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.

**Sigh…**

The moment I left the room, I let out a deep breath. For now, I had said what needed to be said. The question was whether King Edward would truly keep his promise…

“What did you discuss with His Majesty, the Emperor?” Glen, the commander of the Imperial Knights, confronted me, his hand on his sword. His demeanor and expression were not those of someone addressing the sixth prince of the Valrois Kingdom, but rather of someone else.

“Why should I answer that?”

“I am the commander of the Imperial Knights, and it is my duty to protect His Majesty. If you pose a threat to him…”

“In that case, go ahead and try.”

I approached him instead, speaking in a low voice.

“Let me make it clear. The fact that I came out of that room unharmed is evidence that His Majesty has given his permission. If you attempt anything against me, it would go against His Majesty’s wishes.”

Glen fell silent.

I had no intention of engaging in further back-and-forth with this man. I pushed past him and headed toward the reception room where Princess Abigail was waiting.

**◇**

“Gustav, what happened to your neck?”

The moment I returned to the room, Princess Abigail rushed to my side, noticing the wound on my neck. I had made a mistake by not concealing it.

“It’s… nothing,” I whispered to her.

She gasped.

“I won’t say anything more about it,” I reassured her, now that I knew she wouldn’t pry further. However, it wasn’t just her who found this suspicious. Mariette and Claire also cast curious glances in my direction.

“Princess Abigail, Prince Gustav, we’re ready to proceed,” a servant informed us at just the right moment.

With Princess Abigail’s small hand in mine, we followed the servant.

“Wow…”

The excited crowd, who had been eagerly awaiting the start of the ceremony, had their anticipation turn to disappointment the moment they saw Princess Abigail and me. Given the current evaluation of Princess Abigail and Bridget, it was only natural.

But…

“Ah…”

“Don’t worry. We’ll change this evaluation next year during the ceremony,” I said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze and offering a small smile. She nodded and squeezed my hand in return.

And then…

“Waaahhh!”

When Bridget entered with King Edward, the excitement in the room reached its peak, and thunderous cheers erupted. Bridget, clearly aware that she was the center of attention, waved to the crowd with a beaming smile.

“Our Empire has finally achieved peace by signing a ceasefire agreement with our long-standing enemy, the Valrois Kingdom, after a century of hostilities. All thanks to the blessings of the Goddess Arianrod,” King Edward began his speech, prompting the crowd to listen attentively to the dignified voice of the “Golden Lion King.”

“However, there is still much to be done to rebuild our nation, which has been worn down by years of war.”

“…”

“Abigail, Bridget, come here,” King Edward suddenly called, and both Princess Abigail and Bridget timidly approached him. I wondered what was happening…

“While I wish to lead our Empire for eternity, my life is not eternal. Therefore, we must choose the next ruler for our Empire…”

King Edward glanced briefly at me.

“I intend to watch over the futures of these two princesses. And, with the help of everyone, determine who is worthy of becoming the next queen.”