Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 26

As I became aware of the existence of Lady Ginette Bergier, and continued my daily training, I caught the attention of Princess Celestina and ended up constantly by her side as her guard.

Princess Celestina is still a child, but she has a terrifying personality.

She’s selfish and self-centered, mercilessly eliminating anyone who offers criticism. She barely maintains the minimum manners expected of a lady. While she gets by with her royal status and beautiful appearance, she’ll undoubtedly struggle greatly after marriage.

“Olga, we’ve received a marriage proposal from the Bergier Marquis household. Our family doesn’t mind whether you continue as Princess Celestina’s close attendant or marry someone you love.

However, if we send you to the Bergier territory, you might not live long. You can refuse this marriage arrangement. Both Yona and I want you to be happy.”

The day after the palace ball, when my father summoned me, it turned out to be about marriage.

Hearing it was the Bergier Marquis household made my heart skip a beat.

Though engagements had been decided several times before, each family had their arrangements ruined by the princess’s interference, and people around me whispered that I would probably remain single for life.

An engagement with Lady Ginette?

Had I become a man worthy of her? Suppressing my excited feelings, I answered.

“Father, thank you for your concern. However, I don’t mind marrying into the Bergier family. I’ve heard Lady Ginette is beautiful and capable despite her youth. Since remaining just the duke’s son would eventually become a burden to my future mother-in-law and brothers-in-law, please accept the proposal.”

“You’re my precious son. I don’t want to send you to what could be your death.”

“Father, I’ll be fine.”

“Well, it’s still just an inquiry. And we’ve suddenly arranged for you to meet tomorrow in the palace garden. It shouldn’t be too late to decide after meeting.”

“Understood.”

So, the meeting will be held at the palace.

His Majesty probably wants me to marry into the Bergier Marquis household. This is likely because talks about deciding Princess Celestina’s fiancé are emerging soon.

Feeling somewhat elated, I went to the meeting.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Lady Ginette Bergier, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Olga Saraphis.”

When I saw her after so long, her childishness had vanished, and she had become a very beautiful woman.

At first glance, with her soft red hair and gentle atmosphere, she didn’t seem like the heir to the Bergier Marquis household at all.

But those who notice would see – her posture and even her fingertips were honed with sharp awareness, ready to handle sudden attacks.

She must be a warrior at heart.

…I want to be her husband.

Such thoughts crossed my mind. No, I know it’s too much for me, but I don’t want to give up.

I want to be by her side. I want to get closer to her, even just a little. I want to know more about her.

Just when I thought I managed to make some connection for the future, Princess Celestina came to interfere.

The princess does this – she ruins the engagements of her favorite guard knights besides me. Some young ladies have even been attacked by ruffians and later committed suicide.

Lady Ginette is in danger.

To ensure no harm comes to her, I had to take the princess away and postpone our important tea party.

Lady Ginette seemed to know about Princess Celestina’s behavior too, as her letter contained words showing concern for me.

We’ve received an inquiry from the Bergier Marquis household about visiting their territory, but because of the princess, it hasn’t been possible.

“Olga, look? Isn’t this dress lovely?”

“It’s very lovely. It suits you well, Lady Celestina.”

Princess Celestina seems to be hosting a tea party soon.

That’s why she keeps trying on dresses like this and asking for opinions – it’s bothersome.

If this weren’t part of my duties, I would have left immediately.

In the palace salon, the royal designer keeps bringing dresses made exclusively for Princess Celestina, repeating the fitting process.

Having it in the garden during this cold season is incomprehensible. They’re calling palace mages to warm the garden. What a waste of mages. With no flowers in the garden, I suppose we’re just meant to admire the princess. As troublesome as ever.

Come to think of it, I believe Lady Ginette was invited to this tea party. I hope nothing happens to her at Princess Celestina’s hands.

As expected, she caused an incident to eliminate Lady Ginette.

I’m astonished by the sloppiness of her methods, but she has enough power to forcibly remove the Bergier Marquis household.

…She’ll be killed by false charges.

I must do something.

When an emergency summons came, I handed over Princess Celestina’s guard duty to the Second Knight Order and returned to my room.

“His Majesty is returning urgently from his inspection. Of course, it’s about the tea party incident. Princess Celestina is currently resting in the royal medical room.”

“What will happen to Lady Bergier?”

“Vice-Captain Olga, she was your fiancée, wasn’t she? We’ve assigned Celdias Eil to her interrogation. She should be fine over there.

But regarding the princess – according to reports from the knights present, she should have been poisoned, but the response was too quick.

We’re about to get the confession from the maid who served the tea, but when she was captured, she said the princess herself told her ‘Pour the poison into this cup.’

Overall, it’s highly likely to be self-staged. But we must act considering the possibility it might be real. The rest depends on Her Majesty the Queen’s movements.”

Captain Fail made a grim expression as he gave instructions to the knights about future actions. Attempting to kill a royal means certain execution if the culprit is caught.

Would Their Majesties, who have always indulged Princess Celestina’s selfishness, execute the innocent Lady Ginette?

But there were too many witnesses to sweep this under the rug.

If they execute Lady Ginette, who’s set to become the next Margrave, the magical beasts of the Beast Knight Order would probably return to the Margrave’s territory.

Except for some of her hangers-on present, most people viewed the princess’s actions with cold eyes.

If they punish an innocent young lady, the nobility’s trust in the royal family will plummet.

How will the royal family act, I wonder?