I Was on the Verge of Dying From Overwork, so I Ended Up Getting Married to a Prince From a Neighboring Country – Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Party

“Oneesama’s fame is spreading!”

“Ugh… I suppose so.”

“Aren’t you happy? Sister is being congratulated!”

“I’m happy, but…”

It’s something I hear a lot these days.

The goddess of victory, the hero who saved lives, and the brilliant grantmaker.

There has been a lot of praise flying around.

My name appears to be spreading throughout the royal city, even two weeks after the Battle of Suerre.

Everyone around me thinks it’s a good thing, but it’s embarrassing for me.

“They say I was on the battlefield, but I was only on the battlefield once, and I was just a spectator on the wall the rest of the time, you know?”

“The knights who fought at the time say that thanks to your grant, they were able to fight to the best of their abilities.”

“Brother!”

“Oniisama!”

His Highness entered my room.

The twins leapt to their feet and circled His Highness.

“Have you come to play with us?”

“Come on, Oniiisama, let’s play!”

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to speak with Phyllis.”

“”Ee~e~””

They both sound disappointed.

His Highness pats them on the back and promises to play along next time.

He approaches me with light steps.

“What’s the matter?”

“I wanted to tell you about the upcoming party.”

While he was saying that, he sat down next to me.

“A party?”

“In four days, there will be a nobles’ party in the halls of the royal castle—we will be present as royalty—however, Leo and Lena will not attend.”

“I hate that party.”

“It’s not fun at all.”

They have unexpected reactions.

Normally, they would beg to attend the party.

“What kind of party is it?”

“There’s nothing special about it—It’s simply a gathering place for nobles from across the country to discuss current events and get to know one another… That’s exactly what it should be.”

That’s a meaningful phrase.

So I asked.

“Is it actually different?”

“No, it isn’t any different—In other words, it is exploratory—there are factions among the nobility, just as there are in any country.”

“Factions…”

“There are roughly two types of people: those who support our royal family and those who do not.”

His Highness Rayne once told me

Even though this country has aristocracy, there is no big difference between the nobility and the rest of the people.

Nobles have responsibilities and roles that are appropriate for their nobility.

They have status and the right to speak, but they should not disregard public opinion.

It’s because everyone understands that a country is only as good as its people.

His Highness Rayne’s father, who is the current king, thinks it is natural for people who have done well to be favored and for lazy people to be treated coldly, no matter what their position.

The people have complete faith in the King, who treats them all equally, regardless of whether they are nobles or commoners.

Some people, however, do not agree.

Status and honor come first.

Those who believe that a society in which birthright, money, and power determine who is superior and who is inferior is the right way of thinking.

“Some of the aristocracy believes that—nothing is wrong with that. The concept of valuing rank and title is widespread in other countries as well. That is undeniable, but this country has its own way of doing things. We don’t have to conform just because everyone else does.”

“You don’t like that?”

“Yes.”

“Is there a lot? For those of ‘them’.”

His Highness pauses for a few seconds, takes a deep breath, and responds.

“There aren’t many—as far as I am aware, very few. The majority of them support us and are not unhappy with the current system. First and foremost, Father does not disregard the nobles’ opinions. If he believes it is correct, he accepts it.

“In that case, there is no reason to argue, in my opinion.”

“It’s not that easy. Because the nobility has been chosen, they must be given preferential treatment. Who chants them should also determine what is right and wrong.”

“That’s…”

“Yes, that is selfish—but nobles are supposed to be like that—isn’t this a strange country?”

That’s true.

I come from an aristocratic family and have worked with a diverse range of people.

Everyone placed a high value on rank, title, and honor.

There were even people who were not afraid to admit that they were different from the rest of the population.

Even if they don’t say it, they look down on you.

There were people who were close to me… There were those who decided that they were correct and that anyone who did not agree with them was evil…

Unfortunately, such an idea appears to be aristocratic.

“I… I like how this country is.”

“I’m glad you said that. I am content with my current country as well. I want to preserve a world in which people, including us all, can live happily. That’s it.”

“Your Highness…”

“There will be a large number of people at this party. As a newcomer, you will be the center of attention. There will undoubtedly be those who attempt to take you in.”

Gulp.

I’m the new addition to the royal family.

Furthermore, because I married from another country, I am a noble foreigner.

That’s why they will try to figure out who I am.

Some of them are hostile to royalty and may pose dangerous questions.

“Take care now—at a party, there are no barriers between us. I can’t always be there for you.”

“Y-Yes…”

I’m a little worried.

Participation in that gathering is…

What if I were approached by someone who wanted to bring His Highness or His Majesties down?

Would I be able to play as a princess without anything going wrong?