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 14

My father’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. Seeing the head physician shaking his head with a grave expression makes it clear that time is running out. The deadline is approaching.

I will be taking over the heavy responsibility of throne succession that was originally meant for my brother, Cariotte. I no longer hesitate to step into the spotlight. I can no longer run from the responsibility I’ve been avoiding all this time, nor do I intend to.

I must protect this country and the lives of its people. That is the mission entrusted to me.

I recall my conversation with my father on his sickbed. In the dimly lit king’s private chamber, my emaciated father stared intently into my eyes and spoke in a frail voice.

“Aldian, I want you to value the balance between your responsibilities as king and your personal feelings.”

“Yes, Father.”

My father’s hand was surprisingly cold, and when I held it, I could feel his bony frame almost painfully. The father who once ruled the kingdom was no longer there.

“I have shown Cariotte my final mercy. So please, let him be from now on.”

My father’s voice was filled with the painful feelings of a parent.

“Though I’ve tried to be a king before being a father, at least at the end I want to be a father who cares for his son.”

It seems the king, as a father, has prepared a residence for my brother in a place far from the royal capital and instructed him to live there quietly. My father pleaded with me to let him live his life undisturbed.

Under normal circumstances, as a former crown prince who caused trouble and had his right to succession revoked, he should face much stricter punishment. However, I cannot coldly dismiss my father’s final wish.

“…Understood, Father.”

I started to say something but swallowed my words.

Apparently, my brother continues to claim that Murina is entirely to blame for his loss of the succession rights. That’s taking deflection too far. Someone like that will definitely cause problems later.

If I don’t take some measures now, it will inevitably leave future troubles. But this has become my father’s final wish. In that case, I should value the balance of feelings as my father said.

After finishing my conversation with my father, I summoned a trusted subordinate.

“Yes, Your Highness. Did you call for me?”

“I want regular reports on Cariotte’s living conditions at his residence.”

Staring out the window of my office, I quietly gave the order.

“I will respect Father’s wish. But the kingdom’s safety comes first. If there are any signs of him causing trouble, then appropriate measures will be taken. If he remains quiet, we will do nothing.”

“Understood. What level of surveillance would you prefer?”

“Undetectable, but thorough. My brother’s actions, the people he meets, and everything happening within the residence. Record and report everything.”

“Understood.”

But that wasn’t the only order. I needed to deal with another person as well.

“Also, include a woman named Carla who is with my brother in the surveillance.”

At first, I thought she was just a calculating woman, but I never imagined she would be so greedy and cunning. That innocent expression of hers must have been entirely skillful acting. And my brother seems completely fooled by her excellent disguise.

“What about the measures against her family’s trading company?”

“We’ve already arranged it. We’re delaying the renewal of various permits to make business difficult within the kingdom, and we’re gradually worsening their relationships with business partners. We’re guiding them toward emigrating to another country.”

The report was precise, showing they had already grasped my intentions and were proceeding accordingly.

“That’s good. Make sure to completely sever his contact with Carla. And find a way to keep Carla herself from leaving the residence, using some pretext.”

“Understood.”

That woman needs to keep my brother at the residence. Since she talked about love and all that, let them fully nurture their love for just the two of them. It would be a relief if he becomes so absorbed in that and doesn’t cause trouble. For that purpose, we’ll keep Carla confined to the residence.

If we leave that woman unchecked, she’s likely to cause different problems in the future. She would be harmful to the kingdom. So, it’s wise to contain her now.

“Understood. I’ll make arrangements immediately.”

“I’m counting on you. And keep this matter top secret.”

After my subordinate left the room, I let out a deep sigh. Political maneuvering and conspiracies don’t suit my nature, but they’re unavoidable paths for a king.

There are many troublesome and burdensome matters. However, recently there have been happy events too. Like that special time I spent with Murina the other day.

When I heard she remembered that letter clearly and that it had been her support, my chest grew warm.

I had been watching her hard work from afar and couldn’t resist reaching out. But since she was engaged to my brother at the time, I had to restrain myself and could only send it anonymously.

I never imagined she would treasure that letter so much. And now, through fate’s workings, we’re working together on government affairs side by side.

I’ve been watching Murina’s sincere attitude toward her queen education for a long time. She faced that strict, sometimes seemingly unreasonable education head-on, and even when she fell into the humiliating situation of having her engagement broken off, she never lost her dignity.

And witnessing her accurate judgment and thoughtful consideration in recent government affairs, I’ve come to realize her excellence anew. She’s a woman of intelligence, dignity, and above all, strong will—truly worthy of respect.

With this person, I’m sure we can protect the kingdom. We can make the people happy.

I’m certain she means more to me than just a political partner. Being able to walk through life with her would be the greatest happiness for me.

Right now, various problems are piling up. My brother’s treatment, containing Carla, nursing my father, preparing for throne succession, and more. But preparations to nip problems in the bud are steadily falling into place.

I’m prepared to bear everything. I no longer have any doubts.

Now that I’ve gained Murina as my best partner, I feel much stronger than before. Responsibilities that would be too heavy alone can be overcome if shared with her.

I must protect and cherish her. And together, we’ll devote ourselves wholeheartedly to this country’s bright future.