Chapter 40

“Huh? Your Majesty, what did you just say?” Alfred who was called to the King’s office doubted his own ears.

Inside the office which had been emptied of other people, there were only the King and Alfred. Even the prime minister, Duke Rowlight was not present.

“I’m cancelling the engagement between you and Fania. Then, I’ll assign the First Princess of Agrid country as your new fiancée.”

Agrid was a country that bordered our country, Frialist on the west; its size was not much different to ours. However, geographically its location was more towards the south compared to Frialist, contributing to its rich nature. In the economic aspect, it was stronger than Frialist. They utilized their strong economic power to fund their military, turning them into quite a militant nation.

Until now, there were only some skirmishes along the borders; but considering the future, it was necessary to be allies with them.

“Princess Carolynn is now fifteen. Next year, she will come here for studies as your fiancée. Two years later, we’ll hold your wedding after the graduation.” The King stated it like it was already a finalized matter.

Hearing that, Alfred objected, “Why? Why is it me? Compared to me, isn’t Andrew more suited to this?”

“Agrid gave the following condition: Princess Carolynn shall be the Princess Consort to the King. So Alfred, she’ll be your wife.”

“Isn’t that even stranger? If their condition is a marriage with the King, Andrew should be the one to get married to her then. Isn’t he the First Prince?”

“The next King has been decided to be you.”

“Huh?”

“When Jane came here for marriage, we formed a secret contract that states that the child born from Jane will be the next King. That secret contract is what makes the non-interference treaty with Sotis possible. The next King predetermined to be you, Alfred.”

“How come……”

Alfred couldn’t conceal his surprise at the King’s revelation. He never thought that such a secret contract even existed.

A myriad of thoughts crossed Alfred’s mind. If it was predetermined that he would be the next King, then why wasn’t he appointed as the Crown Prince?

If even he, the concerned party, hadn’t known of the fact, certainly the Grand Duke and Side Consort Algarina didn’t know a thing about it. If only it was not kept in secret, then he surely would be spared from all the assasination attempts. So for what reason did Fania have to suffer an incurable disability for a lifetime?

However, it was precisely because of that disability that allowed Fania to be his fiance, and be bound to him…..

Now are you telling me to let go of Fania?

“Be fully aware that you were born to be the next King. This is already finalized. Think of the nation’s stability and citizen’s safety. This is your mission as someone who is born within the royalty.”

“I have no intention to let go of Fania.”

“Hmph. Then you can make him as your side consort or lover as you like. That’s all I have to say.” The King rang the bell in his hand as if their talk had concluded.

When the prime minister who plausibly had been waiting in the room next door entered, the King continued to work on the official documents. He did not even give Alfred a look. Alfred who was stunned for a while collected himself and gave a bow to the King, then he returned to his own room.

What to do? What should I do? Is he asking me to let go of Fania? He truly doesn’t know just how much I sought Fania. There’s no way I can let go of Fania. If I even let him go, I don’t know what would become of me.

Fania’s face appeared in Alfred’s mind. His lovely face with that adorable smile.

If I take a Princess Consort and make Fania as a Side Consort, what would Fania do? It’s Fania, surely he won’t show dissatisfaction on the surface. He would just peacefully smile, and lock away all his grieving and frustration inside him. He would give way to the Princess Consort and retreat. And he would never take the initiative to stand beside me.

There’s also the possibility that he would even run away to somewhere I cannot reach.

Alfred became terrified of his own thoughts. No! I can’t think of my life without Fania. I’ll never forgive myself if I were to ever let go of Fania.

Think! I have to think! The means to get through this without letting go of Fania.

Inside Alfred’s eyes, a dark glint lit up.

author’s note: Fania didn’t appear alongside Alfred this time. It feels a bit lonely.