SPWHC 17

Chapter 17

“I was foolish not to realize sooner that Your Highness’s marriage is part of a generous and inclusive policy — a way to show mercy by treating the conquered people as equals.”

Wow. Even for “dream interpretation,” this was a stretch.

I stared at Joachim, my mouth hanging open. Of all the ways to misread a situation, he had picked the wildest one.

And yet, he looked pleased — like a student who had just solved an impossible riddle.

“As expected of Your Highness,” he said, smiling with quiet admiration. “You understand that one may conquer the world from horseback, but cannot govern it that way.”

Unbelievable.

“Since ancient times, defending a territory has been far harder than winning it.”

“I don’t have any grand plan like that,” I said flatly. “I’m marrying him because his face is my type.”

“Appearances matter in politics and propaganda alike.”

I’m going to lose my mind. Sure, with Friedrich’s looks, even I might believe any nonsense he said — but still!

“…I wasn’t going to say this, but fine.”

Now that Joachim had seen Friedrich’s face, I figured it was safe. I met his bright, expectant gaze and spoke clearly.

“I’ve decided not to inherit the throne.”

Joachim froze for a moment, his expression going blank. At least he didn’t break something the way Elsa would have.

‘So… he’s not shocked?’

“You needn’t worry,” he said suddenly, regaining his calm far too quickly.

Wait, that was too easy…

“There’s no need to lie to me, Your Highness,” he continued gently. “If it’s to stop me from pestering you about marriage, I understand.”

…Of course.

“Why do you think I’m lying? After a few wars, I’m just tired. I want to live quietly, in the countryside, with a gentle husband and clever children — a simple, peaceful life.”

“Then you could expand the imperial gardens,” he suggested, “and add a stream and a forest.”

“I mean outside the palace. Away from it all.”

I put real emphasis into my voice. Finally, he looked a little convinced — or rather, confused.

“How could a tiger choose to live as a housecat?” Joachim asked softly, frowning.

If I’d had magic, maybe I could’ve lived like the original Renee — quietly, freely.

But right now?

I wasn’t even a cat. More like a mouse.

“My decision isn’t up for debate,” I said coldly. “And it has nothing to do with you.”

Joachim bit his lip, clearly hurt. If I comforted him now, he’d just misunderstand again.

“…I can’t believe it,” he said finally.

“Believe it or not, it doesn’t—”

“Please,” he cut me off. “Give me a chance to believe you.”

I opened my mouth to scold him for interrupting me, but then he spoke again.

“Make me your consort — your lover. If I can stay by your side, perhaps I’ll come to believe your words.”

I went completely still. My jaw dropped.

“I came here to say that,” Joachim added calmly, as if this were a normal conversation.

It clearly wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea — which somehow made it worse.

“So, you’re saying,” I began slowly, “you want to become the mistress of me, who’s marrying Friedrich as my official husband?”

“Yes.”

“The sole Duke of Stade, willing to serve beneath a dethroned prince?”

I narrowed my eyes, giving him one last warning.

“There’s nothing in this for you. You’ll be mocked — the only duke of Stade, reduced to a mere lover…”

“But the lover of Your Highness,” he said warmly. “The future Empress of Stade.”

I threw up my hands. “I told you, I’m not becoming emperor!”

“If anyone mocks me,” he went on, utterly unfazed, “it’ll just be sour grapes — jealousy of the honor they’ll never know. How petty.”

He’d clearly been traumatized by Friedrich calling him “vulgar” last night, because he kept using the word “petty” and “vulgar” over and over.

“Last night, I thought carefully about what my feelings truly are,” he continued earnestly. “While I waited for Your Highness, I prepared myself to serve you.”

Then, to my dismay, Joachim sank to one knee in front of me.

For a second, I flashed back to the victory banquet — the same posture, the same reverent expression.

“So even if I cannot have the title of husband,” he said solemnly, “please allow me to offer you my devotion.”

He looked up at me with such pleading eyes that I almost pitied him. Almost.

“I’m sorry,” I sighed, “but I don’t plan on having a lover.”

“Do you not like my face?”

“What? No, it’s a fine face! A very fine face.”

“Then you should have it,” he said simply. “Treasures are better in abundance. Why refuse?”

I was momentarily speechless. He wasn’t wrong — the original Renee would never turn down a beautiful man.

But I had to keep quiet, or he’d take silence as encouragement.

And sure enough, he did.

“I’ll wait,” Joachim said, smiling so serenely it was almost harmless. “I know my request may seem sudden.”

He bowed his head slightly, voice soft as silk.

“I only hope Your Highness will think kindly of my devotion — I’ve kept myself pure all this time, waiting for you.”

That was… a lot. Why did he sound like a monk making a vow of chastity?

“…Just go for now,” I said finally. “I’ll think about it.”

His eyes lit up with hope. I instantly felt guilty.

But really — I had no intention of changing my mind.

It would be hard enough to divorce Friedrich someday. Why make my life twice as complicated? No, thank you.

“Did the Duke of Rommel say anything?” Elsa asked as I returned to my room. “I thought he’d come to apologize.”

“He asked me to make him my lover,” I said wearily.

Crash!

Something shattered.

It wasn’t Elsa.

Then who—

“Ah…”

I turned toward the sound. At Friedrich’s feet lay a broken vase, flowers scattered across the floor.

…He heard.

Our eyes met, and I knew.

He definitely heard.

It felt exactly like getting caught cheating — before even being married.

‘I didn’t even do anything! He confessed to me!’

Before I could explain, Friedrich suddenly crouched down and started hurriedly picking up the sharp porcelain shards.

He’s going to cut himself—

“Wait, stop—”

“Ah.”

Too late. He flinched, a short gasp escaping his lips. I rushed over, alarmed.

“Are you okay?”

Blood was already seeping from a cut across his palm. I scowled.

“What were you thinking, picking that up barehanded?”

Unlike other noble ladies, Renee never carried a dainty handkerchief — she was more the “rip her own dress lining” type.

I tore off a strip of fabric from my gown and quickly wrapped it around his hand.

“Elsa, call for the physician—”

Before I could finish, a clear droplet of water fell to the floor beside the blood.

What—

I looked up. Friedrich’s head was bowed low, hiding his face.

“…Friedrich, are you crying?”

Oh no. Maybe I’d yelled too much. The cut wasn’t even that bad…

But when I saw his blood, I’d just snapped without thinking.

“Hey, it’s not that serious. I didn’t mean to be harsh…”

“…”

“I’m sorry for yelling, okay? Please, look at me?”

It felt ridiculous — trying to comfort a grown man twice my size like a crying child — but I swallowed my pride and kept my voice gentle.

“I just got startled by the blood, that’s all. You understand, right?”

“…I’m not crying.”

He said that — in the most obviously teary voice imaginable. I nearly laughed but held it in.

“Alright, fine. Then lift your head, yeah? Let me see your face.”

“…”

Slowly, Friedrich raised his head.

His eyes were still wet, his face soft and sorrowful — like a flower drenched in rain.

…What the hell am I thinking, admiring him right now?

I looked away quickly, guilt prickling in my chest.

Then Friedrich spoke, voice barely above a whisper.

“…Do you find my face unpleasant?”