Chapter 98 (2/2)

“At first I tried to give up when I thought I couldn’t marry you. But I couldn’t give up.

Don’t say that even if we met only briefly, my thought about you was also fleeting. I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

“… Sir Lars. ”

“So, Frincia, would you accept my proposal?”

Everybody became silent. People who stood aghast or surprised shut up one by one when they noticed his serious expression. As soon as he was done proposing, they turned their eyes at her all at once. I was no exception. I felt strange about the way he dealt with her, but never did I think he loved her and openly proposed to her in the presence of everyone. How would she react? My heart. What will she answer? My heart pounded with anticipation.

“I can’t…”

“… ”

“I can’t accept your proposal.”

Ah! Groans were heard everywhere. It seemed that Sir Las and Princess Frincia were a good match. Sir Lars is the successor of Duke Lars. As the empire’s next duke, he didn’t have to feel inferior in status. Besides, if she accepted his proposal, there would be a stronger alliance between the two countries through their marriage. So, her refusal was more regrettable. Given her character, she would have managed very well as the wife of the empire’s most powerful noble family.

The princess, who silently looked at Sir Lars, said with a smile, “How can I get married to you without dating you? I can’t accept your proposal. I can think of getting engaged, of course.”

“… Oh, Princess!”

“You proposed, calling my name confidently a moment ago. Why are you calling me a princess? Just call me Lynn. Sir Lars, no, let me call you Kaisian.”

“Are you accepting my proposal now?”

“Yes, but on condition we start dating first.”

“Lynn!”

Sir Lars stood up suddenly and hugged her, who was smiling bashfully.

Surprised by his bold actions, she quickly closed her eyes and leaned her head on his chest.

My heart throbbed when I saw they were happy. I was so envious. At the same time, I was sad. I was sad when I thought of myself, who could not have such pure love like them.

I knew I would not have that kind of pure love because I was so exhausted after having loved the crown prince so much and being abandoned by him, even though I desperately wanted his love. I know even though I’m loved by him now, I won’t return it because I will be confused by comparing him now with the old him constantly. And perhaps I will constantly feel anxious and nervous, always afraid of being abandoned by him again.

“Well, it looks like I’ve done what’s good for you.”

“I’m honored to see you, the Little Sun of the Empire. Please forgive me for my rudeness as I didn’t greet you first.”

“That’s fine. Congratulations, Sir Lars, Princess Frincia! It seems like we still need to coordinate between the two countries about this matter, but I think we can expect some good news. Right?”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

I heard the crown prince speaking to him with a faint smile. I saw him appreciating the greetings of Sir Lars and bowing to the princess slightly. After congratulating the two, he approached the delegation of the Lua kingdom and smiled at them. Just like I did, he must have concluded that Sir Lar’s marriage to the princess would bring more political gains than losses.

“Soon, I think we have to send a delegation to the Kingdom of Lua, so please send my best regards to your king.”

“Of course, Your Majesty!”

“Then, I hope you return safely.”

“Thank you.”

After exchanging a friendly conversation with the delegation, he said to Sir Lars, “Let me give you vacation leave for the next week, so escort her to the midpoint of her journey.”

“Oh my… Your Majesty.”

“Even if you feel I’m not that generous, please be satisfied with it. I will surely include you in the delegation to the kingdom.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Then have a good trip.”