CHAPTER 118…………………………………….
The day of the engagement.
From the morning, chaos swept through the capital.
The Second Prince, Carlisle, had completely withdrawn from the crown prince competition and simultaneously declared his support for the Third Prince, Leonhart.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the leisure to enjoy that good news.
[Chapter 5: Completion of Evil]
[Level 3: Adrian began preparations for the engagement ceremony.]
Chapter 4 had been the growth of evil, and now it was already complete. The pace was far too fast.
“Our Piace hasn’t even awakened yet… At this rate, Piace is at a huge disadvantage.”
Of course, the bungling author would adjust the balance eventually.
But that only meant Piace would endure extreme changes. I couldn’t stop worrying.
“Haah…”
“Master? Are you uncomfortable?”
“No.”
“Just hold on a little longer. It’s almost done.”
“Alright.”
In the empire, engagement ceremonies were hosted by the bride’s family, while the weddings were held by the groom’s family.
Currently, over a hundred staff members were in the garden welcoming the guests.
Even Piace was busy getting ready.
Compared to them, I wasn’t busy at all.
I only had to stand still like a mannequin in the bedroom.
For four whole hours, nonetheless.
“Oh my, it fits perfectly. I thought there wouldn’t be time to make adjustments, so I’m really relieved.”
“Right? I think we chose the dress perfectly.”
The maids stepped back, inspecting me from head to toe. The preparations were finally complete.
“Master, how do you feel? Do you like it?”
I wasn’t sure if I liked it—maybe it was too flashy and painful to look at.
The golden dress clung to my figure completely.
Intricate and beautiful patterns were embroidered all over, seemingly crafted from real gold.
No jewels were attached, yet it sparkled brilliantly.
The tiara on my head was gold, the earrings were gold, and whatever was wrapped around my wrists—also golden lace.
“Even twelve strings of pearl bracelets look modest in comparison…”
“That black feather on the left side of my neck… It’s a bit itchy. Can’t I just remove it?”
“It’s part of a matching design with Third Prince Leonhart. I’m afraid it can’t be altered. Is it too uncomfortable?”
“…It’s fine.”
In reality, it didn’t itch at all. It was just overwhelmingly imposing.
[It really is beautiful… but isn’t Rian’s dress uniquely flashy?]
Indeed. Why was mine the only one that fully revealed the figure?
“I think they called this a mermaid design or something…”
[That’s right. Other nobles wear dresses that fit the upper body but flare out below the waist.]
[I didn’t like those balloon-like skirts. The contractor’s dress is much prettier. Right, Gnome?]
[(nod!)]
“Are we finished now?”
“Yes, Master.”
The maids busily removed the full-length mirror and tidied up the jewelry.
All that remained was to announce the engagement in front of Leonhart and the guests, and exchange the promise rings.
Just then, the butler shouted.
“Third Prince Leonhart has arrived!”
A suit with black fabric embroidered in lavish gold thread.
A black feather on the right shoulder made his already broad shoulders appear even wider.
Leonhart strode forward, long legs carrying him gracefully, and presented a bouquet of red roses.
Even at a glance, it looked sophisticated and elegant. Truly the work of a professional.
“…Looks like you bought them from a florist this time.”
“I entrusted the imperial florist.”
“Why?”
“Apparently, picking wildflowers by hand could appear careless. I didn’t know.”
I actually preferred the wildflowers…
[Level 1: (smirking arrogantly) Finally, you’ve gotten a clue. I hope you’re more careful from now on.]
The bungling author had clearly never experienced romance.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“…….”
“For… for what?”
“The Duke suits roses more than wildflowers.”
[Oh my! Oh my! Leonhart’s gaze is so intense! Ack! I can’t handle it!]
[He’s practically biting at the bit to devour Rian. I like it.]
[What are you talking about? He’s just staring because there’s nothing else to see. Right, Gnome?]
[……]
Leonhart’s gaze was so intense my face could melt.
The awkward and embarrassing tension was broken by Piace’s appearance.
“Duke! Your Highness!”
The child wore a dress with a white base embroidered in gold.
It was different from our outfits yet strangely harmonious.
Like a family.
Even for me, someone who felt like an alien in this world, it felt like I finally had roots.
