I thought I was possessed, but it was actually a regression! Erilot, a child with no abilities but a talent for lying. To survive in a villainous family, let’s make Dad a Duke! #ReadingAncientLanguage? That’s a lie! #MonsterTaming? That’s a lie! Oh my god... ‘Did I become the protagonist?’ There wasn’t even time to be surprised at that. “Waaaaaah─!” Another scream echoed. I lifted my head toward where everyone was staring. My Ragon was shedding its skin. ...Into a dragon. A dragon? ‘A crow shedding its skin?!’ That’s impossible! There was only one explanation for this incredible situation. ‘It’s the protagonist buff.’ Ten years after returning to my previous life. Finally, my life as the protagonist began with the protagonist buff. It seems this world absolutely cannot accept a protagonist without abilities. The world was turned upside down. Of course, the Astra factory as well. “No way, a dragon! Erilot’s monster is a dragon!” Uncle Balderic screamed. “What’s going on!” How could I explain that this world, having accepted my “cider,” had recognized me as the protagonist? I tilted my head with an innocent face. Queen Ocelia and the Crown Prince were staring at me. They also couldn’t believe it. Neither could I. And Princess Anatoly... ‘She’s going to die like that.’ Forgetting her dignity, the princess was hunched over, biting her nails fiercely. “No way. No way.” The villains in this world seem to learn that phrase somewhere. Like parrots, they only repeat “No way.” ‘It’s inevitable.’ Hilda left evidence of her deal with the princess. Of course, she tipped me off that I had to keep it. At that moment, Queen Ocelia entered after finishing a call with the Emperor. “The Emperor has spoken.” She looked around at everyone. Her final gaze was on me. Looking at me softly, Queen Ocelia said, “There is an order to immediately bring Erilot Astra to the royal palace.” “What?” Grandfather frowned, and Queen Ocelia added, “Of course, as a noble of the palace.” “Very well.” “He wishes a private audience. They need to verify that young Miss Erilot’s body can handle it and that the dragon will not attack the kingdom.” That’s only natural. It’s not just any creature—it’s a dragon. “Depart immediately, young lady.” Grandfather frowned, but Marquis Debussy shook his head at him quickly. This was an imperial order. To disobey was treason. ‘Well, that’s good for me.’ I have things to say to the Emperor, and also... I whispered to Anatoly, “You have exactly two months left to live.” “...What?!” I had no intention of letting her off. Two months later, at the Emperor’s birthday celebration, I plan to reveal everything you’ve done here in Astra. Until then, enjoy your hellish time. “Please have some.” “Yes.” Upon arriving at the royal palace, court officials guided me politely. The Great Audience Hall where one can meet the Emperor. “Please wait here briefly.” While the attendants waited on me, tea and snacks were served so I wouldn’t get bored. ‘I heard that if they don’t even bring you a glass of water while you wait, it means they want you to leave.’ Hmm. Those familiar with palace affairs say that by identifying the kinds of snacks and tea served, one can gauge their rank and location. ‘I don’t want to do that though.’ I don’t want to give meaning to everything. Clues and hints for solving the case are important, but I don’t want to be swayed by judgments made without even meeting me. Crunch crunch. Sip sip. I enjoyed the snacks and tea while waiting. The Great Audience Hall was extremely magnificent. Though not gilded fully, it looked halfway like it. The ceiling and the edges of the walls were lined with gold trim, and even the door decorations were all gold. I couldn’t tell if it was pure gold inside or just gold plating, but probably pure gold. Also, since it was the Great Audience Hall, there were three huge chandeliers. They differed slightly in height and design, dividing the large space. It seemed designed for the Emperor to meet several groups at once. With things to see and eat, waiting wasn’t boring. My only complaint was— ‘My feet don’t reach the floor.’ Thinking about it, it made sense. Where would a ten-year-old child like me come to the Great Audience Hall? Young royals and relatives would meet in private reception rooms instead. The chair I was sitting on was extremely fancy and simultaneously very tall. It seemed made for average to tall adult men, so when I sat deep, my feet didn’t touch the floor. Dangling. Jingling. I spent the time swinging my calves, feet not touching the ground. After a while, “The Emperor enters.” The attendant opened the door for the master of the Great Audience Hall. ‘...My feet don’t reach. I have to come down as quietly as possible.’ Tap. I lightly got down from the chair, and I saw the Emperor enter. His orange hair fluttered like a lion’s mane as he walked, and the golden eyes that appeared in adult royals gleamed sharply. He was a sharp-featured man I had seen in the original story and heard of in rumors. Just his entrance exuded a heavy, commanding charisma. But as I looked at the Emperor, I thought of someone else. Round and gentle. The kind and cute-looking Empress Dowager. ‘They say they look alike?’ Who on earth said that about the Emperor and the Empress Dowager? At least I have to greet the adult. I greeted the Emperor first. “May you enjoy radiant glory.” Spreading out my well-made dress’s hem, I bent my knees at a proper angle. As if saying no more was needed, the Emperor accepted my greeting with one hand. Then ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) he sat in the chair opposite me. “I have heard many rumors.” “Your Majesty, I humbly greet you.” “Erilot Astra, hmm.” Not intending to converse, but muttering as if to himself. I just smiled brightly and waited for the Emperor’s next words. The Emperor’s golden eyes stared straight at me. Flinch! “I have heard many stories from my inner circle as well.” “Is that so? I am honored.” “You must be confident you gave praise.” “...” Yes, that’s the correct way to think. Would anyone think the person who spoke to the Emperor told him bad things about a ten-year-old little girl? And would the Emperor pass those insults to me? It’s obviously praise. He has a scary skill for saying obvious things. “Hoho. I was the youngest and immature, so please forgive me.” The Emperor sent a more interested look at my expressionless face. “I heard from the Queen that you are a fascinating child. The youngest invitee to the Dowager Queen’s tea salon and the most treasured by the Duke Astra and Daymond Astra.” “Hohoho...” Really, I didn’t know how to respond to such words. The Emperor who murmured like talking to himself stared at me. His gaze was completely different from when we spoke eye to eye. ‘...Is this the Emperor’s charisma?’ The clear golden pupils seemed to see through my innermost thoughts. And on top of that, his sharp gaze seemed to pierce even every single cell in my skin. Still, it felt a bit excessive. ‘Geez, this old man really drags things out.’ Isn’t this kind of pressure better for adults? I’m only curious about one thing anyway. Since he’s the Emperor, he can’t just say it bluntly and keeps beating around the bush. What he really wants to say is, —Where did you get a dragon? Give me one! ‘I was surprised by the Emperor’s charisma at first, but in the end, even the Emperor can only watch Grandfather’s back.’ The reason the Emperor presses me and keeps beating around the bush is because of Grandfather. I mentioned Daymond Astra, my father, lightly, but Dad is not yet the Emperor’s match. If I directly asked for a dragon, Grandfather would make a fuss to the Emperor, so he’s being cautious. ‘Ah, beating around the bush is a bit like the Empress Dowager. Maybe a royal trait... but Princess Anatoly is different, so never mind.’ Since the Emperor kept avoiding the point, I spoke first. “Your Majesty.” “Speak.” “Actually... Ragon didn’t try to destroy the altar. I’ve asked many experts, and they said he became fierce as he grew into a dragon...” I trailed off, peeking at the Emperor’s expression, then bowed deeply. “The scholars said so... I’m truly sorry.” Ahem! I sniffled once for no reason. Pretending to be discouraged. Pretending to be sulky. This is when big eyes really help. Blink blink. After blinking several times, my eyes got a little moist. That’s not enough! I bit the inside of my cheek lightly, and the sting helped moisten my eyeballs. ‘Ah, what a waste.’ With such acting talent, I was born as an Astra. The imperial theater world missed a great talent! If it fails, I’ll ask to join a theater troupe. It’s a pity I never had a minor role when I was Yoo Hyemin. Hehe. A small laugh escaped from the Emperor. At least it wasn’t a mocking laugh. At least it was friendly. ‘Good! One checkpoint cleared!’ When I glanced up, the Emperor looked at me with eyes somewhat softened from before and asked, “Ragon, is it? The name of your dragon?” “Yes. It wasn’t a dragon at first; originally a crow. Oh, a steel raven monster!” “Steel raven?” The Emperor’s eyes widened. Perhaps it was rare for the Emperor to be this genuinely surprised. He surely knew about steel ravens but had never heard of one transforming into a dragon. ‘Of course.’ This was the protagonist buff I received for becoming the protagonist of . The protagonist is truly the best. I want to live my life as the protagonist forever! “Hmm...” The Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully. A moment of silence passed. Then, as if finishing his thoughts, he looked at me and asked, “Did your grandfather say it’s alright to tell me such things?” “My grandfather rarely says no to me. He had no objections this time, though my uncles and aunts said it shouldn’t be done. But...” I spoke cautiously as if reading the Emperor’s mood, and he nodded as if saying it was okay to tell. “Your father—ah, your father told you to be honest.” “Your father?” I nodded vigorously, eyes sparkling. It’s not a secret weapon but a fairly effective tactic. ‘It worked on the Empress Dowager. Now let it work on the Emperor!’ “My father said His Majesty must know everything. That’s the law of the empire...” Mumbling trailing words, fiddling with my hands, the Emperor’s eyes widened. He was probably trying to discern truth from lies. “Daymond Astra, is that right?” “Yes.” “Ah, you said you weren’t close to your father?” The Emperor stroked his chin and pondered. He was probably drawing the family tree of the Astra second generation in his head. “A loyalist to the imperial court?” ‘Your Majesty, I can hear you, you know? Of course you wouldn’t mind me hearing.’ It seemed the Emperor wasn’t sure whether to believe everything I said. But his expression was quite good. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎 Who would dislike having a strong man like my father on their side? Besides, it wasn’t a flattering lie from an imperial faction noble, but a ten-year-old daughter’s story. And I came here because of the dragon, so there’s no reason to think it was rehearsed. His expression was definitely more relaxed. Daymond Astra, the powerful heir of the Astra Duke family, was not on good terms with my father. No, even if they weren’t enemies, the Emperor would be satisfied just knowing their views on the royal family differed. I returned to my original topic. “Your Majesty, then, am I to be punished now?” After speaking well, I asked an unexpected question, and the Emperor laughed heartily. “What? That’s impossible.” “Then why have I come to the royal palace...?” Erilot was truly! Terrified! ‘Heengoo.’ I felt that saying ‘heengoo’ in my mind made it easier to have a cute expression. I trembled cutely, showing a face terrified to death. “Pfft. Hahaha!” The Emperor couldn’t hold back his laughter and burst out, reassuring me. “Punishment? That’s nonsense. You’re a hero who saved the royals from monsters. You deserve a reward, not punishment.” “Wow, really? For real?” I clapped happily. ‘I knew it.’