Chapter 3 (2/2)
As I matured and grew, it was a voice I gradually didn’t hear anymore.
Since my Grandfather had died two years prior, it was a voice I hadn’t heard at all.
Wilhelm-sama――
「……Mu, it’s you, Wilhelm.」
「This is the venue for the evening party. It’s not a place for a Father-Son dispute. If the surrounding retainers learned that the next in line for the crown Reyford-sama and Your Majesty had a falling out, it would give them unnecessary anxiety.」
「……Apologies. The blood seems to have rushed to my head.」
”Haa,” the King heaved a large sigh.
But more importantly to me was the presence of Wilhelm-sama who was in front of my eyes.
With a large body that couldn’t be compared with mine, who was a little smaller than my peers. And his arms, wouldn’t just his wrist be thicker than my thigh?
He had most of his white hair swept back, and it was overall a pale grey in presentation. The moustache that hid his mouth was white, and likewise his beard was as well. A great number of wrinkles ran across his finely chiseled face, as well as left behind scars.
This was the Fureakisuta’s strongest general and Knight Captain―― Wilhelm Aibringer-sama.
Without thinking, I was charmed.
「Reyford.」
「……Father.」
「Withdraw. I will impart your verdict later. As for me, I must settle the mess you’ve made.」
「But, Father!」
「I told you to withdraw!」
After being ordered so resolutely by the King, His Highness finally retreated. Of course, being led by with Mary’s hand, though.
Now then, we can finally have a composed conversation.
「Giliam.」
「I do not believe it’s longer necessary to confirm, but is it fine to believe that it’s alright to break off the engagement of Carol and His Highness?」
「……Ahh, I don’t mind. But」
「This situation only happened because Carol was engaged to His Highness. Putting myself aside, Carol won’t forgive His Highness. At such a location as this evening party, she was made to taste such humiliation. We will make His Highness regret that he’s made enemies of the Ambrose Ducal House.」
「Guh……Lady Carol.」
With a sour expression that was twisted and while biting his lips, the King looked at me.
Having made enemies out of the Ambrose Ducal house because of me, I have no idea what will come forth of this to the royal family. Such things, it was better for me not to know.
But to the King’s frantic look, for some reason I wanted to answer.
「Yes, Your Highness.」
「My foolish son……Truly, I feel regretful. In this matter, I will hand down an adequate punishment. And then……A fitting marriage proposal for Lady Carol, I will use my own name to tie it. Although it’s fine for you to ignore talk to this degree of asking for repentance……」
「Your Highness.」
To the unexpected words, I stopped the King’s speech without thinking.
Normally, it would be fine if they just asked for punishment. No matter how fl.u.s.tered, they’d committed a mistake.
But――This was a good opportunity.
「Mu……What is it, Lady Carol?」
「I’m not particularly angry. Just, I have misgivings about the future ahead. A woman formerly engaged to His Highness, such a reputation has been spread, and I believe it’s not likely that any marriage proposals will come my way anymore. But if Your Majesty says that he will use his name to arrange my marriage, then……May I take your words in meaning that way?」
「Ah, ahh. If this would become atonement for what that idiot son did, then I will arrange for it no matter what it is.」
「Then.」
I’d wished for it from the bottom of my heart.
I’ve longed for it ever since I was young.
I――Carol, will live for true love.
Smoothly, I took one step forward, I slightly lifted my skirt and performed a bow.
Then I held that powerful arm――and said it.
「Wilhelm Aibringer-sama, I love you. Please, take Carol as your wife.」
Doki doki, my palpitations pranced about.
My cheeks flushed red.
Finally, I conveyed my feelings――!
「……Hah?」
「……Hah?」
But.
But to my once in a lifetime confession, “I don’t understand the meaning,” with their jaws dropped His Majesty and Wilhelm-sama replied shortly with that single phrase.
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