I Accidentally Became The Evil Princess Of This Empire

Jinny had just finished cleaning the hallway and was making her way to the other side of the palace when she noticed a woman walking ahead, accompanied by a group of servants. The woman was stunning—her long silver hair gleamed under the soft palace lights, and her eyes, one red and the other gold, shimmered with an almost otherworldly glow. She wore a robe that closely resembled those of the mages Jinny had seen in an online game, and for a moment, she couldn't help but stare in awe.

The woman suddenly stopped, as if sensing Jinny's gaze. She turned and raised an elegant eyebrow.

"Who is she? I don't recall hiring a new servant," the woman said, her tone laced with authority.

One of the servants behind her stepped forward. "Your Highness, she is one of the survivors from the last battle. Sir Yehuda brought her here out of pity."

At the mention of Sir Yehuda, the woman's expression darkened. "Since when did Sir Yehuda have the right to bring someone into the palace without consulting me?" she demanded.

Jinny's breath hitched. Realizing the situation could turn against Sir Yehuda, she immediately dropped to her knees. "P-Please forgive Sir Yehuda! He only took pity on me and brought me here. If anyone should be punished, let it be me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

The woman before her looked like someone who held a high position in the palace.

The woman exhaled sharply and crossed her arms. "I am the one who decides who is allowed within these palace walls."

A butler, standing among the servants, took a step forward and bowed. "Your Highness, she is a diligent worker. The palace needs more hands, especially now that we are at war. Many of the servants have taken on the role of nurses to care for our returning soldiers. Even if Sir Yehuda forgot to consult you, she is still of use to us. Please allow this to pass for now, Your Highness."

The woman regarded Jinny once more, her sharp gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. After a moment of silence, she let out a sigh. "Whatever. I have more important matters to attend to. My brother needs me." Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, her servants quickly following.

Jinny remained kneeling until the woman was out of sight. Just then, a familiar voice called out. "Jinny!"

"I'm glad Her Highness didn't make a fuss over you," Nene said as she rushed over, relief evident in her tone.

Jinny slowly rose to her feet, her heart still pounding. "Who was that?" she asked, still shaken.

Nene glanced around before answering. "That was Princess Beatrice Grimaldi, the emperor's sister."

Jinny's eyes widened. She had just met a princess—and in the worst possible way.

"She's the leader of the empire's mages," Nene continued in a hushed voice. "Since Princess Charlotte's passing, she has been overseeing palace affairs—managing the royal household, the servants, the courtiers—everything. She's known for her short temper, so you should be extra careful when she's around."

A mage… Jinny's awe only grew. So the princess could use magic?

"Come on," Nene urged, nudging her. "We need to finish cleaning before Nelly scolds us."

Jinny nodded, casting one last glance in the direction Princess Beatrice had gone before returning to her work.

.

.

....

"How are you feeling?" Beatrice asked as she handed the emperor his medicine.

"Fine," Matias replied curtly.

Emperor Matias Serolf—the ruler of the Serolf Empire. Once a formidable leader who led his army to countless victories, he was now a shadow of his former self. Ever since the Montclairs declared war, he had fallen gravely ill, cursed by a powerful black mage from the enemy's ranks. His sister, Beatrice, had done everything in her power to break the curse, but every attempt had failed.

As if his condition weren't already dire, the death of their sister, Princess Charlotte, had only worsened his state. Matias blamed himself for not being able to protect her. On top of that, their brother, Prince Hendrik, had gone missing. His last known whereabouts were on the battlefield he had led. After their forces suffered a devastating defeat, he never returned. Their brother, King Froilan of Firenzan, had been searching for him ever since, but to no avail.

"You should try this," Beatrice said, offering the cup once more. "It's my latest medicine—one I personally made."

Matias simply stared at it, his expression unreadable. "I don't think there will ever be a cure for my curse."

"Please don't give up," Beatrice pleaded. "There's no harm in trying. Besides, I'm close to perfecting my spell. Sooner or later, I'll find a way to free you."

Princess Beatrice Grimaldi—the daughter of the Grandmaster of the Magic Tower and Empress Aria Yvonne Serolf. A powerful mage in her own right, yet not even she could surpass her father's greatness. She had tried countless spells, pouring all her knowledge and strength into breaking the curse, but nothing had worked.

"It was written in the Black Magic Grimoire, the one created by your father, the Grandmaster of the Magic Tower. It held the only known cure for this curse," Matias said, his voice weak. "But he burned the book before he left this world. Without it, I don't know how much longer I have left."

A violent cough wracked his body, and blood spilled from his lips. Beatrice's eyes widened in panic. She rushed forward, pressing her hand against his chest, channeling a healing spell. Though it couldn't remove the curse, it could at least ease his pain.

Matias leaned back against his pillows, his gaze drifting toward the window.

"Your Majesty..." Beatrice murmured, gripping his hand tightly. "I promise—I will find a way. I will perfect the spell and free you from this curse."

Her eyes flickered to the dark markings creeping up his neck. They had spread further, consuming more of his body.

The Death Curse—a forbidden spell created by the Grandmaster of the Magic Tower, Master Xerxes Grimaldi. A curse so sinister that it slowly drained the life from its victim, weakening the body and causing an incurable sickness.

The curse was embedded deep within Matias' heart, tormenting him with unbearable pain each night. Dark markings would surface on his skin—starting as faint streaks, then gradually spreading like an unrelenting plague. Once his entire body was covered, death would be inevitable.

The only known spell capable of breaking the curse had been written in Master Xerxes' magic book. But that book was lost long ago.

No one knew how the enemy had learned the curse. It was forbidden—buried in secrecy—and Master Xerxes had taken great measures to hide his knowledge. And yet, somehow, it had resurfaced.

Beatrice clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. They were running out of time.

If only she were stronger. If only she possessed the same power as her father…

She gritted her teeth, frustration burning inside her.

She had to find a way. She would find a way.

Before it was too late.