I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

16. Henry! (Monthly ticket plea at the start of the month!)

Within the Royal House of Great Ying, the “Louis” lineage has always held the title of “King”. The higher one’s ranking, the greater the chance of inheriting the throne. Someone like a “Louis the Nine Hundred Ninety-Ninth” wouldn’t stand a chance even if Great Ying was on the brink of collapse.

However, while the “Louis” lineage is dominant, it cannot stand alone. A single line of succession invites a host of problems, be it in marriage or governance. Therefore, Great Ying has a secondary line, the “Henrys,” who have always supported the “Louis.”

Though a collateral branch, the “Henry” lineage is by no means to be underestimated. Not only does the Henry line control the Empire’s armed forces, but many of them are consorts of high-ranking members of the Louis lineage, playing an auxiliary role to the fullest. Common wit has it: *Marry a Henry for a worry-free future, marry a Louis for an easy life.*

Thus, even though the “Henrys” are merely a secondary branch, the high-ranking ones… hold no fear for those Louis scoundrels, and this is perfectly exemplified by the current “Henry” – Henry III.

The reason is simple: Henry III is possibly the “Prince Charming” in the hearts of all women in Great Ying who favor “young men.” And today, this “Prince” has triumphed over the barbaric Rossian savages to the north, returning in triumph from the frontier!

In an instant, the streets leading to Great Ying’s Royal City overflowed with people, both men and women.

After all, if the ladies were there to see the “Prince,” then the men were there to worship the “object of their admiration,” for…

“So enviable.”

These were the words of a noble whose distance was so vast that even “jealousy” couldn’t take root.

“Enviable? Why don’t you try to be like him?”

“How could I ever? Envy is all I can do. But it is rumored that Henry III has a sister who always avoids public appearances. I wonder if I might have a chance…”

“What chance do you have? But if things continue like this, and our Queen remains single, then if Henry reaches marrying age, won’t he have to choose from the high-ranking Louises besides the Queen? Then… who else is there?”

“It seems there’s only the Queen’s cousin? Hush! He’s here, he’s here!”

The voices of conversation vanished without a trace, leaving only individual thoughts to brew in their hearts, eyes… all without exception fixed on the man on horseback—Henry III.

A young man who seems to have inherited all the strengths of both the Louis and Henry lines, “shining” simply by existing. Golden hair, azure eyes, handsome features, and eyes filled with confidence and “strength.” He was upright and did not appear too bulky. But he was able to wear a full suit of armor and still be at ease on horseback. Clearly, his inner strength was something else.

He led the way, followed by the Royal Knights of Great Ying, returning in triumph. Beside him was a maid who was clearly of the “assistant” level; otherwise, she could not have maintained that “floating” posture beside him.

This… surely, *this* is the genuine article when it comes to the Great Ying Empire’s “Young Talents.” Truth be told, some even felt that if this Henry III were to contend for the throne, his chances of success wouldn’t be insignificant.

At this very moment, Henry III surveyed the denizens of the Great Ying Empire lining the roads on either side, forced to wave in acknowledgement.

Then, turning his head, he whispered, “Who arranged this? Didn’t I say I was returning in secret? Staging such a spectacle risks destabilizing many of the nobles’ ‘actions.'”

“Why, I arranged it, of course. It’s a suitable way to subtly showcase the Empire’s power, and incidentally, to lay the groundwork for your reputation, making future… matrimonial arrangements smoother, wouldn’t you say it’s killing two birds with one stone?”

The maid hovering beside Henry III adjusted her glasses. Even though her hands were no longer engaged in manipulation, she still floated stably in the air, a testament to the considerable power already established by this maid with her brown, curly hair.

“This is a solution only a genius could devise. Does Your Grace have any objections?”

“Of course, I object. I originally intended to visit my cousin first. But alas… how is my cousin, Fiora, doing? Also, next time, refrain from acting on your own initiative. Others are rather displeased by your overstepping, Holmes.”

“Hee hee hee… a bunch of crude men who don’t know a thing about fairies. That’s just how it is ~ Hahaha ~” Waving her hand, the “fairy” declared, “Your nominal cousin Fiora is still studying normally at the Royal Academy, without encountering any troubles worth mentioning. However… the Royal Academy’s standards are no longer adequate for nurturing her talents; she’s only there due to her age.”

“Regarding this point, does Your Grace not intend to do anything? For example… concerning ‘that matter’ of hers? The ‘time’ you mentioned is almost upon us. How exactly will you decide Fiora’s future? The initiative rests entirely with you.”

Henry III was, of course, aware of his theoretical “cousin” Fiora. Like her elder sister, the current Queen Louise III, she was a young woman who, with a little refinement, could be utterly flawless. And right now, he did indeed hold the power to decide Fiora’s future.

As for how to wield it?

“I will neither refuse, nor oppose.”

This was Henry III’s reply, simple, calm, and yet, allowing for no rejection. “At my level, some things cannot be swayed by one’s own emotions.”

“What if she refuses?”

“Fiora will not refuse. As a fairy, your understanding of the royal family’s resolve and mindset is far from sufficient.”

“Hmph ~ I act according to my mood.” The fairy named Holmes circled Henry III, “It’s just a pity for that Fiora, so young, yet her future is already nailed down by someone else’s decisions ~”

“…”

Henry III did not respond, simply changing the subject casually, “Let’s detour to see Fiora for a moment, to see how she is. If everything is alright, then…”

“She should end her playhouse days at the academy soon. It’s almost time for her to fulfill her responsibilities. Even if I were to grant her a chance out of compassion or something, the Queen would show no mercy.”

“Rather, I can’t imagine my ‘cousin’ refusing her fate; her resolve is no different from the Queen’s.”

The sound of carriages and horses was incessant. Henry III spoke no more, but continued to wave to the surrounding pedestrians. Only this time, somehow, he sensed some… gazes that were quite displeased with him, filled with “hostility,” always mixed within the crowd.

Haa… such a thing is not uncommon, just ignore it.

Seize the opportunity, and go see Fiora.

[Image of a light novel illustration]