𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓𝟑
Suppressing the desire to say “What?” Mabel showed a puzzled expression.
“Breaking off the engagement? If it’s about Amane-san, I’ve already declined.”
“No, it’s about Eugene-dono.”
“What?”
Mabel swallowed her words, realizing she had said too much.
Then, as if finally able to get to the main point, the secretary began speaking rapidly.
“We truly appreciate your efforts in protecting this country during the recent Wiski invasion. However, this is a different matter.”
“A different matter? In the first place, the engagement with Eugene-san was proposed by your council, wasn’t it?”
“Indeed, we believed it was the best course of action. But looking back now, we cannot deny that we were swayed by the cunning words of the traitor, Travis.”
As Mabel recalled the words Travis had directed at her with contempt when she was captured by Wiski, she finally remembered.
“Those who cannot think for themselves are troublesome.To think I would still be manipulated by those words.”
“But logically speaking, the other party is a mage. Their lifespan, power, and everything is different from ours. They are not human. It is unthinkable for the royal family of Eakes to have ties with such a person.”
“It’s true that Eugene-san has a long lifespan and incredible power. But he is no different from us. He catches colds, gets fevers, and even gets injured. Besides, Otou-sama has already given his permission at that time! Are you going to pretend that never happened now?”
“His Majesty is kind. He always said that when deciding the princesses’ engagements, he wants to prioritize your feelings. Moreover, there is also the fact that you were saved by that extraordinary power.”
“So why–”
“But as the council, who holds the final say, we must make the appropriate judgment. Even if His Majesty allowed it, the council does not approve of Mabel-sama’s engagement.”
Upon hearing the clear declaration, Mabel bit her lower lip.
But the secretary continued as if chasing after her.
“This is also for Mabel-sama’s sake. As I mentioned earlier, the difference in lifespan between us humans and mages is too great. On the contrary, Mabel-sama’s existence may take away Mage-dono’s freedom.”
Mabel’s eyes widened at those words.
“What will happen to Mage-dono after Mabel-sama passes away? Can you tell them to find another partner? By that time, it will be too late to realize it was a mistake. And do you know what the people of Eakes are saying about Mabel-sama? They all―.”
“Secretary, that’s enough.”
The final words were restrained by the person next to them.
The secretary cleared his throat shortly and once again met Mabel’s gaze directly.
“That’s all for today’s matter. If you understand, could you please convey it to Mage-dono, starting with Mabel-sama?”
“This is… too sudden.”
“. . .I understand your pain. If Mabel-sama cannot bring herself to say it, we can convey it from our side as well. But please don’t forget. For the sake of your happiness, this is the best method.”
Eventually, the two council members stood up from their seats.
Mabel, who was left alone, had tears welling up in her eyes, and with a blink, a single drop ran down her cheek.
‘I…I understand.’’
Before the next tear could fall, Mabel wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
Why does it have to come to this? Why is this happening?
Mabel quickly left the room as if escaping, wanting to see Eugene as soon as possible.
She walked briskly through the corridor, heading towards the entrance hall.
Then, at the corner, she collided with someone coming from the opposite direction.
“Ah, excuse me.”
“―Ah, I’m sorry.”
Fortunately, they noticed just in time, so they didn’t collide head-on.
But feeling guilty for startling the person, Mabel quickly apologized.
The person there was a young man with a beautiful face. His skin was well-tanned, and he had long, beautiful silver hair braided and gathered on the right shoulder side.
“I wasn’t paying attention either. Are you hurt?”
“N-No, I’m fine. . .”
Relieved, the young man narrowed his eyes.
His eyes were a deep blue, reminiscent of the southern seas, and Mabel found herself captivated by them.
But soon, the young man walked in the direction Mabel came from, and Mabel took a step forward as well.
[insert page=’4633′ display=’content’]
[insert page=’4587′ display=’content’]
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- The Bizarre Reality of America’s Drug Crisis
- Kakashi Hatake: The Ultimate Husbando? A Deep Dive into the Sharingan of Our Desires
- My Inner Samurai vs. My Real-Life Chicken Heart: Why My Brain Thinks I’m Bruce Lee, But My Body Screams “Run!”
- Novel Review: Emperor’s Domination
- Naruto and Sasuke: Bro-mance or True Love? The Ultimate Anime Bromance Debate
Leave a Reply