The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 96

Dressed in ceremonial attire, Berd rested his chin on his hand, gazing out the window at the sky.

The weather was perfectly clear, as if offering a blessing for the upcoming engagement ceremony. A gentle breeze carried just enough coolness to refresh the flushed cheeks of the attending guests.

Even so, his stomach churned as if butterflies were flapping wildly inside. It wasn’t because of the presence of influential figures like the Crown Prince of Traiha or the Duke of Chaield.

“Princess Lienne…”

Berd clenched his fists and knocked them lightly against the wall as he watched Lienne from a distance. Now, he finally understood why noble ladies bit their handkerchiefs in anguish over their unrequited loves.

How could she be so breathtaking, like a lone wolf in the wild? Her ash-brown hair was elegantly braided and adorned with delicate flowers, making her look like a goddess of nature itself.

Who would have thought that the crown prince, whose only known hobby was dressing up with his sisters, would one day suffer from lovesickness?

Nadia, observing her brother’s unfamiliar behavior, clicked her tongue internally.

“Your Majesty, since you will be engaged soon anyway, why not approach her and strike up a conversation?”

“It wouldn’t seem strange, would it?”

“Well…”

Nadia was about to say that anything would be better than standing here, watching from afar and fidgeting like a lovesick fool, but she held back.

Encouraged by her words, Berd strode toward Lienne in one swift motion. The closer he got, the more he noticed the pleasant fragrance surrounding her, making his heart pound even harder.

Sweeping back his silver hair in a deliberately stylish manner, he spoke. Lienne, who had little interest in how he was doing, smiled at him with the patience of a charitable benefactor.

“Seeing you smile, Princess, has made me forget all the conversation topics I had prepared.”

“You must be nervous. This is merely a formal procedure to solidify the alliance between our nations. There’s no need to worry too much.”

“That’s not quite it… Would you care for a walk?”

Berd momentarily lost his words at Lienne’s firm demeanor. It felt as if an invisible wall had been erected between them.

After exhausting all universally safe topics—seasons, weather, health—he quickly wracked his brain to think of something that might genuinely interest her.

“The occasion calls for it, so Lady Diane is sure to make an appearance.”

As expected, Lienne’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Diane.

“She is Countess Diane now. In social circles, to distinguish her from Sir Pershue Diane, she is often called ‘Little Countess Diane.’ Isn’t it an adorable nickname?”

If only people knew that the slightest decision from the Little Countess Diane could shake the national economy, they wouldn’t find it so cute. Berd momentarily imagined the Duke of Chaield smirking behind her, orchestrating everything from the shadows, and decided to push the thought aside.

“Are you close with the Little Countess Diane, Your Majesty?”

“Of course. Countess Diane and I share a close relationship, both officially and personally.”

Lienne already knew Berd’s social circles inside and out. She was more interested in how the two had first crossed paths.

Since Heil was essentially the Duke of Chaield’s backyard, it was only natural for her to familiarize herself with anyone connected to him. Smiling, she asked:

“When did Your Majesty first meet the Little Countess Diane?”

Delighted to have finally found common ground for conversation, Berd’s face lit up.

“As you know, the Diane family was barred from court for a long time. The first time I met her as an adult was at this year’s harvest banquet.”

“Oh my… Did the two of you share a dance?”

If that had happened, he would have personally confirmed the size of the Chaield military with his own eyes. Berd shook his head, recalling the past.

“I was planning to tease her a bit since she had just been announced as Chaield’s fiancée. But when I think about how she kicked me before even realizing I was the crown prince… My back still shivers.”

“Kicked you…?”

Lienne’s eyes darted around as she tried to piece it together. If a man persistently followed a woman to pester her, the usual response would be an upward kick.

Where exactly did she kick him? Surely not…

As Lienne deduced the likely target of the legendary “Future-Kicking of the Heil Empire,” her face took on the look of someone who had just been swindled in a bad business deal.

＊＊＊

The engagement ceremony took place at midday in the grand hall of the imperial palace. It was as grand as a coronation, with high-ranking nobles in attendance and every procedure carried out with meticulous formality.

Enoch observed the union of Heil and Keltman in solemn silence—until he felt a sharp gaze upon him.

Given that this was Heil, and he and his entourage were Traiha citizens, it wouldn’t have been surprising if they drew some curious looks. However, these stares were persistent.

And they weren’t coming from just one direction—they came from all sides.

It didn’t take long for Enoch to realize that the owners of those gazes were none other than the Chaield-Diane alliance, stationed to ensure Amelia Diane’s safety.

Real-time surveillance? I’m practically a rat trapped in a box.

Though there was no concrete proof yet, his instincts told him that Ithar had orchestrated something during the Royal Lily Medal Ceremony. The heightened vigilance made sense.

Enoch found the situation increasingly troublesome. If Traiha was to continue importing gold, silver, and spices from its colonies, securing Chaield’s cooperation was non-negotiable.

The duke had long held a firm grip over maritime trade, controlling multiple key port cities that served as essential trade hubs.

