Chapter 91

King Lauses and Albertina.

These two must be quite calm among the royal family, so they are well-matched.

Moreover, they prefer a quiet life in the countryside to the splendor of the capital, yet trouble and power always come at them with full force. Zephir is the one who gets hit by the fastball.

But if he takes it seriously, he can handle it and avoid it.

After the incident at the Latitche family's mausoleum, it seems that Kishutaria is almost officially recognized as the Duke within the branch family.

When I heard this from Mikaelis, I felt relieved.

I really didn't want a stranger to come and meddle with the Latitche family.

"Though I couldn't make it this time, can I come for the next monthly memorial...?"

"That... I'm afraid it will be difficult. Your safety is being guarded by the royal family and the Fortuna family with all their might. Considering the monsters and lawbreakers at the previous audience, it will be hard to get permission."

Mikaelis says this with a slight frown, looking apologetic.

I understand that it's not Mikaelis's fault, but his kindness makes me feel guilty for even mentioning it.

At first, he came with Jibril, but Jibril said, "I'm going to explore a bit!" and left with a few maids and guards.

He gave Mikaelis a mysterious look. Is something going on? I let it slide to avoid making the perplexed Mikaelis feel bad.

Mikaelis is wearing a well-tailored navy blue suit. The matching trousers suit him well. Though it looks plain, the subtle patterns that appear in the light show that it's of high quality.

His bright red hair is tied in a braid and left to flow. Usually, he wears it down.

I, too, am dressed in dark colors. My black dress is modest but has a mermaid line with a spiral of drapery from the thigh.

I might as well wear a nun's habit... and become a nun.

The mood is getting heavy, but I don't want to worry Mikaelis, who has come to see me.

Before I know it, I'm pulling at my skirt.

When I look, there's a very cute monster that looks like a stuffed toy.

"Pi-gya!"

"Oh, Honey. What's wrong?"

"Wasn't it Chappy... Did you change your name?"

"This is Honey. Not Chappy."

"Did you get a new one?"

"He's Chappy's friend. He's very cute. Look, Honey. Here's a canelé. How about a scone? Do you like clotted cream or jam?"

I reach out and place him on my knee, where he sits cutely with his legs spread.

Chappy is very innocent and a bit clumsy, but Honey is energetic and precocious, which is also charming.

He points to the honey-lemon cream. I pick up a scone, spread it generously, and bring it to his mouth. He eats it in one big bite, despite his small size.

Mikaelis looks a bit uncomfortable.

"...I can't tell the difference."

"Really? The one with the slightly slanted eyes is Honey, and the one with the big round eyes is Chappy."

I show him clearly, but Mikaelis looks at them for several seconds and tilts his head.

"Their voices are different too. Chappy's voice is soft and whiny, while Honey's is strong and clear."

"......Is there anyone besides Albert who can tell the difference?"

"Come to think of it, no one can."

I wonder why.

Anna, Julius, Kishutaria, Bella, and even the bearded uncle all tilt their heads.

Despite the clear differences. They are of the same species, but I think there is a significant individual difference. However, they don't seem to understand... I wonder why.

Julius, for example, judges based on whether they cry when kicked lightly or get angry, which is an extremely unacceptable criterion.

I stopped him. What a terrible thing to do. I glared at him strongly, but I ended up being scolded by him for being "a block of coquetry"! As always, I received incomprehensible insults.

Mikaelis kept looking at Honey. Did he understand? I lined up Chappy, who came later, and tried to guess, but it seems he couldn't tell.

However, he made a judgment based on the power dynamics: "I can tell which one is being bullied."

Chappy is frequently poked by Honey and cries "pee-pee."

It's correct... but I wish he would learn a different way to tell them apart.

In the afternoon, the Demetrias siblings left with a hint of reluctance.

For some reason, Jibril was fuming. Mikaelis apologized to the fuming Jibril and tried to calm her down as they left.

However, the main event of the day is in the afternoon.

Because His Majesty is coming.

I received a letter from him the other day and was informed that he would come today.

He requested a meeting that is not too formal but as confidential as possible, as if it were a secret matter.

I wonder if I'm the only one who finds it ominous from the start?

I can tell that King Lauses is sympathetic and kind to me, but as a king, he can also be ruthless at times. Thinking about this, today's visit is very frightening.

I need to consult with Kishutaria and the others later.

Ideally, I would like Mikaelis and Jibril, who were here in the morning, to be present, but I am afraid of involving them and it might be disrespectful to His Majesty.

I remember Mikaelis telling me I could rely on him.

But I don't want to do something that could undermine the achievements and efforts he has built up.

The Demetrias family is one of the most traditional baronial families, and it has gained considerable power in the current generation. However, it is not invincible.

"Miss, His Majesty has arrived."

"Thank you. Please show him to the reception room. I will be there shortly."

Needless to say, I will show him to the best reception room.

This room was one of the first to be renovated, along with my private room.

The palace has about five reception rooms...

They say more rooms will be available if they are renovated, but I don't feel the need since I have few friends and few people visit.

Cliff uncle wants to use this room for salons, tea parties, and evening gatherings in the future.

...I really don't like others coming in, especially in large numbers. It's nothing but terrifying.

