Chapter 31: As the King Says

Even with escort knights present, Michaelis stayed close—too close.

When I looked up at him, he narrowed his eyes gently and returned a soft smile.

No, that’s not it.

I want to become an independent adult woman, not a helpless little girl who needs constant support.

And yet, the hand placed firmly at my waist showed no sign of leaving.

Strangely enough, despite how close he was, it wasn’t hard to walk at all.

Our strides should be completely different, yet it felt perfectly natural.

He must be very used to escorting ladies.

He’s probably extremely popular.

I would love to stand by the wall and observe that someday.

…But before I could indulge in such thoughts, we had already arrived in front of the door.

The guard knight stationed there looked slightly surprised at the sight of me and Michaelis together, but quickly announced our arrival.

Inside, at a table set with tea, sat King Lauzes and Queen Mesalin, facing each other.

Unlike Princess Elmedia, they looked very similar to their portraits, which was a relief.

I would rather not have my image of the royal family shattered any further.

After confirming their presence, I immediately bowed my head.

“It has been a while… no, the one I saw was your mother, wasn’t it? You would not know. My apologies. You resemble Christina so very much.”

“I am deeply honored by Your Majesty’s words. My mother would surely be delighted as well. It is the greatest honor to be granted an audience. Your Majesty King Lauzes, Her Majesty Queen Mesalin.

It is my first time before you. I am Albertina von Lattiche, daughter of Duke Grail of the Lattiche family.”

I performed a curtsy.

It’s hard, you know?

A proper curtsy is basically a squat in a dress.

And these dresses are heavy.

Between the structure, the layers, and everything else—it’s brutal.

The elegance comes at the cost of blood, sweat, and tears.

And don’t even get me started on crinolines and panniers.

They’re not just fabric—they’re actual frameworks made of bone or wire.

All to maintain that perfect silhouette.

Thankfully, mine is custom-made from lightweight monster bone.

Apparently, it’s a material normally used for weapons.

Of course it is.

Father’s idea, no doubt.

“Raise your head.”

Before Michaelis or Jibril could greet them, His Majesty spoke.

I obeyed.

When I lifted my face, I found him closer than expected.

“I wish to see your face clearly… You truly resemble her. If only you had black hair and the royal eyes, you would be her very image.”

I felt cold sweat form.

That is my natural hair and eye color.

He must be seeing someone else in me.

His green eyes softened with nostalgia.

“I understand why Grail dotes on you… Christina was everything to him.

Lucas has meddled with something he never should have. If not for this, Grail would be the kingdom’s greatest guardian.”

“Your Majesty…”

His sigh carried weight.

I’m truly sorry—my father is… extremely devoted.

“Mesalin, I told you well, did I not?

No matter what else happens, never interfere with Grail—the Lattiche family.

He cares not for power, fame, or wealth… but never touch what he treasures.”

His gaze returned to me.

“If you resembled Grail more, his attachment might have been more moderate.

But with this appearance… it is impossible not to see Christina.

He means no harm, but he is… extreme.

His sense of love differs from ordinary people.”

“I love my father very much.”

Even if his love is overwhelming, it is never meant to hurt me.

He is simply… clumsy with affection.

And I am the only one he can pour it into.

If anything, I feel guilty for not being able to return it properly.

Strangely, I did not fear His Majesty.

Unlike other men, his gaze felt gentle—almost like Father’s in a different way.

I found myself smiling naturally.

“…I understand now why Grail does not wish to let you leave.”

…Did I already give myself away?

I thought I was acting properly.

Then—

His Majesty patted my head.

“Thank you for bringing Grail back to himself.

After losing Christina, he was… unstable.

He calmed after retrieving you, but… I never wish to see him like that again.”

He looked far away for a moment.

I bowed again in thanks.

Though I had done nothing.

Come to think of it…

When Father found me after the kidnapping, his expression was terrifying.

The king smiled gently.

He looked older than Father, perhaps burdened by his duties—and by his children.

My condolences.

But…

His hand was still on my head.

Not just patting—stroking.

Is this normal?

I have no reference for this.

A cough from the queen finally made him withdraw.

“Ah, you are from the Domitrias family.”

“I am Michaelis von Domitrias. I am honored by Your Majesty’s recognition.”

“And I am Jibril von Domitrias.”

“Well done in the recent tournament. I am proud to have warriors like you in this kingdom.”

“Your praise is most appreciated.”

They bowed again.

I tried to step back—

But my hand was still being held.

I was trapped.

My heart was trembling.

“…We shall settle the matter of Elmedia here.

She is… overly impulsive.

At least she did not set her sights on Kishtarial.”

“Even as her mother, I cannot approve of her conduct…”

The queen hid her face behind her fan.

Then fix it.

Father already replaced all the tutors, didn’t he?

“If Grail is angered further, heads will roll—literally.”

“This is no laughing matter! Are we to tolerate him so easily!?”

“He does not act unless provoked.

He is harsh toward incompetence, but he performs his duties flawlessly.

Since his intervention, Lucas has begun to listen, has he not?”

“…But…”

“Lucas and Leold are still young.

They may be swayed by women or lose themselves in love.

If such a woman were of higher standing—or from a ducal house—

the consequences would be disastrous.”

The queen fell silent.

Please don’t drag me into royal politics.

“If that girl became queen, she would only become a source of conflict.

And I question whether any child she bears would even be my son’s.”

…That’s absolutely unacceptable for a noble lady.

But with Renaria, it’s not impossible.

The queen turned pale.

The royal bloodline must remain pure.

It is tied to their magic.

Their power protects the kingdom.

Without it, everything collapses.

The weight of that expectation is… terrifying.

And yet—

Here I am, right next to the king.

“Forgive me. You resemble not only Christina, but also my sister.

…We lost them both too soon.

I find it difficult to let you go.”

So my face works on the king too.

How convenient.

I smiled brightly.

I like this king.

Unlike that blond prince.

…Wait.

This mindset is exactly why I’ll never become a proper independent lady.