Chapter 66 - The King's Decree
Why His Majesty?
When one spoke of His Majesty, they spoke of an absolute, overwhelming presence that could bring others to their knees with a single glance. More than that, he was famously sharp-witted.
He had ascended the throne over twenty years ago at the age of twenty. Since then, he had implemented various reforms, systematically purging the corruption that had taken deep root within the royal palace. The current meritocracy, now so firmly established, was another of his achievements.
As a result, even commoners had a path to advancement within the Knights and the Order of Mages. Furthermore, nobles who imposed heavy taxes or treated their subjects cruelly were brought to justice. Because of these deeds, he enjoyed profound support from the people.
The Lady Queen, for her part, was originally a princess from a neighboring country. Their marriage had been a means to solidify the alliance formed after the war. While it was a purely political union, such arrangements were the norm among the nobility.
In the distant past, the neighboring kingdom and Dutoit had been a single nation, but they had split in two centuries ago. Diplomatic relations had been non-existent until the alliance, so the Queen's transition into the court was reportedly fraught with difficulties. Rumors of a strained relationship between His Majesty and the Lady Queen persisted to this day, though the truth remained a mystery. She appeared in public only for essential events, such as royal balls or the tea party she hosted once a year.
Even though I visited the palace for my bridal training, I rarely had the chance to meet her. However, she possessed a beautiful, serene aura that reminded me very much of His Highness.
Nevertheless, today was a summons from the King himself. It was impossible not to be nervous. My father had urged me to prepare with haste, and thanks to Sarah's unusually intense efforts, I was dressed in a manner that would not be disrespectful even before the King.
"Rachel, this sudden summons must have come as a shock."
"No, Father. I imagine you were just as unaware... Do you have any idea what this is about?"
The two of us sat in heavy silence, the only sound being the rhythmic rattling of the carriage. My father was the first to speak.
"No, I haven't been told yet."
Looking at his expression, I realized the truth. His eyes shifted for a fleeting second, and he forced a gentle smile. It was a subtle tremor of agitation that only a family member could detect.
"I see. You haven't been told, but you have a general idea. Is that it?"
"Rachel..."
At my words, followed by a deep sigh, my father's gaze wandered as he visibly faltered. He called my name in a quiet, comforting voice. This reaction... it meant this summons boded ill for me.
The timing was terrible. A dark premonition took hold. I prayed it was merely a groundless fear, but as the carriage entered the palace grounds, my anxiety only intensified.
Upon arrival, we were immediately escorted to the Audience Chamber. Despite the tension coiling in my gut, I kept my back straight and maintained a polite smile. I thanked the maid who led us and stared intently at the massive doors before me.
His Majesty is inside.
The thought alone made me stiffen my posture even further.
The knights stationed at the doors slowly pulled them open. As I stepped into the room with my father, my eyes fell upon a figure seated on a chair more magnificent than any other in the kingdom. His Majesty was already there upon the throne.
He had been conversing with the Chancellor standing beside him, but he turned his gaze toward us as we entered. We bowed deeply, and his deep, resonant baritone echoed through the hall.
"Raise your heads."
Only then did my father and I slowly look up. Before us sat the King, his long legs crossed, watching us with the same blue eyes as His Highness. Yet, despite the identical color, they felt entirely different—perhaps due to the intensity and the sheer weight of authority behind them. It was a frigid, piercing gaze that seemed to freeze everything it touched. It struck a primal chord of fear, making one instinctively realize that this was a man who must never be crossed.
"Now then, Marquis Marcel. And his daughter. I appreciate you coming on such short notice."
"Not at all..."
His Majesty addressed us briefly before whispering an instruction to the Chancellor. The Chancellor responded with a crisp "Yes, Sire," checked a file in his arms, and showed it to the King. After the King made a note in it, the Chancellor took the file back and returned to his position.
"I do not have much time. I shall get straight to the point."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With those words, the very air in the room seemed to sharpen. I instinctively braced myself against the sudden shift in atmosphere.
I knew it. I have a bad feeling about this.
I ignored the cold sweat trickling down my back and waited in silence for the King to speak. What would he say? After a prolonged silence, His Majesty finally opened his mouth.
"Regarding the current engagement with the Crown Prince—it is hereby dissolved."
...What?
What did His Majesty just say?
Engagement... dissolved? Between His Highness and me?
Why? Why now?
His Majesty stated the fact as casually as if he were discussing the weather. I understood the words, but they felt disconnected from reality. While I stood there in a daze of confusion, the King continued.
"The Royal Family will take full responsibility for finding the daughter of Marquis Marcel a new fiancé. Since the dissolution comes from our side after we initiated the proposal, we will, of course, ensure you are well-compensated."
The shock hit me like a physical blow. A new fiancé? Someone other than His Highness? Why... why would he do this?
This time was supposed to be different. I hadn't done anything wrong this time. I hadn't repeated the mistakes of the past. So why... why call for a dissolution?
As I stood there frozen, my father stepped forward as if to shield me.
"May I ask why, Your Majesty? Has my daughter done something that warrants such a cancellation?"
"No, your daughter is without fault."
"Then, is this at the request of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
The mention of the Crown Prince snapped me back to attention. Louis requested this? No, that was impossible. We had finally shared our feelings. Even in the letter I received recently, he had expressed concern for my health and those around me, alongside words that had made my heart race and my cheeks flush with joy. I couldn't believe he would want this.
"It is not. This matter is a decision made solely at my discretion."
The King's words were heavy and low. A decision made at his discretion. He wasn't asking for a dissolution; he was announcing a decree. The feelings and intentions of Louis and myself were deemed irrelevant. It was an order.
No...
I couldn't defy the King's command. But if I nodded here, I would no longer be Louis's fiancée. I couldn't bear it. The thought of losing my place by his side sent a wave of desperation through me.
When the engagement was broken in my previous life, I had merely felt humiliated and resentful at being stripped of my status. But now, it was different. I didn't want to be apart from him.
What did Louis think of this? His gentle, serene smile flickered in my mind—those blue eyes looking straight at me, his voice sweetly calling my name.
"...Would it be possible to speak with His Royal Highness?" I managed to force the words through my trembling lips. "Has the Prince agreed to this dissolution?"
My mind and mouth were barely functioning, but I knew I had to struggle, or everything would be lost. Sensing my desperation, my father also addressed the King.
"The Prince will be informed in due course. However, such details are trivial."
"How could you..."
A slight frown creased the King's brow, and his voice carried a hint of irritation. In due course? So Louis didn't know yet? Or perhaps he had already rejected the idea once, and that was why the King was commanding me to accept it now.
I felt a flicker of resolve. If Louis hadn't agreed, then perhaps the engagement could still be saved. But as if to dismiss my thoughts as foolish, the King closed his eyes for a moment before fixing me with a gaze even more powerful than before. It felt as though I were trapped behind a wall of ice, a physical pressure that made my whole body ache. The sheer weight of his presence stole my words.
Even my father bit his lip, unable to say anything further.
"I shall say it once more. This is a final decision."
Signaling the end of the conversation, the King rose from his throne and walked past me. In my dazed state, a single question escaped my lips.
"Is it because of the Lady Saint? Did she... request something?"
Louis would never want this. If so... the face of that girl came to mind. The King paused for a fraction of a second beside me. He spared me a single, freezing glance that made my shoulders hitch.
"I have entrusted the Chancellor with the documents. Ensure you sign them. You may return home with the Marquis afterward."
His gaze was fleeting. After dropping those words, he continued toward the doors. I could only stand there and listen to the heartless sound of the doors thudding shut behind him.