Chapter 115 - 115
"Miss Marcel, I am already fully aware of the situation. I know of the Dark Spirit King's blessing and the return of your mana."
As His Royal Highness and I took our seats opposite His Majesty, the King spoke, seemingly indifferent to the heavy atmosphere. Everything currently known, including the blessing I received, had already been reported to His Majesty through His Royal Highness. In other words, he likely wanted me to skip the redundant details.
"Yes. Regarding my restored mana and the Spirit King's blessing... I hope to use them alongside His Royal Highness for the peace of this kingdom."
My response seemed to be the correct one. His Majesty nodded with satisfaction. "I see," he replied simply.
Reports regarding the power of darkness had surely reached him as well. However, since the Chancellor was present alongside the royal family, I refrained from mentioning the specifics of that power. It seemed my intuition was correct.
"Your Majesty, what are your thoughts on Rachel receiving the Dark Spirit King's blessing?"
His Royal Highness, who had been listening in silence, directed a sharp question at His Majesty, his words laced with unconcealed thorns. I was the only one who grew flustered; the Chancellor merely offered a pleasant smile, and the King's lips curled in amusement.
"It is a joyous occasion. Not only has the existence of the Dark Spirit King been revealed, but she has received his blessing. For our country, nothing could be more wonderful."
"After consulting with the High Priest, we intend to certify Miss Marcel as the Dark Saint," the Chancellor added, supplementing the King's words. "If she is the counterpart to the Light, it is only fitting."
My eyes widened at the Chancellor's words.
The Dark Saint?
In this country, the Spirit King of Light is worshipped as a god, so it makes sense for one blessed by Light to be called a Saint. However, I had been worried about how the Dark Spirit King's blessing would be positioned and what judgment His Majesty would pass.
Judging by His Majesty's demeanor, he likely viewed the Dark Spirit King as the equal and opposite of the Spirit King of Light, perhaps intending to make him an object of faith as well. It was only a guess, but the sheer scale of the dark power probably played a significant role in this decision.
As I reached this conclusion, His Majesty turned his gaze toward His Royal Highness.
"I hear the Saint of Light has sworn to remain in this country and devote herself to her duties."
"Yes. She has chosen to lead a life separate from the royal family, so there is no need for further interference regarding her marriage."
"I have received the report."
His Majesty nodded nonchalantly and shifted his gaze to the Chancellor.
"His Majesty desires the Saint of Light to remain within our borders and fulfill her role without leaving the country. Since the Saint accepted His Royal Highness's terms and entered into a contract even stronger than marriage, we have nothing further to say on the matter."
"I see. Then the matter of the Saint of Light shall proceed as promised."
"Yes, the current arrangement will suffice for now."
The Saint of Light... meaning Anna-san. His Majesty had seemed so fixated on a marriage between His Royal Highness and Anna-san that his casual dismissal of the topic surprised me. However, the Chancellor mentioned a "contract stronger than marriage." This likely referred to a specific binding magic allowed only to the King and the Crown Prince.
Since the terms of such a contract could not be spoken aloud, only His Majesty, His Royal Highness, and Anna-san would know the details.
I stole a glance at His Royal Highness. His profile remained stern as he stared straight at His Majesty. Then, a slight smirk played on his lips as he held out a single sheet of paper toward the King.
"With this, the match is my victory, I presume."
A match? Victory?
Wondering what he meant by "victory," I tried to peek at the paper. However, it was folded, and I couldn't see the contents.
His Royal Highness noticed my gaze. "Ah, are you curious about this?" The harshness in his eyes softened as he whispered to me with a gentle smile.
"What is this? Have you not told Miss Marcel about the wager?"
"A wager...?"
"It seems she truly doesn't know."
"You should ask His Royal Highness to explain it to you later. It will show you just how much he cherishes you," the Chancellor added.
His Majesty's expression remained seemingly displeased, yet his voice carried a hint of playful teasing. The Chancellor's following words were accompanied by a grin that suggested he found our situation utterly fascinating. I tilted my head inwardly at their attitudes.
To be honest, I expected His Majesty to be much more severe during this discussion.
I didn't think everything would go my way just because my mana returned and I received the Dark Spirit King's blessing. Somewhere deep down, I felt that gaining approval for my marriage to His Royal Highness would still be difficult. Yet, the icy coldness His Majesty usually exuded was nowhere to be found. If anything, there was a faint air of approachability. Was I just imagining it?
I looked at the man beside me. His Royal Highness still had a deep furrow in his brow, but his gaze toward His Majesty held a sharp, scrutinizing intensity, as if trying to discern what the King was plotting.
His Majesty looked at His Royal Highness and let out a slow breath. He took the paper, handed it to the Chancellor, and said, "I shall sign this later." Then, he turned his attention back to both of us.
"Regarding your engagement. It shall continue."
"...Is that all?"
His Royal Highness's question was quiet but clear. It carried a hint of irritation. "Your Highness..." I started to speak, but I fell silent under the weight of his piercing gaze directed at the King.
"Your Majesty, is that all you have to say to Rachel?"
"What are you getting at? Things have gone exactly as you wished. What more do you want me to say?"
"In the first place, I always intended to maintain my engagement to Rachel. It was Your Majesty who arbitrarily proposed the annulment to Marquis Marcel and Rachel."
"Ah, that was because the Saint of Light had appeared. However, as I promised you, Miss Marcel has regained her mana, and the condition that the Saint of Light remains in the country has been met. Therefore, I recognize the engagement."
"In the end, Your Majesty is simply making use of Rachel's power."
At those words, His Majesty raised an eyebrow and smirked. "And what is wrong with that?" he declared.
"Listen, Louis. I am the King."
"Yes, you are certainly the King. For now."
For now?
Was it my imagination, or was there a sharp edge to the way he emphasized those words? His Majesty seemed to notice as well. He let out a short laugh, leaned back against the armrest, and adjusted his posture.
"Of course, I have not forgotten. Since I lost the match, I promise that in a few years, in the not-too-distant future, the reign shall be yours."