The Rose Knight

[Update schedule currently uncertain. Don't wait for updates.]

During her winter leave, He Dong was set up on a date by her elders. She had spent years stationed on the battlefield and had little experience with guides, so she asked them what she should do to prepare.

Elder: "You only need to be respectful."

Then He Dong met Pulin.

The princess most beloved by the king.

But could someone tell her why a princess needed to go on a blind date?

Only later did He Dong learn the truth.

The He family had already placed their bets on the princess. Even though she was a guide with ambitious plans, even though she had two older brothers whom the king favored more.

The princess needed a sentinel, so the He family offered up one of their young men.

The princess had a family, but she didn't go back to them.

The princess had a partner, but she didn't love her.

Everyone knew He Dong was treated coldly. Her elders feared she would grow resentful, so they kept reminding her, "She's a princess. Obey her and be loyal to her."

He Dong thought: At least I'm a sentinel. At least... I don't love her either.

After Pulin ascends the throne, she finally has time to turn her attention to her sentinel. That's when she suddenly realizes that her beloved sees her as a liege.

Ambitious Queen vs. Loyal Knight

1. I'm terrible at writing blurbs. I found versions 1.0 and 3.0, but I can't find the 2.0 version you liked, QAQ.

2. A short story born from a flight of fancy. Set in the future, a sentinel-and-guide story, lighthearted with a happy ending.

3. No content warnings for now. Please read with care.

Theme: Treasure the person by your side.