Fortunately, it wasn’t a true cliffhanger ^^ ❤️ Thank you for your hard work. I connect every day here just to read your spoilers. Take care
Chapter 181-190 Spoiler: timeline The first thing MC thought was Rosie might've done something. There were doubts though. What came into her sight was Rosie calling her. Contrary to her expectations, there was no creepy smile and just Rosie with a pale complexion. ML and Peony came in. ML approached and embraced MC. Peony wanted to check the tea but the tea had all spilled from MC's teacup. The tea left out from Rosie's cup was useless. ML immediately interrogated Rosie if she had poisoned MC. It wasn't an unimageable rudeness for a homunculus to face the imperial family as such but ML had gone too insane to care. Peony called ML in confusion, but Rosie who was struck with a terrified look didn't know how to respond. MC tried to tell them it wasn't Rosie since they both drank from the same tea, but she could barely put her words out. ML continued to give Rosie looks as if hoping to kill. He then questioned her if she fed MC the Belladonna poison. Rosie continued to remain confused and then she recalled the nightmares of her handing the poison to MC. She wondered if she did it again and reached out her hand. ML wouldn't let her touch MC. He turned around blocking MC from Rosie. He continued to think he should've killed her, wondering if he should kill her now. His mind is getting unstable. If he wasn't holding MC, he would've pulled out his sword and did it. It was then, Sylvie called out his name. He's obliged to protect Rosie, thus thanks to him, Rosie was able to survive. Peony frantically went to bring medicine. Meanwhile, ML continued to hug MC tighter. He placed his face close to her in order to keep check of her faint breathing that seemed as though it would cut off at any moment. His cold forehead touched her hot forehead. ML started to beg as if praying for her. Her silence accelerated his instability. Then he thought what would happen if MC dies like this. His mind went all directions. Sylvie watching ML was full of cold sweat as the current situation seem quite dangerous. There are cases when the death of the imprinter could cause a homunculus to got haywire. Especially in cases like MC and ML where they're really connected, if he loses her, the suffering will be difficult. If ML goes crazy no one will be able to stop him. Even before he was awakened, he was already difficult to defeat. Sylvie doesn't think even he can defeat him. Bridget then step foot inside the barracks to ask what is happening. She saw MC fallen and opened her eyes wide. Immediately her head started to calculate. She asked Sylvie to explain the situation. After listening to it, her eyebrows curved and she smiled and called to have them separated. Rosie raised her head in surprise, eyes trembling helplessly. It was Sylvie who came to her defense. Bridget said that's why they will have to quarantine her until it's clear. She pretended to care for her younger siblings. Rosie was led away by the knights. Her eyes remained on MC until the end. Bridget couldn't hide her smile. She ordered them to get away so she can check on MC's condition. When she approached MC, she whispered to MC that it seems the heaven is punishing her for trying to go above her means. ML glared coldly at Bridget. Bridget reached out as if to try to stroke MC's cheek, but before her fingertip can reach MC, ML hugging MC, stepped back. Bridget started to ask him what he's going. ML wouldn't budge. At the moment MC is defenseless and anything Bridget does is considered a threat to ML. She demanded he step closer but he wouldn't. She was amazed at his challenge. No matter how top priority it is to protect the imprinter, he should've listen to her when MC couldn't order. It was also the case with Sylvie. When Rosie can't order him, he can only watch helplessly as she got dragged away. But this was a good thing for her. She can now punish him. She claimed out loud ML is disobeying imperial orders. She didn't care for MC's condition and right now want to get rid of ML. The problem is, none of the knights budged to her order because ML is the king of homunculi. She kept screaming at them to drag him out but none of them budged. Bridget felt embarrassed. She started to see ML seemed to be much stronger than the rest. ML's purple eyes met with a creepy gaze as he then proclaimed the punishment will be decided when MC opens her eyes. Bridget tried to rebuke he doesn't have the right to decide that, but then she felt an energy that prevented her from speaking further. She was choked from the aura he was emitting and stepped back. Bridget start to wonder if ML is going to go haywire because the imprinter's condition might be at a precarious state. Peony who returned with medicine didn't noticed Bridget and went straight to MC and ML. ML gently took the medicine to MC's mouth, but she couldn't swallow it in her unconscious state. ML didn't bother to wait and pour the medicine into his own mouth to feed her through kissing. The medicine flowed into her throat but she was still burning up and her breath was going out. The medicine didn't work. He clenched his teeth and begged her to open her eyes. Peony's face was also in a mess telling MC to stand up. She decided to go call the doctor but even that seemed hopeless in such an underdeveloped and isolated village, but she have to make some effort. It was then, ML raised his head. He sprung up with MC in his arms and passed by Bridget and exit the barracks as if she was not there. He believed the world tree should be able to cure her after all it symbolizes healing and purification. ML ran to the tree. Where white branches stretched out across the night sky, ML threw his sword down and ran into the lake with MC in his arms and soaked her with the lake water while begging her to open her eyes. The cold stirred her body a bit and she woke up slowly. Her lashes trembled slightly. She can hear ML's urgent voice and she tried to sooth him but couldn't. Her eyelids felt heavy. ML continued to say he could pay any price to get her to wake up. He started to cry and the tears fell over her face. ML raised his head to look at the moonlight and claimed he's going to go back, do it again, only MC has to remember everything and be alive. He will love her for the 3rd time as he did the first and second time. He can reverse time again. He just have to start over. It was a confession that stirred MC and she was able to call his name. ML called out to her and she told him she knew everything. He told her she doesn't have to explain. His face went distorted as he can hear her voice running out of vitality. MC didn't listen to him and continued to talk to apologize to him that she wasn't able to do anything right with the chance he gave her. He told her it's fine. They can restart over. It was a terrible process but he's relying on it to save her. He told her when she goes back, to make him her personal knight again and to order him to kill Rosie right away, even Bridget. MC find his plan childish but her consciousness was going away. She doubt they can redo time since the sage of the spruce forest haven't showed up. ML wasn't able to accept it. MC can feel his instability. She have to do one last thing. She told him not to cry for his beauty can ruin an empire and she raised his hand toward him as if to wipe his tears. She apologized to him. She wasn't trying to wipe his tears but she was touching his forehead to remove the imprint. ML instantly knew what she was trying to do, tried to withdrew from her touch but she ordered him to stay still. It was the first time she used the power of the imprinter to command him. ML continued to desperately tell her not to do it but his pleas led to rejection as she concentrated her strength to cut the imprint. He tried to convinced her reminding her how much amplified alchemy stones she had used to imprint him. He kept telling her to stop. The white light that lit up broke out and ML felt the extreme loss as if half his heart had disappeared. The imprint was removed and the light subsided. When he finally could move his body, he looked down to see her calm sleeping face. He called her name multiple times to no avail. With trembling fingers, he touched the tip of her nose. He couldn't feel her breath. Light rapidly left his eyes. Around that time, people approached, drawn by the white light that occurred awhile ago from the removal of the imprint. They all saw ML holding MC in the lake. In the midst of the night, it would've seemed like a romantic image of a