Chapter 6

After explaining to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, that the success of the wedding ceremony is for his future, His Highness became very cooperative.

However, since most of the decisions had already been made, His Highness only had to give his approval, but he seemed to feel that he was working hard on the administrative tasks.

"Everything had to be decided by me."

"Yes, so I would appreciate it if you could also check these documents."

"Okay."

The Prime Minister and the officials seemed to want to say something, but I couldn't let them ruin everything here, so I had them keep quiet.

Despite his stepsister hovering around, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, took our wedding preparations seriously, and we managed to reach the day before the wedding.

"The luncheon will be attended by royal families and envoys from various countries, so Viola cannot participate."

Even though I have said this many times, His Highness only says "but" or "that." My father will attend, but my stepmother cannot. One would think that my stepsister would understand that she cannot attend either.

"Viola was sad because she is part of the family..."

"Only at times like these, 'family'!"

"Nicole, I don't think that's a very good way to speak?"

Why am I the one being blamed? Do they think I am such a heartless person?

Yes, I suppose I am.

I must be a wicked woman who tries to tear apart the Crown Prince and his classmates with jealousy.

A bitter, old woman who won't let young men go.

How many more times will I have to feel such regret?

While waiting for His Highness to grow, I have turned twenty-seven.

"Is it not possible to have a child?"

"An exception to have a concubine"

After the marriage, such phrases will likely be raised as topics in the parliament.

His Majesty the King always shows concern for me, but once it is passed in the meeting, it will be almost impossible to reverse, even in an absolute monarchy.

Even though I can only see such a future, I must marry the Crown Prince, and I cannot afford to upset him.

"......I am very sorry."

I bowed deeply and curtsied to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.

"Ni, Nicole, I didn't mean to make you apologize like that!"

His Highness, flustered, told me to raise my head.

He is truly a kind and gentle Highness. His indecisiveness is also giving my stepsister an opportunity to act out.

After the marriage, I must inform the education officials to focus on correcting such behavior.

The luncheon I was worried about ended without any issues.

I greeted people from various countries and learned about their laws, making it a very meaningful time.

My stepmother and stepsister, who had come to the castle to attend the dinner, were quietly in their rooms.

At the dinner, according to the custom of the country, only the close relatives of both families will dine together.

My stepmother appeared in a deep red dress with a backless design and doused herself in a strong rose perfume.

My stepsister wore a tight, sky-blue dress with a very prominent décolletage. The scent was supposed to be soft, but the amount she used was excessive, and when mixed with my stepmother's scent, it was quite overwhelming.

What kind of evening event do these two think they are attending?

At the dinner, it is customary to either not wear perfume or to lightly spray it in the air and walk through it, so as not to interfere with the smell and taste of the food.

The royal family members are whispering about my stepmother and stepsister, but they are taking it as a compliment.

They think everyone is paying attention to their beauty.

They are indeed beautiful, but I wish they understood that they are the targets of ridicule, including myself.

I, the fiancée, wore a deep blue dress that matches the color of the Crown Prince's eyes, with the décolletage modestly covered by lace. My stepsister, on the other hand, wore a shiny evening dress that closely resembles the exact color of the Crown Prince's eyes.

The Crown Prince, who was escorting me, kept his gaze on my stepsister, or rather, on her chest.

――――It's embarrassing.