The Villainous Young Lady Would Even Risk Her Life for Her Beloved ～ Her Fiancé, the Prince? By All Means, Please Be Happy with the Heroine! - Chapter 1.28(1)

King Lambert has three concubines, yet he rarely meets with any of them. It is said that this is because he still deeply loves his late queen, who passed away at a young age.

But I have obtained a free pass to meet the king! That pass is—sweets. The king has a particular fondness for sweet treats. In the original story, he was so delighted with Iris’s homemade chocolate chip cookies that he even acknowledged her relationship with the first prince—despite the fact that she was still a commoner at the time.

So, what if this very king were to taste my fruit sandwiches and cream puffs? He even bestowed upon me a gift—something he had never granted even to his closest aides. And it wasn’t just any gift; it was something the late queen had cherished. That alone speaks volumes.

(The late queen had a sweet tooth as well. There was even a story about how eating delicious sweets brought back happy memories for her—but I never expected it to be this effective…)

There were even rumors that, despite being a member of the royal family, the queen herself used to bake sweet treats after marrying into the kingdom.

To be honest, the king’s reaction was so overwhelming that I almost deluded myself into thinking he might declare Prince Leonhart as the next heir to the throne—all because of sweets.

“Oh! You’ve come! I’ve been waiting for you.”

“It has been some time, Your Majesty.”

The king rose from his desk, greeting me with an expression of genuine delight.

“Today, I have brought you doughnuts. I hope they suit your taste.”

I presented three varieties—plain, sugar-coated, and chocolate-glazed. Without hesitation, he devoured them all, savoring each bite. Seeing someone effortlessly polish off three doughnuts in a single sitting was rather impressive.

“And? What is it you desire today?”

His gaze sharpened. Well, I expected as much—my true intentions were already laid bare before him.

“I hear you managed to outmaneuver Lady Calvina recently,” he remarked.

“I have come seeking information.”

I refrained from addressing anything inconvenient and got straight to the point. I knew this was how the king preferred it. In fact, I suspected that he already knew exactly why I had come.

“Everyone, leave us.”

“But, Your Majesty—”

“It’s fine. She is but a young lady.”

With clear reluctance, the king’s attendants exited the chamber. Once the doors had shut, he finally spoke.

“You’re here about the youngest daughter of House Olden.”

See? I knew he was already aware.

“Your Majesty, I fully understand the need for a ‘Knight of Salvation’ to protect the nation and save countless lives. However, I ask that you remember—Louise Olden is also one of your people. I implore you, at the very least, to grant her the chance to escape an unjust death.”

The king stroked his chin thoughtfully. What kind of “hmm” was that?

“To think that after yesterday’s events, you would bring me such delightful pastries today… You must have many more hidden delicacies, don’t you?”

Wait—why are we back to talking about sweets!?

“From now on, you shall bring me a new confectionery treat three times a week—on the days of your courtly education. This arrangement shall last until the end of the month.”

“Y-Your Majesty…?”

“What? You want information, don’t you? This is my price.”

His lips curled into a teasing smile as he added, “And they must all be different kinds of sweets.”

“Of course, Your Majesty! I shall ensure that each one is to your utmost satisfaction!”

Wait… is this really okay? Are we seriously weighing the lives of the people against baked goods? Is he prioritizing pastries over national affairs?!

Seemingly satisfied with my answer, the king gave a nod before turning back to the documents before him.

“That affliction is a curse,” he stated abruptly. “But it is not the gift of talent itself that is cursed—it is the transformation into a berserker that is.”

His words were casual, as if making idle conversation. Yet they carried weight.

“You mean the talent and the curse are separate entities?”

“Indeed. The curse emerged in later generations.”

So it didn’t exist at the beginning?!

“Then, if we can find a way to break only the curse—”

“The power to defeat calamity will remain. And after the disaster has passed, the ‘Knight of Salvation’ will live on, their name echoing throughout history.”

Relief flooded me. There was a way forward. But why wasn’t this recorded anywhere? If this knowledge had been available, surely someone would have acted on it long ago. And why hadn’t the Grand Marshal been informed?

“This discovery was made just this morning.”

“Wha—?! Just today?! Then yesterday, you—”

“Yes. I had no information at the time. I won’t deny that I was angered by House Olden’s secrecy, but as king, I refuse to be seen as someone who would force the burden of an entire nation’s lives upon the shoulders of a mere child.”

“M-my sincerest apologies!”

But how? How did he discover this so suddenly?

“Prince Leonhart found an ancient historical text. A fine aide, that one.”

“His Highness did?! But he wasn’t even aware of this matter…”

And what about Geoffrey?

“Oh, he knew. Somehow, he knew everything.”

The king spoke with amusement, as if thoroughly entertained by the turn of events. It seemed Prince Leonhart had earned some favor in his eyes.

“The document must not have survived in House Olden’s lands, which means even the head of the house was unaware of its contents.”

“To think such a thing existed…”

Well, considering how often catastrophes and disasters strike this kingdom, it must be difficult to preserve fragile documents like books.

“I am glad you came today.”

The king lifted his gaze from the papers, his deep blue eyes strikingly beautiful.

“I once placed great trust in House Olden. But as king, I cannot easily forgive the secrets they have kept from me. And yet, on the other hand, I owe them a great debt—for they have stood by my side since the days when I was merely a prince.”

Even the king was struggling with the weight of his position, torn between duty and personal sentiment.

“I have forbidden House Olden from entering the palace. But I could still entrust this knowledge to a friend of Lady Louise.”

His demeanor had shifted. No longer playful, his expression was now solemn and resolute.

“Please, save the daughter that House Olden holds dear.”

◇◇◇

“Prince Leonhart! Lord Geoffrey!”

I called out loudly from across the training grounds where the two of them were practicing. I was fully prepared to be scolded by the court instructors tomorrow for shouting in the castle.

“Thank you so much!”