The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

“Ha-ha… Your Highness Gustave, did you enjoy your conversation with Her Highness Abigail?”

…Next comes the Saint after Louis. She’s back at it, right after returning to her seat. Annoying.

However, I can’t afford to treat her like I did Louis, considering I need to deceive her until the very end. But she’s being a bit too forward.

“Yes, thanks to you.”

I put on a smile and replied happily. But her gaze has been on Abigail, ever since a while ago…

“That’s good. With this, the future of the kingdom and the empire is secure.”

Cecil, too, looks satisfied and smiles back at me. One of her instructions was to charm Abigail, so she probably thinks I did well for the first day.

“But…”

“Wh-what?”

“…It must be tough, but for the sake of the kingdom… no, for my sake, please lend me your strength.”

She suddenly leans closer and whispers in my ear.

This woman… doesn’t she realize Abigail is watching? What’s she thinking, acting like this?

At the very least, she should understand that to achieve her goals, she needs to earn Abigail’s trust…

…

Intense, piercing gazes. One from Abigail, of course. The other from Louis.

Oh, right. During the attack on the capital, I remember seeing Louis getting close to this Saint. So, he’s been infatuated with her for a while now. What bad taste that guy has.

Anyway, I can’t let them misunderstand each other. If our interactions turn sour, the whole plan could fall apart. I’ll discreetly ask Mariette to investigate later.

“…Your Highness Gustave.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“That… What’s your relationship with that person?”

While on our way to the room, Abigail peered into my face.

That “person” she mentioned is undoubtedly Cecil.

Now, what to do? I want to deny any relationship with that woman, but Mariette is here, too. If I say the wrong thing, the Saint might hear about it.

I have to…

“…As Your Highness Abigail knows, she is the Saint of the Lianon Church, the state religion of Valroa Kingdom. Earlier, she was here as the representative of the Goddess Lianon to bless our engagement.”

I reply with neutral words, not giving anything away. With this, she might think that Cecil’s approach was purely part of her role as the Saint and nothing more.

“Well, let’s go in.”

“Yes.”

Abigail and I, along with our maids Marie and Claire, move towards her room. Technically, the attendees gave us a round of applause as we left. Louis and Cecil were among them.

But the last image I caught before leaving was Louis, in the corner of my vision, talking to the Saint. He’s probably questioning her about our interaction. I’ll tell Mariette later to discreetly check on that.

“…Your Highness Gustave.”

“What is it?”

“Actually… I mean, it’s nothing.”

She seemed like she wanted to ask something else, but she held her tongue.

We continue walking silently until we reach her room.

“Your Highness Abigail… Please allow me to escort you. It’s been a pleasure.”

“Ah…”

I kneel and extend my hand to her.

“Your Highness Gustave, there’s no need for such formality.”

“No, it’s necessary.”

Despite her reluctance, I hold my position. Her Highness Abigail knows well that the way we part in front of others is crucial. It’s as if the whole world is watching us.

“However, please remember my words from earlier.”

“…”

I can feel her intense gaze on me, though her expression remains unchanged. Without saying anything more, I gently kiss the back of her hand.

“Goodnight.”

She replies softly, “Goodnight.”

I smile back and bow before leaving with Mariette.

Now, it’s time to begin the play, also known as my revenge. I’ll lead the Saint, Louis, Philip, Mariette, and everyone else in the kingdom to a despair deeper than I’ve ever experienced.

As I look out the window at the pitch-black sea, I can’t help but grin.