knight cherishing the princess in his arms as if time had stopped. Bridget exclaimed it's such a beautiful ending like a fairy tale. Bridget knew what the white light was and thanks to that she felt as though everyone was arranged for her to succeed. Her lips drew to a curve. Elijah remained silent, closed his eyes. ML regained awareness couldn't leave MC's body in the water any longer. He is trying to preserve what little warmth her body had left. As he tried to go back to the barracks, Bridget tried to order him to stop. This time she didn't use as much force since she believed with the imprint lost, ML would listen to her. Bridget thinks she can replace Elijah with ML as her personal knight now that ML has no owner. She really believed heaven is helping her cause. ML looked at her with cold gaze, not even answering. Bridget starts to get confused why he is still acting rebellious. Warning signs start to struck her. It was the Morien showed up. Morien, the landowner of Dandelion explained she was actually a descendant of witches that were exiled to Dandelion. She explained they have other methods other than divine power when it comes to healing and believed it might be able to help MC. Bridget resigned to allow her to check on MC and ML also agreed hesitantly. He would at least like to know the reason that caused her death so he can see who he have to kill afterward. ML laid her down on the floor on a dry cloak. Morien supported by Helione bent down. From her hand, a white light shone and slowly seep throughout her whole body. Eventually it stopped at the chest area and Morien exclaimed in surprise that MC is still alive. Bridget came forward, unable to believe it. In her eyes, she's hoping to kill at any moment while ML's eyes found light again. Bridget demanded to know how she's alive when not breathing. Morien explained her body is left in a hibernating state to recover. Bridget asked how that's possible. This isn't a fairy tale where a poison apple got stuck in one's throat. Bridget swear under the imperial name in order to check MC's mana state after Morien told her to have a look. She placed her hand on MC's chest and exclaimed how humans can do this. MC's mana core have been growing rapidly and the burning sensation from her heart was giving her pain, but because it's a human body, the mana core triggered the defense mechanism state causing the body to hibernate on its own. Bridget asked how that's possible. She started to wonder if she put a Philosopher's stone in her heart or ate the world tree to gain some power. Morien was pleased as this was the first step to enter becoming a sage. Bridget felt threatened on her position for the throne if MC reaches sage. She started to demand Peony to tell what she fed MC. ML then checked MC's mana core as well and even he can tell as a homunculus, it's a high amount of mana. Morien told him that human body cannot withstand rapid growth of mana core unlike homunculus which have a body that's made to hold mana. Bridget still asked how they're sure nothing went wrong when MC still isn't breathing nor is her heart beating. ML fell into a state of depression again. Morien didn't have to answer, as just then, MC started to breathe. Everyone gathered around her and she slowly regained consciousness. She wondered if this is her 3rd life, and wondered if ML went through hell in 2nd life. She jumped up and screamed out his name. ML shouted out back to her that he's here and wrapped his arms tightly around her. MC got confused. She slowly start to realize she haven't died yet. In fact she felt better than before and wondered if it's because ML soaked her in the lake. Peony told ML that if he hug her that tight, she won't be able to breathe. It was then he loosened his arms a bit. MC trembled from the cold. ML immediately took action and use his sword's insulating stone to warm her who is in his arms. This gives him a reason to keep holding onto her. MC asked what happened and Peony explained what Morien had said. MC placed her hand at her mana core and can feel the change. It seemed she's already close to retirement before she even became the crown princess. It was then Bridget started interrogating MC. She demanded to know what artifacts MC used. She didn't think it was possible for her to grow her mana core without any artifacts. MC started to get curious where Rosie is since she couldn't see her around. Bridget yelled impatiently for her to confess how she got her mana core to increase. Peony and Elijah told Bridget to stop as MC's still a patient. MC told them she's fine and answered Bridget that the only thing she found was the world tree nd the only thing she consumed was the tea from the world tree roots. Morien showed up and explain that is probably the reason as the world tree also symbolized growth. Bridget asked how only MC was effected by it when everyone also drank the tea. Morien believe it's because the tree imprinted onto MC since she raised it. Bridget started to inwardly blame MC again since the tree was against her before. Morien thinks it's more than just imprinting since the growth is too explosive. She might have a separate medium making a stronger connection to the tree. MC belatedly recalled the branch that was connected to the part she planted, but she kept it a secret. MC feigned headache and heartache to escape from further interrogation. Morien immediately responded that the princess needed more rest for the mana core to stabilized. ML stood up while holding MC and desperately want to go back to the barracks to lay her down. But Bridget wasn't in the mood to let ML go. She reminded him of all the crimes her committed. MC told her that she's feeling weak right now and need ML to protect her. Bridget didn't want to start a war here and let her go. Back at the barracks, Peony helped MC change her clothes and put her to bed. ML came with towel and a bowl of water to wipe her down. ML told Peony he will wipe MC, but Peony said that is her job. MC told Peony to go since she have something to tell ML in private. After Peony left, ML wiped her in silence. After a long time passed, MC asked if he's angry. It was in reference to her ignoring all his desperate pleas and still chose to remove his imprint. ML's breath stopped as he recalled the feeling of how half of his heart fell off. MC felt guilty. ML told her that it would be normal to feel freedom without the restraints but instead he's feeling a sense of loss. He felt like she had abandoned him. She tried to explain she didn't want him to go berserk. Even so ML is glad she's alive. He held her hand with both his hands and rubbed his cheek against her hand. ML thanked her for staying alive and coming back to him so she doesn't have to feel guilty. MC thinks he's forgiving her so easily, but he felt as her knight it's natural. Somehow she doesn't feel any difference to when he was still imprinted. He confirmed it just meant their relationship isn't just based on the imprint. They smiled at each other. It was then MC questioned him if he remembered everything. ML awkwardly replied with his eyes down that he doesn't remember everything. MC then blushed as she recalled in the past life, ML was someone who went through any means and method to climb the throne in order to have MC in such a radical way, and then even abandoning everything to bring her back to life. She pulled her blanket up to her face to hide her embarrassment. ML who was sitting on the bed next to her caught her reaction and lifted the blanket. He draped his body over her and asked if she hates him because of the past life. She told him that's not it. ML find that hard to believe as he was rude with her, but she told him she didn't evaluate him that badly. But ML felt as though she's still avoiding her. She told him it's because she felt like they're the same Michael. ML told her that she doesn't have to be awkward since for him the past life is more like information since he didn't really lived it. He regained the memories through dreams and illusions so she can think of him as separate. Even so one thing remained the same. ML was able to gather from her embarrassed reaction that his past life might have given her lots of hints that this isn't the first time he loved her. MC told him she had knew long before he told her now because master told her. Very awkward conversation ensued. When MC tried to raise her head to answer ML, he pressed her down telling her that she's a patient so she should lie down. At the time when master told her, they still had a normal master and knight relationship. It was then MC recalled something. She