Lust for the King’s Wife

Chapter 21: Two Men (1)

“Hello, Alf.”

“…Princess.”

“Did you sleep well?”

It was still early in the morning. As I rubbed my half-asleep eyes and got up, the princess, neatly dressed, greeted me with a morning salutation. 

Her carefully arranged hair and impeccable collar suggested she had been up and preparing for quite some time.

It wasn’t just about waking up early; the sun hadn’t even risen outside yet. Perhaps sensing my silent question, she smiled brightly and explained.

“For some reason, I woke up right away today.”

“It’s still quite early, though.”

“I was surprised too. Maybe it’s a sign I’ve grown up? No more teasing me for being a little girl who fusses about sleep.”

“Are you not feeling tired?”

“Not at all. In fact, it was rather amusing. Watching you sleep was a refreshing experience.”

She subtly reached out and lightly tapped my lower abdomen. Perhaps it was because of what happened last night, but she seemed much less hesitant about getting close to me.

“My apologies for any intrusion. In that case, I’ll start preparing for the day, as there’s much to do.”

“There’s no need to rush. We can still take it easy for now.”

“I can’t remain disheveled before you, Princess.”

“In that case, shall we bath together?”

It sounded like a casual joke, but I was certain that asking the wrong question would lead to trouble. So, I offered a faint smile and shook my head.

“I’m shy about showing my body to others.”

“In this aspect, you oddly resemble a child.”

“It caused me quite a bit of trouble during my adventures, too.”

Because of that, Siha and Jorfe often teased me about it. I got a little upset at the time, but in hindsight, those were fond memories.

But the hands of the clock had turned. My companions were no longer here. The mischievous elf and the ever-smiling sage had left my side in pursuit of new futures.

They left me with just a single parting remark: “Live as you wish.”

“…”

For some reason, those words weighed heavily on my heart today. Even as I poured hot water over my head and wiped the moisture clean, the feeling wouldn’t go away.

Eventually, even after leaving the room with the princess and heading into the hallway, those words continued to echo in my mind. It wasn’t until I heard the king’s voice that I finally raised my head.

“You seem deep in thought again today.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Are you still dwelling on what happened yesterday?”

I thought it must have been the same for him. As I looked up and met his gaze, the king’s usual amiable smile greeted me. However, today, I felt as if his lips were slightly stiff.

Still, propriety comes first. With that in mind, I started to kneel, but the princess quickly stepped in to stop me.

“Enough of that. Let’s get on with it already. Alf and I are both quite tired.”

“But you’ve just woken up. How could you be tired? Was the bed uncomfortable?”

“No, I just have a lot on my mind because of what you did yesterday.”

“I already explained it was a misunderstanding, and I apologized.”

“You should apologize to Alf. He had to endure something unpleasant against his will.”

Her tone dripped with resentment toward the king. Not wanting to earn her ire, the king quickly turned to me with an apology.

“Come to think of it, you’re right. I’m sorry, hero. I only wanted to introduce you to more people.”

“It’s nothing, Your Majesty.”

“Ah, please, don’t make me feel worse by brushing it off. It seems my old adventurer habits got the better of me. I shouldn’t have arranged things so recklessly.”

“…”

“But today’s event is official, and there will be many important figures in attendance. I hope it will be a meaningful experience for you.”

The king, swiftly shifting his expression, patted my shoulder warmly. I couldn’t yet tell if he was a simple man or skilled at concealing his true feelings.

On that note, wasn’t I supposed to accompany him to an official meeting today? I cautiously asked if it was appropriate for me to attend.

“I’ve heard the meeting is to discuss the kingdom’s current affairs and decide on policies. Unlike a banquet, it’s quite a serious occasion. Is my attendance truly necessary?”

“Hm? Oh, you don’t need to think of it so seriously. There haven’t been any heavy issues lately, and today’s main topic is actually you. Not attending would make things awkward.”

“I see.”

“Besides, there’s not much for you or me to do. They’ll talk amongst themselves anyway.”

Perhaps it was the king’s lack of aptitude for governance that had shaped this dynamic. It wasn’t an ideal attitude, but it wasn’t the worst either. Sometimes complete incompetence is preferable to half-hearted effort.

Even so, there must have been moments when responsibility demanded his attention. Thinking of that, I began to understand why he wanted to abdicate the throne so quickly.

He must have loathed it—the shackles and responsibilities of the crown.

To the extent of ignoring the reckless actions I committed.

“Just think of it as meeting people and attend comfortably. Although, if I may give a few pieces of advice—”

“It’s fine, just go already, Father. Alf will handle himself well.”

“Hoho, having such a capable son-in-law makes me feel inadequate. Do you need time to prepare your thoughts?”

“It’s been a while, but it’s not my first time. Let’s not keep everyone waiting.”

Everyone has arrived?

Her words instinctively made me glance back. The first meeting the princess attended with the king and the hero. Naturally, the queen was expected to be present as well, but once again, she was absent.

Of course, I hadn’t expected her, so I felt no disappointment. The king, too, seemed to share a similar sentiment and moved on without comment.

“Well… in any case, I hope you don’t feel too burdened. Although, saying that might make you even more nervous.”

“I’ll try not to show it.”

“Wise words. No matter how deep the wound, a warrior hides it beneath their armor.”

“Father, why do you have to ramble like that…”

“This again? I’d rather get started than listen to nagging.”

The king, wearing a playful expression, gestured to the soldier by the door. Soon, the heavy sound of a lock turning and a resonant voice echoed through the hallway.

“His Majesty, the King, approaches!”

“It’s always such a robust proclamation.”

