Since I’m a Time-Limited Princess Who Has No Tomorrow - Chapter 94

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 94
‘I’ll obtain the divine artifacts of the Straw God from the Heavenly Realm. And I’ll continue practicing dividing my divine power directly… Once a candidate is chosen, I’ll give them those artifacts.’
But how would I gather those candidates, and what conditions would determine their selection?
‘First, the Straw God candidate must be a Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin human. That’s the prerequisite.’
To defeat Doo-eok-sini and grant him the qualifications to become a god, finding exceptional Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin talent was the highest priority. Fortunately, this was precisely what the court of this kingdom was already discussing.
‘The Jagyogapsa!’
However, the Jagyogapsa was intended to become a practical military organization preparing for a second Straw Hat War. Given the lessons learned from the first one, it would be composed of seasoned masters rather than young talents still accumulating experience.
‘The master Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin who would become Jagyogapsa… they’d all be considerably older than Se-ru-hwa. They’d have perfected their own combat styles.’
It would be better for my human candidate for Straw God to be near me from the start, exposed to my divine power and gradually rising in stature. They’d need to become accustomed to my divine power to have a higher probability of accepting it. That way, the possibility of becoming my subordinate god would increase.
And… they’d need to know me well, become close to me, want to help me.
‘Since my body is that of a child, older adults would find it difficult to stay close to me and rise in stature at my side. The most promising candidates would be children who could grow alongside me, or at most, young people not yet fully formed….’
I had roughly ten years remaining. As for how much time remained before Doo-eok-sini became a god ascending to the Heavenly Realm… I had no idea. Perhaps my parents would know?
In any case, the Straw God candidates would need to be children who would train to fight Doo-eok-sini over a maximum period of ten years.
‘And they need to stay close to me.’
The problem was where to find and gather such children. Doo-eok-sini was no trivial opponent, so how could I possibly find children willing to make the commitment to fight him and train consistently for years to come?
‘Finding them is one thing, but how could I, as the Crown Princess, spend time with such Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin children?’
Jaebang? That was an educational institution exclusively for the Crown Princess, so it would be difficult to accept many other children. Especially if they were boys—it would be nearly impossible.
Ultimately, the only breakthrough lay with the Jagyogapsa. The problem was that it focused on practical training and would be composed of adults, making it difficult for me to participate.
‘The Jagyogapsa preparing for the second Straw Hat War, to confront Doo-eok-sini… If there were a place that gathered and taught young talents aiming to become such Jagyogapsa…’
If such a place existed, and I could study there alongside them. If I could meet diverse people there, spend time with them, work together, and genuinely help them, then perhaps.
‘I might be able to find the Straw God candidates who could save me!’
So I needed not a place where I studied alone like Jaebang, but a place where we could all study together. A place where I, as the Crown Princess, could participate.
‘Doo-eok-sini, Straw Hat War, Jagyogapsa, Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin, talent, children, candidates, study….’
I rested my chin on the desk, turning the thoughts over and over, when my gaze suddenly fell upon the books arranged on the bookshelf.
The Uigwe—records of royal ceremonies. There, an entry ceremony was documented.
Seonghak Academy—the highest national educational institution of Yun Kingdom.
The Crown Prince of Yun typically held his entry ceremony at Seonghak Academy around ages eight to ten. Since the Crown Prince studied at the Crown Prince’s Educational Institute, he didn’t actually enroll, but it was said to be a symbolic ceremony affirming his commitment to genuinely pursuing scholarship.
‘Regardless, the entry ceremony itself exists officially, doesn’t it?’
Currently, the Crown Prince hadn’t yet held his entry ceremony at Seonghak Academy because the black plague had erupted around the time he was supposed to.
‘If an entry ceremony exists officially, then actual enrollment might be possible too. And if the Crown Prince enrolls, then perhaps I, as the Crown Princess, could find a way to enroll alongside him.’
Seonghak Academy. A place where talented individuals selected to prepare for the state examination—the path to becoming an official—studied scholarship.
‘Then, a place where Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin talents are selected and study various techniques to become Jagyogapsa would be…’
I picked up my brush and wrote on paper.
Seongsul Academy.
‘Let’s establish Seongsul Academy—the Seonghak Academy for Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin. And the Crown Prince and I will hold our entry ceremonies at Seongsul Academy instead of Seonghak Academy and enroll there.’
And there, I would find candidates to become my subordinate gods, give them the Straw God’s divine artifacts, and nurture them.
‘First, the reconstruction of the Jagyogapsa comes first. The Jagyogapsa must become a position that Gwae-ryeok-nan-sin aspire to. Then we’ll establish Seongsul Academy and enroll there!’
I crystallized my vague determination into something more concrete. I refined my plans throughout the night, again and again.
A goal had taken shape. My remaining ten years in the Mortal Realm as Se-ru-hwa transformed from a mere period of rest and reprieve into time spent striving to truly live.
Though it would be harder and busier, somehow it felt more joyful. A hope gleamed in my heart, bright as a star piercing through darkness.
* * *
Once the Crown Prince and I had recovered and completed our convalescence, the Right Prime Minister requested an audience at the East Palace.
We received him in Sowang Hall. The middle-aged man, usually worn down by exhaustion, appeared unusually vibrant and solemn today.
“I have heard everything from my grandchildren about what transpired there.”
He steadied his breathing as if swallowing back surging emotions, then bowed deeply.
