Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 51

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 51

Heidi’s eyes widened greatly.

Deshion’s gaze, staring straight at her, filled her entire field of vision.

Perhaps due to exhaustion, his red eyes didn’t shine as usual. But in his darkly sunken eyes, unrefined emotions were laid completely bare.

“….”

Heidi quietly looked down at Deshion’s hand gripping her wrist. His fingertips trembled faintly.

Seeing Deshion’s vulnerable side, who had always seemed so strong, the tension slowly drained from Heidi’s shoulders.

“I’ll stay by your side.”

Upon hearing Heidi’s words, relief gently spread through Deshion’s eyes.

Heidi slowly sat beside Deshion and touched his forehead. Confirming his body temperature had become more lukewarm than before, Heidi smiled softly.

“I’ll stay by your side the whole time….”

Heidi shook her head at Deshion, who seemed about to respond by moving his lips.

“Just rest comfortably for now. Let’s talk after you sleep.”

“…”

“Sleep well.”

* * *

「Near the border, a carriage carrying the Holy Kingdom’s delegation was attacked, causing shock. The identity of the assailants has not yet been revealed. The Holy Kingdom strongly stated they will definitely hold someone accountable for this incident….」

Anastasia tossed the newspaper she had been reading onto the rug.

“It’s all similar content. Where’s Father?”

Governess Sheila picked up the newspaper and answered.

“He’s been in meetings all day.”

“Hmm. It’s so difficult to see Father’s face even once…. How unfortunate.”

But Anastasia’s face as she said this wasn’t particularly dark.

No, it was quite the opposite. Anastasia’s condition these days was at its peak, to the point where she wondered if she had ever slept so refreshingly at night in recent years.

And rightfully so.

Everything was proceeding exactly according to Anastasia’s plan.

“Any news from the Haizen Estate?”

“Yes. We confirmed doctors coming and going, but it didn’t seem particularly urgent.”

“Ah… That’s somewhat disappointing news.”

Except for the fact that Deshion had regained consciousness.

But it had been a plan she thought had fifty-fifty odds from the beginning. She had still carried it out because the rewards of success seemed far greater than the risks of failure.

Anastasia, who had lived a life where everything revolved around her from the moment she was born, naturally executed the plan without hesitation.

Though he was conscious, seeing that even Deshion couldn’t respond to The King’s summons suggested his condition wasn’t good. God was surely on Anastasia’s side.

Anastasia let out a snickering laugh.

‘Who would have thought things would be this easy with just one interfering person gone.’

With Deshion, who had been a thorn in her side, removed, Anastasia’s plans stretched forward smoothly.

First, she had burned the carriage of the Holy Kingdom’s delegation that was entering the country with magic stones.

There was nothing difficult about it. She just had to subtly redirect the arrow of suspicion to the farthest point from herself.

The border region was crawling with poor people, so what would be strange about some of them becoming bandits and committing brutal acts?

As a result, both countries were naturally thrown into chaos.

The King conveyed his apologies repeatedly and worked day and night to resolve the situation. Within a few weeks, he had visibly grown gaunt.

It was a pitiful sight to behold, but Anastasia felt not an ounce of sympathy for him.

‘It’s suffering he brought upon himself. If Father hadn’t thought to bring in such useless things in the first place, none of this would have happened. I’m tired too.’

The King tried to seek advice from Deshion, but he was bedridden.

Anastasia naturally surrounded The King with people she had won over.

“Your Majesty, ominous feelings are spreading throughout the entire nation. The people’s anxiety is great!”

“In these difficult times, soothing the people’s hearts is what Your Majesty should rightfully do.”

“How do you mean?”

“In times like these, we must show that there are no problems with governing the nation. Please hasten the succession appointment.”

Anastasia’s people, led by Viscount Pretium, continuously advised The King to officially declare Anastasia as his successor.

Even The King, who had initially shown a cautious stance saying it wasn’t the appropriate time, began to show signs of being gradually swayed by the continued persuasion.

“If that is what you lords think… I will consider it positively. Though the people’s will is most important.”

The people’s will.

‘That’s easy.’

Manipulating the foolish people was no trouble at all.

Just appear dressed in modest yet elegant clothing. Deliver gentle voices, kind expressions, and sweet words.

“You must be very anxious, but in times like these, it’s important to unite our hearts. I will also do my utmost, so please don’t worry too much. I am here by your side.”

Anastasia appeared before the public whenever she had the chance.

Anastasia’s beautiful appearance and brilliant eloquence were enough to leave a good impression on them.

The King used to say emphatically that a nation’s leader must not ignore the people’s voices. That when public sentiment wavers, it means the nation wavers.

To firmly capture such a king’s heart, appropriate image management was necessary. Though the throne was already as good as hers, the more The King trusted her, the sooner that time would come.

“How can she be so angelic!”

“Despite being so busy, she even cares for people like us…. What a good person.”

There was no way such rumors wouldn’t reach The King’s ears.

‘By now, Father must have changed his mind too.’

It was a golden opportunity to restore the relationship that had become awkward after throwing The Queen’s tiara into the fireplace.

Anastasia, who had been lost in deep thought, rose to her feet.

“Governess.”

“Yes, Princess.”

“When will the meeting end?”

Sheila checked the scenery outside the window where the sun was slowly setting and answered.

“Since it started half a day ago, it should wrap up soon. It’s almost mealtime.”

“Then let’s go now.”

Sheila’s eyes widened greatly.

“To see His Majesty?”

Anastasia nodded.

“Yes, to Father. I want to spend some intimate time together as father and daughter after so long.”

Her lips curved up meaningfully.

“I should become a daughter who satisfies Father’s heart. That way, Father will make up his mind quickly, won’t he?”

At Anastasia’s words, a kind smile bloomed on the governess’s face too.

“Those are such admirable and wonderful words. His Majesty will be pleased too.”

“Right? I’m planning to play the good daughter for a while.”

Anastasia, wearing a thin coat, looked at herself from various angles in the mirror and muttered.

“I hope Father will be very, very happy. Filial piety doesn’t suit my constitution.”

Being officially declared as the formal successor was the most important thing for Anastasia. Only then could she grasp real power in her hands.

Even today, she couldn’t officially participate in meetings simply because she was a princess, not a successor. The days of having to put forward Viscount Pretium like a chess piece every time would now be over. Above all….

Deshion.

Cutting the throat of him who had tightened her breathing for a lifetime was something to do then.

Heidi.

Making that brazen thing who appeared from who knows where disappear without a trace was also something to do then.

And….

‘I’m sorry, Father.’

Well, there would be countless other farewells too.

‘I don’t have the patience to wait decades.’

* * *

Slow and calm musical melodies.

Pure white flowers filling the garden.

The banquet was held as both a memorial service for those who had recently been sacrificed. In the solemn and dignified atmosphere, delegations from numerous countries attended.

Anastasia stood right next to The King and whispered.

“Father, happy birthday.”

“Thank you, Anastasia.”

A gentle smile bloomed on The King’s lips. His gaze toward Anastasia was quite warm.

“It would have been nice if we could celebrate together in a more splendid and joyful atmosphere… It’s regrettable.”

“It really would have been wonderful if such a terrible accident hadn’t happened. I share your regret.”

“I think so too. Perhaps everyone gathered here…”

As Anastasia continued speaking with a bright smile, a familiar silhouette caught her eye.

Two people slowly walking into the hall.

“…!”

It was Heidi and Deshion.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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