The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

The door was opened wide by one of the knights who had been waiting, revealing a young girl with golden hair and crimson eyes.

My fiancée, Abigail of Strasclide.

“Ah… Aaaah…”

My vision blurred, and my voice trembled as I let out a sound.

No mistake… The princess I had lost that day was undoubtedly here…

“I-I’m sorry. It seems that His Highness Gustav was moved by the beauty of Princess Abigail, his fiancée.”

“What’s going on, Your Highness Gustav!?”

“What happened!?”

My sudden emotional breakdown left the saint and Mariette, who were standing nearby, bewildered. But I couldn’t care less about that.

I was just happy…

Meeting her again, the girl I had lost on that day, had erased all my previous anxieties, guilt, and fears. All that remained in my heart now were my feelings for her.

“I apologize. I couldn’t contain my emotions, overwhelmed by the joy of meeting you, Princess Abigail.”

I placed my hand over my chest and smiled as I apologized. The people from the Empire looked somewhat puzzled, but Princess Abigail continued to gaze straight at me.

“Cough… Gustav, I was worried.”

Clearing his throat, Louis, the second prince, spoke up. Considering his role in foreign affairs for the Valrois Kingdom, it was only natural that he would be here. However, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about entrusting such an important task to him.

But for now…

“Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the disturbance. Let us proceed with the signing ceremony of the engagement between Princess Abigail and Gustav.”

At Louis’s signal, the signing ceremony proceeded solemnly.

In reality, it only consisted of reading the terms related to the engagement, such as my removal from the Valrois Kingdom’s records and my official integration into the Strasclide Empire, as well as the return of a portion of the Valrois territory that had been occupied as a goodwill gesture due to the engagement.

“…Your Highness Gustav, please sign here.”

The saint, who acted as the master of ceremonies, extended the engagement document toward me. Princess Abigail had already signed it, and my signature would finalize our engagement.

As I glanced at Princess Abigail, I noticed that she had slightly opened her mouth and then averted her gaze.

Perhaps she, too, believed that I had no desire for this engagement, just like the others from the Empire.

What she was trying to tell me that day might not be what I had thought. How had I not considered that possibility?

Regardless, to achieve my revenge on the Kingdom, I needed her support. So, all I needed to do was gain her trust. Nothing had changed in that regard.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought, covering up the faint hope that had been shattered deep within my heart.

◇

“Princess Abigail, is it to your liking, Your Highness?”

Sitting next to me, Princess Abigail asked hesitantly. The signing ceremony had passed, and now we were at the engagement celebration dinner, which had been arranged entirely by the Strasclide Empire.

However, I couldn’t help but express my surprise, not just because of the luxurious dishes set before us, but because all of my favorite foods were prepared.

Even though the same had been done during the first time… How had I not noticed something as simple as this before? I truly was a fool.

“Princess Abigail… I’ve never received such a heartwarming gesture in my entire life. Thank you very much.”

I turned to Princess Abigail and bowed deeply.

But let me make one thing clear.

This was still a political marriage, and her feelings were not something I should take for granted. I had realized that during the signing ceremony when her expression remained unchanged.

From then on, although the banquet appeared harmonious on the surface, there was a tense atmosphere in the room. Considering the two nations had been arch-enemies for centuries until just recently, it was only natural.

Princess Abigail occasionally stole glances at me, but after inquiring about the food, she didn’t make eye contact with me again.

In any case, the day when the plan would be put into motion was only three years away.

Before that, I had to gain Princess Abigail’s trust, no matter what.

As I savored my favorite dish, grilled venison, in thought…

“Gustav, congratulations.”

Louis, holding a wine glass in one hand, approached me with a cheerful expression.