Reincarnated as a Villainous Duke (37) Who Gets Condemned by His Daughter ～I Stopped Acting Like a Villain, Yet My Daughter Keeps Becoming the 'Ice Lady'～ - Chapter 10: The Crown Prince’s Inauguration – Part 2

Chapter 10: The Crown Prince’s Inauguration – Part 2

The venue for the “Crown Prince’s Inauguration” was an enormous hall. At the back, there was a raised platform, with doors on both sides. Behind the platform stood an impressive stained-glass window, adding to the solemn and majestic atmosphere.

Forsina and I were led to a round table closest to the platform. Next to us, Duke Gentronov sat with Marianlotte and her parents.

Before long, all the guests had arrived. There were at least 200 nobles in attendance. Since this ceremony was about determining the future king, such a large gathering made sense.

I took another look around the hall.

Duke Gentronov and Marianlotte were seated next to us. When I glanced at the table beside theirs, I noticed something odd—a key figure was missing.

The absent person was Vamiliora Roterosa, the third duke alongside Gentronov and myself. The “Three Great Dukes” referred to the three of us, the pillars supporting the kingdom.

Her absence was puzzling. On top of that, her younger sister, Amueliza, was also missing. Both of them were important characters in the game. In fact, Amueliza was one of the main heroines, standing alongside Forsina and Marianlotte.

For them to be missing from the opening event of the game made no sense at all…

“His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and His Highness the Prince will now enter the hall.”

My thoughts were interrupted by the announcement. The doors beside the raised platform opened, and three figures entered.

First was the king, Argalm—a man in his 40s with dull blond hair slicked back and a neatly trimmed mustache. He was slightly overweight and had a face that looked kind at first glance.

Next was the queen, Mirandra—a stunning woman in her 30s with long black hair and a captivating air about her.

Finally, there was Prince Roax—a 14-year-old boy with golden hair and a refined, handsome appearance.

This was the protagonist’s family from “Orlea Old Stories,” stepping onto the platform.

I’d seen these faces before, but now that my memories had returned, I realized they looked almost exactly as they did in the game. However, one thing bothered me—the expression on Prince Roax’s face.

While he still matched the image of a delicate and handsome young boy, his eyes were sharp and unsettling. His gaze carried an air of arrogance, maybe even cruelty—nothing like the heroic protagonist I remembered.

His mouth twitched occasionally, giving the impression he was trying to hold back a tantrum rather than showing nerves.

On top of that, he kept scanning the hall, as if searching for someone.

It didn’t take long to figure out who he was looking for. The moment his predator-like eyes froze on two spots in the room, it became clear.

The targets of his gaze were Marianlotte, Duke Gentronov’s granddaughter, and my own daughter, Forsina. In other words, the so-called “protagonist” was busy checking out cute girls during his big moment.

Honestly, considering the upcoming events, it wasn’t surprising that he’d focus on those two. But my mind couldn’t help but entertain other possibilities.

At that moment, King Argalm stepped forward to address the crowd.

“Everyone, thank you for gathering here today for my son, Prince Roax. This year, Roax has turned 14—the age at which, according to royal tradition, he gains the right to inherit the throne. Therefore, on this occasion, I officially declare Roax as my successor.”

The king’s declaration was expected, but the hall filled with an excited murmur of “Oh!” from the nobles.

Meanwhile, I found myself mildly impressed that the king’s words matched the game script perfectly. But the real concern was what came next.

Responding to his father’s announcement, Prince Roax, now officially Crown Prince, stepped forward confidently.

His poised demeanor in front of a hall full of high-ranking nobles suggested he indeed had the makings of a future king.

“I am Roax Orlea. Today, I am honored to be recognized as my father’s successor, and I fully understand the weight of this responsibility. From now on, I vow to work harder to become a ruler worthy of this kingdom. I ask all of you to support me in making this country stronger and greater.”

It was likely a prepared speech, but for a 14-year-old, it was impressive. The nobles in the hall seemed to approve.

The Crown Prince continued his speech.

“As the first step toward developing this kingdom, I plan to lead the effort to cultivate the Southern Great Forest. I will personally visit the site and oversee the operation. If this effort succeeds, the kingdom will gain new resources and treasures, leading to even greater prosperity.”

A murmur of surprise spread through the hall again.

This ‘Southern Great Forest’ was mentioned by Aramund. It’s a vast, unexplored area said to contain valuable resources and ancient ruins. The royal family had long dreamed of conquering it. In the game, this place served as the true starting point for the story. However, in the original game plot, Prince Roax wasn’t developing the forest—he was fleeing into it.

As I confirmed the accuracy of Aramund’s information and noticed these changes from the original game, Roax continued speaking.

“Furthermore, to strengthen my future and ensure I am properly supported, I wish to announce my future bride today. I choose Marianlotte Gentronov as my first wife.”

“Ohhh!”

This declaration caused an even louder stir in the hall.

In this world, it wasn’t unusual for a crown prince to choose his bride during his succession ceremony. Doing this early helps prevent unnecessary power struggles.

Of course, I had previously made moves to ensure Forsina would be selected as a bride. After telling her I wouldn’t send her off to marry, I sent a swift horse messenger to inform the royal family. Since I hadn’t heard any indication that they planned to select her, I wasn’t too worried. But hearing the official declaration from Roax now made me feel a huge sense of relief.

So when Duke Gentronov glanced at me with a smug grin, I simply nodded back calmly, unfazed.

Marianlotte stepped forward after being named Roax’ first wife. She gracefully bowed to the audience and prepared to ascend the platform. But before she reached the steps, Roax spoke again.

“I’ve also decided just now: Forsina Blaumont, you will be my second wife. Come up here as well.”

This shocked me. The nobles around the hall began to murmur loudly, and Duke Gentronov looked like his eyes were about to pop out of his head.

I glanced at the King and Queen and saw that they only wore expressions that seemed to say, “Well, what can we do?” It was as if this sudden announcement was still within what they considered acceptable. But I had already informed them that Forsina wouldn’t be marrying into the royal family.

As for Roax, he was smirking as if he enjoyed being the center of attention. There was none of the grace or dignity of a Crown Prince in his expression—he just looked like a spoiled brat with a mischievous and lustful gleam in his eye.

Meanwhile, Forsina, who had just been named, didn’t even flinch. True to her title of the “Ice Lady,” she maintained a cold, expressionless face, staring back at Roax like a statue.

But still, for Roax to pull something like that… to actually make that kind of choice.

When I noticed his cruel eyes earlier, a small part of me had predicted something like this. Yet hearing those words out loud—declaring he would “make my daughter his bride”— stirred a feeling of anger in me. It seems that even Mark Stewart, destined to be a mid-boss, had enough of a father’s heart to get upset over such arrogance.

The real question now was how to respond. I was just about to intervene when—

“I refuse, Your Highness the Crown Prince Roax.”

Her voice was as cold and sharp as breaking ice. For a split second, I recognized that tone—it was the same voice she would use to condemn me in the future.

When I looked toward her, I saw Forsina standing tall, her gaze fixed firmly on the protagonist standing on the platform. Her posture radiated determination.