After Starting a Thread as a Reincarnated in an Unknown Otome Game, I Got Caught in a Battlefield of Beauties - Chapter 39: I Am— (Leticia's Perspective)

Chapter 39: I Am— (Leticia’s Perspective)

“—Right now, you of the Freezing family are being accused of treason. If it’s true that you’ve been leaking our country’s secrets to the Empire for years… Even I cannot overlook this.”

His Majesty, usually full of emotion, addressed us with a stern face. 

However, behind his eyes, there was a whirlwind of confusion, disappointment, and sadness.

So, the time has come…

I, Leticia Freezing, thought this as I stood in the throne room, escorted by soldiers, facing the king, the prime minister, and other ministers of the kingdom.

I knew the reason for this.

Our family, the Freezings, had been secretly passing information about the kingdom to the Empire for over ten years, and it had finally been discovered.

I didn’t know why my parents were leaking information to the Empire.

I only learned a few years ago that they had been doing it for over a decade.

They didn’t tell me directly; I found out by sheer accident.

Four years ago, one late night, I couldn’t sleep. I went out to the balcony to enjoy the night breeze and gaze at the moon.

That’s when I heard my father talking to someone downstairs. 

At first, I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but then I overheard him mention the highly confidential information that Albert had made a pact with the Spirit King.

At that moment, I connected the dots and realized that my father was selling information to someone. 

However, I couldn’t be sure just from that.

So, I secretly placed a recording device in my father’s room. 

The result was clear: he was guilty. 

After several attempts, I discovered that my father was leaking information to another country, specifically the Empire, our kingdom’s greatest enemy.

Of course, I later gathered both my father and mother and strongly urged them to stop immediately, playing the recordings as proof.

They were shocked that I knew, but after my persuasion, they promised never to do it again.

—They promised… or so I thought.

“It was a lie, wasn’t it, Father, Mother?”

“…I’m sorry, Leticia. We had reasons we couldn’t stop.”

When I glared at them, my father, who shared my silver hair and blue eyes, averted his gaze, avoiding my eyes. 

My mother said nothing, appearing to accept this fate quietly.

“…So, it’s true, Maynard?”

“Yes, this information is accurate. But… my daughter, Leticia, not only had no part in it, but she also tried to stop me.”

“However, Lady Leticia knew about the leaks and did not report them to the kingdom. That alone is a grave crime.”

The Prime Minister interrupted the conversation between the King and my father.

But what he said was true. 

I didn’t speak up at that time. 

After meeting Alto, I was so focused on my studies that I understood what would happen to my parents if I did.

I was too scared to lose them.

That fear and weakness in my heart led to this crime.

“…I leave my fate in your hands, Your Majesty.”

When I said this, my parents turned to me in shock.

They immediately began to bow deeply to the King.

“Leticia!? No, you can’t! Your Majesty, I understand this is an unreasonable request! But please, please spare Leticia…!!”

“Your Majesty!! Our daughter, Leticia, has finally found happiness with the boy she talked about for so long! Please, at least spare her…!!”

“…”

His Majesty said nothing and his expression didn’t change, but his eyes definitely wavered.

It’s okay now, Father and Mother. 

The King should execute me without hesitation. 

Everyone… everyone is too kind. 

I need to push things forward.

“—Your Majesty, I am fine with being executed like my parents. But in return, I want to know why they sold information to another country. Please keep me alive until I hear the reason.”

“…”

The king widened his eyes at my words, and after a moment, slowly began to speak.

“…Alright. I will grant your request. —Maynard, why did you leak information to another country?”

“…”

My father hesitated a few times at the King’s words, but under the weight of our gazes, he finally spoke.

“The Empire was holding Leticia hostage.”

“!?”

“What do you mean!?”

No… that can’t be true… But I’ve never been kidnapped or anything like that…

Even the king raised his voice at my father’s words, and the ministers and soldiers around us were visibly shaken. 

My father, however, showed no concern for their reactions. He just continued, full of regret.

“…Leticia’s personal butler and maid were spies from the Empire. By the time I realized it, it was too late. They had become her personal attendants to gain her trust with the intent to kill her. But it was worse than that. At one point, I considered getting rid of them, but they had already brainwashed Leticia so deeply that she didn’t even realize it. At their command, she even tried to take her own life. That’s when we started leaking information.”

After he finished, my father let out a small sigh. 

Beside him, my mother broke down in tears, continuously apologizing to me, “I’m so sorry, Leticia…”

And then I understood.

…Ah, it was all my fault.

I stared blankly at the ceiling, unable to shed any more tears.

“…Your Majesty, please kill me.”

“You could be exiled instead—”

“No, it’s fine.”

I firmly refused.

I didn’t want to be a burden to my parents any longer. 

I just wanted to erase this miserable feeling as quickly as possible.

“…Very well. I will do it myself. Bring me the sharpest sword.”

At the King’s command, the general offered his own sword.

“This is the finest blade in the kingdom, Your Majesty.”

“Mm.”

The king nodded, unsheathed the sword, and approached me.

The gleaming blade reflected the light as it drew nearer.

So, this is the end…

My life was surprisingly short…

But at least my miserable life will finally be over.

Wait…

Why am I afraid…?

I thought I had given up on living…

“Are you an idiot?”

“Look… it doesn’t matter what people think. No matter how much you try to hide, eventually they’ll see the real you, and some people will dislike you for no reason. So, just act how you want and cherish the ones who approach you positively. It’s easier that way. Well, I don’t care because worrying about it would kill me.”

“My name is Alto Bersac. I’m the busiest noble’s son in the world, always working hard to pay off debts.”

Suddenly, the words Alto said to me when we first met came back to me.

They were words that changed my way of life.

Words that guided me.

—Words from the boy I loved.

Oh… actually.

Actually, there was something I wanted to say but kept in my heart.

I said I had no regrets earlier, Alto.

But the truth is, I do have one.

That is—to spend my life with you.

Going on trips together.

Saying “good night” and “good morning” in the same bed.

Laughing together over small things.

Having a wedding and exchanging rings.

Having children and celebrating together.

Watching you play with our children while I worked.

And after passing on the family title to our grown children, spending a peaceful and quiet old age together.

With you, I know it would be wonderful.

Even if there were tough times, with you, I could overcome them.

Hey, Alto—

“—I want to see you one last time…”

Just as I closed my eyes—

“—Your Majesty! There’s someone in the sky—”

—BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!!

A deafening explosion echoed around, shaking the palace violently.

And with that—

“—LETICIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

My beloved Alto broke through the ceiling and descended from the sky. 

Clad in a jet-black uniform, he brushed away the smoke and landed right in front of me. 

Everyone froze at his sudden appearance.

Murmurs filled the room as people wondered who he was. 

Even the King didn’t seem to recognize him.

But I knew, even though he looked different, I knew it was Alto.

But why…?

“Leticia, are you okay!?”

“Why… are you here?”

“…Ha?”

If you do this… you won’t be able to stay in this country…! 

Because of me… even you…

I feared the consequences, but Alto spoke to me.

“—Are you an idiot?”

He had the same exasperated look he had when we first met and said the same words he did back then. 

I couldn’t respond, just like before. 

I could only look at him.

“Sigh… Listen, Leticia. I’m only going to say this once, so pay attention.”

Alto sighed softly as he took my hand, lifting me up. He looked me straight in the eyes and said,

“For the woman I love… for you, I’ll fight the world if I have to. I will protect you no matter what. So… don’t ever give up again.”

I decided once again to dedicate everything to him.