The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 32: Sorting the Heart

Chapter 32: Sorting the Heart

The morning light streamed mercilessly through the window, waking me.

For a moment, I wished last night was a dream, but the dried tear stains on my pillow, the soaked bed, and my body’s exhaustion confirmed it was all real.

“Morning has come…”

Muttering softly, I slowly sat up.

The mirror showed swollen eyes, a pale complexion, and disheveled hair.

I couldn’t face anyone like this.

Especially not him.

I poured water into the basin and washed my face.

The cold water cleared my head slightly.

Then, carefully, I applied makeup, fixed my hair, and chose my most dignified outfit.

A light knight’s uniform passed down from my brother.

To appear as my usual self.

“Lady Leia, breakfast is ready.”

The maid’s voice came from beyond the door.

“Thank you, I’ll be there shortly.”

I worried my voice might tremble, but it sounded normal enough.

Walking down the corridor, I steeled myself.

When I face him, I’ll act like nothing happened.

Last night will remain an unspoken agreement, never mentioned.

Entering the great hall, I saw my family already gathered.

Father, Mother, my brother Galen, and my sister Lyla.

And at the table’s end, Alexander.

“Good morning, Leia,” Father greeted with a gentle smile.

“Good morning, Father.”

I sat, forcing a natural smile, careful not to meet Alexander’s eyes but unable to ignore his presence.

“Did you sleep well, Sir Alexander?” Father asked.

My heart raced at the question.

“Yes, very comfortably. I’m grateful for the Braveheart family’s hospitality.”

His voice was calm, betraying no unease.

As expected. He never lost composure, even in courtly politics.

“Leia, you look pale,” Mother said, making me look up.

“I’m fine, Mother. Just a bit tired.”

“It’s no wonder, so soon after the dragon battle,” she said with a kind smile.

Did she sense my inner turmoil?

Or did she truly believe it was just battle fatigue?

Breakfast was served.

A lavish spread of fresh local ingredients.

But my tongue felt numb; I couldn’t taste anything.

“Big Sister Leia, did you tell Alexander about it last night?” Lyla suddenly asked.

I nearly dropped my fork.

“About… what?”

“The dragon fight! Did you tell him the details?”

I suppressed a sigh of relief.

The dragon. That’s fine.

“Yes, a little.”

“You were so brave, Leia,” Alexander said, his voice filled with genuine respect.

“Facing a dragon alone—truly heroic.”

He spoke naturally, as if nothing had happened.

His demeanor offered some relief.

“Heroic? That’s an exaggeration.”

I tried to respond normally.

Was my smile convincing?

“No, it’s truly remarkable. Your courage is admirable.”

My family echoed his praise.

Breakfast became a chorus of lauding me as a hero.

But to me, it rang hollow.

Hero.

The word felt ironic.

Praised as a hero, yet rejected as a woman.

After breakfast, Alexander began preparing to depart.

He’d rushed here over a long journey.

He must have reasons to hurry back.

“I’ll see you off.”

I surprised myself with how natural my voice sounded.

He looked slightly startled but smiled and nodded.

In the castle courtyard, his horse was ready.

The whole family came to see him off.

Father shook his hand, Mother kissed his cheek gently, Galen clapped his shoulder, and Lyla waved.

Then it was my turn.

“Travel safely.”

I said with my best smile.

“We’ll meet again soon. At the ball.”

He smiled, a bit shyly.

Was he recalling last night?

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

It wasn’t a lie.

Seeing him, in any way, was something to cherish.

Any time shared with him was happiness.

He mounted his horse, gripping the reins.

He bowed once more to our family.

“Thank you for the Braveheart family’s kindness. And, Leia…”

He looked at me specifically.

“I won’t forget your courage and strength.”

Was he referring to last night, the dragon battle, or both? I couldn’t tell.

But his words warmed my heart.

“Goodbye, Alexander.”

He smiled one last time, spurred his horse, and rode through the castle gate.

