CH 7

Chapter 7/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Huh? Where has Marguerite gone?”

When I returned to the reception room alone, His Majesty the King, who was chatting with Marquis Friedenreich, asked with a puzzled expression.

“Marguerite-dono will be late because she needs to fix her makeup.”

“Ah, I see… By the way, Dietrich, how do you feel about Marguerite?”

“How do I feel…?”

I asked because I didn’t understand the question’s intent.

“Of course, I mean, is she a good fit for you as a fiancée?”

I see… Then there is only one option.

“I’m not deserving, but I’m grateful to Goddess Dahlia for allowing someone like me to marry such a lovely woman as Marguerite-dono.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

His Majesty the King smiled as he was pleased with my response.

“Your highness, My daughter is a little clumsy, so there may be some misunderstandings, but I appreciate your consideration in advance.”

“I will do my best to be Marguerite-dono’s right man, and I look forward to working with you.”

I make a deep bow to Marquis Friedenreich.

Of course, the Marquis may have arranged Marguerite for me as a political ploy, but it was because of that decision that I met her.

Then,

“Your Majesty…”

The Chief Chamberlain spoke in hushed tones to His Majesty the King.

“I’m sorry, but I have to leave on business. Make sure Lord Friedenreich is well taken care of, Dietrich.”

“Yes, sir.”

His Majesty nodded and exited the room with the Chief Chamberlain.

…I happened to be alone with the Marquis of Friedenreich by chance.

“…Actually, Lord Friedenreich, on the occasion of my engagement to Marguerite-dono, I have a favor to ask of you…”

“…Oh? What is it?”

The Marquis gives me a sharp look as I begin. This is the kind of intimidation that comes with being the country’s Minister of the Interior.

But I am not intimidated by something as trivial as this.

I raise my head and meet the marquis’s gaze squarely.

“I’m ashamed to admit that I lack strength. My mother, the first queen, is my staunchest supporter, but I doubt I’ll be able to back Marguerite-dono up on my own…”

I stifle my embarrassment by squeezing out my voice.

But… For Marguerite, I’ll wear any amount of shame.

“…What exactly do you want?

“Two… No, one is all right. Lend me one of your agents as my chamberlain.”

Yes… In this palace, I have no one on my side.

I need to find my own allies, but Marguerite will be staying in the palace for the next month. I’ll never be able to finish on time if I start from scratch.

Then I have no choice but to seek assistance from Marquise Friedenreich, Marguerite’s staunch supporter, who has decided to promote me.

And Marquis Friedenreich is the country’s Minister of the Interior.

I am aware that he is in charge of all domestic affairs and that he has a spy agency to police the country’s internal affairs.

I could use one of these agents to gain two or three allies in the royal court and thus gain a foothold.

“Oh, my. With all due respect, I’ve always thought His Highness Dietrich was cold and uninterested in other people… Something must have shifted within you.”

Marquis Friedenreich shrugged and his gaze softened as he heard these words.

“I understand. I’ll send one of my best men to the palace in a week.”

“T-Thank you!”

Good! Now I believe I can put a system in place to protect Marguerite by the time she comes to the royal palace!

—Knock, Knock

“Thank you very much for your patience.”

Marguerite entered with a graceful curtsy, looking a little shy, as the reception door opened.

Her eyelid swelling appears to have subsided.

“Well, Your Highness Dietrich, I’m afraid His Majesty the King is very busy right now, so I must depart. I hope to see you again soon.”

“Yes, thank you very much for your assistance.”

The Marquis and I exchanged handshakes and looked each other in the eyes.

“Marguerite-dono… I’m looking forward to seeing you in a month.”

“Yes… Please take care of yourself until then, Prince Dietrich.”

Marguerite and I exchange regretful glances, almost as if we were about to part ways in this life.

“Ahem, Marguerite, I say, let’s go home.”

“Y-Yes! Otosama.”

“I’ll see you at the front door.”

I kneel and take Marguerite’s hand in mine.

“Your Majesty Dietrich… As I previously stated, even though I am your fiance, you are not required to…”

“…I want to do this because you mean a lot to me. So please don’t be hesitant.”

“Y-Yes…”

When I said this, the reserved Marguerite blushed and accepted me.

Yes, that’s correct… She had agreed to take me on as her fiancée. That alone was more than enough for me, so I couldn’t be rude to her.

…No, it’s because of her that I want to do it.

“Kuku… Well, this is unusual.”

Marquise Friedenreich smiles and shakes his head, but I ignore him and lead Marguerite to the carriage outside the door.