raised her hand to spontaneously touch her forehead. ML hastened to change the towel and asked if this conversation is fine for a patient. She wanted him to explain more. ML started to tell her that her master had told him the world was brought back in time because someone could not endure the loss of a loved one but she never told him who it was so he thought it was someone else before but he knows it's him now and when he thought about it again, he started to call out her name and.... (basically he felt guilty and couldn't explain it well). Awkward silence ensued and they both turned red. MC then coughed and told him there was one thing she was wondering about and questioned if he had wanted to sleep with her in last life. ML made an excuse that he doesn't remember anything, but he avoided her gaze and that was enough of any answer for MC. They returned back to the main point and he told her how he found out he's the king of homunculus and also about what happened with Galamut. He also explained how he regain his memories. It's through his awakening. He awakens through adsorbing mana so MC realized that strange condition he went through at the mine when he woke up must've been that. He continued to explain that he regularly get mana from Sylvie and took some mana from Elijah during the tournament. When MC commented how he really did all that behind her back, he tried to explain himself from seeing slight betrayal in her eyes. He told her that he didn't want to tell her since he thought she would hate him if he remembers his past life and viewed him as the person in the past for all his wrongdoings. ML started to worry what would happen if all his memories returned and somehow his personality changes. No matter how he thought of it, he doesn't think that old personality is MC's taste. MC comforted him and told him, she doubt his personality will change much. She told him she'll like any Michael. Also there's something she wanted to tell Michael of the past. ML also felt the same. He also wanted to thank her for choosing him and loving him. They began to discuss about the imprinting. Bridget already knows about it even when other people don't. ML joked that he missed being imprinted by her. She rebuked him for thinking that way as being brainwashed isn't good. Besides while it's good to be imprinted at first to get him out of the prison, now that they're in a trustful relationship, it would've been a disadvantage and uncomfortable. Besides once ML awakens as king, the imprint will remove itself. Anyway to ML he already feels imprinted to her body and heart so her having his consciousness is not a big deal. His hand swept MC's bright red cheek. She looked up him as he drew closer. He told her he's still imprinted and if his heart gets removed, her name is probably imprinted on it. Somehow his eyes seemed darker than when he was imprinted. He continue to tell her it's okay for her to dig it and take it. MC tried to make him correct his words and he told her it's true since he's hers. MC sat up and held his cheek with her hand and dropped a light kiss on him. She proclaimed he's hers alone and laughed with tears in her eyes. MC fell asleep at late dawn. ML met up with Sylvie. It seemed Sylvie haven't slept either as Rosie just barely fell asleep. She had finally been released and wasn't in a good state. When Sylvie ask if MC is okay, ML told him she just fell asleep with mild fever. Sylvie also asked ML if he's okay but ML couldn't answer. Sylvie blamed himself for asking something useless since it was obviously ML wasn't okay. ML was almost pushed to the brink of going berserk. Sylvie apologized for asking. ML told him he's the one to apologize since he was going to hurt Sylvie's imprinter in front of him. In either cases, it was a good thing ML didn't go berserk. ML thought to himself he would rather kill Sylvie first before killing Rosie so he won't suffer from the death of the imprinter. In the end the person he really wanted to kill is Rosie, but since he doesn't want to kill Sylvie he'll have to awaken faster to remove the imprint. Still, Sylvie could tell the relationship between MC and ML must be really special since while it's a huge mental blow to a homunculus when their imprinter dies, it doesn't always cause the knight to go berserk. ML is just a rare case. ML smiled and said it's because the imprinting is very deep. Sylvie just took the words at face value as he responded that it must've been deep since he wasn't an easy homunculus to imprint in the first place. ML recalled all the amplified stones she had used, but then also recalled Rosie used the Philosopher's stone for Sylvie which means their imprinting is also deep (but in a different sense). He really have to cut his friend's imprint. Sylvie told ML that Rosie isn't in a good mental state. It seemed her nightmares also have something to do with MC. ML think it's the same dreams he had, being able to see the past. Sylvie can't even ask MC to help her. ML warned Sylvie to not bring up Rosie to MC. Sylvie can tell there's some sort of relation between the three that he can't intervene, when he heard ML questioning Rosie if she fed Bellladonna to MC. Of course, ML encountered difficulties when the next day, MC directly asked ML how's Rosie. He tried to sidetrack to tell her she should concern more about herself first. MC isn't too concern with her condition as she can feel her core stabilizing. She's more concerned for Rosie whose last face she saw was being terrified with shock, so it made her want to check up on Rosie. ML told her she can just send the tea leaves through Peony, but MC also wanted to deal with what ML had told Rosie since he questioned about the poisoning directly. He started to feel guilt remembering MC had to bow her head to get Bridget to let ML go. He told her he'll watch what he say or do in the future around the imperial family. MC also felt guilty that her family is the one causing trouble. In the end, ML eventually still let MC visit Rosie. Sylvie greeted them. The food was left untouched by Rosie. She was still in bed crouching. When it was reported MC came, she flinched but didn't say anything. MC tried to get her to eat and left some tea leaves for her. It was when she was about to leave, Rosie told her not to go. ML felt resentful as he thought Rosie is pretending to be weak to get MC's attention. Rosie pulled out her knees and looked up and put her hand nearby on her bed. She told MC to sit there. MC moved from her seat to the sheet awkwardly. Rosie turned to the side and stared at MC. The gaze on one cheek felt uncomfortable. Rosie called out to MC and MC took a breathe wondering if Rosie had finally gone crazy. Rosie told MC that she didn't poison her to which MC responded she knows, but then Rosie blamed ML for saying it and she even kept dreaming it. MC asked her what dream. Rosie said she kept dreaming of poisoning MC. Rosie started to question if MC thinks she will poison her. MC couldn't respond and Rosie kept saying why would she do that. She admitted she wasn't that nice to MC in the past but she wouldn't poison her. She only disliked MC because she was jealous she was better at her in alchemy and if she didn't have talent so she tried to get favored, but then MC doesn't even try to get favored for being good at alchemy. It hurt her pride. Rosie started going through self complimenting herself to make herself feel better saying how she's sweet and prettiest in the empire and everyone loves her. But then she said she had been trying to be nicer to MC since she now knows MC isn't trying to compete with her since MC told her she won't touch the social world. And when she saw MC tried to protect her reputation during the masquerade ball, she tried to be nicer. She tried to struck a conversation with her when they're together at the carriage (though MC found it awkward and scary). In the end Rosie explains that MC still hates her even though she tried so hard to be nice and pretty. MC tried to calm her down. She felt an odd sense of disharmony seeing Rosie crying in front of her. Her emotions and thoughts became complicated. She also felt she might get a fever again. It was then Sylvie called for MC and pled with her. MC then raised her right hand and awkwardly touched Rosie's back. Rosie flinched from the touch and started to burst into more tears and cried out how worried she was when MC fell down and started to cling onto MC. MC's body froze and ML almost pulled out his sword but Rosie continued to pour tears and mucus without a care in the word. MC's chest became thick and wet with her tears