But with tensions this high, securing cooperation seemed unlikely. At this rate, he would have to be grateful just to leave without being assassinated.

I should speak with the Little Countess Diane later. If I can gain her favor, securing future trade deals will be no issue.

Rumor had it that the Duke of Chaield would gladly offer up an entire gold mine at a single glance from her.

All Enoch needed to do was apologize for his half-brother’s unfortunate actions, express regret, and seek her assistance. That was the sole purpose of his visit to Heil.

Even if he had any ulterior motives—which he didn’t—executing them under such tight security would be impossible.

I just want to return home quickly. I wonder how Father is doing.

Leocis II had been unusually pale when he bid farewell to those departing for Heil. And yet, his expression had also been eerily peaceful and benevolent.

Despite bringing an expensive long-distance Arete scroll to ensure a swift return, Enoch couldn’t shake his unease.

Of all days, today marked Iana’s death anniversary. It felt as if something was bound to happen.

＊＊＊

Soon, the engagement ceremony concluded, and a grand banquet commenced. The Chaield guards heightened their vigilance, surrounding Amel with unwavering focus.

Feeling like an overprotected kindergarten child, Amel gave a sheepish smile. Kyle and Countess Diane were seated on either side of her.

Their intense vigilance stunned not only the noble guests but even Lienne and Berd, the main figures of the day.

Am I really going to sit here for the entire banquet?

She couldn’t help but find the lavishly decorated imperial hall and the soothing music a bit of a waste. However, stirring up unnecessary trouble was the last thing she wanted, so she remained in her seat.

“It’s reassuring to have both of you by my side.”

Amel flashed a bright smile, and the two men struggled to conceal their satisfaction. The moment someone approached, however, their expressions instantly turned cold.

“I finally get to meet the renowned Duke of Chaield and the two Diane counts.”

The speaker had a composed demeanor, golden hair neatly slicked back, and a pair of blue eyes free of malice. It was Enoch.

Given that he was the crown prince, proper etiquette was required. Kyle, hiding his displeasure well, responded with a polite, businesslike smile.

“It has been a while, Your Highness. I should have come to greet you sooner, but I apologize for not doing so.”

“No need. I’ve heard in Traiha that the duke refuses to leave his fiancée’s side, even for a moment.”

Kyle pointedly ignored the piercing gaze from his future father-in-law. While Enoch was more composed than Ithar, Kyle still didn’t trust him completely.

No, for Kylean Chaield, there was only one person in the world he could trust unconditionally—his fiancée.

With recent unsettling incidents involving alchemy, it wouldn’t have been strange for Enoch to be wary of him. But Kyle masked his thoughts skillfully, exchanging pleasantries with him instead.

Meanwhile, Amel observed the crown prince curiously. For the first time, she was seeing a proper crown prince—one who actually felt like one.

Yes, this is what a crown prince should be like. He should actually worry about his country.

She had already realized that Berd had come to Kyle seeking financial support. Seeing him humble himself for his country’s needs left a strong impression.

The bracelet hasn’t changed color… It’s too soon to let my guard down, but at least Enoch is better than Ithar.

Even when Enoch kissed the back of her hand, the only concern in her mind was whether it would upset Kyle. The word treason or anything ominous never surfaced.

Good. This is turning out to be a peaceful engagement ceremo—huh?

Just as Amel thought things were proceeding surprisingly smoothly, something limped toward them from the distance.

“What was that just now?”

She narrowed her eyes and scanned the horizon again, but whatever it was had already disappeared. A shiver ran down her arms.

＊＊＊

Today, Butler Hild was serving as a knight for the day. After persistently persuading his lord, he had been granted the role, believing that having one more person on guard duty would be beneficial.

He silently reaffirmed his commitment and patrolled the area. The younger, stronger knights were positioned inside the banquet hall, ensuring its security. His role was to make rounds at the designated times.

I still don’t understand why His Grace keeps pushing me out of central duties.

Something about it unsettled him, but he had no choice but to comply with his lord’s decisions. As he led his subordinates around the perimeter, he suddenly halted in his tracks.

This feeling…

He recognized it.

It was the same eerie sensation he had felt long ago, from behind the door his beloved wife had once guarded.

Unlike ordinary air, it carried a strange weight, a current that moved on its own accord. Hild, though unable to wield Arete himself, could never forget this presence.

“Follow me.”

If there was a threat, it needed to be identified and eliminated immediately. Moving swiftly through the well-manicured palace gardens, Hild cut across the shrubs and trees.

The pull of Arete grew stronger. Perhaps that was why his heartbeat pounded violently in his chest. Drawing his sword, he carefully pushed aside the thick foliage.

Clang—

His grip slackened, and his sword slipped from his hand, clattering onto the ground. His subordinates immediately moved to shield him, but Hild’s eyes were fixed on only one thing.

An old woman, slumped against a tree stump.

“Cordelia…?”

Hild Weil found himself staring at the familiar face of a woman he had known too well, standing at the threshold of something ominous.

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