Chapter 357: A Proposal of Betrayal
King’s Side
The day after the king sent a letter to Violet ordering her to present herself in the throne room,
When Violet arrived, she knelt on one knee before the king seated upon the throne and spoke.
“It has been a while, Your Majesty.”
“Mm, it has… how has Felisiana been lately?”
“Ojou-sama has been in very high spirits.”
“I see, that is very good… however, even enjoyment can become undesirable when it goes too far.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
When Violet asked, the king’s tone grew heavy.
“You are, of course, aware that Felisiana wishes to become engaged to a man from a count’s family.”
“Yes.”
“Then you also know she has not yet given up on that… naturally, that is not something to be desired… now then, Violet…”
The king abruptly shifted the topic.
“You are, of course, also aware that both Felisiana and Elizalina attended the Fourth Royal Exchange Gathering the other day.”
“I have heard of it.”
“I see… I was concerned those two might attempt something new, so I instructed two among the royal affiliates to keep watch over them, however, it seems those two were put to sleep by someone.”
“I see.”
Violet nodded without the slightest change in her expression or tone.
Then the king spoke to her.
“I have no intention of blaming that someone… rather, since it was their duty to follow their master’s orders, it could be said they carried out their role admirably.”
And with that, he continued.
“Violet, as king, I now issue you a command… from this moment on, you will act not under Felisiana, but under the orders of this king.”
“…When you say your orders, Your Majesty, what specifically do you mean?”
“It’s simple. Make Felisiana abandon her dream of becoming engaged to a man from a count’s family, and if necessary, use your strength to bring Felisiana, and by extension Elizalina, under this king’s control… subduing Rezamiliana by force would be a gamble, but if you strike by surprise, bringing those two to heel should be easy for you.”
“…Are you telling me to betray Ojou-sama?”
“Betray? No… this is for Felisiana’s sake as well… imagine it, what would happen if Felisiana were to become engaged to some count’s family boy?”
She would surely become a laughingstock.
She would surely become unhappy.
With that added, the king spoke firmly.
“You cannot allow Felisiana to walk such a path, can you? That is why we must correct her mistake… Violet, as one who stands by her side, that is your duty.”
“…Then, if I were to cooperate with you, Your Majesty, what kind of future would Ojou-sama be able to build?”
“That is already decided… she will be united with a man I choose, one who is excellent as a king and of proper lineage, and by devoting herself to this country, she will obtain happiness… as royalty, there is no greater happiness.”
Having explained everything to Violet,
The king paused briefly, then spoke again.
“I will say this once more, Violet… from this moment on, you will act in accordance with this king’s command, and in doing so, Felisiana’s happiness will be guaran—”
“I can’t hand Violet over for something that trivial.”
“…!?”
Suddenly, a voice like that echoed through the throne room.
Accompanied by the sound of footsteps tapping against the floor… the Third Princess, Felisiana, appeared before the king.
Faced with this unexpected turn of events, the king was left speechless, his mouth still open.