I can feel the consideration for my comfort everywhere.

The closer I am to me, the more carefully the servants are selected.

There are many such considerations. I'm happy that the garden and palace are becoming more beautiful. I appreciate that the servants are working to make it a comfortable place.

I move quietly, adjusting the hem of my skirt, and head to the reception room.

There, the most noble person in the Kingdom of Sandis, with eyes the same color as mine, was waiting.

"It's been a while... Have you lost some weight?"

His soft voice reminds me of my late father. Though they are completely different, the kind of affection in his voice is similar.

When our eyes meet, I pinch my skirt and bow. I can't help but feel nervous.

"Welcome. I thank the sun of our country and your heart.

King Lauses... I am deeply honored and delighted to meet you.

I am Albertina von Latitche, the eldest daughter of the Latitche family."

"Formalities are fine. Come, sit down."

"Yes, thank you."

He nods and invites me to sit. We sit on the sofa facing each other, and the tea set is quickly served.

There is almost no sound of the tea ware clinking, only the rustling of clothes and the sound of footsteps half-sunk into the carpet.

The fragrant aroma of tea slightly relaxes me. We both take a sip of our tea.

I realize my mouth was quite dry, and I feel relieved as the rich aroma and warm tea slide down my throat.

King Lauses glances around, and the knights and maids leave silently.

Tension runs through me.

"Albertina."

"Yes."

"As king, I command you. I recognize Albertina von Latitche as a bearer of the royal family's eyes, with the approval of the council of elders, and will register her as a member of the Sandis royal family.

I have decided to welcome her as the crown princess, renaming her Albertina von Latitche Sandis, as my eldest daughter."

My breath stops, and my heart feels constricted.

An unpleasant throb resounds, and I instinctively press my hands to my chest.

This is a decision. Not a proposal, but something already decided. Each word from King Lauses pierces my heart like a sharp blade.

"As a duchess and with the death of your biological father, Grail, it will be announced within the nobility, but not to the public until after the mourning period and the unveiling ceremony.

At this stage, only the registration will change, but the engagement will be announced at the unveiling ceremony.

The selection of the fiancé is not yet decided, but the candidates are lined up.

They are being chosen from those related to the royal family and the four great ducal families, and the adjustments are ongoing. The marriage will take place no sooner than six months and no later than one year after the unveiling."

The amount of information is overwhelming.

There were rumors, and Kishutaria had mentioned it.

The royal family wants to bring me in. But the selection of fiancés has already begun? And it will be announced to the public after the mourning period—after a year, along with my unveiling as a royal? And a marriage as soon as next year?

My thoughts are spinning.

"Albertina."

"...Yes."

"Is there anyone you have in mind?"

I slowly lift my face to see King Lauses looking at me sincerely, his concern making me feel uncomfortable.

"Someone... in mind?"

"A lover or someone similar. Not just anyone, but the most important thing for you will be to bear the next generation of the royal family.

To bear a child with the royal family's eyes... if possible, it would be better to have someone you at least don't dislike."

"But... the council of elders has already chosen them."

"...Not just one. At least three will be assigned to you in a year, and ultimately, about ten will be chosen."

I am speechless.

Ten.

Ten for me alone?

The number is beyond what I could have imagined. I feel like my consciousness is floating away. I want to say it's beautiful, but the only thing I can see in this room is the ceiling.

"About the fiancé candidates?"

"No, they are husbands."

"I am not a man. Why such a meaningless thing?"

Men can have multiple children with different women simultaneously.

But my body is one. I cannot split like a planaria or create a homunculus.

"One, to increase the possibility of having children. I've heard that there are good and bad bloodlines, even among men.

And to maintain the balance among the nobility. Your position, with the royal family's eyes and your birth family, is overwhelmingly powerful in terms of succession. This is a bitter strategy to distribute it somewhat."

The absolute position of the royal consort.

By selecting many candidates, power is not concentrated in one person.

Indeed, in history, there have been rare cases where princesses had multiple husbands. But this is an exception. And I fall into that exception.

The exception is—there are almost no bearers of the royal family's eyes among the royals.

The third prince does not have the royal family's eyes.

And there are none among the close branches of the royal family—though I had thought there might be some of lower status, given the promiscuity of the previous and the one before that.

"Your Majesty, how many bearers of the royal family's eyes are there now?"

"Only me and you."

I gasp.

It's a terrible fact. My father must have hidden it. Despite pampering me so thoroughly, he didn't want me to go out.

"There were a few when Chris was alive, but they were all old.

You are the only one young enough to bear children. We searched the royal branches and the families they married into, but found no satisfactory results."

"But why are there so few? Why are you so particular about it?"

"Indeed, other countries have similar systems, but none are as strict as ours. Since the founding of our kingdom, we have consistently inherited the bloodline magic, the royal seal, and physical characteristics.

That's why our magic is unparalleled—defensive power alone is enough to keep others at bay.

I hear that in neighboring countries, one of these elements has been missing for a long time. It's not uncommon for a country to be unable to perform a single magic with multiple royals... hence the pride and stubbornness."

Father must have known.

Tears well up. I was not just useless but a ticking bomb.

This decision cannot be changed. I cannot change it. The lives of the people