The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

“Rejoice, Gustav! Your engagement to Princess Abigail, the first princess of the Strasclaid Empire, has been decided!”

On my fifteenth birthday, as I reached adulthood, King Charles de Valrois, in the presence of numerous members of the royal family and nobles of the kingdom, loudly proclaimed.

Well, even if they say “rejoice,” I’m not the least bit happy about it.

This country, the Valrois Kingdom, has been in a century-long war with the Strasclaid Empire, a war that continues to this day. Due to the turmoil and repeated heavy taxation, both countries were exhausted, and a fifth ceasefire agreement was finally reached.

As one of the conditions of the agreement, a member of the royal family had to be sent to the Strasclaid Empire, and I was assigned to that role. It’s nominally called a marriage, though.

In other words, I was offered as a sacrifice by the kingdom.

“Gustav, congratulations!”

“Long live the Valrois Kingdom!”

The nobles offered words of congratulations one after another. Well, it’s only natural to be happy since they won’t lose any more territories with just my life, and they can cut unnecessary expenses like conscription.

And also…

“Gustav, you’ll be lonely.”

“Sacrifice yourself for the kingdom.”

“Well, now the kingdom will be saved.”

“Hmph. The useless one… finally has a purpose.”

“…Pathetic.”

They’re my own brothers, and they can say whatever they want. It wouldn’t hurt to show a little consideration, like the nobles here. Jean, the fifth prince, is the only one offering comforting words, but in reality, he knows he’s the one who despises me the most among the brothers.

Even though Jean is known as the “Fairy Prince” in society due to his exceptional looks, his only talent lies in his appearance, and he can’t compare to my four brothers who excel in politics and military matters. So, he takes the opportunity to comfort me, the one with a lower status than him, to feel superior and satisfy himself.

From my perspective, he’s the biggest scoundrel.

I’d like to curse them all, but the fact remains that my worth is lighter than a feather to them.

After all, I am an unwanted child born from the adultery between the king and a servant.

According to what I’ve been told… my mother was the daughter of a count, but her family fell into ruin, and she worked as a servant at the royal palace to help her struggling family. At that time, the king took an interest in my mother and had an affair with her.

As a result, my mother became pregnant, and I was born in an unwanted situation. Unfortunately, my mother, who had always been frail, passed away shortly afterward, leaving me all alone.

My wet nurse told me this with a smile. She seemed to want to degrade me and push me into despair.

Well, my wet nurse used to be a subordinate of the first queen, so it’s only natural for her to follow her master’s wishes. After all, an illegitimate child is nothing but a nuisance to the queen.

“Your engagement ceremony with Princess Abigail will be three months from now! Gustav, please conduct yourself as a Valrois Kingdom prince until then!”

“…Yes.”

I replied in a subdued voice, my face lowered.

“Now, everyone, enjoy the peace that has come after the long war!”

Finally, after King Charles finished his speech, the nobles drank and danced. As today’s protagonist, I sat in my seat and continued to receive insincere words of congratulations from the nobles.

Then…

“Gustav, congratulations today.”

Dressed in priestly robes, a beautiful woman with silver hair and aquamarine eyes, Cecil Ervezius, who serves as the “Saint” of the Lianon Church, said.

She is the possessor of the rare power of healing in the world, and her extraordinary beauty has made her the face of the Lianon Church, handling diplomacy on their behalf. Behind the scenes, she is also a fanatical believer who denies gods other than the goddess Lianon, and she considers the Strasclaid Empire, which worships the goddess Arianrod, as her enemy.

The term “witch” was coined because of her. I don’t really understand the difference between a witch and a mage or wizard, but according to the Lianon Church, a “witch” refers to foolish individuals who have been captivated by magic and have abandoned common sense, regardless of gender. It’s all quite perplexing.

“…I am extremely grateful for your kind words, Saint.”

That’s a lie. There’s nothing more painful to me than these words of blessing from her. After all, she is one of the instigators, acting on behalf of Louis, the second prince, who is plotting to use me to bring about the downfall of the Strasclaid Empire.

“Gustav, it’s quite distressing to see someone as splendid as you go to a savage nation like the Strasclaid Empire and become the husband of Princess Abigail, who is known as the ‘Guillotine Princess.’ Nevertheless, please, for the sake of the Valrois Kingdom…”

She took my hand and her eyes welled up with tears. It seems that being the “Saint” requires more than just the power of healing; acting is also part of the package.

But…

“Please rest assured. I will surely become a bridge between the Valrois Kingdom and the Strasclaid Kingdom. So… Saint, please lend me your support.”

“Yes… Gustav…”

With a firm grip on my hand and tears in her eyes, the saint finally shed tears and her voice trembled. To the nobles around her, this vixen must appear incredibly charming and beautiful.

“Saint… I hate to see you go, but there are others waiting…”

“Sob… Yes, you’re right.”

She wiped her tears away with her index finger, bowed politely, and left this place, looking back several times.

Watching her retreating figure, I couldn’t help but curl my lips upward.

I’m really looking forward to what’s to come.

The moment that beautiful face is tainted with despair.