Chapter 9

Hubert and Evona were in one of the waiting rooms, clinging to each other and exchanging kisses before the ball began.

"This can't go any further. My makeup will smudge~"

"Ah, I can't hold back. Hey, why don't you skip today's ball?"

"No way. After all, His Majesty said he had something important to discuss."

"Ah, that's right."

Hubert said this with a disappointed look, stood up, and called for a butler to straighten his clothes.

Evona, too, had her makeup fixed by a maid, and the two of them began walking, clinging to each other again.

"Perhaps Father and Mother have finally decided to recognize our relationship."

"Yes, that must be it."

When he had arbitrarily broken off his engagement to Cecilia, Hubert had expected to be scolded, but surprisingly, neither the king nor the queen said anything. Hubert thought that if he had known this would happen, he should have broken off the engagement sooner.

Since then, the frequent nagging had decreased significantly, and now he and Evona had plenty of time to deepen their love for each other.

"Will I finally be appointed as the Crown Prince?"

Hubert said this with an excited expression, and Evona laughed happily.

"Surely! It's something to look forward to!"

The two of them entered the ballroom with a buoyant mood.

Usually, they would be greeted with applause and cheers, but today, for some reason, only the sound of a fanfare played, and no applause followed.

Wondering why, Hubert felt an odd gaze.

"What is it?"

"Perhaps they are in awe of the future Crown Prince, Your Highness?"

"Ah, that must be it."

Hubert smiled slyly at the glances directed at him.

He was about to take on the responsibility of this country, together with Evona.

Just as he was thinking this, the fanfare sounded, and applause erupted.

Confused, Hubert and Evona turned their gaze to the door where the king and queen usually appeared. Instead, his younger brother Six and a woman of unearthly beauty emerged.

She was so beautiful that she could be mistaken for a fairy. Hubert swallowed hard.

Her silver dress shimmered as it reflected the light.

Despite her light makeup, her translucent skin and pale pink lips were striking, and Hubert couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Beautiful... Who is she?"

Hubert couldn't help but say this aloud, and Evona's eyes widened.

"Cecilia?"

"!? What?!"

Hubert stared at Cecilia with wide eyes.

"What? No way. That beautiful person... That's Cecilia?"

Hubert swallowed again.

Perverted thoughts flashed through his mind.

At that moment, the king and queen appeared behind Six and Cecilia, smiling and standing beside them as if to bless them.

Something was wrong.

Just as Hubert thought this, he heard a faint, small voice.

"Cecilia is so beautiful."

"She suits Prince Six."

"If Prince Six and Cecilia take over the country, it will be safe and secure."

"Prince Hubert is finished."

Hubert turned his gaze sharply toward the source of the voice.

Who said that?

But the voices began to come from everywhere.

"You must be relieved."

"Prince Six is the one fit to be king."

"Prince Hubert can't do it."

Sweat trickled down Hubert's back.

Thank you for reading~ (*'ω'*)