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Chapter – 10
“What did you say?”
“Hoho. It seems that’s not the case.”
“Your Majesty!”
I needed to fix this playful atmosphere somehow.
But since the water was already spilled, I decided to honestly express my thoughts.
“I wanted to fulfill my role as a member of the royal family.”
“No one ever forced that role on you.”
“I made this decision after thinking about it for a long time.”
It’s useless to lie in front of the experienced Emperor. I straightened my posture, remembering royal dignity.
“If my marriage is decided, then Father won’t need to remarry.”
For the nobles who wanted to fill the empty space left by my dead mother, Astarote’s existence was just an excuse for remarriage.
“I don’t like that.”
“If your father remarries, then that statement would be correct.”
“But I want to protect Father.”
Even though I am only ten years old, the one inside me is not truly a child.
Even if everything becomes meaningless after everyone dies, I still spoke firmly.
“I am also a member of the royal family.”
The Emperor said nothing for a long time after hearing my determination.
My heart was pounding so loudly I felt anxious.
‘Is it okay? Or not?’
There was no change in affection value, so I hadn’t caused a disaster… probably.
After a long silence, the Emperor sighed deeply.
Then he placed his hand on my head.
“You’ve truly grown a lot.”
“Your Majesty.”
His eyes were full of affection. It was obvious how much he adored me.
I then handed him the proposal letter Ryan had given me.
[(Completed) Sub Quest: Love’s Vow]
Reward – [Charm] +28
[Charm] 35 (▲28)/99
And finally, the last sub quest appeared.
[(New) Sub Quest – Declaration of War]
State your intention to become king.
Time limit: 10 minutes
After seeing the final quest of the main mission “Royal Candidate Apprentice! Greetings!”, I smiled.
This was nothing compared to everything before.
“I want to apply to become a king candidate.”
[(Completed) Sub Quest: Declaration of War]
[(Completed) Main Quest: Royal Candidate Apprentice! Greetings!]
I forced a calm smile as the screen sparkled.
‘So it begins.’
This is the first step into a completely new route.
The Emperor looked at my excited expression and spoke.
“How can I send such a young and lovely child down such a harsh path?”
“I am fully qualified to take on the challenge.”
After my older siblings died in an unfortunate accident, Emperor Rodrigo had told me many times:
“I do not wish to place such a difficult burden on you, my child.”
But the throne is a place where one must sometimes play the villain.
And because Marquis Montpellier had taken control of many nobles, the royal family’s position had become even more unstable.
But every right comes with responsibility.
And I was ready to wear that heavy crown.
“I no longer want my fate decided by others.”
The Emperor laughed at my determined expression.
“How bold.”
I was only ten, but I was completely serious.
“You will eventually realize it’s only me.”
“What?”
I understood better than anyone what it takes to be a king candidate.
I had seen it, trained it, and struggled through it with others.
Why didn’t I think of this sooner?
Instead of fixing broken pieces… I could simply do it myself.
“…If only you had been born as my daughter, things would have been easier.”
“That I’ll refuse. I really, really like my father.”
“Look at this one.”
The Emperor laughed heartily and messed up my pink hair.
“From now on, I need to speak with Asta alone.”
“I will take my leave first.”
Ryan, who had seemed like just another quiet NPC, left the room.
“I did not expect you to choose that child.”
“You tried to betroth my sister to him, didn’t you?”
The Emperor is hard to read.
“Why do you think I did that?”
Even without a quest, I knew saying the wrong thing could ruin affection.
I calmly organized my thoughts.
“Granada is the royal family’s strongest ally. You couldn’t let it fall into noble hands.”
“And?”
“One more reason…”
“The Emperor did not want my sister to be sold into a political marriage.”
“Why would you think that?”
Because she already has someone she loves.
Even a political engagement like that could serve as a shield.
“I thought you wanted her to marry someone she loves.”
My sister is more of an artist than a politician.
To allow that hidden lover:
“Breaking an engagement from a royal daughter is not a flaw.”
“Oh?”
By breaking a political engagement and later allowing a love marriage, both political and personal goals could be achieved.
Everything the Emperor does has a reason.
I just didn’t see it before.
“What do you think my feelings were, watching my family die?”
“This will be a difficult trial.”
“I understand.”
“People will insult you for things you didn’t do. Others will resent your very existence.”
That was what the Emperor meant when he spoke of admiration.
It would be a lonely position.
“Your Majesty.”
“Still, you will not change your mind?”
There was no turning back now.
I nodded firmly.
The Emperor’s eyes shone.
“Then I have no choice but to train you harshly.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
I accepted my fate, feeling the strong scent of a “true ending” route.
Then the Emperor ordered something to be brought.
“This is earlier than planned, but I should give this to you.”
“This is….”
“Your tiara.”
It was originally meant to be given at age fourteen, when royal duties begin.
I never expected it was already completed.
“No matter what others say, you are royal blood. Never forget that.”
The Emperor placed a diamond-studded tiara on my head himself.
A new quest window appeared.
[(New) Main Quest – Qualification of the King I]
Pass the annual royal trial and obtain the qualification to become king.
Conditions:
Clear all sub quests
Achieve Rank A or higher in the King’s Trial
Ensure survival of target: Grand Duke Halstein
Time limit: 364 days 23:59:59
The moment I saw Father’s name, I bit my lip.
Because I already knew.
His first death happens one year later during a hunting event.
But if I learn the sword, things will change.
“By next year’s hunting tournament, you should be skilled enough to join.”
“Of course. It’s also a chance to restore royal authority.”
“Yes.”
The Emperor nodded and took my hand toward the terrace.
“If your intention becomes known, nobles will strongly resist.”
“I know.”
“If royal authority weakens, they will aim for the throne.”
“You understand well.”
He looked satisfied.
“Then start preparing. Until the day comes when you show the world your qualification as king.”
