CH 69

“The time has come, Your Highness.”

While many nobles and knights were gathered at the palace’s main gate, awaiting today’s celebration, Marquis Friedenreich approached me and called out.”

“Yes… Today, in the name of His Majesty the King, I’ll stand before everyone.”

Princess Roxanne, who is present as a representative of the Carolin Empire, will also join hands as the next successor.

Oscar and Prince Charles are probably gritting their teeth in frustration.

“Kuku… In fact, I was opposed to the engagement of His Highness Dietrich and Marguerite.”

“…I’m certain.”

At the time, I was a “Cold-Blooded Prince,” a troublemaker, first prince, and stumbling block.

No mother or father would willingly give up their beautiful daughter to such a man.

“However, I must admit that my daughter is an eye-opener, and my eyes are cloudy.”

“That is not true, Your Excellency. Your precious daughter, Liz, has influenced me in this way. She is the one who is truly wonderful.”

“…To be praised in that way is a great honor for a father.”

While we were having this discussion.

“Your Highness! Congratulations!”

Gustav and Marquess Metzelder smiled, and their arms intertwined as they congratulated us.

“Haha, Gustav, isn’t your skin much better now than it was before you left the capital?”

“Y-Your Highness?”

I chuckle at Gustav, who waves his hand and turns red in the face.

That’s understandable, haha.

“I suppose we’ll hear from the two of you soon…”

“”Y-Your Highness!””

Alright, enough with the teasing.

“Hanna.”

“Everything is already in place.”

“Yes.”

I called out to Hanna, who was standing beside me, and she responded with a bow.

Everything is now complete.

Liz can be seen standing next to the first and second queens, with Nora, watching over us.

Princess Roxanne and Lady Collete are also present at the table.

“Your Highness, Dietrich.”

“Yes.”

I raised my right hand in greeting everyone.

“I now declare the celebration to be open!”

—○█○—

Waaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!

His Majesty the King and I, his deputy, slowly advance from the carriage’s top, waving to the people gathered on the city’s main street.

The signing ceremony to confirm the Kingdom of Estline’s friendship with the Carolin Empire is scheduled to take place in the central square.

There will be celebrations in the capital for the next three days.

I’ve planned this celebration so that royalty, nobility, and ordinary citizens can all celebrate together without distinction.

Of course, I intend to join Liz in the festivities.

And then…

“Dietrich.”

His Majesty the King suddenly called me.

“Ha, what is it?”

“Until two years ago, you were a boy who never expressed his feelings openly, preferring to play your role as the first prince in name only…

“…Yes.”

“For that, Teresa… No. I caused you a lot of pain by being overly concerned with the Wallenstein family, who were behind her—as a father, I apologize from the bottom of my heart”.

His Majesty the King made a deep bow.

This impossible sight perplexes me.

“Eh?! Please stop! His Majesty the King would never make a mistake!”

“That’s good—I requested Lord Friedenreich to bring you and Marguerite together in the hopes that you might find some of your heart.”

I see… My betrothal to Liz was made possible by His Majesty the King’s desire…

“Hahaha… I was correct in my assessment at the time—After all, you’ve proven to be a wonderful heir…”

“Your Majesty…”

The sight of His Majesty relaxing his cheeks brings me to tears.

The King… I had no idea my father thought so highly of me…

“Umu… I thought the Crown Prince’s ceremony would take place around the time you reached the age of 18… I’ll make it sooner. Once that is done, there will be no more…regrets.”

“Huh?!”

You can’t mean it?!

“T-That’s so feeble-minded. Your Majesty is still indispensable to this country. And I have yet to learn anything from you. Please guide me.”

“Haha… As much as I’d like to do that, no one wants my presence.”

…He is aware that he is being targeted.

And that someone was responsible for His Majesty’s death in my previous life…

“No. I want you myself. Whatever evil befalls his majesty in the future, I will destroy it with my Companions…”

“I see… companions—that’s exactly what I’ve been missing…”

“Your Majesty…”

I bite my lower lip as I notice His Majesty’s sad smile.

“Fumu… We’ve made it to the square.”

“Yes…”

“Hahaha, don’t look at me that way. Today is your big day, my son. Let us greet each other with a smile.”

“Y-Yes.”

His Majesty smiled as he patted me on the back.