Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

text stringlengths 1 112k
Dont tell me Prince Dietrich doesnt recognize one of his personal guests.
Dietrichs interests did not lean toward diplomacy; he likely hadnt bothered to introduce himself to Arnold. Mary, for her part, seemed to grasp that Arnold wasnt ordinary. She stood up to defend Rishe, despite the tremble in her voice. In a better world, perhaps the two of them could have become friends.
Thats your ex-fianc? Arnold cocked a brow. Hes even worse than I imagined. Pathetic.
Dietrich flushed. Ill have your head!
Dietrich, I beg of you, contain yourself, Rishe said, then rounded on Arnold. As for you, Your Highnessyou know who Dietrich is, and you know what speaking carelessly could mean. Are you trying to pick a fight?
Whatever do you mean? Arnolds brows lifted high, making him the picture of innocence. Believe me, Lady Rishe, every word I speak is chosen with extreme care.
Finally realizing who Arnold was, Dietrich visibly paled. Arnold? Hes the crown prince of Galkhein?
Mary yelped. The knights stood down, shamefaced. The gossip-hungry neighbors whod gathered to witness a scandal play out drew back in fear.
Hes the demon prince? The one who single-handedly destroyed a whole order of enemy knights?
Watch your tongue, fool! Do you want him to do the same to you?
The two nations enjoyed peaceful relations, but Arnold remained the dreaded prince, heir to the throne of a former enemy. Current rumor wasnt as widespread as it would be in five years, but he was still regarded with distrust.
The onlookers stood rooted to the spot, too terrified to flee.
Well, this has devolved into a full-fledged disaster.
Rishe heaved a frustrated sigh. Prince Arnold, to what do we owe this honor? Surely a crown prince would not draw his sword for a mere jest.
Im here on business, Arnold said. But first, I must beg forgiveness for my rudeness.
Huh, what do you know? Once he became emperor, hed gladly behead any subject who so much as dared speak a word against him.
I guess at nineteen he still knew how to apologize.
If that surprised her, Arnolds next act completely obliterated her sense of reality.
With a flourish, he fell to his knees.
Huh? Is this actually happening?
He was a man destined for an imperial crown. A man who would stand at the head of a military powerhouse and spread his rule across continents.
Arnold, known for his frigid pride, knelt to the disgraced daughter of a duke.
And not only thathis head was bowed, looking nothing so much as a knight swearing allegiance to his lady. If it were anyone else, it would be a delightful, pious image. Instead, the assembled looked on in terrified awe.
Not Rishe, though.
What are you doing? she hissed. Get up!
Im apologizing for my baseless impertinence. Also, Im asking you He trailed off to take Rishes hand, tugging her forward so forcefully she staggered. He gazed up at her.
Ugh. Hes so beautiful. No matter how many times she looked at him, it didnt become any less disarming. Long eyelashes, arched brows, a noble nose. His bright blue eyes reminded her of the drift ice shed seen in a northern kingdom, gazing out from a ship in one of her past lives. She knew she was dwelling on this to buy time, even as the reality before her sank in.
to become my wife.
She froze, unable to process the words. What? Rishe glanced around, desperately searching the faces of the crowd. They all seemed as stunned as she felt. She looked down at Arnold again. Your wife?
Yes, thats right.
You want me to become your wife?
Yes.
Rishe couldnt speak. This was truly happening. It was real. It clicked into place in her head, and she let out a strangled grunt.
What is going on? Why is this happening?
Shock lapped at her, fuzzing at the corners of her vision. He wanted to marry her. Arnold wanted to marry Rishe. Her murderer wanted to marry her.
Why is he doing this? He must have some ulterior motive, a broader goal. But I have to give him an answer.
The onlookers were holding their breath as Rishe said flatly, I reject your proposal.
Arnold said nothing.
She had to reject him. She was going to live a long, peaceful, carefree life, damn it, and no one would stop her. And yet
Arnold began to laugh, and the deep, creeping sense of dread inside Rishe only grew. Why does he seem so amused by this?!
***
Her previous life was her sixth. Disguised as a man, Rishe rose as a warrior of an island country she came upon in her travels. It was a conventional yet charming kingdom formed of red brick. After striking up a friendship with a group of knights who didnt realize she was a woman, Rishe followed their advice and joined them.
The training was grueling enough to make her wish she were dead. Back when she had lived as a noble, shed learned how to wield a sword for basic self-defense, but training as a noble lady had in no way prepared her for this. She drilled relentlessly, barely taking the time to sleep. Just as she became a full-fledged knight, Emperor Arnolds forces lay siege to the castle.
***
How could this happen?
In her seventh life, Rishe wearily sank into her chair. Across from her sat Arnold, his legs crossed and chin propped up on his hand, watching her lazily.
Whats the matter? he asked. You seem unhappy.
You could say that. Even her voice was grumpy. Still, she couldnt very well tell him it was because she bore a grudge from a previous life. After the first time her life rewound to that pivotal moment, shed resolved to keep her loops a secret. I had plans for my exile. A brand-new life. And now because of you, my parents are involved. Even the king has heard about it!
After Rishe rejected Arnold, Dietrich had immediately cried out, Th-the crown prince of Galkhein proposed to Rishe?!
His shrieks were loud enough to attract the attention of the master and mistress of the manor.
When her parents came out, Rishe had protested, Im not going to marry him! Im leaving the country just as Dietrich commanded.
No one listened. Their faces just paled with nervous confusion.
Just then, a glittering coach arrived. Half-stuck in the mud, the man inside it was forced to trudge over the swampy ground, and so the king of Hermity himself arrived, staggering and dirt-stained.
