Chapter 4

Emmeline's POV:

What’s going on…?

I grew frightened as His Highness’ tone reached a new low. Perhaps, did I say something offensive?

—Or could it be that he wants to declare it himself!? “I’m in love with Katrina!” Oh my, is that how it is!?

“I thereby apologize, Your Highness. I’ve exposed your inner feelings without permission.”

“Well, you aren’t wrong. You’ve spoken as if you’re well aware of what I’m truly feeling.”

“Yes, and for that, I’d like to say sorry. I’ve rudely professed your passionate love towards Lady Katrina in your stead.”

“…What?”

“Then, Your Highness, I can promise you my silence. In exchange, can you please inform His Majesty, my father, and lastly, my brother?”

“…That I’m in love with Katrina and would like to make her my new fiancée after the annulment?”

“That’s correct.”

“Haaa…”

…Again, what happened, I wonder?

His Highness seemed genuinely exhausted. I was hoping that we could conclude it peacefully. At the same time, considering how kind-hearted His Highness was, he might be feeling guilty about the annulment.

But Your Highness, you see, it’s alright…!

I have a dream!

I shall never miss such a golden opportunity! I didn’t feel hurt or even itchy in the slightest!

“Rest assured, Your Highness. I wholeheartedly support your decision. I have no qualms about the annulment.”

“There’s none?”

“Nope, not even a speck.”

“…Not even a speck.”

…Oh?

His Highness’ amethyst eyes… Had lost their light. As he hollowly stared at me, I still couldn’t understand anything.

“…Emmeline.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“I shall make one thing clear.”

“What is it?”

Ah, I know, his overflowing love for Katrina!

“You’re mistaken.”

“Eh?”

“I’m well aware of your root of misunderstanding. Therefore, let me reaffirm clearly—that you’re terribly mistaken.”

…Uh, what could he be talking about?

Huh!? No way. Is he telling me not to set foot in La Steria anymore!?

“Once again, you’re mistaken.”

“Oh, so I’m still allowed to visit La Steria. I’m so glad.”

“…La Steria?”

“That’s correct. But of course, I’d also have to ask for my father’s permission. After all, I’d like to visit La Steria if there’s a break.”

“Unfortunately, that won’t come true.”

“…Eh?”

“There won’t be a break. You’ll have to focus on the queen’s education. La Steria? As if I’d allow that.”

“That’s…”

In the Kingdom of Vesta, I wondered if a rule existed that the former fiancée of the Crown Prince couldn’t study abroad. Even though I wanted to learn magic engineering…

…What a shame? What do I do now?

“…”

No, wait.

Just now, didn’t he say that I’d resume the queen’s education?

“Your Highness, surely, you’ve made a mistake. I should no longer be necessitated to receive the queen’s education, right?”

“What are you saying? If it isn’t you, then who else?”

“Uh, Lady Katrina?”

“That’s just unbelievable. The queen’s education isn’t something that you can manage overnight. Surely, you, who’ve been rigorously educated since childhood, are aware of that?”

“Yes, of course, well…”

But for Katrina to become the princess, wouldn’t she be required to receive the queen’s education?

“Clarification—I have no intention of breaking my engagement with you.”

“Eh?”

“I’m not going to make Katrina the Crown Princess. My only princess is you, Emmeline.”

“That’s—”

…Was it because of the lack of time? I’d be ruling in her stead since Katrina didn’t have time to receive the queen’s education? Then, would Katrina become his concubine?

…That’s too painful.

Even though they’ve finally found true love—

—Isn’t it as if I’m tearing the couple apart?

Ah. No wonder Katrina declared me a villainess at that time. Even if I was unaware of it, I, unloved by the prince, kept my role as a princess.

What a significant oversight!

Moreover, La Steria… I’m sorry…

“While it may be true that she can’t learn the queen’s education overnight… She’d eventually grasp it if she were to be educated after marriage. Therefore, there’s no need to make her your concubine. Someday, she’d become a suitable princess, I’m sure.”

“—And that’s where you’re wrong, Emmeline.”

“Huh?”

“What I’m saying is, I won’t be having any other princess except for you. I’ll neither make Katrina my queen nor my concubine. I already have you as my princess. I don’t need any concubine.”

I was truly astonished. My expression at that moment was both unladylike and dumb.

Then, to preserve his royal lineage, he will tell His Majesty that he’s giving up on Lady Katrina!? What a tragedy!!!

“Your Highness, that’s unacceptable.”

“Eh!?”

“I’m grateful for your consideration towards the Arkwright Family and me, but that isn’t the case here. To give up on your dearly beloved Lady Katrina in favor of a loveless marriage—such a tragic decision. I can’t let that happen!”

“…No, it’s not like that—”

“Lady Katrina will be facing quite a hardship for a few years, that’s true. However, in the face of true love, it was but a meaningless obstacle! I’m sure Her Majesty the Queen will aid your case. Therefore, please don’t be concerned about me. Once I arrive at La Steria, I won’t be returning to Vesta, so—”

“—I already said that you can’t. Why do you want to go to La Steria so much? What, are you intimate with the Crown Prince of La Steria?”

“…What?”

Intimate? ‘With the Crown Prince of La Steria?

Your Highness, where’s this conversation going?

By the way, the Crown Prince of La Steria, who’d be turning sixteen years old that year, wasn’t engaged until that point. However, his father had finally declared that his fiancée would be held at the evening party three months later.

Regarding that, I received an invitation that morning. Apparently, my grandmother was related to the Crown Prince’s grandfather. In other words, since I was the granddaughter of La Steria’s former emperor’s younger sister, I was invited.

When I was five years old, I met the Crown Prince. At that time, he was still three years old. Since we only met once during childhood, there was no way he’d remember.

“…Well, you can put it like that.”

Hm? Your Highness? Why are you smiling like a ferocious beast? Also, ever since when were you angry?

“I see. That’s why you’re so keen on visiting La Steria. Fufufu. Emmeline. Your wish won’t come true. You’ll become the Crown Princess. I’ll never let you go to La Steria. You will never be able to leave Vesta.”

“Eh!?”

No way! My so-desired education! The opportunity to learn magic engineering!

Afterward, my father and brother, who arrived late, received an explanation from His Majesty. When I firmly declared that I’d be giving up on His Highness, neither of them was on my side.

…Ah, my dream is short-lived.