The Surrounding Situation of the Titania Kingdom
The kingdom had only five days to carry out negotiations that would decide its very fate,otherwise, Julius would return to his territory.
And if that happened, they would have to go to war with the Margrave House.
And just as Julius had said…
To the north of the kingdom, the Holy Nation of Norstan.
To the east, the military alliance of the Ismari Kingdom and the Hamat Kingdom.
To the west, the Westernia Empire.
And to the south, the South Margrave House.
The kingdom now was truly surrounded on all sides, isolated, with no allies.
As Julius had declared, abandoned by those two massive organizations, the kingdom would undoubtedly be subjected to relentless waves of attacks.
One wrong move, and it would be fatal, irreversible.
No matter what, they had to secure reconciliation with the South territory…
“So then, what kind of resolution has the kingdom prepared for this incident?”
A straight, no-nonsense question, right out of the gate…
“… Honestly, I don’t know what we should do…”
King Jimetz answered, his head hanging low.
“Ahh~ no crying, please. There’s no demand for an old man’s tears. Not in any era, not in any world.”
I laughed.
“If we pay reparations and compensation now, we’ll definitely lose the war that’s about to come. Please… help us.”
King Jimetz lowered his head.
Everyone present was shocked, but I didn’t stop.
“Your apology isn’t worth even a single copper coin. I didn’t do all this just to hear you say sorry.”
Sigh…
And then…
My former fiancée, the [Archer] of the Hero’s Party, Princess Elizabeth, suddenly stood up.
“Julius, I’m sorry for everything until now. I was wrong. From now on, I’ll become the wife you want. Please, help the kingdom together with us, the Hero’s Party?”
… Huh?
What do I even do with this?
There are so many things to call out, I don’t even know where to start!!
I froze, unable to respond…
… and she took that the wrong way and pressed on even harder.
“My beloved Julius. I was suffering too. I couldn’t forget the days we spent together… and I finally realized that it was your smile that had been healing me all along. You were the one who saved me from that painful reality… you, with your gentle warmth, brighter than any magic… And yet I let you go. But you’re at fault too! You made me feel so lonely… Still, if you help us this time, I’ll forgive you.”
She said all that in one breath. Impressive, Princess.
Hands clasped together in front of her chest like she was praying, looking up at me with pleading eyes.
Yeah… sure, she’s cute. That kind of gesture would hit pretty hard for a lot of guys, even back in Japan. (Based on my data.)
But when it’s coming from someone who betrayed you that badly?
It just pisses me off.
And seriously, she starts by pretending to apologize, then wraps it up with “this is your fault”…
As expected of the Hero Party’s proud [Archer]. Dead-on aim.
Yeah, no way those are words of someone who’s actually reflecting.
“Mm, mm, that sounds good. If Julius and Elizabeth become husband and wife, the kingdom will be secure. I can entrust the future of Titania to you after me. Wahaha…”
… Crown Prince, seriously?
Yeah, I’m about ready to go home. This is getting stupid.
Father and daughter, trying to gloss it over, and the people around them too…
“Splendid.”
“The kingdom’s future is bright indeed.”
“Lord Julius, by all means, take my daughter as well…”
“With this, we might even be able to push those two great organizations…”
“First, we should deal with the Hamat Kingdom…”
“Please, Julius…”
Her eyes grew teary, holding back tears, or at least looking like she was…
Princess Elizabeth went in for the final push.
“… Honestly, you’re hopeless, Princess Elizabeth…”
I slowly stood up and began walking toward her.
Step by step. Steady. Firm.
Without breaking eye contact.
There were quite a few women in the hall.
Wives attending in place of noble heads, maids working the venue…
A handsome man and a beautiful woman, drawing closer…
The women in the room were holding their breath.
They knew it.
This moment, one that would be told in history… turned into a stage play someday…
And they were witnessing it.
Every single one of them, faces flushed, trying to burn every movement, every breath into memory.
I kept my eyes on hers as I slowly approached.
Her moist blue eyes reflected the soft chandelier light, shimmering even brighter…
Her blonde drill curls swayed slightly.
Three meters left…
The nobles around her stepped aside, clearing a path.
Two meters…
King Jimetz placed a hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her forward.
Squeals rose from the maids, “Kyaa! Kyaa!”
One meter…
Elizabeth looked up at me, eyes glistening, fully ready, “I’m prepared.”
And then…
Like hell it’s going to reach zero!!
Standing right in front of Princess Elizabeth…
“Yeah, no. I reject all of that.”
I shut it down completely.
The entire hall went…
“EHHHHHHHH!?!?”
Princess Elizabeth lunged at Julius, arms outstretched to embrace him…
… and missed completely, crashing face-first.
As expected of royalty. Even her fall was somehow… luxurious.
Only Hero Waltz…
“Princess Elizabeth is going to be my wife!!”, he shouted.
But no one paid him any attention.
In the midst of that adversity, standing alone, fighting bravely…
Yeah, that figure truly does suit the title of Hero.
Respect for that courage…
“The princess is mineee!!”
Still shouting to the very end, Hero Waltz…
Let me just say one thing…
Well done.
What do you think about this chapter?