He grabbed hold of his sons collar, pushing him into a low bow. He then turned to Prince Arnold and said, rather loudly, Your Highness! Allow me to apologize for my sons foolishness! You are an esteemed guest all the way from Galkhein! It is unthinkable he would not offer you the courtesy you are due!
Youre hurting me, Father! My back!
The king then turned to Rishe. My lady, allow me to sincerely apologize as both a king and a father. My sons behavior toward you has been utterly disgraceful. I beg you to please give Prince Arnolds proposal due consideration. Not only for your own sake but for the sake of your country.
The king bowed to her as deeply as his son had to Arnold, and her parents joined him. Rishe felt dizzy at the sight of this abject debasement in the presence of citizens.
Arnold, who had been watching the proceedings with a detached amusement, sobered and stepped toward the king. Your Majesty, please rise.
Without the smirk, Arnolds face immediately reverted to its cold mask. The king didnt move. Maybe something in Arnolds voice kept him frozen.
Such a trifle wont cause discord between our kingdoms, he went on. However, I would beg a little time to speak with Lady Rishe.
Later, Rishe would learn that Arnolds attendant had spoken to the kings own gentleman, certain that his words would reach their target. My master took such trouble to attend these festivities, and this is the welcome he is offered? I wonder, what will the emperor think when he learns of his sons slighting at your nations hands?
If you would, Lady Rishe? The plump king looked to be on the verge of tears.
Rishe had no obligation to accept and no desire to spend a moment longer in this country than was absolutely necessary. But acquiescence seemed the fastest way to move things along.
As her mind whirled, Arnold leaned in to whisper, If you refuse to hear my suit, you wont deter me. Ill simply move on to Plan B.
And that was how she found herself in one of the palaces parlors, here to just talk to Prince Arnold. The ball guests were all gone. It was just the two of them.
I want to know what youre planning, Rishe said flatly.
Planning? Me?
By asking me to marry you. You dont know me. A proposal like this wouldnt come out of the blue.
This man was destined to become an aggressive warmonger over the next few years. He wouldnt do anything without a dozen motives.
Prince Arnold just smiled. I have no plans. Im simply enamored with you.
Enamored?
That was the last thing shed expected him to say. Asking him to elaborate didnt seem worth the breathhe was obviously lying. As if this ruthless, inhuman creature with ice in his veins could feel even a flicker of affection.
Why refuse me? Arnold asked. Your engagement is broken, youre on the verge of exile, and you have no faction or supporters. At this rate, youll be dead within a fortnight. Id call my offer a stroke of unbelievable fortune.
Youre not wrong, Rishe admitted. Once upon a time, I would have jumped at your offer.
If it had been made in her first life, for instance. But now Rishe knew better. Her life was only just getting started, and the future held endless possibilities. After the horror of her sixth loop, she yearned for freedom.
I dont want to marry him. I wont be anyones captive. Still
Rishe, more than anyone, knew that the slightest adjustment could enact profound changes on the trajectory of a life. No doubt shed have many more lives, but this could be the only one where marriage to Arnold would be an option.
The dread emperor. The tyrant. The man who will stoke the fires of war.
Rishe knew the gossip, the endless conjecture behind Arnold Heins bloody reign, but she didnt know the truth.
Why? The question had haunted her since her first life. Shed never before had the chance to even speak to him.
She had wondered it as a merchant, hearing of the distant outbreak of war. Shed wondered when the news of the dead and dying reached her apothecary. When she had comforted her terrified mistress in her life as a maid, assuring her everything would be all right. When she squared off against him in battle, as he plunged a sword through her hearteven then she wondered.
If I stick around, maybe Ill finally have my answer. Half of her was dying to know. The other half didnt give a damn. And yet
She recalled a childhood dream. Rather, a longing.
Rishe let out a breath. You claim you are enamored with me.
Yes. I am completely under your spell.
To think he could spout such nonsense with a straight face!
Then will you grant me anything I desire?
So long as it is within my power, Arnold said. Anything you want will be yours.
Rishe hesitated, gathering her thoughts. I have some conditions. Arnold silently motioned for her to go on. I want full control over the wedding festivities. Everything must be procured through merchants of my choosing.
Fine. Arnold nodded. Youre free to do business with whomever you wish.
After we are married, I must be in a position to mingle with guests from abroad.
That sounds within the purview of the crown princess. Anything else?
I will be allowed to live in a separate residence from your mother and father.
She meant this seriously, but it made Arnold laugh. You dont seem the type to worry about an overbearing mother-in-law.
You would be surprised. Combative relationships with ones new family are the most difficult part of marriage, or so they say. It could be a ramshackle cottage for all I careI just require a secondary residence.
Actually, Rishe didnt care at all about in-laws. When Arnold set his war into motion, his first move would be the assassination of his father. A genuine coup by patricide, not at all like Dietrichs clumsy attempt. Next, he would name himself emperor, take control of the country, and mobilize the military.
Separating him from his parents will make the first step more difficultalthough not impossible, unfortunately.
Anything else? Arnold asked. Ill do whatever it takes to marry you.
Ideally, Id like to know your endgame, Rishe said with dignity. But as I doubt theres any chance of that, I have one final request. She jabbed a finger into his face, regardless of how rude it was. I will spend my time idling around the castle. No work, no study. I shall be utterly useless.
Lets see just how much you want me as your princess.