With a light joke, the king strode confidently into the open chamber, greeting those waiting with a radiant smile.

However, unlike him, the people inside greeted him with stiff expressions. Some even looked visibly shocked.

“Hmm. This isn’t the usual atmosphere.”

“…”

“Could it be that something’s happened—”

The king, scanning the room with curiosity, stopped in his tracks upon noticing something. His face, too, showed clear signs of confusion.

I followed his gaze, and my own eyes landed on the same sight.

“Ah.”

“…”

There she was. Queen Mirian, seated in a luxurious chair beside the throne, radiated a chilling gaze.

“The queen has graced us with her presence.”

“She didn’t even appear when the princess was abducted.”

“Why is she here today?”

“I have no idea. This is my first time seeing her in person.”

“Could something have happened—”

That was the perfect word to encapsulate the atmosphere in the room. The nobles, faced with the unexpected presence of the queen, were at a loss, exchanging glances in a desperate attempt to grasp the situation.

No matter how much they searched each other’s eyes, no answers would come. In such a moment, there was only one person who could steer the situation toward resolution.

“You… why are you here?”

“I heard there was an important matter to discuss.”

“Uh… well, yes, but still—”

“That’s why I had to be here.”

It was an entirely reasonable statement—had the speaker been anyone but her. The king, left without any suitable rebuttal, awkwardly walked to the throne and seated himself.

“Your Majesty, have you been well?”

“And you all? Are you at peace?”

At last, the gathered individuals belatedly paid their respects. Perhaps relieved at this return to a semblance of normalcy, their voices carried faint traces of reassurance as they exchanged formalities.

But the reprieve was brief. The queen’s cold gaze continued to sweep the room, and I was no exception to its piercing scrutiny.

“…”

“…”

Unexpectedly, though, she was the first to look away. It wasn’t an act of dismissal—it was more like unease. It was certainly unlike the Mirian I had come to know.

“Well… fine. Let’s begin, then. What shall we discuss today?”

“First, allow me to sincerely congratulate Your Majesty on the princess’ safe return.”

“Spare me the obvious. What else?”

“It is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for the kingdom, but rumors abound that Your Majesty is preparing another piece of joyous news.”

Though phrased diplomatically, the intent was clear. The king, catching on, smiled faintly.

“Ah, you must mean the marriage.”

“Yes. We’ve also heard that the match has already been decided.”

“There’s no need to hide it. It’s the man sitting right here—Alf.”

“Is that so?”

There was a brief flurry of exchanged glances. It seemed I had already been the topic of many discussions among them.

“He is a man most worthy of becoming a son-in-law to the kingdom. Moreover, I made a promise. This arrangement, in my view, is practically settled.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty did vow to grant anything to the one who rescued the princess. And it’s true that this brave man accomplished the task.”

“Then I must honor that promise.”

“That is correct. However, the princess’ marriage directly concerns the future of the kingdom. It is the collective opinion of many here that this matter requires thorough consideration.”

The speaker leaned on the safety of presenting his opinion as the consensus of a group. It was a cautious yet effective tactic—perhaps even truthful.

Still, it didn’t carry the weight of conviction. The king, maintaining his calm demeanor, nodded in agreement.

“Yes, opposition for opposition’s sake must be allowed. Your point is not without merit.”

“No matter how virtuous a man may be, one cannot ignore the innate nobility required of his station. A warrior who has spent his life on the battlefield may lack the refinement befitting the royal family.”

“It bothers you that Alf is of common birth. That’s also a valid concern. A fair observation.”

“…”

“Now then, are there any other opinions?”

After addressing the initial opposition, the king surveyed the room as if seeking a volunteer. Count La Riand Brey was the first to step forward and speak.

“I understand the concerns raised, but I see no major issues, Your Majesty. The hero has proven not only his courage and boldness but also his character and ability to forge alliances with various races. Such talent is exceedingly rare in our kingdom.”

“Indeed.”

“Moreover, while birth may shape a person, there is a nobility that transcends origins—something Your Majesty has demonstrated yourself.”

“You flatter me.”

“Furthermore, the promises of the royal family are weightier than gold. To fulfill such a promise with someone as distinguished as Alf is not only proper but fortunate for the kingdom, Your Majesty.”

The count ended his speech with an almost exaggerated display of flattery. The king, seemingly pleased, nodded in satisfaction.

“Thank you for your insightful opinion, Count Brey.”

“It is my honor, Your Majesty.”

“Now, any other opinions?”

Once again, the king’s gaze swept across the room. This time, however, those who met his eyes quickly averted their gazes. Even those who had initially voiced dissent fell silent.

This had likely been orchestrated from the start. One person was designated to present opposition, only for Count Brey and the other supporters to counter it. 

The discussion wasn’t so much about the princess’ marriage as it was about consolidating the majority faction for the next administration.

And the process concluded more smoothly than expected. Even the princess wore a faint smile as the king prepared to wrap things up.

“Can I take it that we’re in agreement?”

“…”

“Good. Then—”

“I cannot approve.”

“…What?”

“I cannot approve, Your Majesty.”

But then, a serene voice cut through, halting the king’s momentum. There was only one person in the royal court with the sharpness and unpredictability to deliver such a remark. All eyes naturally turned toward her.

“…The queen?”

“…”

The room plunged into silence. I, too, froze. Amidst the stillness, Mirian’s gaze, which had been idly drifting, suddenly landed on me.

“…”

“…”

Her violet eyes, calm until now, quivered faintly. As the ripples grew more pronounced, the witch’s quiet declaration reverberated through the chamber.

“I cannot give this man to the princess.”