I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

18. The Whole World Knows I Love You, Except You

News of Henry III’s triumphant return had already swept through the Great Ying Empire’s Royal City.

If the average townsfolk took to the streets simply for the spectacle, to welcome the hero’s return, then those within the Royal City were diligently preparing for the long-awaited return of this high-ranking “Prince Charming.” Louise, Henry, and members of various families residing in the Royal City were obligated to attend, and even… the current Queen, Louise III, would make a personal appearance to greet him.

This, perhaps, was what they meant by grandeur.

And now, in the evening, the Great Ying Empire’s palace, already a place that rarely slept, was even more lively than usual. Commoners lining the streets to welcome Henry III highlighted the sheer “numbers,” while the welcome orchestrated by the Great Ying Empire’s royalty showcased “nobility.”

For instance, the grand welcoming banquet now underway was arranged under Queen Louise III’s express orders and personal oversight for Henry III. The Queen, Henry III, and other high-ranking members of the royal family had yet to appear, but discussion was already rife.

While the male nobles mostly debated how to curry favor, the whispers among the young ladies were far more intriguing.

“What do you think Henry-sama is back for? Doesn’t he have a large territory in the Empire?”

“You silly goose, the entire Empire knows what Henry-sama wants, ex·cept·you. It must be… *that*, you see, Henry-sama is at *just about* the right age, and he’s returned with a wealth of achievements, what else could it be?”

“Then… who will he choose? Do I… look like I stand a chance?”

“You… you might have a chance to wash his feet. Her Majesty the Queen shows no interest in marriage, so that leaves only the Queen’s cousin, right? Ah… thinking of it like that, getting to wash his feet doesn’t sound so bad…”

The current Queen of the Great Ying Empire, Louise III, was in her prime. But no one dared to recommend any “good men” to the Queen without her invitation; that would be courting death. Moreover, the Queen happened to have a cousin, Philaura, who was equally perfect in every aspect. So everyone mostly guessed Henry III’s intentions for returning were almost certainly for her.

And then, as the figures at the center of everyone’s gossip and discussion appeared, everyone inside and outside the Great Ying Empire’s palace grounds turned their gaze and celebratory greetings towards them without restraint.

At this moment, Henry III was leading Queen Louise III by the hand, slowly approaching the waiting crowd. The Queen was, as always, noble and dignified. Her golden hair, a symbol of high rank within the Louise lineage, seemed to prove the Queen’s and the Great Ying Empire’s brilliance at all times.

Handsome man, beautiful woman. Everyone could only sigh inwardly, “Well-matched…” However, after noticing that Henry III’s hand-holding was merely a polite arm-linking, they understood the implication.

It seemed they were only “acquainted.”

Moreover, the appearance of another figure served as a complete “affirmation” for those foolish nobles who still hadn’t grasped the situation.

The Queen’s cousin – Philola, she appeared.

A white gown, silver hair, purity, radiance…

Even those reluctant to admit it couldn’t help but notice: Philola’s ensemble subtly eclipsed the Queen’s own. This…was a grave misstep for a noble, an unforgivable lapse.

Yet, a moment later, comprehension dawned: Why would Philola, a royal, commit such a faux pas? Because it was no error at all, but a calculated gesture, sanctioned by the Queen herself.

Indeed, Henry III’s return harbored but a single purpose – it was Philola who drew him back.

“How you’ve blossomed, truly! Though saying that makes me sound ancient, and I am but a few years your senior.”

Henry III’s gaze lingered upon the silent Philola, filled with admiration. “My absence from the Royal City was brief, yet, you have grown far more quickly, more…perfectly, than I imagined, Philola.”

“Thank you, Cousin Henry.”

A fleeting hint of “trouble” crossed her features, vanishing as Philola graciously accepted the compliment.

All eyes were upon them; this was the stage where royals showcased themselves.

No faltering allowed, not the slightest hint of impropriety. Philola had prepared long for this day; nothing eccentric could be permitted.

“Cousin, what are your plans during this visit?”

“A stolen moment from my duties. My return is primarily for your sake, Philola.”

Henry III released the Queen’s hand, pausing his steps. “Philola, you…appear sufficiently ‘mature’, and have blossomed beautifully. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to remain at the academy; the time has come to consider matters of consequence for your future.”

His voice was low, yet those close enough heard him clearly.

Philola, too, accepted Henry’s pronouncements with equanimity. After all…everything today followed a script. What to say, what to do, was predetermined within certain limits.

And soon, her royal cousin would seize this opportunity to announce matters concerning her future…important news related to Henry III, to herself, and to the Great British Empire.

As a royal of higher standing than the common nobility, Loue had long prepared herself for this day’s arrival.

Even if it meant a swift graduation from the academy, a future meticulously arranged, no complaint could be uttered.

Having savored privileges others could only dream of for lifetimes, she must now shoulder burdens beyond their comprehension. The scales were ever balanced.

So…perhaps there would be no further chance to surpass Chairwoman Mearl’s culinary skills.

“Cousin Henry…it is nearly time to bring up ‘the matter’.”

Thinking this, Philola whispered a reminder.

Henry frowned slightly. “Have you truly decided?”

No, Great British royalty did not “decide,” they “prepared,” and now, she had…

Philola was about to agree, but then…

A maid arrived in haste. Disregarding the surrounding nobles, she rushed through the throng, arriving at the Queen’s side to whisper urgently.

Philola distinctly heard her cousin’s bewildered query.

“Hmm? Elves? We sent no invitation, did we?”

“…The Prussian Kingdom’s accreditation? Could it be an unexpected event?”

And then…

A not insignificant variable had already manifested within the “plan” so meticulously prepared.

Because two figures that Philora knew intimately had appeared!

—

Remember to throw some monthly tickets my way at the start of the month!

Save the child, the child wants to celebrate the New Year.

As for the portrait, is the artist’s okay?