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.

“The condition for your brother… is for His Highness Gustave to win in a sword match.”

…Once again, he’s imposing an impossible demand.

Glen is known as the “Rapid Thunder” in the Imperial Kingdom, a man who has slaughtered countless soldiers of the Kingdom.

The first time I sparred with him, I was completely defeated.

Even then, he probably held back in his own way. If not, even with wooden swords, I wouldn’t have come out unscathed.

“What is your decision?”

Claire asked in a flat tone.

She probably knows there’s no chance of me winning. Still, by setting this condition, she might think she’s repaying a debt of sorts.

I…

“…I understand. I accept that condition.”

“What!?”

Claire, who probably didn’t expect me to accept, widened her eyes.

What a rude person, bringing up this condition and then being surprised when I accept it…

“Is that acceptable to you? Unlike last time, this will be a formal match. So, there won’t be any guarantees for His Highness Gustave’s safety…”

“You’ve thought about that as well, haven’t you?”

“…”

I threw some sarcasm her way, and Claire fell silent.

As I thought, that’s what it is. She has a bad personality.

“So, when will the match be…”

“Three months from now. The location will be this training ground.”

“What!?”

Suddenly, a voice interjected, and Claire and I turned to look.

“No matter what His Highness Gustave says, this is one thing I cannot yield on.”

Silas General, who seemed somewhat cheerful, was there.

Next to him, Princess Abigail was looking at me with a determined expression.

“Claire, you should relay this to Glen. ‘His Highness Gustave will surely defeat you.'”

“Yes…”

I didn’t expect General Silas to get involved like this, so Claire nodded apologetically.

No, even I didn’t expect this.

More importantly…

“…Be prepared tonight.”

“Yes…”

I met Princess Abigail’s gaze, and I couldn’t help but shrink back.

◇

“Seriously…”

“I-I’m sorry…”

In the late night of that day, I was earnestly apologizing to the angered Princess Abigail. She had taken care of me diligently after I was battered in the previous match with Glen, so I felt extremely uncomfortable for acting thoughtlessly.

“B-but, General Silas, who adamantly refused a rematch with Lord Glen before, has agreed this time. Meaning, there is a chance for me too… so…”

“…”

I was glared at with a piercing gaze, and my excuses dwindled rapidly, ending in a barely audible voice.

“I… I don’t need Lord Glen’s help. More than such trivial matters, it’s more painful to think about you getting injured…”

“Uh…”

Princess Abigail covered her face with both hands, and her words pierced my heart.

What should I do? Should I cancel the match with Glen after all…

“Hehe, just kidding.”

Peering through the gap between her fingers, Princess Abigail playfully stuck out her tongue.

Her expression and gestures, I couldn’t help but feel my heart race at the sight of this side of her I hadn’t seen before.

“Princess Abigail, that’s cheating…”

“Is it? Well, if so, then that’s a relief.”

In contrast to me, who was covering my heated face with both hands, Princess Abigail seemed somewhat proud.

Truly, how many different expressions does she have?

I wanted to see more of her expressions…

“Um…”

“Even if you tell me to stop, I know you won’t.”

With her face buried in my chest, Princess Abigail muttered.

I noticed that her shoulders were trembling slightly.

“But please promise me one thing… Promise me that you will definitely return to my side unharmed.”

“Princess Abigail…”

Could there be anything more heartwarming than this? The most important woman to me, worrying about me so sincerely.

Even if I could gain control of the entire military power of the Empire by bringing Glen in, and have an advantage over Bridget in the succession struggle for the throne, she still prays for my safety above all else.

She cares about me, the illegitimate child, the unwanted existence, from the bottom of her heart, and she’s the only one.

“I promise. I will absolutely not make you sad. I will return safely to your side.”

“Yes… Yes…”

I hugged the trembling, small body of Princess Abigail and made a firm vow in my heart.

I will never, ever make this precious woman sad.