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Chapter 13
“Uh… no. Of course not.”
In the original novel, Friedrich had been described as the most beautiful man in the entire world.
At least in my generation, no one could surpass his looks.
But Friedrich shook his head seriously, a worried look on his face.
“Your Highness hasn’t seen every man in the world, after all.”
“Oh, come on. So?”
“If someone more handsome than me were to appear…”
He hesitated briefly before asking,
“Would you marry that man instead?”
“Even if I did… wouldn’t that be after I’ve already married you?”
“But you broke off your engagement with Duke Rommel, didn’t you?”
“That was… just a betrothal. A marriage is a completely different matter.”
I frowned slightly.
“Why are you suddenly asking something like that?”
“…No reason.”
He said that, but Friedrich’s expression was unbearably sorrowful.
“It was an impertinent question. I’ve already been granted more than I deserve—to still be alive and allowed to remain by your side.”
“You’re sitting diagonally across from me.”
I tilted my head and pointed out,
“Say those kinds of things after you come sit next to me.”
“…May I?”
“You sat next to me yesterday. And this morning we woke up side by si—”
I stopped myself mid-sentence.
Ah, I was going to bring that up when the mood was better.
But fine. Better to just get it over with.
“I actually called you here to apologize for last night. I still don’t remember what happened, but I’m sorry. You must have been really shocked, right?”
“…It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“No, you don’t have to say that. From now on, lock your door when you sleep. Not that I’ll be coming by again, but better safe than anxious.”
“…Not coming by again?”
Friedrich looked dazed.
“I shouldn’t, right? If I keep going back and forth, someone might discover your secret. We have to be careful.”
“…Ah.”
Friedrich’s face fell.
“Right. The curse.”
“Well, that’s a harsh way to put it… Try to think of it positively, Friedrich. Do you know how many people would pay to be younger? It’s not something money can buy.”
“But if I stay like this forever, Your Highness will lose the reason you chose me as a husband.”
“What reason…”
I was about to ask when a thought struck me dumb.
And before I could respond, Friedrich went on.
“You might end up in an unsatisfying marriage.”
“…You’re the one who told me not to lay a finger on you, remember?”
“That was just my will…”
“Then I’ll respect your will too.”
I smirked and crooked my finger, signaling him to come closer.
Friedrich hesitated, then slowly sat down beside me.
I reached out and squished his cheeks between my hands.
“Goodness, how can someone look this handsome even with a face like a squished fish?”
“L–let go of me…!”
“Just looking at you makes me happy and satisfied. Where could I possibly find another husband this perfect for display?”
And that face I can only see at night—it’s pretty cute, too.
At that, Friedrich made an uncertain expression, as if he couldn’t decide whether to be pleased or offended.
“So don’t worry about me being unsatisfied. And your secret…”
Actually, it was something that would resolve itself once we divorced and he reunited with his first love.
That’s why the original story’s title was about him being unable to forget his first love.
But since he seemed so stressed, I decided I’d at least pretend to try for now.
“I’ll look into a solution. The Imperial Library has restricted tomes on curses and magic—there’s bound to be something useful.”
Besides, I needed to figure out how to regain my own magic power anyway.
I couldn’t just sit around doing nothing.
Even if I decided to retire to the countryside, it’s always better with magic than without!
“…Thank you.”
His cheeks grew warm under my palms. Curious, I met his eyes directly—only for him to hurriedly look away.
“Then, about tomorrow’s victory banquet partner…”
“Oh, the banquet.”
Right, I kept forgetting to ask him about that.
“Normally, you’d be going with me, but if you don’t like parties, I can just go alone.”
After five years in captivity, a crowded celebration would be overwhelming.
Not to mention, as a fallen prince, he’d attract plenty of unwanted attention.
Sure, it would be awkward to go alone after what I said to Joachim, but better that than putting Friedrich in an uncomfortable spot.
“It’s fine if you don’t have a partner—”
“No, I don’t dislike them.”
He cut in before I could finish.
Surprised, I blinked. He lowered his gaze quickly, thinking he’d been rude.
“…My apologies.”
“Huh? No, it’s fine.”
I shook my head, murmuring,
“That’s unexpected. I thought you wouldn’t want to go. Even as my fiancé, you’re still a fallen prince.”
I frowned slightly.
“Some people might gossip when they think I’m not listening. You sure you’ll be okay? If not, I can go over there and—”
“It’s fine.”
“…Really?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
Was he always this sociable? I was thrown off for a moment.
No way. In the original, he was a total introvert.
After ascending the throne, he practically abolished court banquets altogether.
“You said you’d ‘teach them a lesson,’ didn’t you?”
“Huh?”
And then came the unexpected reason.
I blinked blankly, and Friedrich looked up at me carefully.
That gaze—intense and entrancing—made me nod before I knew it.
“Uh, yeah… I’ll teach them a lesson.”
Oh no. That was just an expression.
I don’t even have my magic right now—how am I supposed to teach anyone a lesson?
I’ll be lucky if I’m not the one getting scolded.
“Just stay close to me tomorrow, alright? Even if you don’t like it, you have to.”
“Understood.”
“Good…”
I sighed in relief after making him promise.
“Tomorrow, I’ll make the official announcement that we’re getting married.”
“…”
“I’ll even set the wedding date. The sooner, the better, right?”
“…I suppose so.”
“Exactly. No point in delaying. Let’s just get it over with.”
“Still, I think we should wait at least a month.”
Friedrich spoke softly.
“I need some time to think.”
“Think? About what? Whether or not to go through with the marriage?”
“No, just… about this and that.”
I almost said, You’re not the one planning the ceremony, but stopped myself.
Fair enough—suddenly being told you’re getting married would unsettle anyone.
“Think all you want. Just don’t end up deciding you don’t want to marry me.”
At that, Friedrich looked straight at me and murmured quietly,
“…You too, Your Highness.”
Thanks to all my meticulous preparation, the banquet dinner was magnificent, and we retired to our own chambers afterward.
The next afternoon, I began getting ready for the victory celebration—an ordeal rivaling preparations for battle.
After a bath, I was massaged head to toe with rose oil, my long hair brushed and arranged strand by strand, and layers of makeup applied before the corset was cinched tight enough to steal my breath.
Then came a blood-red gown, a ruby tiara, gold earrings, and matching shoes.
For a victory banquet, the goal was to exude strength and authority.
“You look incredible, Your Highness—like the goddess of war herself!”
“Anyone who sees you will know the next heir is you, without question!”
“Really? Maybe I should make the makeup a little lighter?”
“…Pardon?”
As expected of my handmaids—always brutally honest.
Too bad I just wanted to live like a normal person.
Well, just for tonight.
I smiled weakly and waved off their concern.
“Where’s Friedrich?”
“He’s ready as well.”
“You told them to make him look as handsome as possible, right? Not that he needs help, but I don’t want those nobles looking down on a fallen prince.”
I can’t actually teach them a lesson—so we’ll have to intimidate them with looks instead.
“Did you see him yourself? How does he look?”
At my question, Elsa made a strange face and gave a cryptic answer.
“…It would be best if you saw for yourself, Your Highness.”
