Alicia gave a weak smile. "No way, Latty. I'm used to living in this place. After all, what's the point? In Ehrlich, I have no family. Latty, how about you? Do you miss your home?""To be honest, Miss..." Latty responded with caution. "I thought you'd pay a visit to Ehrlich the last time the Count died. And... there's... also... your mother's grave..."Like Latty, the marquis, Alicia's uncle, and Dimitri were shocked when they realized she had no intention of visiting Ehrlich and attending her father's pitiful funeral. However, they quietly set the matter aside and did not pursue it any further. Though they were unaware of the details, they did notice Alicia's dislike for Ehrlich.They had no idea what it was.'What had happened in Ehrlich?' they'd wonder.Alicia was in a lot of pain when she first arrived in good ol' wild and barbaric Coulson (as Latty liked to call it... in private). Nightmares frequently struck her in the middle of the night. Her dream, a great torment, was of Pat
"Princess Helen, I know she's your friend, but dear cousin, you should be wary of others, especially the Crown Prince. Avoid getting too close to him. Alice, I'm serious."Alicia nodded in response to Dimitri's repeated warning. The Crown Prince was, in fact, the true king of Coulson. He was a cruel man who knew how to use his strength, power, and influence. He satiated his desires by trampling those who dared to defy his authority. Nobles feared him and dared not defy him over time.He was a tough guy, but he had a flaw, a weakness. Helen, his sister, was his everything. Coulson men engaged in polygamous relationships, in contrast to Ehrlich's monogamous culture. The old king had sons from concubines who had no claim to the throne. Only he and Helen had legitimate claim to the throne as direct descendants of the same mother. The Crown Prince lavished his love on Helen. She was Alicia's closest companion. As a result, the Crown Prince declined to touch her."Stop bothering me so much
Dimitri's dreams were shattered when all of the major heirs to the throne died in quick succession, along with the plague.Many Coulson residents became ill, succumbing to death far too quickly. The cause of their deaths was unknown, but after extensive investigation, it was discovered that their waterways had been contaminated. There were no current known methods to cure the infection, so the royal family members died one after the other, far too quickly.Fortunately, the king did not die after a long battle with the epidemic... but... on the other hand, he was the only living royal male. The Crown Prince was no longer alive, and the remaining male royals were unable to function normally.The king could only look to the sons of his concubines or a distant line of descent — like Dimitri.After much deliberation, it was decided that Dimitri would be the heir to the throne and the next king. The sons of the concubines had no claim to the throne and thus rebelled, believing it was unjust
Alicia slept through the night alone and with a heavy heart.And then... The night passed, and the morning came quietly.Alicia made her way to the princess's palace. Helen was in a state of shock within the palace's walls. Helen rushed towards Alicia, the confident-looking girl, and wrapped her arms tightly around the silver-haired girl for a tight hug."Didn't you hear the news last night?" Helen stated. "What do you think is going to happen to us now?""Don't be too worried, princess. Ehrlich's king must understand how dangerous it is to turn Coulson against them. He is not a moron." Alicia gently patted Helen's back and comforted her."Do you really believe that?""Yes, and most importantly, the threat of the Toulouse Empire looms over us." First and foremost, he despised Coulson's constant meddling in Ehrlich's internal affairs. Fighting a full-fledged war benefits neither party."Alicia did not comfort the princess with lies because she believed them herself. She saw no logical
The conference room was deafeningly quiet. After learning of their defeat, they were filled with rage, but now only a somber tune could be heard."But won't this become a national wedding?" It's not like this hasn't happened before. We don't need to be concerned..."The prince snorted in response to the nobleman's remark. "Your example is completely incorrect. Previously, when both sides married for the sake of peace, unity, and harmony, and this time we're forced to unilaterally give up our princess as if she's a mere pawn? "Did I get that right?"“No… I…”The nobleman's brow furrowed. He closed his mouth as he sensed the atmosphere deteriorating.The noblemen next to him began to speak up one by one."It's an unusual request, to say the least. I've heard that in Ehrlich, there had been a number of repeated arguments about the king's marriage, but the king himself vehemently refused each time... until this time, when he unexpectedly requested a national marriage.""I wonder what the
"Damn it!" Marquis Cheney cursed as dark thoughts ran through his mind.What if Ehrlich's king truly desired the princess' hand in marriage and later became enraged upon seeing Alicia? All of his resentment would be directed at his niece. He would never allow it. He couldn't and wouldn't."Alicia is unqualified for the job. She is a frail and vulnerable person who still has nightmares. She will be unable to hold the title of Queen. "Please reconsider," the marquis pleaded."So you'd rather my only sibling, my sister, suffer?" The crown prince's golden eyes shuddered.The nearby noblemen breathed quietly as they saw his steel-hardened face.“That’s…” Marquis Cheney tried to come up with a defense, but he couldn't think of anything. He eventually shut his mouth because he knew that any further resistance would only lead to worse consequences for him and his family."Don't be too concerned, marquis. When your niece was a child, she lived in Ehrlich. She is accustomed to their way of life
Short chapter.The marquis went into great detail about what happened at the emergency meeting of state affairs a few hours ago. Ehrlich was able to encircle Coulson in the sea and officially convey the king's intentions via an envoy. Ehrlich desired peace and harmony, never antagonizing Coulson. As proof, he requested that a royal member of Coulson be sent to him. She is going to be his queen.Alicia listened intently to the story, her face stiff.Finally, the marquis concluded, "At first, everyone was furious because they thought Helen'd become Ehrlich's tool, but after a consensus that a royal lady could be anyone, you, Alicia, were chosen... I'm sorry I couldn't be of assistance."The marquis' face flushed with guilt and his head drooped. Alicia was beautiful, but beauty was often the cause of a nation's downfall. He believed there would come a time when he would abandon her..."So you want to send Alicia to Ehrlich and kill her? You can't be of assistance, so you give up? What d
"....Dimi, uncle, it's late. Let's take a break for now and talk again tomorrow."Alicia sent them out of the room while rubbing her brow. If she does not treat their wounds, an irreversible scar will form.She exited the study room and noticed Latty outside on standby. Her deep brown eyes were swollen with tears. She dashed over to Alicia."Oh, Miss..." Latty moaned.Alicia gave a bitter smile. "Did you hear it all?"Latty nodded and wiped her tears. "Yes, I heard it earlier when the door opened. Is it true, Miss? Will you have to go to Ehrlich rather than the princess...?"Alicia was unable to respond to Latty's inquiry. She had no idea. She had been constantly worried about Helen until today, but everything had changed. She now had to be concerned about herself."Uncle said he'll figure something out. Don't be too worried, Latty. I'm exhausted and need to rest. You should as well."Latty nodded, still in tears. "Yes, Miss. I'll take you to your room."Latty led Alicia to her bedro