He looked startled, glancing at me, but it’s one thing to comment on the appearance of a man like me—it’s entirely different to say it to a woman or a child.
Especially when it’s someone of higher status talking down to someone who can’t retaliate.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt anger at this.
Some of the attendees, motivated by chivalry, rose from their seats.
It seemed that Crown Prince Arios realized his blunder as well. He turned his face away from the attendees, pursing his lips.
Yet, he didn’t apologize.
Is he a child?
As a man of the same age, I found it pathetic.
“…Huh? Why… is it you…?”
Suddenly, I heard an unfamiliar voice.
“Hmm?” I turned my head.
It seemed the person behind the white veil had spoken.
Maybe she was looking this way, as the hem of her veil swayed slightly.
“Atsuhito.”
She muttered something incomprehensible, and I tilted my head in confusion. What language was that?
“Anyway!”
Crown Prince Arios cleared his throat and glanced around the hall once more.
With one arm around Maille, he flashed a beaming smile.
But hey, we haven’t received a correction or an apology yet.
“I hereby annul the engagement!”
“This insolent fool!”
A thunderous voice echoed through the room.
Whoa! That startled me!
And it wasn’t just me.
One of the knights who had stood to protest even gripped the hilt of his ceremonial sword.
Crown Prince Arios’ shoulders trembled, and Maille let out a small scream, clinging to him.
“Lord Barrymore, I beg your forgiveness for my son’s insolence!”
It was King Norris.
His white beard quivered as he bowed his head to the man still seated with his chief retainers.
Lord Barrymore must be a relative of Lady Citroen.
From my seat, I could only see the side of his face, but he seemed about the age of a father.
He was a middle-aged man with a lean build and a receding hairline, but he had a sharp, distinguished face.
However, he seemed… remarkably composed.
Normally, if your daughter’s engagement were annulled in front of you, you’d be furious, maybe even grab King Norris by the collar, demanding to know what was going on.
Yet, Lord Barrymore kept his gaze straight ahead, silently.
At first, I wondered if he lacked affection for his daughter, but then I noticed the tightness in his jaw and the subtle trembling of his arms. He was clearly restraining his anger. It left me with an indescribable feeling.
Both Lady Citroen and Lord Barrymore are so different from the impulsive Royal House of Luminous.
“There’s no need for you to apologize, King Norris.”
After a long silence of several minutes—during which King Norris kept his head bowed—Lord Barrymore finally stood and spoke.
“I will take my foolish daughter back with me. Citroen.”
Lord Barrymore extended his arm with a fluid motion.
Even through his clothes, it was evident that his arm was muscular, a testament to a life of moderation and constant training. This earned him far more respect from me than the foolish Crown Prince.
“Let’s return to the Kingdom of Tania.”
Ah, so this gentleman is from Tania, one of the Five Kingdoms.
I heard that about a third of their land is mountainous, but it’s a country rich in mineral resources.
Many of its people are herders in the mountains, known for their strong legs and robust cardiovascular systems.
Seeing Lord Barrymore’s physique, I understood.
“Please wait!”
“Lord Barrymore, I beg you! Please, have mercy!”
King Norris and his chief retainers tried to hold Lord Barrymore back as he stepped onto the red carpet laid down the aisle.
I glanced at the aisle.
The white cocoon moved slightly.
It seemed the cocoon—Lady Citroen—was trying to walk towards Lord Barrymore.
As soon as she moved away from Crown Prince Arios, though, the prince and that woman named Maille beamed with joy.
Honestly, it made me feel sick.
Those two, Arios and Maille, were grinning like fools.
Do they even realize what’s happening? Because of them, everyone’s either apologizing, getting angry, laughing, or scheming.
“Forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty, Lord Barrymore.”
The voice that cut through the air belonged to my mother.
Startled, I turned to look at her, and she held out her hand to me.
Ah, an escort? Sure, sure.
I placed my hand on hers, and with elegant grace, she rose to her feet.
She curtsied lightly as a greeting.
“Oh my, Queen Tidros. What a surprise to see you here.”
King Norris, sweating profusely, returned her greeting while trying to wipe the sweat from his brow.
“It has been some time, Lord Barrymore. I believe the last time was… at the Karavan United Kingdom’s evening ball last year, wasn’t it?”
Mother spoke while concealing her mouth behind her slightly opened fan. Lord Barrymore placed his right fist on his left chest in a respectful salute, then gravely opened his mouth.
“I am honored to be addressed by Your Highness. It is a pleasure to see you in good health, Your Majesty.”
See, that’s how it’s supposed to be.
That’s how you talk to royalty.
You two are the odd ones out.
I shot a glare at Crown Prince Arios and Maille, but the two were still lost in their own little world, whispering and giggling.
I sighed.
Shifting my gaze, I saw that the white cocoon had frozen in place, as if unsure what to do, glancing back and forth between Lord Barrymore and my mother.
“So, King Norris, is this engagement officially annulled?”
Mother spoke bluntly.
Ah, there she goes…
“No, no, no! Absolutely not!”
King Norris frantically tried to object, but Lord Barrymore let out a deep cough.
“The annulment is final. I will take my foolish daughter back to the Kingdom of Tania.”
Lord Barrymore’s voice and expression were resolute.
There were murmurs from the guests.
Most of them sensed that this situation was going south.
“Lord Barrymore, how about this? I am currently searching for a wife for my son, and His Majesty has entrusted me with full discretion on the matter.”
The tension in the room was instantly silenced by Mother’s words.
Meanwhile, I was speechless for a completely different reason.
Wait.
Are you talking about me getting married?