Watching his figure grow smaller, I held a tangle of emotions in my chest.

The pain of rejection, gratitude for his kindness.

Relief that our friendship survived, sorrow for an unfulfilled love.

A mix of feelings swirled within.

“He’s gone,” Lyla said, standing beside me, sighing.

“Yes…”

“Sister, are you crying?”

Touching my cheek, I found tears.

They’d fallen unnoticed.

“Just… dust in my eyes from the wind.”

I wiped them quickly.

“Right…”

Lyla looked skeptical but didn’t press further.

As the family returned inside, I lingered, staring toward the gate.

He was out of sight, but I couldn’t look away.

“Goodbye…”

Muttering once more, I finally turned back to the castle.

I had to return to my daily life.

The life of a celebrated hero.

A life without him.

—

A week had passed since Alexander’s departure.

Daily duties continued unchanged.

Meetings with the townsfolk, knight training, border patrol planning.

After the dragon’s attack, much work awaited me.

That was a blessing.

The busyness left little time to dwell on that night.

But at night, it was different.

In the quiet, memories returned vividly.

The sensation of his kiss, the warmth of his hands, and above all, his words of rejection.

“Still dwelling on it?”

At the training grounds, cleaning my sword, Galen sat beside me.

“On what?”

“Alexander.”

His words made me pause.

Was it that obvious?

“What do you mean?”

“You’re a terrible liar, little sister.”

Galen chuckled quietly.

He’d always understood me since childhood.

“…Was it that obvious?”

“To anyone who knows how you look at him.”

His words sparked unease.

What if Eleanor had noticed…?

“Don’t worry. I’m sure Lady Eleanor hasn’t.”

As if reading my mind, Galen reassured me.

“Even if she did, she’s your friend. She’d understand.”

“Would she…?”

Deep down, I harbored complex feelings toward Eleanor.

Friendship and jealousy.

Respect and envy.

Knowing she’d changed lately, I hated myself for wishing her misfortune.

“What happened? The day he left, you were crying.”

At Galen’s question, I sheathed my sword.

“Nothing…”

“Leia.”

His voice mixed gentleness with firmness.

“…I confessed to him. He rejected me.”

I answered quietly, resting the sword on my knees.

“I see…”

Galen sighed deeply.

“That was brave. As expected of my sister.”

Surprised by his response, I looked up.

“Brave? It was foolish.”

“No, being honest with your feelings takes courage. Even if it’s not reciprocated.”

His words strangely echoed Alexander’s.

“Courage.” Both said the same thing.

“So… what are you going to do?”

Galen’s question was simple, but answering it was hard.

“I won’t do anything. He has Eleanor. I’ll support him as a friend.”

“Is that really okay?”

“I don’t see any other choice.”

Galen silently placed a hand on my shoulder.

It felt heavy, warm.

I recalled how, as a child, when I fell and cried, he’d done the same.

“No matter what you choose, we’re on your side. Don’t forget that.”

His words lightened my heart a little.

“Thank you, Brother.”

That evening, I rode alone to a small lake at the edge of our lands.

A secret place from childhood.

Where I always went to sort my heart.

The lake’s surface, still as a mirror, reflected the sky.

I sat on a lakeside stone, staring at the water for a long time.

“What should I do…?”

I looked at my reflection.

The hero of the Braveheart family who fought a dragon.

But that face was haggard, eyes filled with sadness.

“Should I forget him? Or…?”

Unable to continue, I sighed.

Was forgetting him the right choice?

But I’d carried these feelings for years.

They weren’t easily abandoned.

“But I can’t keep suffering like this…”

As the lord’s daughter, I had responsibilities.

The people relied on me.

I couldn’t neglect my duties over personal troubles.

As the sunset began to dye the lake red, I made a decision in my heart.

I couldn’t erase my feelings for him.

So I wouldn’t try.

I’d lock them deep in my chest and live my daily life.

Someday, this pain might ease.

And if he’s truly happy, I might one day rejoice purely as a friend.

