My Fiance Told Me He Had Found His True Love and Broke off Our Engagement. It’s Too Late To Ask Me To Get Back Together Now!
Ch. 14 - The Crown Prince’s Proposal

"And if that person can ignore the opposition from the kingdom, that would be better, right?"

"Indeed, you are correct, sir," James replied warily to Renato's question.

However, without paying attention to him, Renato turned his deep sea-colored eyes toward Mariabelle.

"Well, I have heard Sir Berkeley's conditions. Then, what conditions does your daughter place on her marriage partner?"

"Me...?"

Mariabelle, who was suddenly thrown into the conversation, stutters in surprise.

If I could choose my own marriage partner, I would want to be united with someone I love. But... what is love?

Can Mariabelle, who doesn't even know what love is, ever love anyone...?

"She was raised as a daughter who would eventually become a queen. I wonder if she has ever thought about such a thing," said Renato, his mood suddenly softened.

The color of the eyes directed at Mariabelle appeared to have changed to a translucent blue as well.

"Then, let me change the question. What does Miss Berkeley's ideal queen be like?"

"An ideal queen? It's..."

She didn't know what Renato was thinking when he asked this question.

If I recall correctly, Renato has a fiancee. She is quite ill and hasn't been seen in public that much, but it is said that the wedding is about to take place. If that is the case, why is the crown prince of the Galleria Empire going out of his way to find a partner for me?

But complete goodwill is inconceivable.

The other party was the crown prince of a major power. He must have an ulterior motive.

Mariabelle chose her words carefully.

"I believe that the ideal queen is close to the heart of her companion, His Majesty the King, and supports him."

"Is that all?"

"It's necessary for her to assist His Majesty in political affairs. She must also be in charge of the imperial court, a role model for everyone, and perfect in every way."

Mariabelle recalled the roles of the queen as taught to her by Mrs. Dudley.

She had been taught these words many times, and they were engraved in her heart as her goal.

"I see. But then, wouldn't the king have to be perfect as well?"

"No," she said. "The queen can make up for what His Majesty the King is not good at. Following this, His Majesty doesn't have to be perfect---"

At that moment, Mariabelle stopped talking.

I've never wondered why the king doesn't have to be perfect, but the queen does. I regret saying this, but neither the current king nor queen are perfect people.

To begin with, there is no such thing as a perfect person in this world, is there?

Even so, the king and queen, who are the leader of the country, probably strive to be perfect in order to set an example for their people.

I heard that Renato, who is standing in front of me, is a man of wisdom and courage.

His natural talent alone wouldn't be enough to spread his name far and wide among the neighboring countries. He must be working hard and making efforts without being known to others.

Mariabelle was also called 'the perfect lady,' but that was the result of her blood-soaked efforts.

She wondered about her former fiancé, Edward.

He was said to be excelled in both literary and military arts from a young age, but not to the extent that his name was known throughout the world like Renato's.

Perhaps because he could do everything so quickly, I never saw him make a desperate effort.

He was quick to learn the languages of other countries, but he showed no interest in their unique phrases or climates.

I thought that, as his future queen, I could assist him with that...

Perhaps that was wrong?

"A king doesn't have to be perfect. Of course, his queen doesn't have to be either. But I think it is wonderful that he tries to be a role model to his people," said Mariabelle.

"...Thank you," the crown prince said.

She was praised by Renato, but that just means that Mariabelle had been wrong up until now.

So, I'm sure Edward too...

Feeling gloomy again, Mariabelle involuntarily looked down.

However, Renato turned around and raised a cheerful voice, as if the heavy atmosphere until now had been a lie.

"I see why Carlo recommended her. She is the right person for the queen."

When Renato turned around, a serious-looking young man smiled at him.

"He is Carlo Cornelius, my aide, and second-in-command."

"It is a great blessing that Sir Berkeley approached us at this time," he said.

"It truly is excellent timing."

"I have decided, Miss Berkeley. Let's get on with it."

"Before that, Your Highness, I think you should give a proper explanation to the two of them."

Both Mariabelle and James were taken aback by the sudden conversation between the imperial squires.

The two of them didn't know what they were talking about.

"In other words, I would like to take Miss Mariabelle Berkeley as my queen."