Chapter 2/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com
“Of course, my son Dietrich will become King!”
“No, I believe His Royal Highness Prince Oscar, the second prince, is more appropriate.”
The funeral of His Majesty the King had just ended, and the royal court was debating who would be the next king.
My mother, the first queen, was determined that I, Dietrich, should be the next king, with the support of her family, the Dukes of Wallenstein, the largest noble family in the kingdom, but many nobles, including Marquis Klengel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, supported Oscar.
In the midst of all of this upheaval,
“…Do you want to be king, Your Highness Dietrich?”
Marguerite inquired as I stood near His Majesty the King’s casket.
“King, huh…yes, my mother had always wished for me to be king. That was the significance of my life…”
I respond with a self-mocking smile.
But,
“That is not an answer, Your Highness. I’m asking you if you want to be king.”
“…of course, yes.”
As I placed my hand on the casket, I said.
My fiancé is tougher than I expected.
It appears that such an evasive response will not satisfy her.
“…I have no interest in who becomes king. However, you are the first prince. If you are elected, you have no choice but to accept the role of king.”
“Mar…Grit… “
“…”
She hugged me from behind without saying anything.
Really…my fiancee is a clumsy person…
…I guess there’s only one thing I can do.
I bit my lower lip and made a solemn promise to myself…
—○█○—
Finally, thanks to the Dukes of Wallenstein’s pressure on the other nobles, it was decided that I would be the next king.
As a result, many nobles turned against me, and my accession as king did not go smoothly, but my mother, the first queen, was unconcerned because she was drunk on the wine of victory.
“Uh-huh…hahahahahahahahaha! Did you notice Ernesta’s frustrated expression? Dietrich! You are now the king of this country!”
The first queen laughs hysterically, her mouth hanging open.
My mother was a monster in the eyes of her own son.
Now… I’ll do what needs to be done.
“Your Majesty, No, mother. I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Ara? Dietrich doesn’t make requests very often. Tell me.”
“Yes…”
I softly told her what I desired.
“Okay, fine. We no longer require such a person, and I will find someone more suitable for you.”
“Thank you very much…”
Ah, now “she” can be saved.
There is no need to keep riding the muddy boat…
—○█○—
As a result, I ascended the throne and was officially proclaimed King.
All that is left is… I only have one word to say.
“Marguerite Friedenreich.”
“…yes.”
I call out my fiancée’s name, and she gives me a determined look.
Now say it, say it, say it.
I take a long, deep breath.
“… I am terminating my engagement to you today.”
“!?…”
I knew she had to have known it.
Marguerite’s eyes widen for a split second, but she quietly accepts the annulment and walks out of the audience hall without a word.
That is all.
She can now get out of the muddy boat.
—○█○—
After I’ve parted ways with Marguerite, I’m going to focus solely on my political responsibilities.
However, I couldn’t do well in government because I was only about 17 years old and didn’t have the support of many nobles. All of my efforts were futile.
It was also beneficial to the nobles who belonged to the Second Prince’s faction. They took advantage of the opportunity to wreak havoc on the government.
Furthermore, public discontent had reached a fever pitch, and criticism of me, the king, was widespread throughout the country.
Oscar’s scheme was responsible for the nobles’ opposition and the incitement of the people.
According to my research, he pretended to be defeated in the battle for the throne and intended to forcibly remove me—who had been labeled incompetent—in order to establish a firm foothold for himself.
And then… three years after I took the throne.
I’m now standing in front of the guillotine, shackles on my hands and chains around my ankles.
“Dietrich To Estline, the great sinner, Do you have any last words? “
With the corners of his mouth hanging up in amusement, the current king—Oscar Tu Estline—asks.
His sister Josephine, who is standing next to him, is also smiling wanly.
“…no.”
I give a brief response before kneeling in front of the guillotine.
The First Queen’s head, with her hideous face, is lying next to me.
…I’m so glad・・ isn’t here.
That’s the only thing that makes me feel relieved.
“Ugh…!”
Soldiers forcefully hold me down and pin me to the guillotine.
Finally, I’m going to die…
With this thought, I turn my gaze to the crowd that is throwing stones at me and insulting me…
Then…
“?!”
I noticed a hooded woman praying desperately with her hands clasped together among them.
The woman is frail, but she has silvery-white hair, a fine nose bridge, and red lips against white skin.
Above all, those amber eyes were unmistakable.
It’s Marguerite, my ex-fiancée.
Haa~ What are you praying so desperately for?
Don’t tell me you’re praying for my salvation?
But seeing her pray in that manner reminded me of someone.
The little girl who was desperately praying at the royal palace’s fountain…
Oh… I see…
I’ve met you before… So, from that point forward, you…
Oscar smiles triumphantly as he slowly raises his right hand.
So it’s Marguerite…
I’ve done something truly heinous to you.
I can’t make up for my sins against you, but at the very least… I’ll give you this life that’s about to end.
For the first time in my life, tears streamed down my cheeks… I forced a clumsy smile on myself.
Thank you very much. Please accept my apologies.
My life ended with those words.