Chapter 295: The King’s Demand
Lux’s Side
The night after Elizalina-sama’s event passed, and the next day arrived.
During yesterday’s event, I decided to forget everything else and just enjoy being there with Ashwell-san, but today I couldn’t do that, so I desperately tried to figure out what answer I should give.
“I mean, I had already received engagement proposals from Florence-san and Felisiana-sama, and even that alone left me unsure how I should answer…”
And on top of those two, I never expected that Elizalina-sama would also offer me an engagement proposal…
It makes me happy and honored, and I don’t think of it as a nuisance at all, but still, it’s not something I can answer so easily.
“What should I do… This is far too big of a problem for me to handle alone. Maybe I should consult Father and Siana.”
I muttered that out of anxiety over not having reached an answer, but I immediately shook my head.
I plan to consult my father and Siana before giving my official answer, but before that, I want to think it through on my own and decide who I truly want to be engaged to.
…Besides, Florence-san, Felisiana-sama, and Elizalina-sama…
For me to choose one of them as my engagement partner goes far beyond something as simple as being fortunate… n-no, I can’t think about it that way!
“Anyway, I need to properly think this through, starting from the feelings I have toward the three of them…”
Having decided that, I resolved to use this day off to desperately think about whom I should become engaged to.
Elizalina’s Side
Around the same time.
“Elizalina, what is the meaning of this reckless behavior of yours?”
Elizalina had been summoned to the throne room by her father, the king.
Normally, proper etiquette would require kneeling on one knee.
But Elizalina remained standing as usual and spoke.
“Ah, so it’s already reached Father’s ears~”
…Elizalina had invited nobles with strong influence in spreading rumors to the event so that the announcement she made there would spread domestically and internationally as quickly as possible.
Naturally, she knew the news would reach her father.
Yet she spoke as if it were unexpected on purpose.
The king then spoke.
“I hear you made a grand announcement that a man you wish to be engaged to has appeared, and that if you were to become engaged to him, he would become the next king. Is this man the count’s son you mentioned before?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I have no recollection of granting you permission to become engaged to that man.”
“Of course I know that. That’s exactly why I made such a grand announcement.”
One reason Elizalina held that event was to ensure that Lux would receive strong support when he becomes king.
In addition, it was also to force her father, the king, into a position where he would have no choice but to approve her engagement to Lux.
“After announcing it so publicly and stirring up excitement about the birth of the next king, the people will accept it even without your permission… and if the people accept it, then you’ll have no choice but to accept it too… right, Father?”
“…”
Without the people, not only the nation itself but even the royal family cannot exist.
As someone who stands in a position that governs this country, Elizalina understood that deeply.
After that, the king fell silent for a short while.
Eventually, he spoke.
“I see… your resolve truly is firm. In that case, it cannot be helped.”
As soon as the king said that…
Ten armed soldiers emerged from behind the pillars arranged on both sides of the throne room.
They moved to surround Elizalina, and from all directions aimed the tips of their spears at her.
Looking down at the scene from the throne, the king spoke.
“Elizalina… give up on becoming engaged to that man immediately… otherwise, you understand what will happen, don’t you?”