The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 31

“You did well again in today’s selection, Princess Elze.”

“Thank you, Abel. I’m really happy I got a better score than I expected.”

After finishing the selection that tested their musical skills, Elze let out a small sigh of relief when Abel praised her.

This time, the candidates were to perform whatever kind of music they were best at—whether it was with an instrument or singing.

Elze gave her all in a yodel performance. As usual, Amalia mocked her, but the judge, the Viscountess, said, “Wonderful! I’d love to spread that singing style in our country too!” and praised her highly.

Thanks to that, Elze received a score equal to Gloria’s flawless and beautiful flute performance.

“…Princess Elze, you seem a little down today.”

Abel suddenly said that, and Elze was startled.

“Huh, really?”

“If I’m mistaken, then I’m sorry for speaking out of turn.”

“…No, you’re not wrong.”

Elze quietly shook her head and spoke.

“I’m noisy, my thinking is childish, and I’m kind of pushy… Because of that, someone I wanted to be friends with seems disappointed in me. I usually don’t let it get to me, but today, I just felt really pathetic…”

Since long ago, Elze had admired her older sister, Princess Ulrika, who was smart and calm.

She always wanted to be like her, but it never worked out.

Ulrika herself told her, ‘You’re fine just the way you are.’ But still… Elze couldn’t help feeling she needed to change.

“How can I act more like a princess… more like the future Empress of Ernstahl?”

She muttered softly, and Abel suddenly stopped walking.

When she turned around, confused, she saw him looking at her through his thick glasses.

“…This is only my personal opinion, but I don’t think you need to force yourself to change, Princess Elze.”

“Huh?”

“You’re currently doing well in Prince Richard’s bride selection. If you suddenly change your style, it might hurt your score.”

“Oh… you mean the evaluation… That’s just because I’ve been lucky, that’s all.”

Elze didn’t think she was a particularly talented person.

Of course, her mother and sister had trained her hard as a bride candidate, and she had learned the basics.

But she still felt that the reason she had made it this far was mostly due to luck.

After listening, Abel stayed quiet for a moment, then began to speak again.

“…Please understand that what I’m going to say now is just my personal opinion, not as your examiner.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“This bride selection is about testing the qualifications to be the Empress of Ernstahl. Prince Richard himself has shown no interest in it.”

“…Yeah, I noticed.”

Ever since the garden party, Richard hadn’t even shown up once.

No matter how you look at it, he clearly didn’t care who became his bride.

“Of course, the bride candidates will be judged by their scores. The woman most suitable to be the Empress of Ernstahl will be chosen. But…”

Abel glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then whispered.

“I don’t know if that’s really the right way.”

“What!?”

Elze was shocked to hear those words, which almost sounded like he was doubting the system—even though he was an examiner.

“The final woman chosen will become Prince Richard’s wife. She’ll be by his side in sickness and in health. Can we really decide that kind of partner just by numbers?”

…Sure, for royalty or nobility, love isn’t usually involved in marriage. It’s easy to say ‘that’s just how it is.’

But Elze was glad Abel thought differently.

“…Yeah. I think the same.”

It might not be right to compare it to a small countryside kingdom, but Elze’s parents had married for love.

Her strong-willed mother, and her kind and gentle father—he was often under her mother’s thumb.

Everyone, not just their family but the whole country, knew how close they were.

Elze had never thought seriously about love or marriage, but deep down, she wanted to build a loving home like her parents.

“Does Prince Richard need a perfectly capable Empress? Or… someone who can stay close to his heart, who can gently wrap up the sadness he holds inside—”

“Abel…?”

“The one who can save Prince Richard is…”

Abel had been murmuring to himself when he suddenly looked at her like he just remembered she was there.

“Sorry for going too far.”

“N-No, it’s okay…”

Before they knew it, they had arrived in front of Elze’s assigned room.

“Well then, please rest well, Princess Elze.”

“Thank you, Abel.”

When the door closed, Chiffon, who had stayed behind in the room, ran up to her.

“Welcome back, Elze! …You look kinda serious. What’s wrong?”

“I was just with Abel a moment ago…”

He had seemed different than usual.

Behind his normally expressionless face, she could see some flickering emotion.

(That way he spoke… that expression… Does Abel have a special feeling about Richard?)

It didn’t feel like he was just speaking as a loyal servant.

Elze trusted Abel.

And Abel was worried about Richard’s future.

Richard must not be just a cold and cruel person.

“I want to know more about Richard…”

Hugging Chiffon tightly, Elze whispered to herself.