I Was a Royal Palace Knight, But I Turned Out to Be an Omega, So I Had to Resign (BL) - Chapter 9

“Let’s go.”

Following Prince Leon’s back, I started walking toward the center of the grand hall. As expected of the third prince, the nobles in their flashy clothes quickly stepped aside when we passed. It was like a special path had opened just for the royal family.

“Everyone seems to be staring at us…”
“Don’t mind them. Today’s just one of those days.”

Prince Leon’s face stayed calm as always. For him, it was just a visit to greet his older brother, but for me, it was like meeting someone from a whole different world. There was no way I wouldn’t be nervous.

Ahead, I saw a special raised platform near the throne. Sitting there were Prince Friedrich, the first prince, and his family. As the main guests, most of the invitees couldn’t get close. Only specially chosen nobles were allowed to approach.

“You alright?”

Prince Leon asked quietly as we walked.

“I’m totally fine. Probably!”

I joked, but honestly, my heart was pounding. After everything with Prince Kyle, I was already worn out mentally, and now meeting the first prince? No way I could relax. But I couldn’t show weakness. I’m a former knight — no matter the situation, I have to hold my head high and move forward!

I told myself that as I took a step closer.

The closer we got to the platform, the clearer Prince Friedrich’s features became. His dark blonde hair was closer to brown, and his deep green eyes shone with royal dignity. Unlike Prince Leon or Kyle’s sharp looks, Friedrich had a gentle vibe about him.

“Brother, how are you?”

Prince Leon bowed politely. I hurriedly bowed deeply too.

“Leon, you came.”

Prince Friedrich’s voice was calm, his words few, but there was no pressure—rather, a peaceful feeling. Completely different from Prince Kyle’s coldness.

“I want to introduce someone.”

Prince Leon stepped me forward.

“This is Cyril Glantz, my fiancé.”
“Uh, uh… I’m Cyril Glantz. It’s an honor to meet you.”

I struggled to keep my voice steady from nervousness. By the way, I didn’t say “fake” fiancé. Huh? Why not?

“Son of the Glantz family, huh.”

Prince Friedrich looked me over carefully. There was no hint of disdain.

“Your father was a fine knight. I’ve heard of his great deeds during the defense of the capital.”

Hearing that, I lifted my head.

“Wait? You know my father?”
“Of course. Your father was a renowned knight — loyal and brave.”

I was surprised. I barely knew much about Dad’s younger days, but here was the first prince, knowing about him! Such a big difference from Prince Kyle. My respect for Friedrich shot way up inside.

“Thank you! I’m sure Dad would be happy to hear that!”

I said too cheerfully. I might get scolded later by Edgar for poor manners, but right now, I didn’t care. When someone recognized my father, I wanted to show my genuine happiness.

Prince Friedrich gave a faint smile. Somehow, his expression reminded me of Prince Leon’s.

“But Leon, I’m surprised you suddenly brought your fiancé here.”

He looked at Leon, and the expression on his face toward his brother was kind.

Huh? Does he not know our engagement is “fake”?

Panic rose in my mind. Had Leon not told his brothers? Should I say it? But saying that here would be rude, right? What should I do…?

“Glantz, I’m counting on you.”

Prince Friedrich’s words cut through my thoughts. He looked at me and nodded gently.

“Y-yes! I’m looking forward to it!”

I hurriedly replied. Something felt strange. Does everyone really believe this is a real engagement? Except Leon and me, no one knows it’s fake?

At that moment, a voice came from beside Prince Friedrich.

“Oh, Leon. So this is the fiancé everyone’s been talking about?”

Turning around, I saw a woman in a graceful dress. She must be Queen Lynette, the first prince’s wife. She had a gentle manner, more down-to-earth than typical royalty.

“Yes, Queen Lynette. This is Cyril Glantz.”

Prince Leon introduced me again.

“Nice to meet you, Cyril. Please make Leon very happy.”

The queen smiled kindly, and I bowed nervously.

“Uh, thank you very much.”

From beside the queen, a small figure appeared.

“Uncle!”

A lively voice called out. A little girl in a pale gold dress with dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes stood there. Though only about eight, she already carried herself with royal grace.

“Lydia, have you been well?”

Prince Leon’s face softened a little. The love he felt for his niece showed.

“Yes! Everyone’s celebrating today, and I’m so happy!”

Princess Lydia answered with a bright voice. Then she looked at me curiously.

“So, this is my uncle’s fiancé?”
“Yes, Cyril Glantz.”

Prince Leon said casually, and Lydia started inspecting me like I was some strange animal.

Wow, I must look weird to kids…

But then a bright smile spread across her face.

“You’re wonderful! You’re perfect for my uncle!”

Her words left me speechless. Not hate—actually kindness?

“Uh, thanks.”

I smiled without realizing it. Somehow, this girl was cute.

“Well… Princess Lydia, happy birthday.”
“Thank you! Should I call you Cyril?”
“Uh, just Cyril is fine.”

I slipped into a casual tone. I figured Edgar would scold me later again, but talking stiffly to a kid felt weird.

Princess Lydia giggled.

“Cyril, you’re funny! I’ve never talked with someone like you before.”
“Oh, you mean a male Omega? Yeah, that’s rare.”
“That, but also, I’ve never talked to someone like a knight before.”

Despite her young age, Lydia spoke politely, but her eyes sparkled with childlike innocence.

Meanwhile, Prince Leon and Prince Friedrich had started talking seriously again. Maybe politics? The tension between them was so different from siblings.

“Um, Cyril,”

Princess Lydia spoke again.

