Chapter 52
“So, Your Highness, where were you during that time?”
After the match with Glenn, I found myself questioned by Princess Abigail in her room.
Following that, I was interrogated in a similar manner after returning to the training grounds, but Claire acted quickly and came up with an excuse about official duties to take me away, saving me from more grilling.
But still…
“Well, actually…”
I explained the situation, avoiding mentioning Claire’s involvement in conspiring to separate us. I just couldn’t bring myself to hurt her further.
Moreover, I couldn’t rule out the possibility of Princess Abigail being in danger in the future, so I had to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
“So, you rescued Claire when Count Golton’s agents were trying to threaten her, is that right?”
“Yes… I became concerned about her, so I followed her, and I never expected it to turn out like this.”
It seems I managed to hide it well. Now the focus should be on Count Golton.
“What do you plan to do from here?”
“Well, you may not recall, but Count Golton is the person who approached me at the party on the day I arrived in the kingdom, asking for favors. So, I think I’ll investigate whether there’s any information available through the kingdom.”
“I see…”
Princess Abigail covered her mouth and seemed to be deep in thought.
“Do you have any leads?”
“Well, not particularly… but, how should I put it, Count Golton is a neutral figure, and he’s a fairly influential noble. But he doesn’t have the power to send such people into the palace.”
That’s something I’ve also been pondering. When I initially speculated, I considered an aristocrat with ties to the royal family.
Claire could be lying, but she had no reason to do so, especially when her life was at risk.
“In any case, let’s investigate Count Golton’s background and go from there.”
“Alright…”
Though this situation has dampened the victory, I had to prioritize Princess Abigail’s safety. Count Golton needed to be watched closely.
“Your Highness?”
“Well… thank you very much for everything regarding Lord Glenn. With this, I have gained control over all the military both inside and outside the palace, and I have acquired the power to rival Bridget.”
Princess Abigail straightened up and bowed deeply.
“Please, stop that. This is not only for your sake but also for mine. So, let’s work together to ensure your safety.”
With a smile on my face, I reassured her.
“So…”
“Even so, since you, Your Highness, became my fiancée and came to the kingdom, you’ve given me so much. I… I can’t thank you enough.”
She hurriedly tried to get up, but she kept her head bowed.
Truly, this woman…
“No, that’s not right. I’ve received so much more from you. You’re the one who rescued me from that prison called the Valrois Kingdom, and you’ve given me hope and a future. It’s all thanks to Your Highness, no one else.”
Above all, it’s because you gave me a continuation of that day… with your awkward smile.
“I wanted all of this to happen. Every time I see you happy, every time you smile, it makes me so happy.”
“Oh…”
“So, please show me more of your smile. Let me see your happiness. That’s my wish.”
“Truly… Your Highness…”
Taking her small hand, I smiled at her.
Yes, in this second chance at life, I’ve received many irreplaceable things.
“Sob… I’ve done nothing but cry since Your Highness Gustav arrived.”
“Hahaha… You made me cry many times too, so it’s even, isn’t it?”
“Oh, really…”
Princess Abigail slumped against my chest.
And then, she showed me a smile that was only meant for me.
“…Just to be sure, there’s nothing… between you and Claire, right?”
“Naturally!”
My fiancée turned out to be surprisingly jealous and possessive, it seems. She sent me a somewhat suspicious look from within my chest. I could only respond with a wry smile.