Chapter 5

"Excuse me."

A voice called out from the side.

It seemed to come from someone who had just left the audience chamber.

Was he there all along? I didn’t notice.

"Master Fritz, the carriage is ready. I will guide you to the palace, so please follow me."

He’s using the honorific 'sama'.

It seems I am no longer a prince.

"I’m sorry, but I haven’t made any preparations. I need some time to get ready."

Until now, I had been confined in the royal family's private detention room at the deepest part of the castle by my father's order. Even if I were to move to the palace, I haven’t packed anything.

"It’s not necessary."

"What!?"

"What preparations could a criminal need? Are you planning to escape?"

What impudence!

"I won’t do such a thing!!!"

I shouted loudly, my voice echoing through the hallway, but I couldn’t tolerate this man’s extremely disrespectful words. Does he think I would do such a thing!

"That was impolite of me."

He said it with a mocking tone.

His attitude clearly showed he didn’t think it was impolite at all.

"If you understand, move aside. I need to prepare my belongings."

Even if I were to go to my room, this man is blocking the way. I might be able to pass by him, but for some reason, it felt galling to do so with this man.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!"

I was startled by the sudden laughter.

He laughed as if it were the funniest thing in the world.

"Ha ha ha! Master Fritz, you say such amusing things."

"What’s so funny?"

"You have no belongings to take with you."

"What!?"

"Isn’t that right? The belongings you speak of are personal items. The royal family lives off the taxes of the people. It would be inappropriate for a non-royal to take them. Don’t worry, all your personal items will be sold. The proceeds will help cover the compensation the royal family must pay."

I was stunned by his words.

"Compensation... money..."

"What are you surprised about? A group of fools cornered a single noble lady. Moreover, you were engaged. It’s only natural to pay compensation and damages."

That’s right.

My engagement to Alexandra was broken off.

By the royal family’s fault.

But the Duke of Hesse is a loyal subject.

I thought he would consider the royal family and decline the payment... but that wasn’t the case?

No, the payment was always planned. After judging Alexandra as a criminal, it was arranged to pay the Duke of Hesse as compensation. This was decided after discussing with Colin.

"Isn’t the amount to be paid to the Duke of Hesse too much? The Duke is a man of great loyalty. Moreover, he is one of my father’s closest confidants."

"Indeed. You seem to think that no matter how much you break a contract with a loyal subject, it’s acceptable."

"I didn’t say that!"

What is he saying?

That makes me sound like a tyrant!

"I respected the Duke of Hesse’s feelings. For a man of unwavering loyalty, the payment from the royal family would be a burden. Even if the royal family is at fault, the Duke would understand my father’s heart and would never demand money from the royal family!"

"Master Fritz, I understand your opinion. But you are mistaken."

"Mistaken?"

"Yes. The recipient is not the Duke of Hesse, but personal compensation and damages to the Duke’s daughter."

"To Alexandra!?"

To her personally!?

Why?

The engagement was between the royal family and the Duke’s family.

If so, it should be a contract between the families. There is no place for personal will. It’s hard to understand why the royal family’s payment would go to Alexandra.

"Isn’t it obvious? The victim is the Duke’s daughter. You seem to misunderstand, but this is not just a broken engagement. It is also a criminal case involving the former Crown Prince and the sons of high-ranking nobles, and it includes incitement to murder.

Those who commit crimes must be punished. The Duke’s daughter is being lenient by accepting this much. Normally, the sentence would be execution."

I was speechless.

Execution?

Why...

I am a member of the royal family.

Alexandra is a subject.

This is too harsh a judgment.

"... Your Highness, Alexandra is the victim."

The words from my governess were hard to hear.

I know I am at fault.

I clenched my right hand tightly, enduring the humiliation from the man.

"Sir, may I accompany the Prince?"

I felt a growing sense of guilt towards my pleading governess.

It was pitiful to have her bow to such a man.

"Of course, the governess may come along. The Emperor has given permission."

"It’s a bother."

I spoke before the governess could thank the man.