Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

Act 12. I Thought Everything Was Smooth Sailing?

The people of the empire cheered when they saw the crown princes black armor at the vanguard of the triumphal procession.

Wow, his bravery perfectly matches his status as a hero!

No one else would have been able to cut through the enemy lines and behead the enemys commander like he did!

People lavished praise on the crown prince, as his achievements were on the level of Duke Floyens, the hero of this empire. The crown princes triumphal procession, which had drawn cheers from the people everywhere it went, eventually reached the imperial palace.

The emperor watched with vigilant eyes as his son entered his office. Nevertheless, he couldnt see his sons expression since it was covered by a helmet.Now that hes made a great contribution to this empire, the nobles will outcry even more.The emperor was in the middle of figuring out a way to deal with his son, afraid that his son might use this chance to drag him down from the throne.I still have Duke Floyen on my side, in the rare case that he decides to run astraythe emperor thought as he gave his son a dreary look.

His son had approached him in no time and was now in his immediate vicinity. The crown princes black armor was now considered a symbol of victory, but to the emperors eyes, it only seemed ominous. The emperor suppressed his fear and welcomed the crown prince with a generous voice. Welcome, Crown Prince. Youve done a great job defending the south.

Crown Prince Maximillian, in his armor, lowered his head at the emperors greetings. Its all thanks to your arrangements, Your Majesty.

The emperors face, which had been filled with worries about his son acting impudent towards him as he did last time, relaxed. My son, arent you going to show your face to your father?

The crown prince replied with a polite nod. Unfortunately, Ive come a long way, and am currently in an unpresentable state, Your Majesty. Id appreciate it if you could generously overlook this.

I guess theres nothing we can do, then. Although the crown prince had respectfully denied his request, the emperor wore an unpleasant expression again as if he had been offended by the rejection.

At that moment, the crown prince praised the emperor again. Id like to express my thanks again for approving of the victory banquet.

The emperors face brightened again at his gratitude. Of course. I guess you should start preparing for the banquet now. There will be a lot to do, as were only about a fortnight away from it.

Yes, thats right.

You wont have to worry much about it as Ive already informed Countess Roas, the head of the maids, to make excellent preparations for the banquet.

The crown prince hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth. If possible, Id like to change the person in charge. Will that be okay?

The emperor nodded magnanimously at his sons words. I see. You must have someone in mind. Tell me who it is.

The crown prince muttered quietly at the emperors probing. It bothers me that the victory banquet is being held so close to my sisters coming-of-age ceremony.

Hm, that is definitely true, the emperor replied indifferently at the mention of his daughter, who he had never paid attention to. He had given a lukewarm response on purpose, but the crown prince remained calm.

I request for my sister Beatrice to be in charge of this banquet. It will become her achievement if she successfully hosts this banquet, and will put her in the spotlight during her coming-of-age ceremony.

The emperor put his brain to work at those words.The empress has certainly been a bit of a nuisance lately.He thought about the curtain lectures his wife had given him, then nodded. Okay, Ill have the princess organize the victory banquet, then. You can discuss the details of the event with her.

The crown prince bowed. Thank you for granting this request as well, Your Majesty.

The emperor smiled with satisfaction when his son, who he had been hostile against, was being so civil with him. He let out a hearty laugh, then said, Dont mention it. You must be tired. Why dont you go to your room and rest up?

At the emperors permission, the crown prince rose and bowed deeply. Thank you for your consideration. I will do that.

The crown prince began to make his way out of the office. The emperor watched him leave, then murmured, I see that youve finally figured out your place. He was relieved to see that his son, who had been troubling him until now, was finally bowing obediently to him.

Meanwhile, the crown prince, who had returned to his room, shooed his servants away with a wave of his hand. Everyone may leave. Ill change on my own. He was about to remove his helmet after all the servants left, when someone emerged from behind the curtain.

What did the emperor say? an arrogant voice questioned, sounding as if he was speaking to his subordinate.

However, instead of becoming angry, the crown prince knelt on one knee out of courtesy. It was as you thought. He granted permission to have the princess be in charge of the banquet.

Good. If the princess planned and hosted a successful banquet, she was surely going to be praised by the people. On the other hand, if she were to make a mistake, she was going to be the one held responsible.Now that sly woman wont be able to manipulate anything.He reflected on his successful plan for a moment, then spoke to the crown prince who appeared uncomfortable. You may take off your helmet now.