“I’m a bit bored. Would you walk around the party with me?”
“Me?”
“Yes, I want to talk more with you.”

Her innocent smile left me no choice but to agree. But could someone like me really walk around with a princess?

“Leon, what should I do?”

I asked. He glanced over and said,

“Escort her. You’ll be safe inside the palace.”

He returned to his conversation with Friedrich.

Seriously? Escorting a princess at a party…

Still, seeing Lydia look up at me with hopeful eyes, I couldn’t say no.

“Alright, shall we go, Princess Lydia?”
“Yes!”

She happily took my hand. The warmth of her small hand made me feel something strange inside.

“There are lots of delicious sweets at that table!”

Pulled along by her, we started walking through the party.

Strangely, the curious and sneering looks I felt earlier seemed to have changed. Being with the princess, the people around us now watched with warm smiles.

I noticed the discomfort I’d felt earlier ease a bit, and I felt relieved.

“Congratulations, Lady Lydia.”
“Princess Lydia, your dress is lovely.”
“Happy birthday! We look forward to seeing you grow.”

Nobles all around the hall spoke to Princess Lydia. She responded to each with a dignified attitude, politely thanking them—like a little adult.

But when she spoke to me, her tone returned to that of a child.

“Cyril, this cake is really delicious!”
“And the flower decorations are so pretty, aren’t they?”

Seeing her act both like a royal and an eight-year-old girl impressed me. She must have been educated very well.

Still, as I watched the crowd around her, unease crept in. Even if only nobles of solid status were here, it didn’t mean none of them had bad intentions.

Looking around the party, the knights assigned to guard were still inattentive. Some were distracted by the dazzling dresses, others whispering with friends—more like decorations than guards.

This isn’t good…

Watching Lydia’s small back, my instincts as a former knight stirred.

“By the way, Cyril, why did you become the fiancé even though you’re a man?”

Lydia’s sudden question almost made me choke on the cake I was eating.

“Well, uh…”
How should I answer? How much should I explain to a child?

“Actually, I was originally a Beta, but I became an Omega. Because of that, I had to quit the knights… I used to serve directly under Prince Leon.”
“Cyril, you really were a knight. That’s amazing!”

Lydia’s eyes sparkled.

“So you were Prince Leon’s subordinate, and now you’re his fiancé?”
“Well, I guess you could say that.”
“Romance between a former boss and subordinate…!”

Lydia blushed deeply. Seems like she misunderstood something.

“No, it’s not like that…”
“I’ll cheer for your love!”

Her eyes shone brightly.

This is hopeless…

Trying to correct her felt pointless, so I just smiled bitterly.

After walking for a while, Lydia looked a little tired.

“I’m kind of tired. Let’s take a break.”
“Good idea. Let’s sit over there.”

I pointed to some chairs at the edge of the hall. Lydia nodded, and we moved away from the crowd to a quiet corner.

Sitting down on a cushioned chair, the noise of the party felt a little more distant.

“…Um, Cyril,”

Lydia hesitated, then lowered her voice.

“I actually want to talk to you about something.”
“Talk to me?”
“Yes. You said you’re an Omega, right? Well, I… I found out I’m an Alpha.”

“Huh?”

I was surprised and almost spoke too loudly, then quickly held back.

“Recent tests showed it. Even though my father and mother are both Betas, I was born an Alpha…”

Her expression showed worries beyond her years.

“Does that mean something?”
“Being an Alpha royal comes with a lot of responsibility, right? Especially for me… I’m worried about what’s expected of me as an Alpha in the royal family.”

I could feel the heavy pressure on her small shoulders, and my heart ached. An eight-year-old having to worry about something like this.

“Don’t worry so much.”

I spoke gently.

“I had my life plans messed up when my secondary gender suddenly changed, but I’m still doing okay. No matter what your secondary gender is, you’re still you. Lydia, first you’re ‘Lydia,’ then just happen to be an ‘Alpha.’”

She looked up at me with big eyes.

“I am me…”
“Exactly! And becoming an Alpha doesn’t suddenly change everything. You should just do what you want to do.”

Her expression brightened, and I felt relieved. But deep down, another worry gnawed at me.

The first prince’s daughter is an Alpha… This will make the royal succession even more complicated. I hate to think about how they might use such a young child as a political pawn.

“Thank you, Cyril. I feel a bit better now!”
“That’s good.”

I gently stroked her head. We weren’t that far apart in age, but somehow I felt like I was looking at my little brother, Arthur.

“Hehe, talking made me thirsty.”
“Yeah. I’ll get you a drink. Will you wait here?”
“Yes!”

I left Lydia sitting in the chair and headed toward the drinks table.

Weaving through the elegantly dressed guests, I thought about what drink to bring her—juice, wine, or water.

Then—

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something strange.

A man dressed like a noble, but his movements were tense. His eyes darted around nervously, as if hiding something.

That guy…?

My knight instincts kicked in. That man wasn’t normal. He must be hiding something bad under his clothes.

Looking around at the knights, none of them paid attention. They were all distracted by the party guests.

This is bad…

Following the man’s gaze, it landed on Lydia’s direction.

“Damn it!”

I put down the drink I’d picked up and hurried toward him.

“Excuse me! Let me through, please!”

I pushed through the crowd, but the chatting nobles blocked my way.

“Hey, watch it!”
“Who are you?”

They sneered as I bumped into them.

“Sorry, I’m really sorry!”

I apologized but had no choice but to keep pushing forward. The crowd was too thick.

Then, from the other side of the crowd, I heard Lydia scream.