I Will Not Accept It — Since He Said He Would Demote Me to Second Queen for the Sake of His Own Love, I Will Break the Engagement - Episode 10

The day had come for my first meeting with Lord Aldian, who had been chosen as my new fiancé.

Inside the carriage heading toward the palace, I let out a deep sigh. This time, I absolutely could not fail. For the honor of the Rosewell family, and above all, for the future of the kingdom.

Upon arriving at the palace, the first order of business was a formal audience with His Majesty the King. My father was also present as we discussed the basic arrangements for the engagement.

In the throne room, His Majesty appeared to be in better health than when I had last seen him. Though the effects of his illness still lingered, he seemed to be gradually recovering, which eased my worries. I sincerely hoped he would continue to regain his strength.

“Now, I’ll leave the details for you two to discuss. Aldian has been eagerly awaiting this day as well,” His Majesty said, then instructed that I be escorted to another room.

Guided by a court maid, I was led to an elegant drawing room in the private quarters of the palace. The room maintained the dignity of the royal family while still feeling warm and not overly formal. At a slight distance, butlers and maids stood by, keeping enough space so as not to intrude on our conversation.

I sat in the prepared chair and waited. I could feel my heart beating faster, but I tried my best to compose my expression. Taking deep breaths, I focused on maintaining the dignity befitting a candidate for queen.

After a while, the door slowly opened and a man entered.

His deep green eyes and calm demeanor gave a gentle, intelligent impression—completely different from his brother, Lord Cariotte. Though not particularly tall, his refined posture naturally conveyed a sense of dignity. His brown hair was a bit tousled, but it added to his approachable charm. So, this is Lord Aldian.

His presence wasn’t flashy, but it had the power to subtly change the atmosphere of the room. He gave the impression of a tranquil lake—deep and soothing.

I stood and greeted him with the perfect etiquette I had learned in my queenly education.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Murina Rosewell.”

I think I managed to say it calmly.

“I’m Aldian Valheart. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.”

“Not at all.”

His voice was low and composed. It held no hint of intimidation; rather, it was reassuring. My former fiancé, Cariotte, always spoke with a commanding tone, but Lord Aldian’s voice carried respect for the person he was addressing.

Once we were both seated, he spoke with a serious expression.

“First of all, there is something I must apologize to you for, Miss Murina.”

With that, he bowed his head deeply.

I was stunned. The crown prince, bowing to me? I had never experienced such a thing before.

“My foolish brother acted extremely rudely. As a member of the royal family, and as his younger brother, I sincerely apologize.”

His apology wasn’t just a formality; I could tell it came from genuine regret and a sense of responsibility.

“P-please, raise your head.”

Flustered, I spoke, and he slowly lifted his face. In his green eyes, I could see that he truly felt sorry.

“I’m no longer concerned about that matter. Please don’t worry about it.”

“Hearing that puts me a little at ease. But I also feel responsible for the emotional pain you suffered, Miss Murina. That’s why I wanted to apologize.”

His sincerity moved me.

“Rather than that, I’d like to focus on the future now.”

“You’re right. That is also important.”

His expression grew serious again as he looked straight into my eyes. His gaze was filled with earnest sincerity.

“Regarding this engagement, there is something I’d like to confirm.”

“What is it?”

Still looking at me, he asked as if to make sure.

“I want your feelings to be the top priority, Miss Murina. If this engagement ever feels like a burden to you, I don’t want you to force yourself.”

His words surprised me.

“Thank you for your kind words. Just knowing you care means a great deal to me. And I’m not forcing myself at all. I wholeheartedly accept this engagement.”

“Do you truly feel that way?”

He asked again, as if to confirm.

“Yes. I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart.”

Hearing my answer, he finally nodded with a relieved expression.

After that, we discussed various things. The current state of the kingdom, future policies, and the role of the queen. As we talked, I felt a tension I hadn’t even been aware of gradually easing.

Lord Aldian certainly spoke with the dignity of a prince, but there was no intimidation. He maintained an appropriate distance while naturally making eye contact. Even when I hesitated for words, he waited patiently without rushing me.

I recalled how Cariotte had been domineering, acting every bit the prince. He always looked down on me and seemed uninterested in my opinions. Lord Aldian was nothing like that. Instead, he showed a willingness to listen to my thoughts. The atmosphere was so easy to talk in that, strangely, my nervousness faded.

They’re brothers close in age, yet they’re so different.

“I hope you’ll make full use of the abilities you’ve cultivated through your queenly education, Miss Murina.”

When he said that, I felt genuinely happy. I was being acknowledged. My efforts up until now were being recognized.

“Politics, economics, diplomacy—I’ve heard that your knowledge and judgment are excellent in every field.”

“Thank you. I’m still inexperienced, but I continue to learn every day.”

“That attitude is what matters most. I have no intention of letting your efforts go to waste. Will you walk alongside me for the sake of the kingdom?”

His words were filled with genuine respect and expectation.

“I, too, didn’t want my learning to go to waste. If I can be of help to the kingdom as queen, I gladly accept.”

“Thank you. Those are very encouraging words.”

He looked both relieved and happy.

With this person, I think it will be alright.

Though our conversation had been brief, I felt something close to certainty. The strength of character hidden beneath his kindness. A personality that, while bearing the resolve to carry the kingdom as crown prince and future king, never forgets to be considerate of others.

I had a feeling that this would be the start of a completely new relationship, unlike my previous failure. I could feel my anxiety about the future slowly transforming into hope and expectation.

“Then, let’s end here for today.”

As Lord Aldian stood, I rose as well.

“Thank you for your valuable time today.”

“Likewise. It was very meaningful to speak with you, Miss Murina.”

When he smiled at me, my heart warmed. With this person, I was sure we could build a splendid kingdom together. That conviction quietly took root within me.

In the carriage on the way back, I gazed out the window and reflected. Perhaps today would mark the beginning of a new Episode in my life. I felt truly grateful to have met such a wonderful person as Lord Aldian.