I Was a Royal Palace Knight, But I Turned Out to Be an Omega, So I Had to Resign (BL) - Chapter 33
Then, the busy preparations to go to the royal capital started.
“Wait a minute! I didn’t hear anything about leaving tomorrow!”
Mother’s voice echoed throughout the house. After hearing Adrian’s explanation, we had no choice but to start getting ready for the trip to the capital. Since the wedding was coming up, the whole family was going along.
By the way, we were supposed to leave the very next day. Everything was happening so fast.
“This is why royalty are so… they really should think about common folks’ situations more…”
Mother grumbled as she hurried off to the dressing room. Though she complained, I could tell inside she was excitedly preparing for her son to become the prince’s bride ?.
While Mother busily ran around, Father just quietly muttered to himself.
“Cyril’s wedding, huh…”
He didn’t move for a while after that. Dad used to be a seasoned warrior, but it seemed he wasn’t used to such sudden changes. He was completely overwhelmed. Typical Dad.
Meanwhile, Arthur looked more flustered than I was.
“Brother! Do you think this outfit is okay? Also, should I bring this book or something?”
“No, bringing a book like that won’t help…”
Arthur was about to bring some books about noble customs and manners, but I stopped him. It was good that he was studious, but honestly, reading about that stuff now wouldn’t help much.
While our family was rushing around preparing, Adrian stayed calm by himself. Sitting on a bench in the garden, he was quietly enjoying some tea. As expected from someone with noble bl00d, he was either used to this kind of fuss or he was just a big shot who didn’t get swept up in the atmosphere.
“Adrian, do you think we’ll finish our preparations in time?”
I asked anxiously. He replied calmly.
“It’ll be fine. The carriage is spacious, and if we’re missing anything, we can get it in the capital. You could even go empty-handed if you wanted. Just relax more.”
“No way I can relax…”
“Hey, are you nervous?”
“Of course! They just told me it’s a wedding tomorrow.”
Adrian chuckled softly.
“Yeah. But Leo is probably just as nervous as you. He’s been waiting for you all this time.”
Hearing that suddenly made my heart almost stop. Until now, I could just think, “He’ll come for me someday,” but now that I had to actually meet him, my heart was pounding with both excitement and anxiety.
What kind of face should I show? What should I say when we meet again? “Long time no see” or “I missed you” would be too embarrassing. But saying nothing would be weird too…
“Ah, whatever! Thinking about it won’t help! I’ll just focus on packing!”
I tried to concentrate on my luggage. Honestly, I didn’t have much to bring. I hadn’t brought much last time either, during the engagement.
Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, night had fallen. Since the whole family was going to the capital, the mansion would be empty for a while. We asked the elderly gardeners who lived nearby to take care of the place while we were gone.
I couldn’t fall asleep easily. Starting tomorrow, my life would change — reuniting with Prince Leon, and the wedding… The more I thought about it, the more awake I became.
Am I excited? Or nervous?
I muttered, burying my face in my pillow. I guess it was both. Holding both feelings in my heart, I finally managed to fall asleep.
The next morning, we woke early and began final preparations. But since there wasn’t much time, we just did a quick check. The palace said they would provide anything we lacked, so we decided to rely on that.
After breakfast, Adrian came to tell us the carriage was ready.
“Everyone, the carriage is ready.”
When we stepped outside carrying our bags, there stood a magnificent carriage.
“Wow…”
I couldn’t help but say it out loud. A pure white carriage with gold decorations, bearing the Elkrest family crest. It was a special carriage, far more luxurious than the usual public ones.
“This carriage belongs to the Elkrest royal family, right?”
Arthur asked, eyes shining. He seemed to know about royalty and heraldry, so he recognized the carriage and crest.
“No, this is for the Elkrest family branch—my family’s carriage.”
Adrian’s answer surprised us. Even the branch family had such a carriage…
“Well then, please get on. It’s a bit of a ride to the capital.”
Adrian urged us, and we climbed aboard. The interior was just as luxurious as the outside: soft cushions, tapestry-like wall hangings, and thin curtains on the windows.
“Kyaaa! I can’t believe it!”
Mother spread her arms and shouted happily. She usually preferred simple living, but even she was amazed by the luxury. She sounded like a little girl.
“I’m the bride, but Mom’s happier than me.”
I joked, and she laughed even louder.
“Well, you’re the prince’s bride! And my son, no less! To be greeted by such a splendid carriage! Life really is unpredictable lately!”
Mother’s excitement didn’t seem to calm down. Father sat quietly as usual, but from the smile on his face, I knew he was pleased about my marriage.
The carriage set off toward the capital.
The scenery outside the window felt familiar. It felt like just yesterday I passed this way as Prince Leon’s fiancé.
“Arthur, are you okay?”
I asked my younger brother, who was looking down. He usually behaved well in these situations, but the pressure of going to the palace was probably getting to him.
“…Arthur, are you interested in the palace?”
Adrian asked softly. Arthur shyly looked up.
“Y-Yes…”
“What parts are you interested in?”
“Um… the palace library, and also Adrian’s research room.”
“Heh, good choices. Actually, the palace library has the largest collection in the Elkrest Kingdom. It even holds many old books about magical essence.”
Arthur’s face brightened instantly.
“Really!?”
“Of course. If you want, I can show you around. Maybe during this visit, I’ll be able to take you to the library and my lab.”
“Thank you! That sounds amazing!”
Arthur’s eyes sparkled as he started talking with Adrian. They began discussing magic and research topics I couldn’t understand. Apparently, Adrian and Arthur talked about Arthur’s special condition yesterday, and now they were getting along really well.
I looked out the window, feeling mixed emotions. I was glad Arthur was making friends, but…
Kind of feels like I’m losing my little brother…
Thinking that, I gazed outside as the capital city gradually came into view. The land flattened, and more villages appeared.
“Oh, there it is!”
Arthur pointed, and I looked in that direction. The silhouette of the royal capital appeared— a white city surrounded by massive walls, with the towering spires of the royal palace at its center. A familiar sight.
Several hours later, the carriage arrived at the city gate of the capital. Beyond it lay the city itself.
The moment we passed through the gate, our carriage entered a wide street. Unexpected sights awaited us there.