Your Majesty, Have You Lost Your Senses—?

In the audience chamber, the king spoke first in a deep voice that carried dignity.

“—Then, tell me how this came about. I have heard a general outline, but I wish to hear it again from your own mouths.”

(Oh! It seems we might actually be able to have a proper discussion?)

Keeping her gaze on the king, Cordelia’s eyes sparkled with pleased surprise.

Though it was terribly rude, she had braced herself for him to be completely captivated by Hina and accuse them, asking why they refused marriage with the Holy Maiden. However, the blue eyes resembling Isaac’s shone calmly, and clear reason could be seen within them.

In the audience hall, lined with a red carpet, the king sat alone upon the throne while the chancellor and ministers—an illustrious group—stood beside him.

Naturally so. The First Prince’s marriage concerned the fate of the nation, and moreover both the Holy Maiden and the Duke Harmonia family were involved.

Among them were Cordelia’s parents, whose expressions clearly showed anxiety. Her scholarly father and refined lady mother were far removed from ambition for power, but were warm-hearted instead. Having learned their daughter was entangled in trouble again, they had rushed over pale-faced.

Facing the king stood Cordelia and Isaac, and slightly behind them stood Hina in a white, pure Holy Maiden robe befitting her role.

“Father, I shall explain.”

Isaac, standing beside Cordelia, stepped forward and spoke.

“As you know, since childhood I have been engaged to Lady Cordelia, eldest daughter of the Duke Harmonia family. I intend to maintain this engagement and formally take her as my wife.”

(To take her as his wife! What a wonderful phrase…!)

Despite the situation, a small sound nearly escaped Cordelia’s lips. No, this was an important place, she had to endure… just as she thought that, a sharp whisper of “What is this?” came from behind her. It was Hina.

“At that point, the Holy Maiden-dono proposed marriage to me, and I refused. However, she would not accept it, which is why this setting was arranged.”

Clear, decisive, and without excess emotion, Isaac explained flatly. It was as businesslike as a subordinate reporting to a superior.

Incidentally, according to Isaac, they would avoid mentioning the threat about destroying the country as much as possible. His reasoning was that he did not wish to make others unnecessarily anxious.

“Hm…”

After hearing him out, the king stroked his full beard and pondered.

“Isaac, let me ask one thing. As you know, whoever marries the Holy Maiden may become the next king. You have trained since childhood to become king, and if you marry the Holy Maiden, the Eforl royal house will remain the royal family. Even so, why do you choose the Duke Harmonia’s daughter rather than the Holy Maiden?”

(Well, of course that question would come.)

Cordelia agreed inwardly.

Originally, the engagement with Cordelia was largely due to her Duke Harmonia bloodline and her status as a dark mage bearing the title of Sage. Yet even including that, marrying the Holy Maiden was undoubtedly more advantageous.

Not yielding to the king’s words, Isaac spoke.

“Father, allow me to ask in return. The throne and royal house are certainly important, but do you believe the people would follow an unfaithful man who betrays the fiancée who supported him for years just to take the Holy Maiden’s hand? I could not trust such a king, nor do I wish to become one.”

(Oh! He countered quite forcefully as well!? As always, he completely denies his original self!)

In the original story, after Isaac chose the Holy Maiden, the people’s hearts did not change and they even celebrated, ending in a happy ending. However, this was inconvenient for Cordelia, so she hoped to keep quiet about it… just then—

“They will follow! Because that’s how it’s supposed to be!”

Hina, who had been watching behind them, revealed it without hesitation.

“Everyone will bless us, and our marriage is guaranteed to be a happy ending. Yet Isaac-sama is the only one being unreasonable.”

(Who’s the unreasonable one!?)

Cordelia glared at Hina with criticism.

Perhaps because it was the first time Cordelia, who had been quiet until now, reacted that way, Hina faltered for a moment. But she quickly regained composure and looked at Isaac. Cordelia also hurriedly fixed her expression into a ladylike one.

“So, please? Isaac-sama, think it over again. The king and the people all desire it—Isaac-sama and Hina’s marriage. If you can’t decide, let’s go on a date? I’m sure we just lack events. Events to deepen our relationship…”

Madness now floated on Hina’s face as she spoke rapidly. Even those who had silently watched began to sense it; whispers started throughout the room.

“Your Majesty, please tell Isaac-sama as well. If it’s your command, he can’t defy you, right?”

Ignoring the surroundings’ reactions, Hina now addressed the king.

This was Hina’s old specialty. Rather than persuading herself, she gathered allies (men around her) to fulfill her wish.

Yet the technique that had always worked before strangely had no effect now. The king let out a deep sigh and pressed his fingers to his brow.

Instead, Isaac spoke.

“…I have told you many times, Holy Maiden-dono. No matter how much time I spend with you, I will never come to love you. My heart has already been devoted to Cordelia alone.”

He paused, then continued as if resolved.

“Above all, I love her. No matter the reason, nothing surpasses this feeling.”

(Ugh! That’s unfair, saying that at a time like this…!)

Cordelia clutched her chest. Unable to withstand the impact of those sudden words, her breathing grew rough.

“But! If you marry that person, Isaac-sama won’t be able to become king!? Only Hina can make Isaac-sama king!?”

“…Then I must not be worthy. Losing her frightens me more than losing the throne.”

Hina stared at him, turning pale. At last, perhaps she realized—Isaac’s heart held absolutely nothing for her.