The End of First Love - Chapter 20

Why must I be scolded by my mother?

From the moment she told me at breakfast that we needed to talk, I had a bad feeling. And as if expecting me to run away, she even sent a chamberlain to fetch me. Of course, as the second prince, I would never resort to such cowardice. I had merely intended to take a walk in the garden to calm my mind before seeing her.

(Did she station a chamberlain outside my chambers? Does Mother not trust me?)

From the start, this so-called discussion was nothing but a source of frustration.

(No, this wasn’t a discussion. It was nothing more than a one-sided condemnation.)

As I recalled the letter that had been thrust at me the moment I entered her chamber, anger surged within me.

“The engagement of Heinz Schwein and Elizabeth Baker has been formally established.”

What in the world was that letter!?

At the Marquis of Subaru’s wedding reception a few days ago, I had thought that my ridiculous exchange with Heinz had been Elizabeth’s way of getting back at me. I had assumed she was merely using that man to make me jealous.

That’s why I dismissed the idea that Elizabeth and Heinz were truly engaged. But that letter was addressed to His Majesty, meaning even the King had acknowledged their engagement.

Yet, as far as I know, marriage between two ducal houses is not permitted in our kingdom.

What are you plotting, Elizabeth…?

I know all too well how persistent that woman is. After all, she had relentlessly eliminated any woman who sought my help in the past.

It has been about six months since I called off our engagement.

(That vixen! So she truly is as promiscuous as the rumors say!)

Had Maria not warned me at the Marquis of Subaru’s soirée, I might have fallen victim to that fox’s venomous fangs once more. When she saw me with Maria, she looked as though she were about to cry, trembling as if in shock. But now, I see—it was all just another ploy.

That arrogant duchess, who once tormented Maria for her own amusement, could never truly change.

“Welcome home, Prince William ❤︎”

“Ah, Maria. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“No, not at all. For you, my prince, I would wait forever. You are a busy man, yet you take the time to be with me. That alone fills me with joy.”

“How kind and gentle you are, Maria. You are nothing like that arrogant duchess. My mother is blind—how can she not see your worth?”

“Did the Queen reprimand you again because of me?”

“Well… that is…”

“I worry for you. I am merely a baron’s daughter. A woman of such low birth could never win the Queen’s favor. But it doesn’t matter. Even if the people of the palace ridicule me or mistreat me, my love for you will never waver. My only concern is whether my engagement to you is causing you distress…”

How selfless she is.

William was deeply moved by Maria’s words.

A woman willing to sacrifice herself for the one she loves. A heart as pure as hers is rare in this world.

William silently thanked the heavens for allowing him to meet Maria, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her lips.

The sweetness of her soft lips threatened to strip him of reason, but he held back, instead whispering words of gratitude to her.

“Oh, Maria… how kind you are. Do not worry. Our engagement has been officially approved by His Majesty. Even my mother will have no say in it. And once I take the crown prince’s position from my brother, I will be king. You shall be my queen. There is nothing to fear.”

Why should I be reprimanded by my mother for breaking off my engagement with Elizabeth?

My mother was born into one of the Four Grand Duchies. She had always harbored a rivalry with the Queen Consort, who hailed from the Schwein family. But when I was young, she was still kind. She would gently tell me that I would be king one day, doting on me endlessly.

That kindness disappeared the moment my engagement to Elizabeth was decided.

Once her influence at the palace grew, she became intolerant of anything that displeased her. She would lash out at maids, handmaidens, even the lowest-ranking servants. Her attitude toward me changed drastically as well.

She no longer tolerated my habit of neglecting my princely studies. She would constantly compare me to my brother, chanting like a curse that I must become king.

During those times, women—those mistreated by my mother—would come to me in tears, begging for my help.

Those women, who had suffered under my mother’s cruelty, healed my wounded pride. In secret, I spent my nights with them, hidden from prying eyes. Those forbidden yet sweet moments became my solace.

Unlike that arrogant, scheming Elizabeth, these women were kind and pitiful. I had no interest in anyone else.

Yet, before I knew it, they had all disappeared from the palace. Looking back, it was likely the work of my mother or Elizabeth.

“Then why do you look so troubled? Oh, William, it pains me to see you like this. Please, tell me what you are thinking. Could it be… the Queen ordered you to reunite with Lady Elizabeth?”

Maria’s voice quivered as she suddenly burst into tears.

William pulled her into his arms.

“Ahh, forgive me, Maria. My sweet angel, please don’t cry. My love belongs to you alone—never doubt that.”

“I do not doubt your love. But even if you love me, there are things beyond our control. Unlike me, Elizabeth is a powerful duchess. If she applies pressure, even you may be forced to…”

“Maria, there is nothing to worry about. My mother did tell me to reconcile with Elizabeth, but of course, I will not. Elizabeth has been shunned by high society as a villainess. She has no power left. And if you are still anxious, I will have my allies eliminate her influence entirely. You need not worry.”

As Maria continued to cry, he held her gently and laid her down on the bed.

“Oh, William… I am so happy. May I believe those words?”

“Of course. For you, Maria, I would sell my soul to the devil.”

“Oh, William… don’t give me time to worry. Just love me endlessly ❤︎”

As she clung to him, begging sweetly for more kisses, William gave in to his emotions, surrendering himself to her embrace.