I tried to mask my excitement, speaking coldly.
“Piace, who told you to run around the mansion?”
What if they fell?
“Hehe, don’t worry. I’m really good at running. I’ve never fallen before!”
“….”
Her answer left me speechless, as if she’d read my mind completely.
“Duke! Your Highness! Later, I’ll give you the rings! I’m so excited!”
Piace spread her arms wide and laughed.
She seemed delighted with her assigned role.
“Don’t run at that time.”
“Yes, yes!”
“And…”
“Yes?”
I looked at Leonhart, who produced a document from his suit and handed it to the child.
“Want to read it?”
“Umm… Piace Ebrante’s a-adoption… permit… wha?!?!!!”
It was our adoption application, freshly approved by the emperor.
Piace’s eyes went wide as saucers.
“From today, you must call me Mom.”
“…R-really? I… I have a mom now?”
[Level 1: (snorting) Of course not. To be precise, she didn’t gain a real mother. An adoptive mother isn’t truly a mother.]
“Yes, you have a mother now. Try saying it.”
“Uh… Mo….”
Before she could even say ‘Mom,’ Piace’s tears fell.
Leonhart handed me a handkerchief.
I carefully wiped the child’s eyes.
“Why are you crying?”
“U-umm… I dreamed last night of calling you Mom… and when I woke up I was a little sad… But now…”
“I see.”
“But my dream… came true! I’m really, really happy! M-m-mom.”
“You’re awkward. You’ll need to practice often.”
The child smiled brightly, tears glimmering in her eyes.
“Hehe, I’ll do that, Mom!”
A deep voice cut in between Piace and me.
“Dad?”
Piace’s face turned even redder than when she called me Mom.
“…Da… Dad…?”
“Thank you for becoming our daughter, Piace.”
Leonhart gently patted her head, making her blush further.
[Aww… why do I feel like crying at such a happy scene? How sentimental.]
[It’s okay to cry here.]
[Sniff! How can such a tiny thing shake a spirit so much… Gnome! Move your hand! That’s not tears!]
At that moment, Rusfel and Owen peeked through the bedroom door.
“We’re here, Duke.”
“Duke! You’re truly beautiful!”
“Rusfel, Owen. Welcome.”
Rusfel wandered over and tapped Piace on the head.
“You’re lucky, having a mom and dad now.”
“I-I like you too, Godfather!”
“Remember what I told you last time?”
“After parents comes Godfather!”
“Good.”
Rusfel, who had been filling Piace’s head with nonsense, gestured outside.
“Duke, are there more than a hundred guests? Did you invite every noble in the capital?”
“Apparently.”
“Why have such a grand engagement? I’d think it’s a wedding.”
The butler said that this much is customary for the Duke family.
Owen held my hand tightly, tears brimming.
“Duke….”
“…And why are you crying?”
“You must make Piace truly happy.”
Someone might think Owen was Piace’s real dad.
“Piace! Come here! To celebrate your new parents, I’ll give you a ride in the plane!”
“Wow!”
Owen lifted Piace and spun her around.
Her pure laughter filled the bedroom.
Rusfel, watching fondly, poked my side with his elbow.
“What’s wrong?”
“You and Your Highness look good together. Just get married already.”
“….”
I had no idea why he said that, knowing the engagement would end. Annoying.
[Level 1: (as if obvious) That’s exactly my plan.]
“What?!”
He can’t be thinking of marrying me to Leonhart, right?
I quickly changed the subject.
“Rusfel, how’s Professor Ivella?”
At the new name, Leonhart looked at Rusfel, and Owen stopped to listen.
“Rusfel, who’s Ivella?”
“An academy professor?”
“J-just someone I know… Ah, Duke! Why bring that up!”
Rusfel’s face turned bright red as he shouted and stormed outside.
Owen followed, carrying Piace.
“Rusfel! You need to say something! Did you get a girlfriend?”
“No, I didn’t!”
It was a refreshing feeling.
When the second part began, I never imagined I’d be laughing with them like this.
I didn’t expect to have an engagement partner or a daughter.
“What if I never want to leave…?”
The worry didn’t last long. The butler cautiously urged us.
“Master, and Third Prince, the guests are waiting.”
Leonhart extended his hand.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The engagement ceremony began.
