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.

“Gustav, congratulations.”

With a wine glass in hand, Louis approached, wearing a cheerful expression.

I couldn’t afford to appear too friendly on the surface, as it might lead the Empire to believe that I was burdening them with an unwanted individual from the Kingdom.

Or perhaps, there was a hidden agenda behind his attempts to showcase our closeness, aiming to gain an advantage in future negotiations with the Empire.

Regardless, I didn’t concern myself with such matters.

“There’s no need for insincere words like that at this point.”

“What?! …Well, it seems even my little brother is feeling nervous.”

I replied with a dismissive tone and focused on my meal, ignoring Louis.

Despite his momentary expression of displeasure at my sarcasm, he quickly regained his composure and put on a forced smile.

“But Gustav, you must be happy to be with such a wonderful woman, deep down, right?”

“Such obvious things don’t need to be asked. If anything, if you felt that way, you should have stepped forward when the topic of my engagement with Princess Abigail was brought up.”

“What…!”

My sarcastic remark seemed to have unsettled Louis, who now wore a stern expression.

Well, he couldn’t hide his emotions anymore, could he?

“…”

Perhaps my recent comment had given Princess Abigail the impression that I was unhappy about our engagement. Judging by her glare in my direction.

“Um…”

“Gustav, would you like to step out into the night breeze for a moment?”

In an attempt to resolve the misunderstanding, I called out to her, only to be invited by Princess Abigail herself. Of course, I had no reason to refuse her invitation, as I needed to explain my true intentions.

“Thank you for the invitation. Well, then…”

I stood up, knelt before Princess Abigail, and extended my right hand. I gently placed my hand over hers, which was hesitant and delicate. With the eyes of the attendees on us, we made our way to the balcony.

Naturally, Louis, who had been left behind, received less than pleasant treatment. Served him right.

“The sea breeze feels pleasant.”

Princess Abigail, with her long, beautiful hair swaying in the wind, tucked it behind her ear and murmured softly.

The location of the signing ceremony was a mansion facing the sea in the port city of Normand. Stepping outside led to a view of the vast ocean. The sound of gentle waves and the moonlight enveloped us.

“…Gustav, do you dislike our engagement?”

She peered into my face and asked hesitantly.

She must still be concerned about our previous conversation with Louis.

“If you’re referring to our conversation with that man earlier, it was a misunderstanding. I am truly happy to be with a woman like you.”

I answered with sincerity, placing my hand over my left chest to emphasize my words.

There was no deception in that statement.

“Is that so…?”

“Of course.”

While her expression remained unchanged, Princess Abigail breathed a sigh of relief, as if she had been holding her breath.

During the signing ceremony, she had seemed surprised and bewildered by my signature, which led her to believe that I was against the engagement.

On the other hand, she had prepared a banquet with my favorite dishes and reacted the way she did to my response just now.

This left me confused.

What did Princess Abigail truly think of our engagement… and of me?

“By the way, there’s the Strasclide Empire across this sea, isn’t there?”

“Yes.”

As if to conceal her feelings, I changed the topic and asked about the Empire.

Though I was familiar with the Empire, having lived there for three years in my previous life, it was clear that Princess Abigail was selecting her words carefully to make me like the Empire even more.

“When I hear you talk about the Empire like this, I can’t help but want to visit it right away.”

“I hope you’ll come to like it, Gustav…”

“Of course.”

Even though it was somewhat underhanded, I couldn’t help but feel that way. After all, I was saying all these pleasing words to make her like me.

But let’s make one thing clear.

I was using her to achieve my revenge, but it wasn’t all about revenge. Revenge was one reason, but my true goal was to hear the continuation of the words she had wanted to say that day… and to see that awkward smile she had shown me for the last time.

“…We should head back now to avoid catching a cold.”

“Y-Yes…”

Princess Abigail looked somewhat reluctant as she gazed at me.

I took her hand, and we returned to the venue, leaving Louis behind, who was treated as if he didn’t exist. Served him right.

“The sea breeze is refreshing.”

Princess Abigail had a distant expression as she gazed at the sea, her thoughts veiled behind her crimson eyes.