Chapter 5

Surprised by Sophina's unexpected proposal, my hand naturally covered my mouth.

"What are you saying?"

"Exactly what I said, my lady."

Sophina raised two fingers, saying,

"Who knows what might happen if we let Oswald, who looks like shame walking around, go outside? This is a common understanding among everyone."

"You scoundrel! You're insulting me—"

"Oz, be quiet for a moment."

"Ugh."

Alex held back Oswald, who was visibly angry. Glancing at him, Sophina continued,

"Someone needs to support Lord Oswald, don't you think?"

"You don't need to do that."

It's a matter of me continuing to look after Oswald as if nothing happened, despite the talk of breaking the engagement.

...Although my feelings for him have completely disappeared, it is my duty as a duchess's daughter.

"No. As I said, I must receive some form of punishment."

Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair, Sophina added.

"What do you think, Your Majesty Alex? I believe this is a good solution to your problem."

Alex knows Oswald's incompetence well. If I abandon him, the only option left would be to cut him off.

"Sophina, are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

"I think the punishment is too severe for the crime..."

"Think of it as a reward for having a connection with the royal family."

Sophina told the hesitant Alex. Then, she approached Oswald and entwined her arm with his.

"What do you think, Lord Oswald? I think it's not a bad idea."

"...Hmm, this feeling isn't bad."

Despite being so angry with Sophina earlier, the moment she hugged him, Oswald didn't seem to mind at all.

...Or rather, it felt like he was commenting on something else.

After all, he had always said he preferred Sophina's appearance, so it's only natural that he would be pleased.

However, I can't understand Sophina's true intentions. While she often acts impulsively, this time it's particularly strange.

Confused and puzzled, I received a wink from her.

(Don't worry, my lady.)

Her eyes spoke volumes.

"Anyway, I look forward to working with you, Lord Oswald."

"Hehe! You better support me properly."

In the end, I was convinced by Sophina.

"As for the two of you, that's fine, but what about Rayla?"

With Sophina becoming Oswald's new chaperone, I would inevitably be left out. After being his fiancée for so long, it's possible to find someone else, but it will take some time.

"Don't worry. I've already found someone."

"Really? Who?"

"You, Your Majesty Alex."

"Me?!"

Alex's eyes widened at the sudden nomination.

"Yes. The spot next to the person I've always had a crush on but never thought would be available is now open. I can't let this opportunity pass."

"---Huh?"

Alex had a crush?

On who?

...On me?

"Sophina! Why are you suddenly saying this!? I don't like Rayla, I don't, I don't—"

"You've been suppressing your feelings because she was your brother's fiancée, haven't you?"

"Who said that!? Who said that!?"

"Your Majesty's expression, gestures, and attitude all speak volumes about your feelings for my lady."

As Sophina said this, Alex was speechless.

Red cheeks, heaving shoulders, and a trembling voice. He had transformed from a wise king into a flustered young man.

"Your Majesty Alex... what you just said..."

"Ah! It's true! I like Rayla!"

In a half-defeated manner, Alex shouted.

---

Leaving the words, "The rest is up to the two of you," Sophina left the room with Oswald, saying they would have a meal and deepen their friendship.

"..."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Alex laughed, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Your sister is quite mysterious. She hits the nail on the head with confidence."

"Yes."

Sometimes, Sophina's remarks are so sharp that I wonder if she can see right through my heart.

Once, my father had an affair, and Sophina was the first to notice. She didn't use vague terms but confidently stated it as if she had seen it with her own eyes.

—Father, why did you sleep with another woman?

She didn't give him a chance to cover it up.

Alex stood up from his throne, knelt in front of me, and took my hand.

"How about it, Rayla? Will you consider an engagement with me?"

"Why me?"

"Because you were my ideal."

"Ideal?"

Alex narrowed his eyes, reminiscing about the past.

"You were always so dedicated to everything you did. Watching you inspired me."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I even saw you as a rival. I couldn't let myself lose."

It seems he had been watching me study with great dedication. ...I never noticed.

Moreover, Alex is older than me. I thought he never paid attention to me, so I never tried to get to know him.

"Before I knew it, you had become a significant presence in my life. Without you, I wouldn't have even become the heir to the throne, let alone be called a 'wise king.'"

"..."

—Surely, a much better person will notice you, I was confident.

The words I heard this morning. Could Sophina have seen this future as well?

"So, what do you think? Of course, I'm not forcing you..."

I returned his trembling, nervous hand and managed a smile.

"With pleasure."

If you understand what Sophina meant by "not bad," please bookmark and give it ★★★★★.

Comics Chapter 3 (pages 6 to 21)