and mucus. Internally, she kept telling herself she's holding Rosie. Rosie didn't give her any chance to think as she started to say she was glad MC was just pretending to be dead and actually fine. MC started to question if she's really Rosie. Rosie said she is and she mentioned it's MC who changed since before, she loved her like her other siblings, but then one day MC acted different. MC knew it was because she came from from the past life, but Rosie answered it herself. She started glaring at ML and blaming him for MC's change, saying he's the problem and it happened because MC took him as her knight. Rosie then yelled out to MC to choose, her or the homunculus, who is prettier. MC felt confused why she's competing for who is prettier, but then she gathered herself and tried to reason with Rosie how anyone can be prettier than her when she's the prettiest woman in the world, her beauty can ruin an empire. From the side, MC can see ML reacting. Internally she's apologizing to ML. After Rosie got the answer she wanted, she remained docile. MC stroked her cheek pretending to be the sweetest sister in the world. Sylvie brought food and MC gave her the spoon to eat. Rosie started to complain about the taste and MC ordered her to just eat. It tasted weird because MC put in a bunch of leaves from the world tree. She put the leaves in the soup, dessert and tea. MC is planning to do some high concentration purification. Then she forced Rosie to sleep with some sleep magic. Sylvie bowed his head thanking MC. Peony showed up upset wondering what monster released fluid on her. MC told her it was from Rosie. Peony told her to go change first. MC who finished change want to go back to sleep as she felt drained. She recalled Rosie in past life. Rosie who took the love she got for granted and was blinded by obsessive love. MC could try to remove Rosie since she knew things from the past but it's not right to punish on things that did not happen yet and only based on the possibility. Thus she's taking a different approach with Rosie. Thinking about all the complicated thoughts comparing both Rosies made her head hurt more and her fever rise. It was then, ML's hand cover her eyelids and then took a seat to massage her arms and shoulders. She felt as if she's getting more tired. When she looked up and ML who had gotten up and cast a shoulder over her body, she can see his deep purple eyes. It was then he asked seriously, Rosie or him. MC felt confused. ML asked why she can't answer. MC felt ML learned some bad habits from Rosie. She hesitantly tried to tell ML that and he told her it's a serious problem. She had told him he has the beauty to ruin a nation before and it hasn't even been a day since she told him that and now she said that same thing to another. He told here there can't be two beauties in the same empire and told her to make it clear. MC said of course it's ML. He asked her if that's real and she confirmed that ML is so attractive her empire is at stake. ML felt better. He apologized for the spiteful question and started to rain kisses all over MC's face. MC laughed as she felt tickled from his kisses and touched his hair. They spent a long time just him kissing her face and her stroking his hair. He then stopped to comment that it seemed like she's having lots of thoughts. She told him it's because of Rosie. He concluded that she's definitely ugly, a disturbing appearance. She think it's better than the last life. He looked down on MC confused. But then ML think that he himself is definitely much better now, but even so he hates Rosie sticking to MC. It's more beneficial to seal her away 100 times. It was then he thought of something important from his last life. He called MC's name and told her there's something he have to tell her. He hesitated before vomiting out the words about the baby. MC got confused as he couldn't explain himself fully, but realized quickly he meant that baby with Rosie. She had an idea that ML abandoned body and heart and while it may be a lie of him being Rosie's knight and lover, they were still fruitful in doing something normal lovers can do. MC started to feel uncomfortable with the subject. ML sensed the small reaction of her turning away from him and it caused him great anxiety so he held both her hands and blurted out that's not his kid. MC blinked her eyes in confusion. ML got down from the bed and bowed his head and voiced his contempt and despise of himself but he wanted to make himself be understood. MC asked how that's not his child and he told her that in their last life he was successful in obtaining the throne through the homunculus but it wasn't a complete liberation as if he was to pass away, the empire could return back to what it was before. He needed a successor to stabilize the reign, someone he can control. With the power of the king, he can control homunculus, but he needed someone with imperial blood to control the Philosopher's stone, so he needed a homunculus with the blood of the imperial. MC realized he used Rosie. He continued to tell her that he couldn't help it because she didn't love him in the last life, but it didn't mean it wasn't a problem. His abilities weren't inherited so the child didn't have to be his. He just need any homunculus. Even though he had endured serving the imperial family, he didn't want to leave any evidence of existence. The child wasn't made by natural pregnancy so he could just use another homunculus's genetic for Rosie. There was silence that followed after the whole explanation. ML couldn't guess what MC might be thinking and got more anxious. The air felt so heavy. He looked up at MC and told her with desperate eyes that he doesn't want to lose her and even if he doesn't qualify, he can't give up his greed so he begged her to continue to love her. He had always been desperate for her love. MC wasn't sure if he was that terrible. ML lowered his head again in fear he might look like a monster, but MC called his name and gently touched his face to lift his head up. With a gentle smile, she told him not to look like that as she's not the one to condemn him, rather she wanted him by her side. She told him that this life is different from the last and as such she have no right to punish him for what he did in the last life. Besides he also gave her a chance. ML told her that since he has his memories now, he can't be ignorant and thinks he have to take responsibility for the last life. He's not sure he can handle it. MC thinks he's just being strict with himself and hugged him, telling him that he just have to relive his life and not worry. The hug comforted him and thanked her for her generosity. MC smiled bitterly as she doesn't think she's that generous though. It would be a lie if she didn't feel relief when the confession came about the baby. ML was someone who taught MC a lot of feelings, not just sweet ones but also bitter ones. ML then promised her he will not live a life that goes against chivalry this time. MC agree since he's her knight after all. As long as they're together, they're unlikely to go the wrong path. The past few days, MC had stayed in Dandelion while sending ML and his knights to search. Not only is she trying to stabilize her core, she's busy searching for the sealing stones. She also have to try to figure out how to fix them. They've found 3 sealing stones thus far. Bridget haven't been yielding positive results with her search and every time she return back to the village, there's another sore thing for her eye (MC's growing mana core). MC would try to cover her chest instinctively from her frightening gazes. The reconstruction of Dandelion is almost complete. The shabby huts have been replaced with multi-family houses and in the central plaza a building was made to serve the outpost. The imperials all moved to that building. These days Peony had been making weird snacks and food. One would mistaken her for a potion alchemist. That day when Peony handed her some weird cookies, MC asked cautiously what she used this time. Peony used nepenthes and knead some flour made from the world tree. Surprisingly it had been a while since MC tasted some good snack. She told Peony that Rosie can eat them too. Rosie is very picky with her food and MC had been trying to feed her lots of food made from the world tree. Peony told MC that it seemed like she's the only one who cares for Rosie. MC thought to herself she have to since she need to keep her in good mental state and she's also Desmond II's favored daughter. The cookies were good so MC also wonder if she should bring some to her father later.
