I Became King by Following My Little Sister's Advice. Now the Princess I Forced to Marry Is Giving Me Death Stares, What Should I Do? - Chapter 07: The Princess Has Made Up Her Mind

Chapter 07: The Princess Has Made Up Her Mind

“This can’t be! No! No!”

“…”

“Impossible… of all people, that man…!”

One hour after Van proposed to former Princess Medina.

In the room where Medina was confined, her maid Anne raised her voice in fury.

“How can he say he wants to marry you after killing your family, taking your country, and stealing your position!? How dare he show his face!”

It wasn’t Medina who overreacted to Van’s proposal.

It was Anne, who had been listening by her side.

Anne stood frozen in shock for a moment but pulled Medina away as soon as she understood Van’s words.

Medina’s face turned pale at Anne’s harsh words, as if she had forgotten her captive status.

“Without considering the princess’s feelings… If that man shows his face again, I’ll stab him!”

“Stop it. That’s too reckless.”

Medina scolded Anne while slumping into her chair.

Since she had withdrawn to her room immediately after the proposal, she hadn’t given Van an answer. 

She had been pondering why Van had proposed marriage.

“…He’s probably aiming to gain legitimacy to rule this country by marrying me.”

Aside from that, Medina has no value.

Most of the country’s nobles have already submitted to the new government, but there must still be some who remain loyal to the Aidron royal family.

This is also true on the international front.

Neighboring countries might not recognize the new government as the legitimate rulers of this nation.

They could find a surviving member of the royal family, use them as a banner, and start a war.

By marrying Medina, the direct descendant of the royal family, Van could claim legitimacy to those who value bloodlines.

“Besides, it benefits me as well. At least I can ensure the royal bloodline continues.”

The Aidron royal family had been abandoned by the people.

For Medina, the last survivor, this was the only thing she could do: pass on her ancestors’ blood to the future.

If Medina married Van and bore his child, that child could become the next king.

“…If I refuse his demand, I lose my value entirely. And then, there’s no reason to keep me alive.”

If she couldn’t be an ally, Medina would just be a nuisance. Her fate would be to be killed under some pretext.

“No… Does that mean you will marry that man? I can’t stand the thought of you being defiled by such a beast…!”

“Anne, this is something that cannot be helped.”

Medina comforted the tearful Anne.

If Medina died, Anne, who had sworn loyalty to her, might not be spared either. 

To protect her last loyal retainer, marrying Van was the best option.

“I will marry that man, but he will never have my heart.”

Medina had made up her mind. 

She was prepared to become the wife of Van, the one who had destroyed her country and killed her parents.

However, it wasn’t because she had given in to his threats. 

By becoming Van’s wife, some of the problems within the country would be resolved. Additionally, the royal bloodline could be preserved.

Medina was still a princess of the Aidron Kingdom.

She was marrying for the sake of her country and its people.

“…Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I could manipulate and control that man. Being a shadow ruler sounds pretty good.”

“Your Highness…” 

Anne slumped, disheartened, as Medina, now resolute, forced a brave smile.

(If I couldn’t change the Aidron Kingdom, then I will guide the new country Van creates with my own hands. I’ll turn it into an ideal land where the people can live happily.)

Medina gently patted Anne’s bowed head and firmly pressed her lips together.

(Think of it as using that man. I was destined for a political marriage as a royal daughter anyway, so there’s nothing to fear now, is there?)

She would indirectly control the country by using Van, guiding the new government in the right direction, and making the people happy.

However, Medina had made a significant miscalculation. 

Van already had a “shadow ruler.” 

Controlled by his sister, Van wouldn’t act according to Medina’s plans.

In fact, it was Medina who was about to step into the lion’s den.