The Princess' Harem
Chapter 154: Enggagement Plan

Chapter 154: Enggagement Plan

The Festival in Elysia had spanned a full week, and today was the last day. Viana, sitting peacefully under the morning sun in the palace garden, accompanied by the same people as yesterday. Her face, still quite pale, and the scratches on her arms and legs had only just begun to heal.

Yet, her smile had returned, blooming naturally again, no longer a forced expression. She looked at everyone around her, and suddenly, a simple, yet strong, desire sparked in her mind.

"I want skewers again!" she exclaimed with a childish enthusiasm. Her eyes sparkled brightly. "The grilled meat skewers, just like when we ate at the festival! I can still taste the seasoning on my tongue!"

Sina and Cooper immediately chuckled, amused. Joel and Reyes exchanged glances with faint smiles. Even Arden, usually busy with his papers even though he insisted on accompanying Viana, managed a small grin.

Viana’s unexpected request instantly dissolved the slightly tense atmosphere that had lingered from her abduction’s incident.

Rayne stared at Viana with wide eyes, then a broad smile slowly spread across his face. He suddenly stood swiftly and gently smacked his hand into the air.

"Well then, why don’t we bring the festival to the palace instead?" he exclaimed, full of spirit. "I will instruct the soldiers and servants to bring all the best food vendors from the festival here! They can cook for all of us! A feast to celebrate the Princess’ recovery!"

Everyone was surprised, yet delighted. Rayne’s spontaneous and extravagant idea was met with small cheers from Cooper and soft laughter from Sina.

Joel and Reyes smiled, nodding in agreement. This was indeed a very typical Prince Rayne gesture, excessive, yet full of good intentions.

***

Not long after, the palace buzzed with activity once more. Soldiers and servants hurried to carry out Rayne’s orders.

The food vendors from the festival, surprised yet overjoyed, arrived at the palace with their carts and cooking equipment. The aroma of grilled meat satay, sweet bread, warm soup, and various other dishes immediately filled the entire palace courtyard.

Viana stood in the midst of it all, her eyes sparkling. She lightly hopped from the palace’s entrance stairs, and even pulled Joel’s arm, urging him closer to one of the stalls that had just arrived.

"Look, Joel! There’s honey cakes too!" she exclaimed, her voice more childish than usual. Her innocent and joyful demeanor made everyone around her smile and laugh.

King Clive and Queen Isabella, who had just arrived in the courtyard, were surprised to see the sudden commotion. However, when they saw Viana laughing freely and hopping like a child among the food vendors, their faces immediately brightened.

"She’s back," whispered Queen Isabella, her eyes misting with emotion. King Clive nodded slowly, a wide smile etched on his face. Their daughter’s happiness was their happiness.

***

That evening, the palace was filled with a festive atmosphere. Soft music flowed from the palace musicians, but this time it was interspersed with cheerful folk melodies brought by the vendors’ instruments.

Viana sat at the main dining table with King Clive, Queen Isabella, and of course, Rayne. Joel, Reyes, Sina, Cooper, and Arden also joined at nearby tables or stood near them.

Amidst the warm banter and laughter, King Clive suddenly put down his fork. He looked at Rayne, then at Viana, with a serious yet gentle gaze.

"Rayne, Viana," he said, his voice gently cutting through the merriment. "This evening is beautiful, isn’t it? And you two look so very... compatible."

He smiled faintly. "I believe this is the right time to discuss the matter of your engagement."

The King Clive’s sudden words made Viana freeze. Her spoon, holding warm soup, paused mid-air on its way to her mouth. Her heart suddenly pounded rapidly.

Engagement. The word echoed in her mind.

She glanced at Rayne, who looked surprised, yet a smile slowly blossomed on his face. Then she glanced at the people standing next to them, Joel, Reyes, Arden, and Kaley, who seemed to stiffen for a moment before resuming their usual expressions.

Viana’s thoughts raced quickly. This was the fate she had tried to change. In her previous life, she had never been engaged to Rayne.

In fact, their relationship had been very awkward and formal. Rayne had been a distant and authoritative figure, a prince from a powerful kingdom.

But now, he sat beside her, looking at her with eyes full of warmth and attentiveness. He was the hero who had saved Elysia, and he was someone who openly showed his feelings for her.

An engagement with Prince Rayne would certainly be very beneficial for Elysia. Valendale was a powerful ally. A marital bond would strengthen their alliance, securing Elysia’s position among other kingdoms.

This would provide much-needed stability after the chaos that had occurred. It would be a strong shield against future threats, especially from Lazarus. Lazarus would think twice if he had to face two major kingdoms at once.

However, on the other hand, Viana’s mind was in turmoil. She held a big secret. Her ’Forest Blessing’ ability, her mission to be free from her previous past’s incidents, which were caused by Lazarus.

Would this engagement limit her movements? Would Rayne understand all of that? Could she entrust her secret to him?

A marriage meant sharing everything. She was not sure she was ready for that, especially after her bad experience with Lazarus in her previous life, which had been so binding and suffocating to her.

She also thought of the other men. The ’Love Percentage’ above their heads kept increasing. She could feel their feelings, even though they tried to hide them.

How would they react if she accepted this engagement? Would they stay by her side? Or would they distance themselves due to heartbreak?

She did not want to hurt them. They were an inseparable part of her life now, the pillars that supported her in this difficult struggle.

Destiny. She had changed so much destiny. The river of life that once flowed straight now branched in unexpected directions. This engagement was one of the most significant new branches.

Was this part of her ’System’s’ plan? Was this the right step to protect Elysia? Or would she just fall into a new, unseen trap?

She felt the weight of a major decision pressing on her shoulders again. Heavy, like the crown she wore on her head.

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