I held my breath for a second. I thought she was going to die again. Btw, thanks for the spoilers, can't wait to read more
Hello! I made an account on here just so I could talk to you HAHA May I ask you if you might have a link to the translated novel?
I feel bad for ML and Slyvie, night duty with Rosie must be akin to being r@pe, having to do that kind of thing must be humiliating and torturing, hence ML abandoning his body and heart.
Thank you for all the spoilers. I just found this while looking for something new to read... and wow did I find something. Thanks again.
Once I reach to the already summarized parts, I'll just link to them since I don't wish to type them out again. Chapter 191-200 Spoiler: timeline ML entered to see MC busy doing research on mana core at her desk again. While he doesn't like seeing her working at the desk, he can only swallow his words as a nagging lover would have no charm. Instead he report to her that his knights found the 4th sealing stone have been uncovered and in good condition, thus only Bridget's group weren't able to find a single stone yet. Bridget who overheard the news wasn't happy but since she can't touch MC, she could only threaten with a mention on ML instead. When ML took a glance at MC's research work, he commented he doesn't know what it's written about. MC let out a small laugh and told him it was easier than she thought to which he doesn't believe her as MC is a genius when it comes to alchemy so it's hard to believe when a genius says something is easy. MC who started to put her paperwork away, sat ML in front of her and started to explain things about alchemy. She found out there are two reasoning the sealing stone may have broken, either due to the mana supply not flowing smoothly throughout due to the power cut, or there's an error with the coordinates. If it's due to mana supply, all they have to do is supply it with mana to fix it, but the problem is the sealing stone doesn't get power from outside forces (human intervention). It was the first time ML heard of these info since homunculus cannot do alchemy, they're not educated in it. (more on things MC explained to ML here) At the world tree, they had a secret outing. MC used Silver Arachne. Even ML felt overwhelmed at the change of the skill due to her mana core upgrade. Not only was MC researching on the mana core before, she was also looking into improving her skill. MC was able to cover up the whole lake with planes. She is able to increase the duration if she reduce the range. ML commented that her master will be proud of her achievements. It was then ML embraced MC and jump up the world tree to hide in the branches and leaves. Then he put an index finger to his mouth to tell her to hush. MC wasn't sure why they're hiding, then wondered if he's trying to have a secret rendezvous with her and telling him they didn't have to hide. It was then ML realized his mistake and shrug telling her he did it by instinct. She laughed and asked if he wanted to have a secret rendezvous with her. He then asked was she not thinking of that when they were alone together at night. MC told him that ML is a knight so it's expected he learned abstinence and self control. ML think she's teasing him, but then noticed someone approaching. It was Rosie and Sylvie. Sylvie stood with his back to the tree. It was then Rosie began to take off her clothes. MC immediately covered ML's eyes with one hand telling him to close his eyes as peeping isn't chivalrous. He told her they're already closed. Sylvie heard something told Rosie to put her clothes back on. Rosie then demand them to reveal themselves. MC revealed herself with ML turning around politely. MC apologized that it wasn't intentional. Rosie got embarrassed. There was awkward silence between them and Rosie wondered why her sister was there. She'll rather not see MC right now as they're in an awkward position right now. Rosie thought MC would look at her with contempt, but she didn't and even made an excuse for her saying she must've came to take a bath. MC excused herself and as she was about to leave, Rosie thanked her for the cookies. MC said she'll have more baked for her and Rosie thanked her. Rosie then invited MC to her place for tea when they get back to the palace. She wondered if she can visit MC's place too. it took a while for MC to realize what Rosie was trying to say. She agreed. When MC and ML left, ML began to worry and asked if that's okay. MC believed things have changed. At the same time in the purple forest 2 imperials and 3 homunculi went out at night. Derek following Bridget around wondering where she's trying to go. A homunculus was being forced to guide them. When they reached a certain spot, Bridget told them only Derek can follow her from there. They approached the edge of the cliff and from the view, they spotted an obelisk like structure below the cliff between the bushes and leaves. It was the last sealing stone. It was then Derek realized Bridget had long found the sealing stone and pretended not to. She had been waiting for the time to use it as a net to catch fishes. Bridget told Derek she found it in his dreams. Derek asked aren't they nightmares. Bridget told him she's not crazy and rational. She's someone who is using the dragon as a chess piece. Derek thought to himself that it seemed more like the dragon is using her. Derek spent the night laying out the trap under Bridget's order. Bridget is planning to set up a sacrifice to refill the mana of the sealing stone. Humans cannot be used as sacrifices because they are created by god so the most elaborate and complex creatures created by men are homunculus, the most valuable sacrifice. She ordered the guide to lure the Retribution Knights to the sealing stone tomorrow. Elijah looked stiffly at the homunculus knowing that he went through the same process of being made obedient to Bridget. Elijah's eyes got dark when the guide obeyed her. The next day, Sylvie's squad remained at Dandelion for lookout. MC waved ML and his squad away as they went to search for the last sealing stone. Dark clouds had been stirring above foretelling rain. It was around afternoon when ML found the guide suspicious as the guide was just moving without traces of actually searching around, but before he could deal with the guide, a scream resounded and the knights immediately move to find Derek hung upside down to a tree. ML found this whole situation suspicious as Derek's clothes may be dirty, but his face and hands were clean. Derek ordered the knights to help him down. Derek then told them he found what might be a sealing stone and tried to get them to follow him. They all reluctantly followed him in disbelief but when they got to the cliff, they saw it. ML declared since they found it, they have to report it now, but Derek then grab ML's uniform to have them take a closer look to check on it. ML said as homunculus he won't even understand it since it's something on alchemy, but then Derek ordered them to escort him. Because there was no MC, they have to follow his command, but then ML ordered them to stop. Derek was surprise was ordering over him. ML told him, they're knights under MC and since MC isn't here it's his duty to protect her knights for her. Derek said when there's no MC, he as the imperial have authority over homunculus. ML can't argue with him but both went back and forth ordering the knights to proceed and stop. It was when Derek said MC will be held accountable for not properly educating him, then ML wonder if he should kill Derek. The other knights don't want to do such reckless thing, so ML decided to take the lead to bring them to the stone. As expected, the knights weren't needed there but Derek who didn't even paid attention to the stone, was shuffling around. ML asked what he was trying to do and grabbed him by the arm. Derek squirmed trying to escape but he was too