How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

Leticia blinked in surprise.

“The nation is not stable right now. Our country is just recovering from the effects of drugs. But as time passes… when my father, the king, passes away, and the issue of succession arises… Please use my weakness to place Cedric on the throne.”

“So… You’re saying that I should expose this secret?”

“Yes. Even if it’s turned into an incident I planned.”

“What kind of request is that? What if I don’t want to expose it?”

“That’s your choice, princess.”

A look of disbelief spread across Leticia’s face.

“Are you… offering me the means to make a king?”

“It seems so. Yes, I’m offering you significant influence.”

Leticia was flabbergasted.

‘The royalty of this country!’

Whether it’s Cedric who’s pouring his all into her or Ileph with this unbelievable proposal, on top of that, there’s Lavigne’s face claiming to be her best friend.

‘Why are they doing this to me?’

Leticia sighed.

“What if I throw this part into the river?”

“That’s also your choice.”

“Why are you entrusting this to me?”

Leticia made no attempt to hide her overwhelmed expression.

“You’ve already saved the royal family several times. During the play incident, and when catching the drug dealers.”

“…”

“But those are just excuses. I simply trust you. You’ll make the right decision regarding the succession. And… since I caused the incidents, there’s a price I must pay.”

Leticia thought that the king, who reminded her of a bakery owner, must’ve done quite well with his children. Ileph and Cedric, both with different personalities, seemed to have the potential to be kings.

“I’ll take it for now. But not as your weakness. As a memento.”

“A memento?”

“Yes. A memento of this incident.”

“That sounds good.”

Ileph smiled briefly.

“Please cherish it.”

Leticia bowed and left. Ileph gazed at the door she exited through for a long time.

* * *

Leticia decided to visit princess Iroha for the last time.

She felt somewhat sorry for the carriage accident.

Iroha’s sickroom, which was also her prison, was in a secluded annex. Upon entering, Leticia found Iroha surrounded by young nurses and maids.

“Oh, isn’t this the beautiful princess? You’ve come to me. Finally, accepting my feelings…”

“I haven’t.”

“Ah…”

“Don’t give me that pitiful look. Anyway, you seem to be doing quite well.”

The maids hurriedly brought tea.

“Do you feel okay?”

“I know I won’t inherit the national debt. That’s inevitable.”

“You’re not angry?”

“If being born as royalty means you can live without worry and enjoy life, why focus on trivial things? Your smile is more precious to me.”

Leticia thought, if she’s this persistent, maybe she genuinely cares. Not counting the part about the smile.

“But learn to save. The cost of your luxury is all from taxes, isn’t it?”

Moreover, when she returned, the Kingdom of Serota would be significantly impoverished.

Leticia swallowed that comment. Iroha seemed unaware that the Kingdom of Serota was on the brink of financial ruin.

“What luxury are you talking about?”

Iroha asked with genuine curiosity. Leticia felt a headache.

“For example, attending things like the Chimera horse race. How did you even know about that illegal race? Is it famous abroad?”

“Well…”

Iroha hesitated.

“A friend told me.”

“A friend?”

Iroha smiled innocently.

“Yes, a friend you know. Nigel, a very good friend. He even acted as my guard.”

At that moment, Leticia froze.