one eyebrow, making him look even more intimidating.

The nobles admired him, yet none dared approach him.

He stopped in front of the emperor and knelt on one knee.

"This humble servant greets Your Majesty."

The emperor smiled proudly.

"General Lucian, rise."

Lucian stood and finally lifted his head.

For a brief moment...

His dark eyes met Jiya's blue ones across the hall.

Neither of them spoke.

Then, without a word, he calmly looked away.

Jiya blinked.

"...He's even colder than I imagined."

System 909 sighed dramatically.

"Host..."

"What?"

"You have a very long journey ahead of you."

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