weak to thus he continued to move his feet around to try to trigger something on the floor. It was then, alarms sounded in ML's head and he grabbed the other arm of Derek restraining him, but it was too late already. Derek's face rejoiced as he saw the light lit up from the sealing stone. The knights all felt the gravity pulling at them. While they had been trained to look expressionless, it was then they can only kneel or cling to the floor. ML figured he have to find out where the coordinates are for the gravity enhancing magic. He told Derek to turn it off. However, Derek wasn't able to escape the gravitational pull and was in the process of being torn apart. ML scorned at the situation Derek is in being thrown by Bridget. It was then Derek remembered how he made the comment himself the other day that Bridget is someone who would do that. The knights along with ML and Derek can only await their death as they then saw pure white light pour over their heads. Normally it'll be a sign of salvation but at this time it's to signify the knights' end. The sacrifice had started and the mana of the homunculus within the range started to get drained. Their hair lightened in color. ML immediately realized from what he learned from MC, it's going to drain out all the mana from them as well as the mana that makes up the homunculus body. ML barely moved his arm from the gravity and pull out his sword. He threw his sword towards the sacrifice circle floating at the sky. The sword passed through it meaninglessly. ML laughed bitterly frustrated. He was in agony with the whole situation. It so difficult to just be by MC. As night went on and darkness fell, worries start to settled on MC's mind. Peony told her to head back in in fear she's still not feeling well. MC told Peony to check on Rosie's condition. Peony reluctantly agree. Rain start to fall. Sylvie covered her with his cloak as he avoided her gaze. When she asked about Rosie, he told her that she had fell asleep a long time ago. The rain got heavier. MC put up a barrier to cover Sylvie. Sylvie slightly embarrassed lowered his arm and apologized for doing something useless. She told him his pure chivalry makes people feel happy so nothing to be ashamed of. He wondered if it's pure, but then shake off his thoughts. Bridget returned with her knights. Bridget asked MC if she was waiting for her, but it seemed the Retribution Knights haven't returned yet. Bridget told her there's nothing to be worried about and told her to go rest. MC find it more suspicious. After some time, MC realized another strange thing. Peony haven't returned. Sylvie accompanied MC to check. When they arrived at Rosie's room, MC saw Peony had fallen under the bed where Rosie was sleeping. MC ran to embrace her to check her condition. Luckily it seemed she was only sleeping but untriggered a barrier trapping them in the room. Sylvie suddenly reached to cover MC's nose and mouth with his cloak. MC, then suddenly noticed there's an unusual scent in the room. She can tell Sylvie's condition was deteriorating from the poison. They heard steps walking closer and Bridget walked through the barrier surprised she's still conscious. Bridget unraveled her plan to MC. She was going to cause a scandal where MC was coveting Rosie's knight while in the midst of Retribution's annihilation, since Sylvie had been going in and out of her room every night (for tea). After that, she just got up from her seat and left. MC was able to purify herself with the branch of the world tree she kept with her all the time. The medium was able to keep her safe. Sylvie felt fortunate but he couldn't pull himself back as he was dying. MC asked him where he kept the tea leaves for Rosie. It seemed Bridget had switched out those leaves. Sylvie told her to to just leave him and go, but she doesn't intend to and told him it's fine. She then went to Rosie's bed and told him she's going to borrow Rosie's pillow. She cut the pillow open with Sylvie's sword and told him that she had put them in Rosie's pillow before because she was so insane. She, then, stuffed the leaves into his mouth, Peony's mouth and Rosie's mouth. She left before telling him to rest. Rain continued to pour with lightning flashing as she headed to Bridget's room. Elijah clenched his fist and teeth. He raised his head to see Bridget sitting there like a king savoring the world tea she had stolen from Rosie's room. Elijah hated the scene of her leisurely enjoying herself. As if he couldn't take it anymore he questioned her if she had to do this. Bridget threw a cold gaze at him. Bridget rebuked him. She had punished him the night prior using magic to cause him a headache. She was going to punish him again. When she raised her hand, it was then MC rushed in breaking the door. Bridget was shocked and embarrassed asking how, MC ignored her and asked what she did to ML. Bridget calmly sat down and tried to rebuke MC for not acting like a dignified princess, to which MC used the insult Bridget referred MC as (foolish princess). MC let out her Silver Arachne to threatened Bridget. Bridget was surprised at the skill. The threads were aiming at her throat and making her cheek bleed. MC then revealed that she was able to get the Dandelion villager's sentiment because she defeated the monster army before using this skill. Bridget tried to excuse that MC sold her soul to the dragon to get stronger and MC reminded her that her master was the sage of the spruce forest. MC then continue to interrogate her. Bridget told her she planned to use them for sacrifice, which made MC's anger soar. Elijah revealed all of Bridget's plan to MC and struck Bridget on the head. MC tried to lecture Bridget. Bridget called her cheeky for trying to lecture her. MC then threatened Bridget if ML doesn't come back, she won't know what she might do. Bridget scoffed wondering how MC can hurt her when she's the first to the succession to the throne. MC didn't care and continue to tell her to pray ML return safely before she goes crazy. The two sat down face to face confronting each other and waiting. It was half an hour later when Amber flew toward MC. Then ML appeared telling MC, he's back. He politely kissed her fingertips as she endured trying to hug him. It was Bridget's presence that broke their atmosphere. Her eyes toward ML was as if she had just scene a ghost. In fact, ML's aura now felt very different from ordinary homunculus. The energy was able to dominate and crush everyone else in the room except for MC. It was Elijah who trembled over witnessing it in amazement with a difficult smile. ML looked at Bridget with his purple eyes and recalled the scene where he trampled death and came back alive. When the sealing stone was greedily adsorbing their mana and all the homunculi were crushed by gravity crawling on the ground, and some had already died earlier, ML was able to stand up and take a step toward the stone. Derek had already passed spilling blood all over. When ML saw the light from the sealing stone, that was when rain started to fall. Usually rain would be an ominous symbol, and it was also something that could remove the evidence of any crimes committed here. ML wondered if Bridget had a hand in the weather. It was then he saw every time rain passed through the sacrificial circle at the sky, the circle would slightly blur. The circle is drawn out through countless light hitting coordinates on a plane. So what ML did was he used his mana to draw in all the rain to form a sphere of water and worked against gravity to push it up to the sacrificial circle. When that happens, the coordinates were broken trapped from the water since light travels differently in water compare to air. Needless to say, it took so much of his mana, his hair turned pink. All the surviving homunculus who watched were filled with admiration. ML thanked MC inwardly for being a good teacher. But it