“That’s right. This is fine.”

Bidding the lake farewell, I mounted my horse.

I returned to the castle, joined my family for dinner with a smile, and later opened my diary in my room.

“Today, I decided.”

I began writing, putting my resolve into words.

It wasn’t long, but each word carried my determination.

And at the end, I wrote:

“When I see him at the ball, I’ll greet him with a smile. Eleanor too. I’ll pray for their happiness as a friend. That’s the best I can do.”

Closing the diary, I stood by the window, where the moon shone brightly.

Like that night.

But tonight, my heart felt a little clearer.

—

The invitation to the king’s birthday ball arrived two weeks after Alexander’s departure.

Holding the luxurious envelope with golden trim, I was filled with mixed emotions.

“Should I go…?”

I’d surely meet Alexander at the ball.

And Eleanor.

Imagining them together, dazzling at the ball, still pained my heart.

“Lady Leia, please look at this dress.”

Clara, the maid, entered, holding a stunning emerald-green dress.

“Your mother chose it for the ball.”

The dress was exquisitely crafted, designed to highlight my red hair and green eyes.

Wearing it, I’d surely draw attention.

“It’s beautiful…”

Touching the fabric, I sighed softly.

Who was I dressing up for?

He’d already chosen another woman.

“Leia.”

Mother entered, sitting beside me with graceful poise, eyeing the dress.

“Don’t you like it?”

“No, it’s lovely. Just…”

I couldn’t continue, but Mother seemed to understand.

“Alexander?”

Her direct question startled me.

Galen knew, but even Mother…?

“Don’t worry.”

She smiled gently.

“A mother is attuned to her child’s heartaches. Especially those of love.”

“…It’s embarrassing.”

I blushed.

“What’s embarrassing? Love is natural. Especially for a fine young man like him.”

Her understanding words eased my heart.

“But he has…”

“Eleanor. Yes.”

Mother nodded quietly.

“Sometimes, fate prepares unexpected paths. You may not see it now, but a different happiness might await you.”

I gave a wry smile.

“You always tell me to hold onto hope, Mother.”

“That’s the wisdom of living.”

She stood, touching the dress.

“Wear this dress and go to the ball. For yourself. Not for him or anyone else.”

“For myself…”

I savored her words.

Yes, this was a choice for me.

Not to flee, but to face reality and move forward.

“I understand. I’ll go.”

Mother smiled, satisfied.

“That’s my daughter. A Braveheart never runs.”

From that day, I began preparing for the ball.

Trying on the dress, choosing shoes, considering hairstyles.

Thinking it was for myself made my heart feel lighter.

The day before the ball, I visited the lake again.

To sort my heart once more.

Watching the sunset reflect on the lake, I asked myself:

“Will I be okay? Seeing them together, will my heart not ache?”

Honestly, I wasn’t fully healed.

The sensation of his kiss, his warmth, the pain of rejection—they lingered vividly.

But I had to move forward.

As the hero who fought a dragon, as the lord’s daughter, as a woman.

“Alright, let’s get ready.”

That night, I told Father I wanted to leave for the capital early.

Though the ball was a week away, I cited preparations, and he readily agreed.

“Leave the estate to me. Prepare well and shine at the ball.”

His words gave me strength, and I left for the capital early the next morning.

The scenery from the carriage window was beautiful, wrapped in early summer’s warmth.

Vibrant greens and colorful flowers lined the path, lifting my spirits.

I arrived in the capital two days later, in the afternoon.

The Braveheart family’s city residence, though not large, was ample for the ball season.

“Lady Leia, your luggage to your room.”

George, our loyal butler, greeted me.

“Thank you, George. How’s the capital?”

“It’s bustling with preparations for the king’s birthday ball. Envoys from other nations are arriving steadily.”

Hearing the latest capital news, I was shown to my room.

From the window, I saw the palace, surrounded by noble estates, creating a stunning view.

“Oh, George,” I said after he set down my luggage.

