Chapter 116 - 116
Neither His Royal Highness nor I could find words; we simply listened in silence to His Majesty's declaration. His Majesty let out a mischievous smirk. The resemblance to His Royal Highness was striking, catching me off guard.
"However, let me give you a warning. As long as you wear that soft, doting expression, this country will falter. You will weaken the nation I have built. The people will suffer in poverty, and foreign powers may invade."
"What... If you're talking in your sleep, please wait until you're actually in bed."
"And what of that Salim District? You seem intent on doing something about it, but there is an order to things. What you are attempting is little more than child's play."
"...What did you say?"
His Royal Highness clenched his fists on his lap, his voice low with irritation. Yet, His Majesty remained unfazed, continuing to provoke him with a meaningful, mocking smile.
"Do not let yourself be distracted by love and romance to the point of clouding your judgment."
His Royal Highness's irritation seemed to reach its peak as the furrow in his brow deepened. Seeing this, I gently placed my hand over his tightly clenched fist. I felt him catch his breath and turn his gaze toward me as I spoke to the King. "Please wait, Your Majesty."
"Rachel."
I answered His Royal Highness with a smile and looked straight at His Majesty once more.
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to speak a word, despite the potential for disrespect."
"Very well. Speak your mind."
His Majesty raised an eyebrow and jerked his chin, prompting me to continue.
Strangely, although the overwhelming presence he had exuded since we arrived remained, the sense of dread had vanished. Perhaps it was because His Majesty had intentionally relaxed his kingly aura, or perhaps it was because I had caught a glimpse of the man behind the crown for the first time. I didn't know him well enough to be sure. Still, observing the exchange between father and son objectively gave me a certain feeling.
The King's expression as he spat those harsh words reminded me slightly of the way His Royal Highness looked when he teased me. Because of that, I no longer felt the urge to tremble in his presence.
"Your Majesty surely knows how much His Royal Highness cares for this country and how hard he works. Perhaps you throw these harsh words at him precisely because you recognize his potential as the Crown Prince."
"Rachel, His Majesty is not such a soft-hearted man. He views even me as nothing more than a pawn," His Royal Highness said with a heavy sigh, his voice dripping with bitterness.
His words likely weren't wrong. Their relationship had probably always prioritized the goal of raising the next king over any fatherly affection. But what about when His Royal Highness is recognized for his qualities and the current King steps down?
Based on their interaction, could it really be said that His Majesty saw him only as a pawn?
"I do not know the details of the wager. I do not know His Majesty's true character or the intricacies of your relationship. Even so, I cannot believe he is the type of person to hand over the throne simply because he lost a bet. Rather... I can only think it is because he expects His Royal Highness to perform capably as King."
Perhaps that was why he provoked him with hateful words, to ensure the future of the country and that His Royal Highness's reign would be prosperous and peaceful.
"With the birth of the Saint, many likely thought that I, lacking mana, was insufficient to be the Crown Princess."
I understood that for the sake of the country's future, one must sometimes be calm and even cold, even toward family. At that time, quite apart from my lack of mana, I was indeed lacking in many ways as someone who would stand beside His Royal Highness. To become his bride and support him, I needed to reclaim my own strength.
And now, I had finally reached His Majesty's passing grade.
I couldn't agree with all of His Majesty's thoughts or actions. His Royal Highness felt that even more strongly. Yet, even if the paths they envisioned for the future differed slightly, their desire to protect the country was the same.
Therefore...
"Your Majesty, would you please continue to watch over us? I would be honored if we could work together for the sake of this kingdom."
"Rachel, your words are lovely. I find your straightforwardness quite charming. However, some people are simply incompatible," His Royal Highness said, his expression one of resignation.
"No, Your Highness. I believe His Majesty understands."
I shook my head. His Royal Highness frowned, looking puzzled.
"Because His Majesty's face... well, he looks like he's having quite a lot of fun..."
"What? His Majesty?"
The Chancellor was the one who burst out laughing. Though he had been listening in silence, he seemed to have reached his limit. "Miss Marcel, you have excellent powers of observation," he said, his smile deepening.
"...So, I look like I'm having fun, do I?"
His Majesty muttered as he rose from the sofa and walked slowly to the large window. He stood before it, arms crossed, gazing into the distance. His profile, usually sharp and stern, softened as he let out a breath.
"I haven't been told that since I was the Crown Prince myself. ...But I see. Fun, is it?"
He rested his hand on his chin, deep in thought, then turned back to us. A faint, soft smile, one I had never seen before, touched his lips as he looked at His Royal Highness.
"Ah, perhaps you are right."
"It is just my thought... but it seems you enjoy being talked back to by His Royal Highness."
"No way... You're joking, right?"
Faced with this unprecedented side of the King, His Royal Highness's eyes darted around in agitation. However, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, he had regained his usual composure. Or perhaps he was forcing it, but his gaze toward His Majesty was even stronger than before.
"Regardless of what you think, I cannot see Your Majesty as my father, only as the King of this country."
"I expect as much. I was the same way."
His Majesty remained unmoved by his son's words, his expression hardening once more into his kingly mask.
"In any case, I shall not oppose your marriage. Including the matter of Miss Marcel's blessing, we shall formally announce everything at the upcoming royal ball."
"Eh, I only intended to make my declaration today. We shall discuss the details of Rachel's future and the wedding date at a later time."
"Very well."
The discussion ended with the cold air between the two men still lingering. After bowing to His Majesty and the Chancellor, His Royal Highness took my hand and led me quickly away from the office. His expression remained stiff as if he were lost in thought. I hurried to keep up with him.
As he continued his brisk pace, I grew worried. "Your Highness..." I called out, but he didn't seem to hear me, his brow furrowed and his lips pressed tight.
"Your Highness... Louis!"
"Ah, Rachel. Thank you for today."
"Are you confused?"
At my call, he finally seemed to come to his senses and stopped. He looked down at me, his eyes softening as he apologized. "I'm sorry."
"Perhaps I am. I had never seen His Majesty make such a face before, so I suppose I was shaken. But I'm fine."
"No, Your Highness. You are not fine."
He looked so fragile, as if he might cry at any moment. I instinctively reached up to cup his cheek. He let out a breath of relief and placed his large hand over mine.
"It's too late for him to start acting like a father now. He is His Majesty the King, not my father."
"I know."
"I don't want him playing the father role at this late stage."
He had chased his father's back since he was a child, working so hard just to be praised. And each time, the young prince had been betrayed by his father. He had likely maintained his balance only by viewing him as a King rather than a parent.
So, I had no intention of telling him he should reciprocate just because His Majesty was showing signs of reaching out. I didn't think that was necessarily the "right" thing to do.
Even so, perhaps one day...
No, I should stop thinking about that.
There are as many forms of family as there are parents and children. Some gaps can never be filled. There is no need to force a bridge where it isn't wanted.
All I can do is stay by his side. To be the place where he can finally breathe easy.
The discussion with His Majesty continues.