Chapter 9

"Is this the dark green one?"

"Yes, this one."

Probably, she hurriedly brought it from the princess's private room, without considering the current situation or the color scheme. Therefore, among the items laid out, there were many dark colors. The green that matches the king's eyes and the green that symbolizes this country, even though it's a celebration, the dark color is good, isn't it?

"Yes, that's the one."

"I understand."

The maids, slightly flustered, dressed her, did her hair, and applied makeup.

--- Oh? This dress has a well-closed neckline, which is a good touch.

After returning from the bath, when I showed the king my dress, he smiled slyly. Because, although he was supposed to wear ceremonial attire, he was dressed in funeral attire.

"Oh!"

"Haha, it seems we think alike."

It seems that immediately after this wedding, he plans to start a meeting to depose the crown prince.

Is it really okay for His Majesty the King?

I believe he truly loved both the late princess and the crown prince.

"Yes. In my younger days, there was still some affection left, so even when asked to take a new princess, I couldn't easily agree. But after seventeen years, different feelings overflowed."

The king slowly approached and stood in front of me. I felt a bit happy when his hand touched my cheek, and I gently placed my hand on top of his.

"As Nicole began to appear in society and worked hard for that, my heart felt constricted. I felt guilty and mistakenly thought that she was working hard for me."

"Mistakenly?"

"Yes, the more Nicole worked hard, the more I felt supported by you. Because you were working hard, I felt I had to be a good king. That way, I could be the person you admired."

His Majesty felt the same way during the same period. Just knowing that made me feel like everything I've done so far was worth it. I think my admiration turned into a gentle affection around the time I made my debut in society at sixteen.

"Do you not find it disgusting that I had feelings for the young Nicole?"

"Not at all. Rather... I feel so happy... I might cry."

After all the effort to get my makeup done.

I blinked repeatedly, desperately trying to hold back my tears.

His Majesty said he will hold an emergency meeting with the prime minister and other dignitaries.

It is unacceptable to condemn or denounce in front of the kings and envoys of other countries.

The plan is to make sure that all domestic officials understand and mock, so that the crown prince, his step-sister, his father, and stepmother can have a happy and perfect wedding.

"The duke is also included in the punishment. Is that alright?"

The king's face suddenly turned serious. I was momentarily intimidated by his stern gaze.

Of course, I expected that my father would also be included, and I had no objections. To be honest, it's 'serves them right.'

"It's karma."

"Haha, yes. The treatment of titles and such will be decided later. First, we need to decide what to do with today's wedding and the guests from other countries. I have a draft, but we need to finalize the details. We have about four hours. Well, we'll manage. Let's go."

The king extended his right hand.

This means I can join the emergency meeting and walk beside him.

Certainly, there will be people who will criticize the king and me at the place we are going to.

Because I am the daughter of the duke.

Because I am the crown prince's fiancée.

Because I am too old for the crown prince and too young for the king.

But I will seize a happy future.

No matter how much I am called a villain behind my back, I have found a place I don't want to let go of.

"Yes, wherever you go, I will be by your side."

"Hmm, that's a good face."

The king looked at my face and smiled gently.

When I visited in the middle of the night, he was said to have given up on everything and decided to just end it, which surprised me.

"How long do you think I've been watching Nicole?"

The king smiled slyly, a face I had never seen before this morning.

"Your Majesty is too good at hiding your true self."

"Because I am the king. But I can show it to Nicole, now that you are my princess."

"..."

Is this king really a womanizer?

Is there a woman who wouldn't be flustered by such words?

Indeed, I am blushing.

Even though we are about to go to the battlefield, I feel a bit relaxed.