CH 13

Chapter 13/77: Marguerite Friedenreich’s Point of View (Part 2)│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

I was eventually discovered by a passing servant, and when I told him who I was, he took me to Otosama’s place.

Of course, Otosama scolded me severely.

But… In the end, he gave me a solitary smile and stroked my head gently.

When I inquired about the boy, Otosama informed me that he was the first prince of the Kingdom of Estline.

I assumed we were of the same social standing, but I had no idea he was the prince of this country, and I was so embarrassed that I covered my face with my hands.

However, that kind of prince prayed for Okasama…

I worked very hard from that day on to become a respectable lady.

Etiquette, dancing, languages, mathematics, history… and a variety of other subjects occupied my every waking hour.

…In order to become His Highness Dietrich’s bride.

When I told Otosama about it, he looked troubled.

The servants… In particular, “Ria”, a close chamberlain, was also against it.

Because… The first prince, His Highness Dietrich, is said to be such a cold-hearted young man that he is known as the “Cold-Blooded Prince.”

But I’m aware.

I know His Highness Dietrich is a very kind and warm-hearted man.

Even if the rumor is true, I believe someone in the palace has shaped His Highness Dietrich in this manner.

So I didn’t let those voices get in the way of my progress, and I just kept going.

—In the dream of standing next to His Highness Dietrich.

—○█○—

In the spring of my thirteenth year, it finally bore fruit.

“… Marguerite… as you wished… His Majesty the King has approved your engagement to His Highness Dietrich…”

Otosama quietly announces, with a look of bitterness on his face.

Fufufu… Otosama is still not thrilled with the prospect of me marrying His Highness Dietrich.

Nonetheless, I can only express my gratitude to him for fulfilling my wish.

“We will meet with His Majesty the King and His Highness Dietrich as soon as possible, and I hope you will keep that in mind.”

“Certainly.”

“Mmm… Then you’re free to go.”

I left Otosama’s office with a graceful curtsy and a neutral expression.

However,

“I-I’m engaged to His Highness Dietrich!”

I stood in front of the door, my face flushed, holding my open mouth.

I’m overjoyed!

When I got back to my room, I felt like I was in heaven, so I called Ria and carefully selected the dress I would wear that day.

I’d like to have a new dress made, but I don’t have the time.

Fufufu… I’m curious about what His Highness Dietrich will say to me when I meet him.

But because he is a quiet person, he may not say anything and may change his expression.

I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about it.

—○█○—

Finally, the time has come for me to meet Prince Dietrich, so I accompany Otosama to the royal palace.

But… It’s a shame that the precious pendant Okasama gave me broke this morning.

I was really hoping to wear it today…

Anyway, I gather myself and gaze out the carriage window at the Royal Palace.

This is my second visit to the royal palace, Fufufu.

“…Marguerite.”

Otosama gave me a painful look when he saw me smiling.

…I’m sorry for making Otosama, who is still neutral in the kingdom, appear to be a member of the First Prince’s faction.

However, I still wish to be with Prince Dietrich… I want to support him.

I’ll never forget Prince Dietrich’s kindness that day, or his onyx eyes filled with loneliness and resignation.

“… We’ve arrived.”

As the carriage comes to a halt, Otosama says quietly.

Finally… Finally, I’ll be able to meet the one I’ve been longing for.

My heart was still pounding, and I sat in the reception room waiting for him, not knowing how Otosama had brought me here or when I had my audience with His Majesty.

Then there was him.

“Your Majesty, Dietrich, arrives.”

“Yes.”

His Highness Dietrich arrived at long last.

He’s grown up and looks great, but his dark hair and onyx eyes are still the same as they were that day.

“This is your fiancee, Dietrich.”

His Majesty the King introduces me, and I keep my cool as I respectfully present Courtesy to… him!?

“I greet His Highness Dietrich, the kingdom’s shining star…w-what’s the problem, Your Highness?!”

“Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaa…!”

As His Highness Dietrich looked at me, He burst into tears and sobbed in a muffled voice.

I couldn’t make sense of the situation and winced involuntarily.

“What’s the matter, Dietrich?”

“Please accept my apologies… It appears that I was so moved by the beauty of the person in front of me that I cried.”

His Majesty Dietrich quickly wiped away his tears with the sleeve of his shirt and regained his composure.

His facial expression was devoid of any of the emotions he had displayed previously.

However, his onyx-colored eyes appear to be filled with a wide range of emotions.

Is it… happiness? Regret? Or is it guilt?

His Majesty the King then introduced me once more, and His Highness Dietrich and I introduced ourselves.

Then, Otosama arranged for His Highness Dietrich to show me around the palace.

“Please, Marguerite-dono…”

“Eh?!”

His Majesty Dietrich kneels in front of me and extends his hand to me.

I can’t believe His Highness would do something like this…

This alone indicates that Prince Dietrich is looking after me.

For my part…

I took His Highness Dietrich’s hand in mine and he led me out of the room and around the palace.

My steps slowed as I was overcome by my admiration.

And he must have thought he was walking too fast, because he matched my stride with an apology….

And, out of concern for me, he invited me to tea in the royal palace’s garden.

Fufufu… Even though his expression remains constant, His Highness is able to make me feel so peaceful, at ease, and happy…

But…

“Huh? Elder Brother? Who is that person?”

A person our age appeared at the end of the aisle, as if on cue.