“Any news of the Granblue family?”

He looked surprised but quickly composed himself.

“There’s… a bit of gossip.”

“Gossip?”

“It’s said Sir Alexander is looking for a partner for the ball.”

My heart leapt.

“What does that mean? What about Eleanor?”

“Lady Frostheart… is said to be attending with Prince Victor.”

Stunned, I sank into a chair.

“Tell me more.”

George shared the capital’s rumors.

As thanks for a donation to the Frostheart family, Eleanor would partner with Prince Victor at the king’s birthday ball.

She’d informed Alexander a week ago, and he was reportedly in great shock.

“I can’t believe it…”

I muttered.

Eleanor making such a choice?

True, refusing a prince’s invitation is difficult.

But attending with another man while engaged carries weight in high society.

Her calm, decisive attitude left me bewildered.

“To the Granblue residence?”

“But, Lady Leia…”

“I’m going now.”

I decided without hesitation.

Alexander needed support right now.

As a friend, I wanted to be there for him.

I had the carriage prepared again and headed to the Granblue residence.

My heart swirled with emotions.

My feelings for him, disappointment in Eleanor, anger at the prince.

“For a royal to force such a thing…”

In the carriage, I clenched my fists.

The prince’s reputation wasn’t good, but to act this way toward an engaged woman?

It was unforgivable.

The Granblue family’s residence was one of the most beautiful in the capital.

The grand building, adorned in blue and silver, embodied their pride and tradition.

“Leia Braveheart, here to see Sir Alexander.”

I announced myself at the main gate, and a butler led me inside.

Normally, I’d be captivated by the mansion’s beauty, but now my mind was consumed with him.

“Leia?”

Emerging from the study, Alexander looked surprised to see me.

His face was pale, with traces of exhaustion under his eyes.

“Alexander…”

Seeing him, I was momentarily speechless.

Before me wasn’t the usual gallant Alexander, but a man battered by something.

“Why… are you here?”

“I wanted to see you.”

I spoke my honest feelings.

He looked slightly taken aback but soon gave a gentle smile.

“Good timing. I had something to talk about.”

He invited me into the study.

The room was cluttered with papers, unlike his usual tidiness.

“I heard… about Eleanor.”

No need for pretense—I cut straight to it.

His expression darkened briefly, then he let out a deep sigh.

“Gossip travels fast.”

“It’s the capital, after all.”

He poured two glasses of wine, handing me one.

“She told me coldly, ‘I can’t refuse an invitation from the royal family.’”

Resignation tinged his words.

“That’s it? No other explanation?”

“Nothing more. Lately, she’s… like a different person.”

“Since when?”

“It’s hard to pinpoint, but… since the Frostheart family’s financial crisis surfaced, she’s been changing gradually.”

Listening to him, my disappointment in Eleanor grew.

She was always haughty and cold, but she’d been special to Alexander.

To treat even him like this…

“It’s unforgivable.”

The words slipped out.

“What is?”

“Eleanor, and the prince. How they’re treating you.”

Alexander looked at me, surprised, then smiled.

“Thank you, Leia. Your words alone lighten my heart.”

His words stirred something warm in me.

But I couldn’t show it—not after that night.

“So… what about the ball?”

“I have to go. Father will be there, and the Granblue family’s position demands it.”

“But your partner…”

“I haven’t decided. Honestly, I’m not in the mood to ask anyone.”

His words made my heart waver.

Should I offer?

But would it seem like pity?

Neither of us would want that.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

In the end, I asked that. He thought for a moment, then looked me in the eyes.

“Actually… I have a request.”

His voice held a hint of tension.

He took a sip of wine, choosing his words carefully.

“Tell me anything.”

I smiled encouragingly, though my heart raced.

“Leia, I don’t want to impose, but…”

He paused, taking a deep breath.

“Would you be my partner at the ball?”

I’d half-expected it, but hearing it froze me.

His earnest gaze was fixed on me.