was too early for them to celebrate being alive as the sealing stone that had over adsorb in mana was about to explode and wipe everything out. ML then flung himself to the stone and used mana drain on it. There was too much mana. The other knights who saw ML kneeling in front of the stone without a movement called out to him. It was then, he slowly got up with a completely different aura to him. Every homunculus feeling the pressure knelt one by one instinctively. ML straight passed them. Snow showed up saying to him, it was expected he's special, and also knelt before him lowering her head. Then she greeted him as the king and all other knights follow the greeting. Back to the present, Bridget and MC admit they both can't touch each other as public sentiment won't allow. ML reported that he found the last sealing stone but Derek died in an accident where his lungs were crushed. MC looked at Bridget upset for the cause of death of her own sibling. Bridget smiled and excused it as an accident. MC remembered what Derek said before. MC wouldn't be able to say Bridget was the murderer either as she needs evidence. Also ML was the one with Derek at the time of his death. It was obvious Desmond II will blame ML for not protecting Derek. As Bridget watched MC in silence, she felt the situation had settled her way. MC then wondered if this could be the reason for her to kill Bridget right then and there. Elijah tensed up in preparation for the death of his imprinter. It was ML who unexpectedly stopped her. He knelt before her and laid his hand on her right hand that's resting on the armrest. Then he told her she doesn't have to get her hand dirty. He reminded her he can use honorable means to take her down. MC then got up and reminded Bridget that ML had saved her life twice. Then she bid her a good night and left. MC and ML walked down the corridor toward MC's room. Bridget and MC's room are at the opposite of the far end of the hall. As soon as they reached a room, MC couldn't bear to hold in her feelings anymore and pulled to hug him. It was the same for him who was rather even more desperate as he carried overlapping feelings of two lives. He supported her back and pulled her up to kiss her, rubbing lips and tongues entangled. She gradually got wet from the rain that was on his hair and uniform. He knew this but had no self control to fall away from her. In actuality, they didn't even reached MC's room and had urgently went into a random empty room. Eventually they were able to calm themselves enough to look at each other. MC told him how worried she was he wouldn't come back. ML responded he can't die when he finally got the place next to her that he obtained with so much difficulty. He's not willing to give up this life easily. He hugged her tightly and stared into the darkness over her shoulder as he told her he will always be by her side. MC hugged him back. ML told her what happened to him. MC was disgusted with Bridget's talent to be a villainess and clapped in admiration for his usage of a different medium for the space of the coordination plane. He told he felt Bridget will try to use MC, so he rushed back to Dandelion and in the search for MC, he was able to find the rest who had fallen. He left his knights to take care of them. Snow greeted MC and showed her the grave of Derek. MC wanted to see Derek's body so the coffin was opened. It was gruesome. While she wasn't close with Derek, she still paid her respect. As for Snow, she will put her under mental treatment for experiencing the death of her imprinter. The funeral cannot be performed here and there's things to finish up. Eventually MC fell asleep on her desk with lots of paperwork. ML shook her awake. She thought he was going to nag her to sleep in bed but he wanted to go someplace with her. He reminded her she made a promise they'll go to the outpost tower together. MC wasn't able to reject him as he was smiling extra attractively today. ML kissed her on the back of her hand and led her outside. The night air after the rain was cold and humid. MC wondered why no one was around guarding at the tower, but ML had different thoughts. He laughed and gentled rubbed her cheek at her serious expression. it seemed to be ML's work that kept the place empty. With flying magic, they landed on the top of the tower. He then hugged her from behind as they looked at the scenery. As they complimented the scenery, ML bit her ear playfully and tell her to pay focus since he have something important to confess. She turned to look at him and he stared back without giving an answer. After some silence, ML then told her that she had wanted a companion with military authority. It was then ML gently turned her toward the railing to show her under the watchtower, groups of homunculus formed in lines on the ground. MC grappled at the magnificent sight. ML smiled and asked her what she think of it and if that's enough to be her companion. It was then she realized he had awakened. He explained that he was able to awaken from the influx of mana from the sealing stone. It was then she also realized why Snow was able to remain calm after Derek's death. She then asked him if all his memories came back. It was then he called her name and told her this. (He confessed and proposed to her and she agreed. They made promises under Igdras moon.) Their happiness didn't last long. Right as they came back down from the tower and ML sent all the homunculus away with a wave of her hand, a scream came from the village. It was Rosie screaming. MC didn't have time to think when she grabbed ML's hand and ran back. It was a Dandelion resident who screamed while trying to nurse Rosie. Sylvie who was recovering himself was greatly embarrassed. MC approached the bed at Rosie who was sleeping upright with no reaction. ML held MC back from approaching closer. People who also heard the scream had started coming. Bridget mockingly asked if Rosie's mana core had also upgraded. MC ignored her and asked Morien to explain. Morien explained that Rosie had been pulled too deeply into the dream by the dragon. MC wasn't sure why since she had been feeding her tea leaves, but then she recalled something and looked back at Bridget. Bridget wouldn't admit to it though. Instead she loudly scoffed that MC shouldn't have brought Rosie to this place knowing she's weak. They bickered back and forth over family favoritism and Morien who noticed, told them it seem the dragon was targeting Rosie in the first place. MC isn't sure why it would target Rosie specifically. It was then Rosie awoken from pain and Sylvie as her personal knight wasn't able to bear it, knelt down by her. The dark aura by her wrapped around her. It was then Sylvie's facial expression showed pain. MC ordered him to retreat back, then ask Morien how to save Rosie, but there's no method right now. They can only hold off the magic through hibernation. Bridget brought up she can do it since magic is her specialty. MC looked suspiciously at her and Bridget noticing her glance, replied that she already suffered from one accident. She don't want to feel the sadness of having to lose two younger siblings. MC could tell this was all a fake display of love to show Desmond II later on. As if it couldn't be any worse, Bridget then glanced over at Sylvie who was suffering. Bridget pretended to be caring toward Sylvie and then arrogantly ordered Sylvie to kneel. She pulled his sword from his waist and told him he should have the determination to kill himself to prevent the worst from the imprint. MC looked on coldly at Bridget. Sylvie's eyes trembled. As a homunculus, he's defenseless to imperial command. Sylvie thought in his head that at least MC is watching over his death so it'll be honorable at least. He stretched out his trembling hand to grab the sword. It was then MC grab the hilt of the sword blocking his hand and called Bridget off.
