I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 54: A Boy’s Defiance.

A Boy’s Defiance.

—They intend to bring Tsubame into the royal family.

Words so far beyond anything I had imagined that it took a moment for them to settle in.

“It’s… is that even possible?”

Shirao was the first to speak, despite being shy around strangers. Whether it was the sheer weight of what he had just heard—or the age difference between them—he simply couldn’t hold it in.

“No, seriously. It’s a different country we’re talking about here… and she’s underage. Even if he’s a future king, this is just…”

“Ah, yes. It is abnormal indeed,” Arisaki replied. “To bring foreign blood—of another race no less—into a lineage steeped in centuries of tradition. Even in this age of globalization and celebrated diversity, such a move is typically unthinkable. It would undoubtedly provoke backlash among the people, especially those with strong patriotic sentiments. Under normal circumstances, such a decision would be rejected either by the royal family itself or those governing the country. For the crown prince—the first in line to the throne—to marry a foreigner… that would mean the future queen is not of that country.”

Arisaki’s eyes glittered unnaturally, his presence so strange it made me instinctively want to step back.

“Why would they send such a letter? The answer is simple. Because she is worth it.”

“…Worth it?”

“Yes. She makes the impossible possible. A beauty so rare it defies logic.”

He exhaled a small breath, almost a laugh.

“She is quite literally of a value that could topple nations. ‘Nation’s Ruinous Beauty’… a rather fitting title, wouldn’t you say?”

Se-chan’s eyebrows twitched at that line. Meanwhile, Tsubame kept her gaze fixed on the letter in silence.

“This is no mere invitation from some distant, insignificant royal,” Arisaki continued. “The crown prince in question is well-loved by his people and held in high regard by other members of the royal family and even his attendants. Status, honor—there’s nothing he cannot obtain. So tell me, what reason is there to refuse—”

“I must respectfully decline. And I’ll be returning this.”

“…What?”

Tsubame calmly returned the letter to its envelope and extended it back to Arisaki. He stood frozen.

“Wh… why?”

“I have no interest in status or titles. There’s nothing I especially desire. Or rather—if there is something I want, it’s something Shigure and the others show me. And besides… I have one major reason.”

“And that is…?”

“I have no intention of telling someone like you.”

Tsubame’s words carried a firm edge. She glanced at him, silently urging him to take the envelope—but he wouldn’t move.

“…Are you certain about this?”

“I am.”

“…You’re still young. Perhaps it would do you good to hear me out.”

Tsubame’s firm reply seemed to ruffle Arisaki’s composure. His expression shifted into something sharp and patronizing—like a teacher scolding a child. Tsubame furrowed her brow and stepped back to stand beside me.

“This isn’t a matter that should be taken lightly.”

And still, Tsubame held his gaze with unwavering calm.

“It’s not a complicated matter,” he said. “Can you imagine what would happen if The Fairest Maiden were to enter a royal household? Especially—why someone like me, a very busy diplomat, would come in person?”

“…That our countries would grow closer?”

“Precisely. Others may not understand, but surely you do. The nation in question is an advanced one. The benefits of strengthening ties with such a country are immeasurable.”

Arisaki’s expression twisted—not softened. His smile no longer polite, but smeared with obvious greed and self-interest.

“First and foremost, it would resolve certain diplomatic issues. This is an exceptional case, even among exceptions. Welcoming The Fairest Maiden into their royal family would bring countless benefits to our own nation. While I can’t share the details, perhaps you can imagine—such as special treatment on import/export regulations. This wouldn’t solve everything, but it would certainly help combat inflation. Many citizens could be saved as a result.”

“…This is insane,” Shirao muttered.

“Indeed. That’s the influence of The Fairest Maiden. Her becoming royalty could potentially save our people. Perhaps even our nation.”

He grinned wider. His voice grew lighter, more animated.

And all of it was revolting.

“…Don’t screw around.”

His words weren’t just flattering—this was coercion, a threat dressed in false hope.

“You’re saying if Tsubame doesn’t go, all those people won’t be saved… that they’ll suffer. You’re trying to guilt her into carrying the future of this entire country. Are you insane?”

If she doesn’t go, people who might have found happiness won’t. If the relationship with that country worsens—or even if it doesn’t—if prices rise, if diplomacy fails, Tsubame might end up blaming herself for it all.

Most would say that’s absurd. That no single person could be responsible for something so grand.

But… Tsubame could have that kind of influence. She’s already created an anomaly upon anomaly—like being proposed to by a foreign crown prince.

And this man—Arisaki—is deliberately trying to make her feel that way.

I looked beside me. Her eyes trembled. That’s what unsettled me most.

This “threat” would get through to her. She isn’t the type to live freely while others suffer. She’s too kind for that.

Even now, Arisaki didn’t drop his smile. He glanced at me.

“My, such rough language from a student. Have young people forgotten their manners these days?”

“I use respectful speech with people who deserve respect. But I see no reason to honor someone who threatens a girl and treats her like a diplomatic bargaining chip.”

“My, how rude. I’ve simply laid out the facts. You, on the other hand, seem determined to ignore reality.”

“That’s not fact. That’s speculation and projection. And even if she refuses and relations worsen—that’s your job to fix as a diplomat, not hers.”

“Do you even understand how difficult diplomatic work is? A student who’s never held a job—”

“You’re right. I don’t fully understand diplomacy. I’ve never seen it firsthand—until today. And what I did see was someone trying to manipulate a young girl into sacrificing her life for national gain. If that’s diplomacy… then your profession is broken.”

“…Hmph.”

Arisaki wrinkled his brow and snorted loudly.

…When was the last time I felt this furious?

I exhaled slowly and turned to the girl beside me. Her pitch-black eyes met mine.

“…Shigure-kun.”

“Tsubame.”

There was no light in her gaze. Her fingers clenched the envelope so hard it bent under the pressure, her fingertips turning white.

I opened my mouth to say something—but Arisaki beat me to it.

“In the end, it’s The Fairest Maiden’s decision—not yours. Don’t you feel ashamed, forcing your emotions onto her like this?”

What disturbed me most… was that part of what he said wasn’t wrong.

The choice was hers. Always had been.

But—

“…I don’t think there’s anything shameful about being angry when someone you care about is being threatened.”

Because emotions don’t reach people unless you put them into words.

Because this feeling won’t reach her unless I say it aloud.

—I made my decision a long time ago.

“Tsubame.”

“…Shigure-kun. I…”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“…!”

I took her clenched hand gently in mine. Slowly, I eased her fist open.

“I don’t want you going to that royal family. I don’t even want you going to that birthday party.”

I’d hesitated.

I wondered if it was selfish of me as a man to try and stop her with just my words. If I was only doing it because I wasn’t good enough otherwise.

But this situation was beyond all of that. No matter what she chooses, she’ll be left with regret.

So then—my only role is to share in that burden. To help carry it with her.

Of course, there’s also this:

“If you do end up going… I still won’t break my promise.”

“…I see. I see…”

For the worst-case scenario, I wanted her to know. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Arisaki exhale—exasperated.

“You’re young. Naïve. And worst of all, you don’t even realize it.”

“…You say that, but old man—you don’t know a damn thing about Shigure.”

“…Hmm. A fair point. Then allow me to ask: just what are you to her?”

Shirao’s grumbling voice, followed by Arisaki’s seemingly innocent inquiry.

I looked up, still holding her hand tightly.

“I am—”

What am I to Tsubame?

We’re far past the point of being childhood friends. But I won’t lie and pretend we’re something we’re not.

So then—there’s only one thing I can say.

“—I’m the man who swore to stay by Sakakibara Tsubame’s side, no matter what.”