“So… you need my help? To replace Miss Aris?”
‘He’ll try to sweet-talk me into it now.’
His voice pleading for my help echoed in my mind.
[Help me, Igraine.]But.
“No.”
Hubert shook his head.
“I came to say you don’t have to become a mere figurehead princess.”
“What are you talking about? You just said I should step in.”
“That was Lady Emerun’s opinion. Of course, her words had some merit. But how could I push you, my benefactor, into such a position? Even if the family is in danger, it’s unacceptable. I should have come earlier, but I was so troubled. Forgive me for coming at this late hour.”
Hubert took my hand. I looked uneasily at my hand in his pale one.
“Were you very upset?”
“…….”
“Don’t worry. I promised to protect you.”
[I will protect you, Igraine!]Knowing it was ridiculous, I used my mother’s sacrifice to fantasize about marrying him, because I loved him.
I blinked. The more I blinked, the more the old sentiments faded, and the man in front of me became clear.
Despite his kind smile, there was a weary look on his face.
As if to show me.
The moment I felt his actions were contrived, I snapped back to reality.
‘Right. He was always like this.’
Hubert Lorenst, choosing to respect his adopted sister’s wishes over the family’s elevation to royalty.
This story, once known, will become another anecdote of his kindness.
‘This cunning man.’
I lived for Hubert. As a lowly maid, and even after my status changed, I gave my all.
But now I know. Even if I refuse to become a princess now, as per his words, the outcome will be the same.
Hubert will make sure I accept this role myself.
‘It won’t be as troublesome this time, Master.’
I lowered my eyes, as I did during the family meeting.
“But doing so will trouble you.”
“……Huh?”
I continued to gaze at the carpeted floor without lifting my head, portraying a suitably submissive demeanor.
Aware of public opinion, the Lorenst family treated me with respect but internally resented my origins as a maid’s daughter. My obedient appearance was what they found most satisfying.
“If I refuse, Miss Aris will have to become the royal sacrifice. That would make you suffer, wouldn’t it?”
Is this the right moment?
Timing my move, I slowly lifted my head. Hubert was staring at me with wide eyes, surprised by my unexpected demeanor.
I gave a wistful smile.
“I don’t want you to suffer. If I can prevent that by becoming a princess, then I’m willing.”
“But if you do, then you will…”
I gently grasped his stammering hand.
“Think about it. Who proposed this marriage alliance?”
“Rodlarky Dobelakan.”
“Was the emperor’s seal on that letter?”
Hubert frowned.
“No way. It was only the crown prince’s.”
“Then it’s fine.”
“What do you mean by fine?”
“This is likely just the crown prince’s unilateral decision. He’s trying to check the Fifth Prince, who threatens his power. The aging emperor is just turning a blind eye. But the Fifth Prince is also a potential successor, right?”
I asked cautiously to avoid suspicion. Hubert nodded, signaling for me to continue.
“Then the Fifth Prince must also have significant power. He wouldn’t participate in such a nonsensical matter. Besides, isn’t he rumored to be a homosexual?”
“That’s the rumor.”
“Even if he isn’t, what benefit would a marriage with a kingdom’s princess bring to an imperial prince? If the marriage does happen, it would be a problem diplomatically and politically.”
“…….”
“The king probably wants another princess as a backup, just in case the marriage actually happens. Like a spare.”
“…….”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Hubert muttered with a strange expression.
“You think like me.”
‘Of course. It’s what you said in my previous life.’
Externally, I feigned ignorance.
“Really?”
“You’re right. His Majesty is furiously protesting, but it’s just for show. He doesn’t really think the marriage with the empire will happen.”
Hubert slightly lifted the corner of his mouth. It almost seemed like a sneer.
“The imperial family can have several wives, or as they call it, Katuns. His Majesty worries that if the marriage happens, Princess Laratu might end up as just one of many wives.”
“Then it’s an advantage for us.”
“Advantage?”
“Yes. If the marriage falls through, our family remains unharmed yet gains the status of having a princess. Wouldn’t His Majesty favor a family that demonstrated such loyalty in a crisis?”
Hubert pondered for a moment before tilting his head.
“But what if the marriage really happens?”
I paused briefly. In my previous life, the duke’s daughter committed suicide, leading to the cancellation of the marriage.
If the empire had really wanted the marriage, Princess Laratu would have stepped in, but that never happened.
Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.
Synopsis:
Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.
Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.
Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.
Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.
There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.
