CH 16

Chapter 16/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Your Highness Dietrich…”

“Welcome to the royal palace, Marguerite-dono.”

I took Marguerite’s hand in mine and gently drew her out of the carriage.

“Thank you for your hard work, Your Excellency Friedenreich.”

“Well, I do come here every day.”

I bowed to Marquis Friedenreich, my father-in-law, and responded with a wry smile.

“Ah, yes, Marguerite-dono, this is Nora, who will be looking after you at the royal palace starting today.”

“Hello, my name is Nora Riche. I sincerely offer my assistance to Marguerite-sama.”

“I’m Marguerite Friedenreich. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nora.”

Nora bows respectfully to Marguerite, who greets her with a slightly stern expression.

However, this is a little nerve-racking. Her usual clumsiness is visible on her face.

“Marguerite-dono, relax your shoulders. Nora will be treated as a family member from now on, so don’t be tense…”

“Ah! Y-Yes…”

Marguerite hid her mouth with a fan when I pointed this out, looking a little embarrassed.

I was overjoyed to see her like that, but instead of feeling refreshed, my heart ached strangely.

Haa… I like her awkward demeanor, but I also like the genuine expression she gives me.

“W-Well… don’t look too closely at me, Your Highness Dietrich…”

“Please accept my apologies… But you’re so adorable that I can’t help myself…”

“Eh!?”

Was that cute voice you use when you’re surprised?

I want to hear that voice again and again.

“AHEM… Your Highness, I would like to greet His Majesty the King and the Queens…”

‘A-Ah, that’s right… Please come this way. “

I take Marguerite’s hand in mine and lead her to the reception room, where His Majesty the King and the two Queens await.

This is a secret, but my face was unusually hot while I held Marguerite’s hand.

“Please excuse me. His Highness Dietrich, His Excellency Friedenreich, and Marguerite-dono have arrived.”

“Yes.”

We enter the reception room, where His Majesty the King, flanked by the First and Second Queens, is smiling.

“I have come to greet His Majesty the King, the sun of the kingdom.”

“Congratulations, Lord Friedenreich.”

His Majesty the King nods, pleased by Marguerite’s respectful reverence.

My mother, the first queen, on the other hand, looks at her sternly, whereas the second queen looks at her impassively, as if she is uninterested.

“Marguerite will now live in the royal palace and be educated as a queen. Teresa will take care of that education. I’m hoping so.”

“I will do everything in my power to be a suitable queen for His Highness Dietrich.”

“Yes, I have high hopes for you.”

“Yes, thank you very much, Your Majesty Theresa.”

The first queen says this as a courtesy, but… you’ll have to be careful.

That’s why I appointed Nora, the First Queen’s maid, as Margaret’s lady-in-waiting.

“Your queen’s education will then begin tomorrow. You can rest today.”

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”

His Majesty the King, as well as the two queens, exited the reception room.

“…I’m sorry, Marguerite-dono.”

“Eh? Why is His Highness Dietrich apologizing?”

Marguerite is taken aback by my deep bow.

“But for the first queen, my mother looked at her daughter-to-be, Marguerite-dono, like that… I sincerely apologize…”

And then.

” …Your Highness Dietrich, please look up. Nothing is wrong with you, and I don’t mind how the Queen looks at me. More than that, I am grateful that Your Highness is considerate enough to prioritize me.”

Marguerite’s demeanor shifts from dignified to debaucherous.

I couldn’t help but be enthralled by her beauty… by her feelings.

“AHEM… Well, I’m leaving now.”

“”Ah…””

Marquis Friedenreich clears his throat, and Marguerite and I regain our senses.

“T-Then allow me to accompany you to the door.”

“O-Otosama, please be careful…”

“…oh.”

The atmosphere was awkward, but I took Marguerite’s hand and led the Marquis to the door.

“Your Highness, Please take good care of my daughter.”

“Yes… Please entrust it to me.”

The Marquis Friedenreich left with a fond farewell.

“Marguerite-dono… Thank you for coming again. I am aware of my many flaws, but I will make you happy.”

“Yes, I’ll make Prince Dietrich happy as well, so… this is a request from me. Please keep in mind, Your Highness, that my happiness is linked to your happiness…”

“Marguerite-dono…”

Her words make my heart skip a beat.

And then… I feel my dry heart filling with her words, with her thoughts…

“…I suppose we don’t have much choice but to make each other happy…”

“Ah…”

When I say this, Marguerite looks surprised and her cheeks flush.

“What’s the matter?”

“H-His Highness Dietrich’s smile was stunning, and I couldn’t help but admire it…”

“Smile? Me?”

Marguerite pointed out, and I unintentionally placed my hand on my face.

I see… I’m…

“Ha,haha… again… Didn’t you save me again?”

“Y-Your Highness…?”

I held back my burning eyes, deeply grateful to see Marguerite once more.