Chapter 5

In my past life, I died at the age of eighteen. In this life, I might die at twelve. I always die young, don't I? I wish I could live a bit longer, but is that even possible? No, it's not. Because I'm stupid. Plus, I have a short temper. Hmm? Of course it's impossible. In my next life, I might live longer as a monkey instead of a human. I should pray to God. Please make me a monkey in my next life.

While I was indulging in such escapist thoughts, the person sitting in front of me cleared their throat. Adjusting their glasses, they asked me,

"Are you listening properly, Miss Azalea? Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes, I understand. Chancellor, lamb would be good for the last supper."

"You haven't understood a thing. Very well, I will explain from the beginning again. This time, please listen carefully."

With a meticulous gesture, Chancellor Elmer adjusted his glasses. After making Prince Lotus cry in the courtyard, for some reason, I was still in the palace. Now, I was in the Chancellor's office, being told about Prince Lotus's upbringing.

Hmm. Why?

It was a relief to be away from my father and stepmother after causing so much trouble, but isn't this situation strange? Why am I still alive?

When Captain Creek rushed to the courtyard, I was prepared to die. After all, I had kicked Prince Lotus in the air, slapped him, and forced him to apologize. Moreover, it all happened because of my hasty judgment. There were many witnesses, and there was no way to deny it. I could have been beheaded on the spot.

Before I could beg Captain Creek for mercy to leave a last message to the servants, the sobbing Prince Lotus took the initiative.

"Creek... hand that girl over to Elmer."

Through his sobs, the Prince ordered Captain Creek. The loyal captain, though puzzled, led me out of the courtyard and delivered me to Chancellor Elmer. Elmer seemed surprised by the sudden turn of events, but after a brief conversation with Captain Creek, he reluctantly agreed.

Once Captain Creek left the office, Elmer made me sit down. And then, for some reason, I was forced to listen to Prince Lotus's upbringing.

"The Prince learned all the continental languages at the age of three, understood ancient and magical languages at five, and read all the kingdom's books on magic by seven. At twelve, he is now in a position to write papers and has published several books..."

I had been listening to the Prince's extraordinary achievements, but what was the hidden intention behind this?

Is it something like, 'You made such a great person cry. Repent before you die'?

"Understand this: to put it bluntly, the Crown Prince is not ordinary. He is overflowing with talents in various fields, and there is no one in the current kingdom who surpasses him. In arithmetic, martial arts, and magic, no one can match him. He is truly a prodigy, a child of God. However, his actions are like natural disasters."

While I was half-listening, Elmer suddenly changed the tone of his speech. He had been calmly explaining the Prince's upbringing, but now his voice took on a warning tone.

"Like a storm that cannot be fully predicted, the Prince sometimes acts like a natural disaster. He is usually calm, but he can suddenly take irrational actions. For example—choosing a fiancée this time."

Elmer's glasses glinted suspiciously. From his attitude, I realized that this was the Prince's decision.

"Without anyone to stand against the storm, no one can reprimand him anymore."

A voice came from behind me, making me jump. When I cautiously turned around, I saw someone standing at the door.

It was an elderly woman. I recognized the noble figure.

"Queen Gabriella!?"

I jumped up from my chair. Elmer also stood and saluted the Queen. I hurriedly followed his lead, and Queen Gabriella smiled reassuringly.

"You don't need to be so formal, Miss Azalea. Please, relax."

It's impossible to relax in front of a queen.

As I was still tense from the sudden turn of events, King Reinhart appeared from behind the Queen.

"I'm here too."

King Reinhart entered the office with a relaxed attitude and sat on the sofa opposite me. The Queen also sat down.

Eh? What's going to happen?

Are the royals going to execute me themselves?

As I was confused, the Queen spoke to me gently.

"Miss Azalea, please sit down. This is informal... no, let's be honest. We are not here as the King and Queen, but as parents."

When Queen Gabriella's face darkened, King Reinhart, sitting next to her, took a palm-sized crystal from his pocket. The surface of the crystal showed a well-maintained garden.

"I know everything about the incident in the courtyard through this far-seeing spell. Everything you did to my son, Lotus."

Ah. So, I'm going to be executed. Can I write a last will and testament before I go? Right, I should apologize first.

As I was about to kowtow to the two monarchs, Queen Gabriella grabbed my shoulder and said desperately,

"I won't let you go! My long-awaited daughter!"

"Huh?"

Then King Reinhart also grabbed my shoulder.

"Yes. If a girl as brave as you becomes the future queen, the future of the Cabos Kingdom will be secure."

"Huh?"

What did you just say?

Queen? Who?

"Miss Azalea"

The two of them called my name at the same time. Their grip on my shoulders tightened.

"You are the most suitable for Lotus."

"Yes. Therefore, Reinhart Cru Cabos and Gabriella Cru Cabos command you."

The two monarchs spoke in unison again, telling me,

"Become Lotus's fiancée."

...Huh?