The Princess' Harem
Chapter 136: Her Parent’s Pride

Chapter 136: Her Parent’s Pride

That same evening, after weeks of non-stop work and the establishment of all endeavors in Elysia, an invitation arrived in Viana’s room. The invitation came from her own parents, King Clive and Queen Isabella, requesting her presence in their private dining room.

The room was smaller and more intimate than the grand banquet hall, lit only by the soft glow of candles and a warm, crackling fireplace. The aroma of spices and tender roasted meat filled the air. Viana had loved being in that room since childhood, as it was where she spent quality time with her parents.

Beaming, she took off her dress with Sina’s help, and changed into a sea-blue silk gown, which her mother had once given her.

Viana wanted her parents to see her just as their daughter, not solely as the future leader of Elysia.

When she entered, King Clive and Queen Isabella were already seated around the table, which was not very large, quite different from the dining table in the palace’s formal dining hall.

Their faces, usually showing fatigue from the burden of work and all the consecutive events that had happened in Elysia, now looked brighter, and warm smiles bloomed on their lips as they saw Viana enter the room.

Queen Isabella’s eyes sparkled when she recognized the dress Viana was wearing, while King Clive nodded with an expression of clear pride visible on his still-handsome face, even though he was in his forties.

"Viana, my dear," Queen Isabella said softly, extending her hand to invite her to sit. "Sit down. We are celebrating tonight."

Viana sat before them, her chest feeling warm. She felt a little awkward, unaccustomed to such a relaxed atmosphere after weeks, even months, of focusing on her work.

But her parents’ gentle and warm gazes calmed her heart.

"Father, Mother," Viana greeted them as she sat down on the bench with the help of a servant. "How have your days been?"

King Clive chuckled softly. "Busy, of course, Viana, very busy. Just like you. I never imagined seeing Elysia come alive again, even after the long drought and war."

He sipped his wine, his eyes looking at Viana with immense pride. "The reports... about the new mines, about the trade routes coming back to life. All of this... faster than we imagined."

"And reports say the mines are yielding more than previous estimates," Queen Isabella added, her smile widening. "Arden, Reyes, and Joel are so... brilliant."

Viana felt a sense of pride infuse her, something she had never felt in her past life. Praise for the results of her hard work felt very different from praise centered only on her beauty.

Her current life, constantly driven by her desire to survive, not to fall back into Lazarus’s grasp, felt like a very heavy burden for her.

But at this moment, seeing the smiles on her parents’ faces, hearing their praise, brought an unexpected warmth. The happiness of a daughter seeing her parents proud and smiling because of her.

"It’s all thanks to everyone’s hard work," Viana answered humbly. "They truly are extraordinary people."

"But you are the one who led them, Viana," King Clive said with a firm yet gentle voice. "You chose every person who helped you. You challenged the stubborn old nobles, and you successfully made an alliance with the Elves."

The King paused for a moment and chuckled. "Who would have imagined that the Elves would appear so suddenly, and with such a huge gift?"

He shook his head slightly, still laughing. "It was a miracle, my daughter."

Queen Isabella then rose from her seat and walked towards Viana’s chair. She gently stroked her daughter’s hair with affection.

"We are proud of you, my dear. You have surpassed all our expectations. You have not only saved Elysia, but now made it stronger, richer, and more... alive."

The King nodded in agreement with his wife’s words, but then his expression turned serious, and he leaned slightly towards the table.

"And about... those inappropriate whispers, Viana," he said, lowering his voice slightly, "about your followers. We, your mother and I, of course know for sure who your chosen people are. And if it weren’t for them, this Kingdom... might have fallen into Arin’s hands, or gone bankrupt."

"Don’t listen to their talk, my dear," the Queen added, holding one of Viana’s hands. "We have long agreed. Even your father himself once said that you must have trusted people by your side."

Viana felt her eyes well up, becoming teary. All this time, every step she took was groping in the dark, alone. Her parents’ words of support were the best support she had ever received.

For a moment she sobbed, startling the King and Queen, who both rushed to comfort her.

Through her blurry, tear-filled eyes, she couldn’t hear their words clearly or see them clearly. All that was in her mind was a strong feeling of emotion at what her parents had said.

A new hope re-emerged in her heart, different from before. If Elysia had escaped ruin like in her past life... then Lazarus would not be able to use his tactics as a tool to seize the throne, or take her as his wife.

I can avoid fate, unlike in the past. Now I can build my own life, in my own way....

***

After Viana returned to her room, after eating with her parents, sharing laughter and stories, and feeling the warmth of family she had long missed, she stood silently on her balcony for a long time, looking at the garden, and the reflection of Elysia Palace, where her parents were, with a different gaze.

Now she would determine her own destiny. She didn’t know what she would do next besides work, or perhaps inherit the throne as Queen of Elysia.

She would decide it herself, free from Lazarus’s shadow.

But there was one thing that made her a little worried. If she had to ascend the throne to replace her father, of course she would need a husband.

And now, whom would she make her husband?

Of all the people who had been by her side all this time, none had reached 100% Love Percentage. Besides, if there was, did she love him?

Viana still didn’t know whom she loved...

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