Dont tell me Prince Dietrich doesnt recognize one of his personal guests.

Dietrichs interests did not lean toward diplomacy; he likely hadnt bothered to introduce himself to Arnold. Mary, for her part, seemed to grasp that Arnold wasnt ordinary. She stood up to defend Rishe, despite the tremble in her voice. In a better world, perhaps the two of them could have become friends.

Thats your ex-fianc? Arnold cocked a brow. Hes even worse than I imagined. Pathetic.

Dietrich flushed. Ill have your head!

Dietrich, I beg of you, contain yourself, Rishe said, then rounded on Arnold. As for you, Your Highnessyou know who Dietrich is, and you know what speaking carelessly could mean. Are you trying to pick a fight?

Whatever do you mean? Arnolds brows lifted high, making him the picture of innocence. Believe me, Lady Rishe, every word I speak is chosen with extreme care.

Finally realizing who Arnold was, Dietrich visibly paled. Arnold? Hes the crown prince of Galkhein?

Mary yelped. The knights stood down, shamefaced. The gossip-hungry neighbors whod gathered to witness a scandal play out drew back in fear.

Hes the demon prince? The one who single-handedly destroyed a whole order of enemy knights?

Watch your tongue, fool! Do you want him to do the same to you?

The two nations enjoyed peaceful relations, but Arnold remained the dreaded prince, heir to the throne of a former enemy. Current rumor wasnt as widespread as it would be in five years, but he was still regarded with distrust.

The onlookers stood rooted to the spot, too terrified to flee.

Well, this has devolved into a full-fledged disaster.

Rishe heaved a frustrated sigh. Prince Arnold, to what do we owe this honor? Surely a crown prince would not draw his sword for a mere jest.

Im here on business, Arnold said. But first, I must beg forgiveness for my rudeness.

Huh, what do you know? Once he became emperor, hed gladly behead any subject who so much as dared speak a word against him.

I guess at nineteen he still knew how to apologize.

If that surprised her, Arnolds next act completely obliterated her sense of reality.

With a flourish, he fell to his knees.

Huh? Is this actually happening?

He was a man destined for an imperial crown. A man who would stand at the head of a military powerhouse and spread his rule across continents.