Bridget should have her own novel, her being awakened as lower class homonculus so that she can experience a cruel homonculus' treatment. Anyway, thank you for the daily timeline updates, @NohrNeir!!
I skimmed spoilers but unless I missed something, I don't understand FL's motivation to stop ML from rebelling. At that point in time, she was an outcast and didnt seem close to anyone in her family. And she never had the grand desire of being an empress since she never fought for it the first time. I understand she wants to live, but if ML starts a revolution then so what? Its not like she loved her family. She was a reformist, yes? What use is there in becoming empress? She knows the royal family is messed up because they use slaves and don't care for any poor people. Yet she decides she must save the institution as a whole by becoming empress? Where is this desire coming from? Is there a strong reason why FL feels she must save the royal family? I seriously see nothing wrong with the ML overthrowing her family in the first timeline but she acts like she must prevent it when really all she needs to do is prevent her own death?
I think because many innocent people was also killed due to ML's rebellion in the previous TL. If she can rule, her advocacy of wanting the homoniculi to have a voice can be achieved thru her becoming the emperor of the empire. Plus all those people who were suppressed by Bridget in the last timeline which can be a help on the kingdom can be save if MC also joined the fight for the throne.
The reason is pretty close to what @Uncopyright said. Also the spoilers wouldn't have said it since she already decided she will become emperor from the first chapter and I started spoiling from where the manhwa left off. Basically from the first chapter as she was alone in the cage, she was contemplating her whole life, that she should've taken her chance to become the Crown Princess because right after Bridget became crown princess, she made everything worse. Also it wasn't that Eve didn't want to become emperor; she just never thought about it because she didn't feel it was a seat she could've taken. Basically she was downgrading herself because her position wasn't good to begin with. 'Hah, if I knew it would be like this, I would have become the crown princess and turn it over. I thought that the throne was a place I should not dare to overlook. However, seeing that the imperial family is ruined, I wondered if I was underestimating myself.' As for Michael's rebellion, it's not bad per se, it's just not an ideal solution either. Even he knew it's not an ideal solution back in past life because he knew he still need someone from the imperial family. He knew that once he is no longer in reign or if he dies, the empire will go back to abusing homunculus. As for being emperor, it wasn't like he wanted to be emperor either. He did it for revenge against Desmond II and he rushed it because he didn't want Eve to be married off. Literally a week after Eve was set to be sent off to marry, he took over the empire. Also he even said to Eve that she should've made him her personal knight. If she did that, all the events that transpired wouldn't have happened, meaning he didn't actually even want to take over the empire. He would still rather become her personal knight even until the very end. In other words, neither of them have any wish to be a ruler originally, but Eve's reason is just more for the people and homunculus than Michael's reason for becoming emperor originally. Yupp. Well if Rosie and Eve think it's delicious then it doesn't matter? They're plant monsters so it's just making cookies out of plants? @leyeh2 girl Not sure what you're trying to quote. She already fixed that before and put it at the correct spot.
I agree that the ML is not the baby daddy of 8th princess's IVF experiment, which was most likely done to make him less monstrous (killing his unborn baby for the FL would be over the top to most readers) while also making the 8th princess seem more grasping/ stupid/ dislikable. But, it seems naive to assume he wasn't being used as a bedmate during the 5 years he was her personal knight. He was chosen for his looks and because of her major attraction to him. There are also still images of them leaning on each other, embracing like lovers, and kissing/ nearly kissing. While it's possible there's a cultural ban on humans sleeping with humunculi, which could explain why the 3rd Empress making a harem of knights was reviled, humans are going to human when they have power over someone who is very, very attractive and can't say no, so it's more likely it was accepted, if kept on the down low. There's also a FL/ ML conversation where ML implies that humunculi's formal training includes "servicing". Plus, while it is known that humunculi are rendered sterile and cannot get a human pregnant, it seems all of the other sexual functionality is left intact (going back to the harem) which was probably done for a reason. Point being: there was definite doing of deeds between ML and 8th princess during those 5 years. BUT--we get a loop hole. Because of the time travel, the FL is now in a time well before the ML's relationship with the 8th princess started. He has been "revirginated," if you will, and we don't have to deal with the messy psychological repercussions slavery-coerced sex would definitely have
It was revealed in other spoilers that homunculi were used regularly and expected to be used as bed partners. I think the not being able to have kids thing has to do with that they are artificial life forms. They aren't human but beings created from alchemy and magic. (Doesn't change their sentience or the fact that they were People even if they weren't humans.) Seems like they can do the deed and the princess' couldn't get pregnant? I honestly think the author added that bit where the royals were known to use them that way to make the MC look better to modern eyes. Especially with the third princess' harem, it seemed to add to the wicked vibe, but I don't think it was frowned on by anyone but the MC.