The Emperor Must Die

They Call Me Genius

My days as Princess Luna began and as a 26-year old soul trapped in a 7-year old princess, it didn't take a too much effort and time to excel in my studies and recently i've finished reading 5 books about business. At the age of 5 I could already solve and propose solutions for the economic problems in our kingdom and learning the empire language also made me more famous especially among the nobles. I was a genius in their eyes and was always the talk in society.

At the age of 7,  I have made several suggestions to strengthen the business deals and improvement of the palace. I gained the attention of the nobles and the public. My unchallenged beauty and high level of intellect made me and Prince Taehyung the center of the talks. I had to step back from the limelight and focus all my strength in art like tea brewing and even sword dancing. I never really had talent that is why I focused so much in numbers in my previous life. 

And so, at the age of 9, I have lived my life in peace until recently. As I was taking an afternoon cup of tea, as usual, I insisted that my royal guard,  sir Namjoon, to sit across the table and have tea with me but again he declined. "It is rude for a commoner to sit beside a royal." He kept reminding me. But for me, sir Namjoon is like a big brother. We had many adventures together. I would sneak and go to town in incognito while sir Namjoon would follow me and lecture me whenever we get back to the castle.

And so I stopped insisting Sir Namjoon and took my afternoon tea in solo. I would've invited big brother Taehyung but he is currently busy with palace matters. 

Afternoons like this are the best. I get to have the alone time I wanted. Away from politics, pressure and stress. I haven't seen the little girl in my dreams since then. And the assassin, never came back to finish the job. There is something in here more than my reincarnation. I couldn't put my finger to it but i'm sure this situation is familiar to me.

"Princess Luna" big brother Taehyung called as he sat down across the table. "Big brother Tae, aren't you busy with the nobles today?" I sneered at him as I took a sip in my cup of tea. He was quiet. He wasn't ranting about how stupid and selfish the nobles were like he usually would, instead he was just staring at me with those sad puppy eyes. 

"What's wrong?" I asked as I put the cup of tea down. "Luna" He called and handed me a letter. I reached out and saw the the crest of the imperial family. It bothered me how nervous and scared I was. I know how brutal and terrifying the emperor is but it never occurred to me that I would greatly be affected about this rumors. 

After reading the letter, I became a little lightheaded. "The emperor has invited you to go to the empire" big brother Taehyung mumbled. I was in shock that I couldn't find the words to respond properly as I should. 

"It's unfair!" big brother Tae raised his voice as he slammed the table almost spilling the tea served next to him. I couldn't look at sir Namjoon, i'm pretty sure he was also shock about the news. "Why?" big bro Tae asked waiting for no reply. "Why do we have to send you to the empire as hostage?" He mumbled as he tried to hold back his tears. "Why do we have to send you to your filthy father?" He continued but this time his words were clearer. 

"Father?" I repeated as memories from my previous life poured out. 

I remember reading a manga about a hero who had to kill the emperor of the Lunarc empire. He was a madman and evil. He mistreated most of his people and killed those who have claimed his bloodline. He also had to hold hostage his surviving daughter and kill her with his own hands after her 5th night in the palace.  The hero of the story also came from a different world like me but instead of reincarnation, he was sent to this world with his original body. I didn't really finish reading the manga since I had exams coming up and adulthood was next and then career. But I remember the strong admiration I had for the emperor. As an orphan in my previous life, I longed to give my love to a family.

I couldn't gasped all of the information flowing in me at once. My head was spinning and I had to stand up so I could take a rest in my room. But as I did, I couldn't hold my balance and I heard big bro Tae call for me. As I looked at him, I saw a figure standing behind him. His red cape and blonde hair was beautifully blown by the cold breeze. I couldn't look at his face because I totally lost my consciousness. 

"Luna.." a small fragile voice was calling to me. "Lunaa..." she repeated as her voice grew closer. "He's gonna kill us." it was Luna, the original owner of this body. She was weeping and on her knees. "This is our death" she continued.  I couldn't say a thing and instead I embraced her. I could feel her fears, sorrow and sadness. She died alone in that palace. 

As I regained my consciousness, I saw a figure standing close to my bed. He was talking to someone, probably the royal doctor. I reached for his hand to take his attention but he went silent as he faced me. I'm sure it wasn't big brother Tae's hand. It had a lot of calluses and it was hard. I couldn't focus on their faces and so I had to sleep again. 

As I opened my eyes, I am in an unfamiliar room. This feels like the day I first got in this world. Definitely not big bro Tae's room and especially not the Crown Prince's. I walked closer to the balcony and opened the doors to get a fresh air. The room has some kinda bad vibes in it and I don't need that kind of negativity.

Moments later, I heard a knock and several maids entered. At first they were hesitant to approach me. I mean who wouldn't? Knowing that a 9-year old kid will be murdered anyway. They're a bit rude but I could let this pass. 

I walked toward them as they remain their heads down. "We are delighted to be at your service, princess Luna" the head maid introduced. "My name is Muselle, the head maid and this is Chloe. From now on, she'll be attending to your needs" She continued. None of them were making eye contact to me and they all remained their heads down.

I don't know what is really going on but I should just live my life the I always do, fearless and free spirited. "I'll be in your care. My name is Luna and you can be at ease. You may lift your heads" I guaranteed them and they slowly did but..... 

The emperor stormed in "How dare you look in the eyes of a royal blood?" He said and his knights immediately drew their swords. At that moment I knew that he is the emperor. Despite my, fears and shaking legs, I couldn't help but stare at him. In an instant, I had forgotten everything. He was staring at me from across the room, I could feel his intent to kill me right there. But I thought if he would really kill me, I.. want.. to... be able to hug him and give to him the love I've always wanted to give.

I walked closer and as I was inches away from him, I looked straight in his eyes and asked "Are you really my father?". I could hear the servants and knights gasped, they knew that I was asking for my death. But in this lifetime, I couldn't help but ask for my family's love. He looked at me and cupped my cheeks. "So, what if i'm your father?" He said with eyes like a predator. For a moment my life flashed, like he could easily twist my neck or throw me outside the window. But it didn't matter "I really wanted to hug you" I accidentally uttered and hold his hand on my face. 

He immediately withdrew his hand and walked out along with his knights. I was left... unscathed. "Princess!" the maids screamed. Lady Muselle approached me with worrying eyes. "Are you alright?" she asked as she scan my face where my father had touched me. "I am." I answered meekly and after that, I fainted.

"You.." a small voice. It's probably princess Luna in my dreams "How could you ask for a hug from him? Weren't you scared?" She asked weeping in the darkness. "I was scared. But the longer I look at him, the more I wanted to be by his side." I answered but I couldn't justify why I had to ask for a hug. "Maybe.." the little girl said as she stopped sobbing. "Maybe if it's you then everything will be alright?" She realized as she looked at me with hopeful eyes. "Maybe if I had approached father with a braver heart, maybe I could've also asked for a hug" she continued and stood up. "I'll be braver in my next life." she said and bid farewell. I had a feeling that this is the last time i'll see her in my dreams. It's as if she had given me full authority to live her life as I wanted to be.