Arnold, known for his frigid pride, knelt to the disgraced daughter of a duke.

And not only thathis head was bowed, looking nothing so much as a knight swearing allegiance to his lady. If it were anyone else, it would be a delightful, pious image. Instead, the assembled looked on in terrified awe.

Not Rishe, though.

What are you doing? she hissed. Get up!

Im apologizing for my baseless impertinence. Also, Im asking you He trailed off to take Rishes hand, tugging her forward so forcefully she staggered. He gazed up at her.

Ugh. Hes so beautiful. No matter how many times she looked at him, it didnt become any less disarming. Long eyelashes, arched brows, a noble nose. His bright blue eyes reminded her of the drift ice shed seen in a northern kingdom, gazing out from a ship in one of her past lives. She knew she was dwelling on this to buy time, even as the reality before her sank in.

to become my wife.

She froze, unable to process the words. What? Rishe glanced around, desperately searching the faces of the crowd. They all seemed as stunned as she felt. She looked down at Arnold again. Your wife?

Yes, thats right.

You want me to become your wife?

Yes.

Rishe couldnt speak. This was truly happening. It was real. It clicked into place in her head, and she let out a strangled grunt.

What is going on? Why is this happening?

Shock lapped at her, fuzzing at the corners of her vision. He wanted to marry her. Arnold wanted to marry Rishe. Her murderer wanted to marry her.

Why is he doing this? He must have some ulterior motive, a broader goal. But I have to give him an answer.

The onlookers were holding their breath as Rishe said flatly, I reject your proposal.

Arnold said nothing.

She had to reject him. She was going to live a long, peaceful, carefree life, damn it, and no one would stop her. And yet

Arnold began to laugh, and the deep, creeping sense of dread inside Rishe only grew. Why does he seem so amused by this?!

***

Her previous life was her sixth. Disguised as a man, Rishe rose as a warrior of an island country she came upon in her travels. It was a conventional yet charming kingdom formed of red brick. After striking up a friendship with a group of knights who didnt realize she was a woman, Rishe followed their advice and joined them.

The training was grueling enough to make her wish she were dead. Back when she had lived as a noble, shed learned how to wield a sword for basic self-defense, but training as a noble lady had in no way prepared her for this. She drilled relentlessly, barely taking the time to sleep. Just as she became a full-fledged knight, Emperor Arnolds forces lay siege to the castle.

***

How could this happen?

In her seventh life, Rishe wearily sank into her chair. Across from her sat Arnold, his legs crossed and chin propped up on his hand, watching her lazily.

Whats the matter? he asked. You seem unhappy.

You could say that. Even her voice was grumpy. Still, she couldnt very well tell him it was because she bore a grudge from a previous life. After the first time her life rewound to that pivotal moment, shed resolved to keep her loops a secret. I had plans for my exile. A brand-new life. And now because of you, my parents are involved. Even the king has heard about it!

After Rishe rejected Arnold, Dietrich had immediately cried out, Th-the crown prince of Galkhein proposed to Rishe?!

His shrieks were loud enough to attract the attention of the master and mistress of the manor.

When her parents came out, Rishe had protested, Im not going to marry him! Im leaving the country just as Dietrich commanded.

No one listened. Their faces just paled with nervous confusion.

Just then, a glittering coach arrived. Half-stuck in the mud, the man inside it was forced to trudge over the swampy ground, and so the king of Hermity himself arrived, staggering and dirt-stained.

He grabbed hold of his sons collar, pushing him into a low bow. He then turned to Prince Arnold and said, rather loudly, Your Highness! Allow me to apologize for my sons foolishness! You are an esteemed guest all the way from Galkhein! It is unthinkable he would not offer you the courtesy you are due!

Youre hurting me, Father! My back!

The king then turned to Rishe. My lady, allow me to sincerely apologize as both a king and a father. My sons behavior toward you has been utterly disgraceful. I beg you to please give Prince Arnolds proposal due consideration. Not only for your own sake but for the sake of your country.

The king bowed to her as deeply as his son had to Arnold, and her parents joined him. Rishe felt dizzy at the sight of this abject debasement in the presence of citizens.

Arnold, who had been watching the proceedings with a detached amusement, sobered and stepped toward the king. Your Majesty, please rise.

Without the smirk, Arnolds face immediately reverted to its cold mask. The king didnt move. Maybe something in Arnolds voice kept him frozen.

