Chapter 13.
“Uh… no. That can’t be.”
In the original story, Friedrich was described as the most beautiful man in the world.
Even if not for the next generation, at least in my generation, no one more handsome than this man would appear.
But Friedrich shook his head seriously, looking worried.
“Your Highness hasn’t seen the faces of every man in the world.”
“Come on, so what?”
“If a man more handsome than me appears…”
Friedrich paused for a moment before asking.
“Would you marry him then?”
“Even if that happened… wouldn’t we already be married by then?”
“But you broke off the engagement talks with Duke Rommel, didn’t you?”
“That was… just talks. It’s different from actual marriage.”
I furrowed my brow and asked.
“Why ask that all of a sudden?”
“…Just because.”
He said that, but Friedrich’s expression was deeply melancholic.
“It was an impertinent question. It’s already more than I deserve to have my life spared and to stay by Your Highness’s side.”
“You’re sitting diagonally across from me right now.”
I tilted my head askew and pointed out.
“Say that after coming over here.”
“…Is that allowed?”
“You sat next to me yesterday too. And this morning, we woke up side by side…”
I trailed off midway, clamping my mouth shut without realizing.
Ah, I was just trying to lighten the mood.
Yeah, they say it’s better to get the whipping over with first—why delay?
“I actually called you here to apologize for last night. I still don’t remember, but I’m really sorry. You must have been so startled, right?”
“…It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“No, you don’t have to say that. Lock your door from now on when you sleep. Of course, I won’t be going there anymore, but it’s better than you staying anxious.”
“…From now on.”
Friedrich asked with a blank expression.
“You won’t come anymore?”
“I probably shouldn’t, right? If I keep coming and going, what if I accidentally discover your secret? I need to be careful.”
“…Ah.”
Friedrich murmured with a desolate look.
“That’s right. There’s the curse.”
“Hey, you don’t have to put it like that… Think positively, Friedrich. So many people in the world want to become younger. It’s something money can’t buy.”
“But if I stay like this, the reason Your Highness chose me as a marriage partner will disappear.”
“What reason…”
I was dazed as a thought flashed through my mind, and meanwhile, Friedrich was adding more.
“You might end up with an unsatisfying married life.”
“…One moment you’re telling me not to lay a finger on your body?”
“That’s just my preference…”
“Then I should respect your preference.”
I chuckled and beckoned with my finger. It was a signal to come sit beside me.
Friedrich hesitated, then slowly came over and sat next to me.
I reached out and squished his cheeks flat with both hands.
“Goodness, how can you still look handsome with a face like a pufferfish!”
“L-Let go…!”
“Just looking at you is enjoyable and satisfying. Where else would I find such a perfect ornamental husband?”
And the face only visible at night is pretty cute too.
At the added words, Friedrich wore an expression unsure whether to be pleased or displeased.
“So you don’t need to worry about my dissatisfaction. And your secret…”
Actually, it was a problem that would be solved once we divorced and he met his first love. As the original title suggested, Friedrich’s inability to forget his first love was part of the reason.
But he seemed quite stressed, so I felt like I should at least pretend to make an effort right away.
“I’ll look for a way as much as I can. The palace has plenty of forbidden books on curses and magic, so something should turn up.”
Anyway, I need to figure out how to regain my magic too. I can’t just sit idle and wait.
Even if I retire to the countryside and live leisurely, having magic is way better than not! By far.
“…Thank you.”
The cheeks under my hands grew slightly warm. Curious, I stared straight into his eyes, and Friedrich quickly averted his gaze.
“Then, for tomorrow’s victory banquet partner…”
“Ah, the victory banquet.”
Come to think of it, I kept forgetting to ask Friedrich.
“Normally, you’d come with me, but if you hate parties or anything like that, I’ll just go alone.”
After five years of imprisonment, a crowded place like the victory banquet would be incredibly burdensome.
Even aside from that, as the prince of a fallen nation, he’d obviously attract unfavorable attention.
Of course, after what I said to Joachim, going alone would be embarrassing, but it was better than exposing Friedrich to an uncomfortable situation.
“You don’t have to have a partner…”
“No, I don’t hate it.”
The answer came before I even finished speaking.
Surprised by the unexpected response, I widened my eyes, and Friedrich, thinking the interruption was the issue, quickly lowered his gaze.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Huh? No.”
I shook my head and murmured.
“That’s unexpected. I thought you wouldn’t want to go. Even if you’re my fiancé, the fact that you’re the prince of a fallen nation doesn’t change.”
I continued with a still uneasy expression.
“There will be people whispering behind my back when I’m not looking. Will you be okay? Of course, if you tell me, I’ll go and give them a piece of my…”
“It’s fine.”
“…Really?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
Does he actually like meeting people? I was momentarily confused.
No. In the original, he was definitely extremely introverted. It said that after his coronation, court banquets dried up completely.
“You said you’d give them a piece of your mind.”
“Huh?”
But an unexpected reason came out.
I was left dazed for a moment, and Friedrich cautiously looked at me. Entranced by his gaze, I nodded absentmindedly.
“Uh, yeah… I will.”
Oh no. I just said that offhand.
I don’t even have magic—how am I supposed to give anyone a piece of my mind? I’d be lucky not to get one myself.
“Stick close to me tomorrow as much as possible. Got it? Even if you hate it, you have to.”
“Understood.”
“Yeah…”
Only after repeatedly instructing Friedrich did I let out a sigh of relief.
“I need to officially announce tomorrow that I’m marrying you.”
“…”
“Let’s even mention the wedding date. When should it be? The sooner, the better, right?”
“…Probably.”
“Yeah, no point in delaying. If it has to be done, let’s get it over with quickly.”
“But I think we’ll need at least a month.”
Friedrich cautiously offered his opinion.
“I need some time to think.”
“Think? About what? Whether to go through with the marriage?”
“No, just… various things.”
You’re not the one preparing the wedding—what’s there to think about? I almost retorted but held back.
Well, getting married suddenly must be unsettling.
“Think as much as you want. Just don’t say later that you won’t marry me.”
At that, Friedrich stared at me intently, then murmured softly.
“…You too, Your Highness.”
***
Thanks to my insistence on thorough preparation, the dinner was splendid, and we had a rather fine meal before retiring to bed. In our separate bedrooms, of course.
The next afternoon, I began preparing for the victory banquet. It was a process rivaling war preparations in intensity.
After a bath, I received a full-body massage with rose-scented oil, had my voluminous hair meticulously styled strand by strand, endured hours of makeup, and had my corset laced suffocatingly tight.
Then, I donned a blood-red dress, a ruby tiara, gold earrings, and shoes. Since it was a victory banquet, the goal was to project a strong, dignified impression.
“You look so magnificent, Your Highness. Like seeing the god of war!”
“No matter who sees it, the next throne is yours. Everyone will acknowledge it!”
“Really? Should I tone down the makeup a bit?”
“…Pardon?”
True to Rene’s maids, they spoke without filter. The problem was that I’m someone who wants to return to a natural life.
Yeah, just for this victory banquet. I smiled weakly and shook my head as if to say never mind.
“Where’s Friedrich?”
“He’s finished preparing too.”
“Did you pass on my message to make him look as handsome as possible? Of course, he’s perfect barefaced, but the nobles can’t look down on him as the prince of a fallen nation.”
I mean, I can’t give them a piece of my mind. We need to overwhelm them with beauty first.
“Did you see him? How is he? Okay?”
At my question, Elsa made a peculiar expression and gave a meaningful reply.
“…I think it’s best if you go see for yourself.”
