TLVGAJ 61

~Chapter 61~

The Crown Prince title ceremony went smoothly.

“As Emperor, I now officially grant the title of Crown Prince to the Third Prince, Albert von Hasht, according to the laws of the Empire.”

From the platform, the Emperor’s voice rang out as he gave the title to his son.

“As Crown Prince of the Hasht Empire, Albert von Hasht shall hold the right to command the military as head of the knights, and in the Emperor’s absence, he shall also hold the authority to act in his stead…”

I gazed quietly at Albert.

Standing alone in a blue uniform before the Emperor.
The blue uniform—only the Crown Prince could wear it.

‘…As expected of the male lead. He really is handsome.’

It had been a while since I last saw Albert. He looked a little thinner but still carried the same flawless appearance.

Around me, the noble ladies’ eyes sparkled as they stared at him.

My eyes turned to the three brothers again.

The princes watched the succession ceremony with unreadable faces.

My gaze stopped on one of them.

‘…Was it that man?’

The prince who repeatedly tried to assassinate Albert in the novel.

Cedric openly longed for the title of Crown Prince. But I knew—he was not the one who tried to kill Albert.

‘Seeing the face of a true enemy in real life… it feels strange.’

Looking further, I noticed a woman sitting alone at the edge.

She had silver hair like Albert and the beautiful features of the late Empress Soet.

Alicia von Hasht.

The only princess of the Hasht Empire, Albert’s younger sister.

She was completely free from the succession struggle, so her face shone the brightest. Alicia’s smile was radiant as she watched her brother receive the Crown Prince title.

‘As expected, Alicia also feels out of place, like another character from the novel.’

At that moment, the Emperor, finishing the formalities, spoke again with a declaration.

“Now that Albert has become Crown Prince, I intend to find him a lifelong partner.”

“…!”

I looked at the Emperor. Oh. Just as expected, he said it.

“I trust you all understand what I mean.”

I bit my lip. Looking around, nobles’ eyes were wide in shock.

The hall quickly filled with whispers.

The ceremony ended, and even as the second part, the ball, began, the atmosphere remained unsettled.

The orchestra’s waltz echoed outdoors while nobles ate or danced with chosen partners.

But most were whispering, glancing around because of the Emperor’s declaration.

‘…I want to go home.’

Scratching my head, I looked around.

The main event was over, so I could leave anytime.

But before leaving, I had to greet both the Emperor and Albert. Especially since I was considered one of the possible Crown Princess candidates.

No one else dared to step forward—
because of the Emperor’s declaration.

I already knew he would announce it. I also knew that someday this declaration would mean nothing.

So I was calm, but others were clearly shocked.

Everyone just whispered. No one approached Albert.

I sighed.

Tch. Guess I have no choice.

If no one else would, then I’d go first.

Putting down the champagne glass I was holding only for form’s sake, I walked over.

“Where are you going, young lady?”

“I’m going to greet His Highness the Crown Prince. Tell my mother to prepare to return home.”

Answering Sophie, I strode toward the table where the Emperor and Albert sat.

I felt Albert’s gaze flicker toward me as I bowed deeply.

“I greet His Majesty the Emperor, the Sun of the Empire, and His Highness the Crown Prince, the little sun. Irene of House Hartmann greets you.”

All eyes turned toward me. I smiled politely.

The Emperor recognized me and spoke.

“Lady Hartmann, it has been a while. Have you been well?”

“I heard you reduced your social activities because of your health.”

“…Ah, I am ashamed that such rumors even reached Your Majesty’s ears.”

It seemed he didn’t know yet about my terminal diagnosis.

“My health is fine, so there is no need for great concern.”

I saw Albert quietly clench his fist. Calmly, I turned my head to him.

“Congratulations on receiving the title of Crown Prince, Your Highness.”

“May you follow the will of Goddess Irine, shining brightly and guiding us all.”

Please, let me go home. Let me go home.

All through my formal greeting, that was the only thought in my head.

Albert simply stared at me silently.

Of course, what could he say?

From the train ride onward, I had rejected him again and again.

Now, all he could do was watch me.

It must feel bitter now…

‘But soon, Your Highness, the right partner will appear for you.’

“It’s raining.”

Emily looked up at the sky. A sudden shower.

Raindrops fell thick and fast.

She had brought an umbrella, sensing the weather might turn.

Still, the downpour was too heavy. Her umbrella might break. She stepped into a nearby building to wait it out.

There, she noticed a man with an awkward look.

He had black hair and pale skin. At first glance, he looked ordinary, but strangely beautiful.

Looking up at the sky with empty hands—

‘No umbrella…’

Emily hesitated, then carefully spoke.

“Um… do you want to share my umbrella?”

After becoming Crown Prince, Albert went on his first outing disguised with magic.

That was when he met Emily.

Emily helped him without knowing his identity, and so their connection began.

Once Albert met the heroine, he would soon forget me.

He would slowly fall for Emily, and the story would return to its rightful path.

By then, I could accept death peacefully.

So…

“I’ll take my leave now. Once again, congratulations on your new title, Your Highness.”

Be happy with the heroine, male lead!

At that moment, from the bottom of my heart, I wished for Albert’s happiness.

Forget the train journey with me, and start the sweet original story with the heroine!

The two of them were fated—chosen by the heavens, by the author.

I bowed once more, then turned and walked out of the hall.

‘Hehe. This should count as setting the first button of the story right, don’t you think?’

Relieved, I smiled.

Finally, I could go home!