Such a trifle wont cause discord between our kingdoms, he went on. However, I would beg a little time to speak with Lady Rishe.

Later, Rishe would learn that Arnolds attendant had spoken to the kings own gentleman, certain that his words would reach their target. My master took such trouble to attend these festivities, and this is the welcome he is offered? I wonder, what will the emperor think when he learns of his sons slighting at your nations hands?

If you would, Lady Rishe? The plump king looked to be on the verge of tears.

Rishe had no obligation to accept and no desire to spend a moment longer in this country than was absolutely necessary. But acquiescence seemed the fastest way to move things along.

As her mind whirled, Arnold leaned in to whisper, If you refuse to hear my suit, you wont deter me. Ill simply move on to Plan B.

And that was how she found herself in one of the palaces parlors, here to just talk to Prince Arnold. The ball guests were all gone. It was just the two of them.

I want to know what youre planning, Rishe said flatly.

Planning? Me?

By asking me to marry you. You dont know me. A proposal like this wouldnt come out of the blue.

This man was destined to become an aggressive warmonger over the next few years. He wouldnt do anything without a dozen motives.

Prince Arnold just smiled. I have no plans. Im simply enamored with you.

Enamored?

That was the last thing shed expected him to say. Asking him to elaborate didnt seem worth the breathhe was obviously lying. As if this ruthless, inhuman creature with ice in his veins could feel even a flicker of affection.

Why refuse me? Arnold asked. Your engagement is broken, youre on the verge of exile, and you have no faction or supporters. At this rate, youll be dead within a fortnight. Id call my offer a stroke of unbelievable fortune.

Youre not wrong, Rishe admitted. Once upon a time, I would have jumped at your offer.

If it had been made in her first life, for instance. But now Rishe knew better. Her life was only just getting started, and the future held endless possibilities. After the horror of her sixth loop, she yearned for freedom.

I dont want to marry him. I wont be anyones captive. Still

Rishe, more than anyone, knew that the slightest adjustment could enact profound changes on the trajectory of a life. No doubt shed have many more lives, but this could be the only one where marriage to Arnold would be an option.

The dread emperor. The tyrant. The man who will stoke the fires of war.

Rishe knew the gossip, the endless conjecture behind Arnold Heins bloody reign, but she didnt know the truth.

Why? The question had haunted her since her first life. Shed never before had the chance to even speak to him.

She had wondered it as a merchant, hearing of the distant outbreak of war. Shed wondered when the news of the dead and dying reached her apothecary. When she had comforted her terrified mistress in her life as a maid, assuring her everything would be all right. When she squared off against him in battle, as he plunged a sword through her hearteven then she wondered.

If I stick around, maybe Ill finally have my answer. Half of her was dying to know. The other half didnt give a damn. And yet

She recalled a childhood dream. Rather, a longing.

Rishe let out a breath. You claim you are enamored with me.

Yes. I am completely under your spell.

To think he could spout such nonsense with a straight face!

Then will you grant me anything I desire?

So long as it is within my power, Arnold said. Anything you want will be yours.

Rishe hesitated, gathering her thoughts. I have some conditions. Arnold silently motioned for her to go on. I want full control over the wedding festivities. Everything must be procured through merchants of my choosing.

Fine. Arnold nodded. Youre free to do business with whomever you wish.

After we are married, I must be in a position to mingle with guests from abroad.

That sounds within the purview of the crown princess. Anything else?

I will be allowed to live in a separate residence from your mother and father.

She meant this seriously, but it made Arnold laugh. You dont seem the type to worry about an overbearing mother-in-law.

You would be surprised. Combative relationships with ones new family are the most difficult part of marriage, or so they say. It could be a ramshackle cottage for all I careI just require a secondary residence.

Actually, Rishe didnt care at all about in-laws. When Arnold set his war into motion, his first move would be the assassination of his father. A genuine coup by patricide, not at all like Dietrichs clumsy attempt. Next, he would name himself emperor, take control of the country, and mobilize the military.

Separating him from his parents will make the first step more difficultalthough not impossible, unfortunately.

Anything else? Arnold asked. Ill do whatever it takes to marry you.

Ideally, Id like to know your endgame, Rishe said with dignity. But as I doubt theres any chance of that, I have one final request. She jabbed a finger into his face, regardless of how rude it was. I will spend my time idling around the castle. No work, no study. I shall be utterly useless.

Lets see just how much you want me as your princess.