CH 37

Chapter - 37 || The Good For Our Country

Oh no.

It was too early to refuse.

It was obvious that I didn't favour Alexander-sama, and neither did he favour me.

Either way, it was a matter of fact.

Yes, it was.

I reconsidered, feeling rejuvenated.

It was true, and I couldn't change that.

In the past, I would have been quite reluctant to accept this situation as it was.

But I knew that I wouldn't do that anymore.

I should have acted out a long time ago.

Why did I even try so hard to impress him?

It hit me the wrong way, and I decided to snap out of my self-reflection.

Because this was his wedding day,

And he was the groom.

Yet, I couldn't bring myself to accept the fact that the person who had broken off our engagement, asked me to dance with him.

How foolish.

Did he think I would be willing to agree on a whim?

...I guess he knew no bounds.

Natalia-san was in no position to intervene or perpetrate it.

Even though Natalia-san's silence was certainly appreciated, in these times, I hoped she would have stayed close to her groom.

The nobles around us were casually yet firmly listening on in our interaction.

I could empathize with them.

If I was in their position, I would have been tempted to hear what would happen next.

But I wasn't someone else. I was directly involved with this situation, and it was my responsibility to manage it.

I was wondering on how to deal with this.

"Uh..."

But Rudolf-sama laughed self-deprecatingly, as if he couldn't stand it.

"I apologize, pardon me."

Alexander-sama said in a dignified manner.

"I was so worried by my wife's condition, I had been unintentionally disrespectful."

I didn't think it was an excuse, but I knew it was to defend me.

But I wasn't so sure when I saw Esais-sama's shoulders trembling while looking down.

I heard Alexander-sama's firm voice,

"It didn't seem like a voice of concern."

When I glanced at his face, his face was contorted. He looked angry.

Oh, right. At times like these, Alexander-sama got mad.

Whatever achievements he had made, always ended up displayed at his table, because he hated his pride being shattered than anything else.

It was difficult to differentiate between getting hurt because we were sensitive, or becoming prone to sensitivity to avoid getting hurt.

"Your Majesty misunderstood."

"It didn't seem like I misunderstood, though."

I knew this wasn't the time to stay still.

The conversation was getting tense over time, and I had to do something before it escalated since it was my fault to begin with.

"However—"

Alexander-sama was about to say something. I couldn't let him say it because it wasn't going to positively affect anything anyways.

"Oh... Rudolf-sama!"

This was humiliating, but I had no choice. I exaggerated my tone and leaned against Rudolf-sama.

"...?"

But Rudolf-sama held me without difficulty.

I stared at Rudolf-sama's face, and said,

"I'm sorry, I think I've had too much wine. It seemed I was homesick."

I was not well versed with acting, but Rudolf-sama went along with it anyway.

"Oh, Elvira. That's not good."

With his hands around my waist, Rudolf-sama said to Alexander-sama,

"As such, I would like to let my wife rest. Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that I must leave you. I wish you a long and happy life."

Alexander-sama tried to stall time.

"Of course, we'll get a room prepared."

Rudolf-sama's eyes sharply glared, yet kept a smile on his face.

"Please do not worry, Your Majesty. I have made all the necessary arrangements for this situation.

Oh, and your knights have been working well. They deserve a pat on the back."

Then, he started to walk, holding my hand.

I probably should have said goodbye, but I took advantage of the act and my foul mood to ignore it.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. We will treat you well. This is also for the good of our country."

I heard Esais-sama say smilingly.