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.

“Please rest here until the ceremony begins.”

We were led to a private reception room prepared for the royal family in the ceremony venue. Princess Abigail and I took our seats. Bridget, the main participant in the ceremony, had a separate room.

Well, it was about an hour until the start of the ceremony.

“Princess Abigail, has His Majesty the Emperor already arrived at the venue?”

“As far as I’ve been informed, His Majesty is expected to arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony… Claire.”

“Your Highness, just as His Highness expected.”

Princess Abigail confirmed with Claire, and her efforts to regain trust were evident.

“Is there something on your mind…?”

“Oh, no, I just wanted to make sure. If His Majesty doesn’t arrive, the ceremony can’t begin, so I was a bit concerned.”

“I see.”

I continued to engage Princess Abigail in conversation until five minutes before the scheduled start time. Marriet and Claire stood quietly behind us. Both of them were noblewomen serving as ladies-in-waiting, so their etiquette was impeccable.

Ah, it’s almost time.

“Princess Abigail, I’m sorry, but it seems I’ve become a bit nervous. I’ll go wash my face quickly.”

“Are you okay?”

As I stood up and said that, Princess Abigail peered at my face with a worried expression.

“Yes, I’ll be back soon. Marriet, please wait here.”

“Of course.”

I left the reception room and started searching for the room where King Edward would be.

Then, it happened.

“Hahaha! We’re able to hold the ceremony safely again this year!”

“Huh?”

King Edward, accompanied by his attendants and the commander of the knights, Glenn, arrived boisterously, laughing heartily.

“Oh? Gustave, did you happen to get lost on the way here?”

King Edward noticed my presence and asked with a sly smile.

Glenn, standing behind him, didn’t change his expression at all and put his hand on his sword hilt. He seemed to treat me just as suspiciously as he would an intruder. No, probably even more so.

“Your Majesty, I extend my greetings to the Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor. However… I actually have something I’d like to discuss, if I may…”

I said that and glanced around, signaling that I wanted everyone to leave.

However, this was a gamble. Normally, requesting an audience just before the start of the ceremony would seem highly suspicious, especially without Princess Abigail by my side.

“Hmm…”

King Edward contemplated while stroking his beard.

“Everyone, leave the room until the ceremony begins.”

“Your Majesty!”

Glenn immediately objected, but King Edward shook his head and didn’t allow it.

“Now, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

King Edward and I were alone in the room, and the door slowly closed.

“So, what is it that you wanted to tell me?”

With emerald eyes like Bridget’s, King Edward looked at me.

…As expected of the “Golden Lion King,” his presence was overwhelming.

But I couldn’t afford to be intimidated right now. I had only fifteen minutes.

I couldn’t waste this perfect opportunity.

“Your Majesty, I must say that I believe the ceasefire agreement with the Valrois Kingdom is not in the Empire’s best interest.”

“Why is that?”

I hesitated, and then continued.

“Well, despite your impressive victories, it seems unnecessary for the Empire to agree to this ceasefire at this point. You could continue your expansion without any constraints.”

King Edward’s gaze intensified, and he stared at me with a sharp look.

“Your Highness Gustave, words can be dangerous, you know?”

King Edward quickly drew his sword and pressed the tip to my neck.

I felt a drop of blood trickling down my throat.

But I couldn’t back down now.

“I must say, Your Majesty, that I believe this ceasefire is a poor decision for the Empire.”

“Why is that?”

“Because… Your Majesty, even though you’ve achieved such remarkable progress, it appears that the Empire is not satisfied with the current situation. In the near future, you may unilaterally break this ceasefire and pose a threat to the Empire.”

King Edward stared at me in silence.

“The Empire’s successors are Princess Abigail and Princess Bridget, as you know. Despite Your Majesty’s good health, there is an ongoing struggle for the throne behind the scenes. Do you believe that the nation will stabilize under these circumstances?”

“…”

And now… the crucial moment had arrived.

—The moment I would finally hear the continuation of that day’s words.

“Your Majesty… what happened to your claw?”

“What!?”

With those words, King Edward gasped and visibly panicked.