“Me…?”

“Yes. Of course, you can say no. But I don’t have anyone else I can rely on…”

His words carried a raw vulnerability.

Not the confident Alexander I knew.

Eleanor’s betrayal had hurt him this deeply.

“Am I… enough?”

“What are you saying? You’re the perfect partner.”

He spoke sincerely.

“Brave, beautiful, stronger-hearted than anyone. With you, I feel I can face that event.”

His words warmed my chest.

He valued me as a friend.

That should be enough.

“But… in high society…”

The heir of the Granblue family attending with the Braveheart daughter would send a message.

Especially with his fiancée, Eleanor, attending with Prince Victor.

“I don’t care. Right now, I want to prioritize my feelings over society’s eyes.”

His words carried resolve.

“If you don’t want to…”

“I’ll do it.”

Cutting off his hesitation, I answered firmly.

My voice was surprisingly steady.

“Really?”

“Yes. As your friend, I want to support you.”

As a friend—it stung to say, but that was our truth now.

Alexander’s face brightened, and he sighed in relief.

“Thank you, Leia. You’re a lifesaver.”

“What color dress should I wear? It should match your outfit.”

“Right… I’m preparing something in the family colors, blue and silver. An emerald-green dress would complement your hair and eyes while harmonizing with me.”

“Mother picked out just such a dress.”

The coincidence made us laugh, looking at each other.

His smile, the first in a while, lightened my heart.

“So, shall I pick you up, or meet at the venue?”

“I’d love it if you picked me up.”

“Got it. I’ll come by carriage that evening.”

As we talked, his expression grew brighter.

Knowing I could lift his spirits, even a little, brought me quiet joy.

“Leia…”

Suddenly serious, Alexander took my hand.

“I’m so glad I asked you. You’re always there for me.”

The warmth of his hand reminded me of that night.

But this was different.

This was friendship, nothing more.

I told myself that.

“Of course. We’ve been friends since childhood.”

I smiled, but my heart swirled with complex emotions.

Was this just friendship? Or something else?

Was I just a convenient choice for him, or…?

“Now, let’s go over the ball’s details.”

He shifted to practical matters, explaining the invitation and schedule.

I listened, trying to sort my feelings.

Being his partner meant standing with him before Eleanor and Prince Victor.

We’d draw the attention of high society.

Gossip and speculation would spread.

“…then after the royal introductions, the foreign delegations enter… Leia? Are you listening?”

“Yes, sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“You must be tired. After a long journey, and I’m taking up your time.”

He spoke apologetically, but I shook my head.

“Don’t worry. I’m glad I came.”

That was true.

Though exhausted, seeing his face brighten made the visit worthwhile.

“I should head back. I have dress fittings and such.”

“Right, it’s late. I’ll have a carriage prepared.”

He stood to call the butler.

Watching his back, I reflected on my decision.

I said it was for friendship, but part of me wanted to be with him.

Was that okay?

Wouldn’t it betray Eleanor?

“No.”

I muttered softly.

I was supporting him as a friend.

That was my role now.

“The carriage is ready.”

Alexander returned and informed me.

“Thank you. See you on the day of the ball.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

He escorted me to the entrance.

At parting, he took my hand again, lightly kissing it.

“Thank you, Leia.”

It was a gentlemanly gesture, but my heart raced again.

I had to suppress these feelings.

“You’re welcome.”

I smiled back and boarded the carriage.

Watching his figure shrink through the window, I held complex emotions.

Joy and unease.

Hope and fear.

Above all, how would that night affect our relationship?

Had he truly forgotten it? Or…

As the carriage swayed, I closed my eyes.

The next few days would be busy.

Dress fittings, etiquette reviews, and above all, preparing my heart.

How should I act before Eleanor and Prince Victor?

I couldn’t show weakness.

For Alexander, I had to be strong.

“I can do this.”

Reassuring myself, I gazed at the capital’s nightscape.

Under the starry sky, my new resolve solidified.