“I am truly grateful to both of Your Highnesses. Truly….”
The Right Prime Minister’s words trailed off, and he could not lift his head. The Crown Prince gestured dismissively.
“Woo-sang Daegam, I did nothing particularly noteworthy. Besides, I carry my own burdens, so there is no need for such gratitude toward me.”
“Nothing noteworthy? Your Highness captured Geuseon-dae.”
I interjected smoothly and turned my gaze toward the Right Prime Minister.
“Woo-sang Daegam, that demon originally intended to abduct me. Your grandchildren became entangled only while trying to rescue me, so if anything, we should be commending them—not receiving thanks.”
“….”
The Right Prime Minister remained silent, his head still bowed. The Crown Prince spoke again.
“Daegam, please raise your head. We have done nothing deserving of such gratitude.”
“…If that is so.”
The Right Prime Minister slowly lifted his head, a smile playing at his lips—whether weary or relieved, I could not tell.
“Then I too shall do something that need not earn your gratitude.”
“…?”
“Are you aware of the audacious claims currently circulating in the court?”
The recent talk at court concerned Doo-eok-sini’s reappearance and the Jagyogapsa, did it not?
‘But those aren’t audacious claims. What is he referring to?’
Unlike my confusion, the Crown Prince seemed to understand immediately. The boy replied quietly.
“That appears to be a matter requiring separate discussion from me.”
“Does the Crown Princess not know?”
“Should the Crown Princess concern herself with such matters?”
The Crown Prince countered with an edge to his tone. Why was he being like this? What on earth was this about?
The Right Prime Minister studied the Crown Prince intently before speaking slowly.
“Your Highness.”
“….”
“I understand your desire to protect, but concealing everything is not wisdom. Especially not between husband and wife.”
“….”
“Moreover, the Crown Princess is a perceptive woman, is she not? She will learn of it eventually, so hiding it in this manner is unwise.”
The Crown Prince ran a dry hand over his face.
What on earth was this about?
‘If I asked Seok-ran to investigate, I could learn immediately….’
Instead of speaking, I turned to face the Crown Prince.
“Your Highness.”
“….”
“Is there something you have been hiding from me?”
“…Yes.”
“Why did you hide it from me?”
“I was worried it might cause you distress, my lady.”
“It concerns me directly, so it must be something troubling.”
“…Yes, that is so.”
The Crown Prince hesitated before answering honestly, then added:
“I intended to tell you once everything was resolved.”
“I don’t like that.”
“My lady?”
“It’s not your highness’s secret—it concerns me. And I hate being kept in the dark about matters that affect me. Even if it causes me pain, I’d rather know than remain ignorant until the end.”
I spoke firmly, meeting the Crown Prince’s gaze directly.
“Even if I say I dislike it, would you continue hiding things? For my sake?”
The boy’s eyes widened in surprise, and he exhaled softly.
“Ah… I see. Doing something you dislike isn’t truly for your sake at all.”
The boy quickly looked apologetic and bowed his head to me.
“I was mistaken, my lady. Forgive me.”
“No, your highness couldn’t have known what I disliked more. It’s alright.”
It was good that I asked the Crown Prince directly instead of learning through Seok-ran afterward. My gaze softened as I looked at him.
I really did marry well.
‘Wait, no—that was a fake ceremony anyway. Get your head straight. I’ll need to leave eventually….’
Hold on. If I safely obtain the Straw Gods and escape my death sentence, there’s no need to rush away, is there?
‘And if the Crown Prince becomes one of my subordinate deities… couldn’t we ascend to the Heavenly Realm together?’
Then I wouldn’t need to be careful about not growing attached, would I? I should actually grow closer to him. If things fail—well, I’ll worry about that when it happens.
‘If I start worrying about failure before I’ve even begun, I’ll invite bad fortune. I should think positively, think good thoughts. So now it’s okay for me to grow close to the Crown Prince as much as I want, right?’
While I was lost in thought, the Right Prime Minister, who had exchanged a few words with the Crown Prince, spoke up.
“Then, Crown Princess, allow me to explain.”
“Go ahead.”
“There are currently members of the court arguing for your deposition.”
“…What?”
Suddenly? Why?
My mouth fell open in shock, and the Right Prime Minister continued calmly.
“Your highness received a divine descent while confronting a demon, did you not?”
“Ah, don’t tell me… the officials think I’ve become a shaman? Is that it?”
“Indeed. Petitions continue to arrive demanding your deposition and ordination at Hoguk Temple.”
Right. When one receives a divine descent, one becomes a shaman, and when one becomes a shaman, ordination is the custom of noble families. And the royal court enforces this custom most strictly.
‘I completely forgot about that. There’s been so much else to think about.’
I sighed and attempted to defend myself.
“I didn’t receive a divine descent. I am of the Xue Tribe—”
“Then what was that mysterious winged garment and the ability to heal wounds?”
“…Did Yi Yeon-jo and Yi Yeon-ju already testify to that?”
The Right Prime Minister answered with a grave expression.
“Yes, while I was distracted… the children told the Crown Prince’s Guard and palace staff everything without reservation.”
“Good heavens….”
“The children were simply eager to spread word that the Crown Princess had heroically saved them. So please, do not blame the children—blame me instead for failing to stop them in time.”
The Right Prime Minister, who had bowed again, lifted his head as he spoke.
“Therefore, to correct my mistake, I shall personally set this matter right.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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