The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 60: Truth and Decision

Chapter 60: Truth and Decision

(Leia POV)

As I walked toward the training grounds, my heart was filled with foreboding and tension.

A dark premonition gripped me about what this summons meant.

As if my body remembered, I felt a faint heat spreading in my lower abdomen.

“Eleanor, why the training grounds again?”

Eleanor, walking beside me, maintained her usual refined beauty, but the anxiety in her blue eyes was unmistakable.

“I don’t know. But…”

Her words trailed off.

She must be harboring the same thoughts as me.

Memories of the days leading up to this moment flooded back.

*

When I opened the training grounds’ door, Prince Victor was waiting.

His corpulent figure stirred complex emotions within me.

Disgust, fear, and—shamefully—expectation.

“You’re here.”

The prince’s voice was low, carrying a certain dignity.

Iris and Mia stood in the corner of the room.

Their presence suggested this wasn’t mere “training.”

“Lord Victor…”

Eleanor bowed slightly.

Her silvery-blonde hair gleamed in the sunset.

I followed suit, but inwardly, I was on guard.

“Why… here?”

I asked cautiously, my eyes darting to the swords hung in the corner.

The instincts of the former “Flame Sword Princess,” no doubt.

“I have something important to tell you both today.”

The prince fixed his gaze on us.

We exchanged uneasy glances.

“First, Leia, I want you to ‘train’ me.”

I showed a shocked expression, my face draining of color.

“Train…?”

“Yes. Show me your swordsmanship.”

Confused, I looked at Eleanor.

A wordless conversation seemed to pass between us.

“No need to worry. This isn’t ‘training’ or ‘discipline’ today. I called you here for a different reason.”

The prince smiled.

That smile lacked his usual sadistic pleasure.

“I… haven’t wielded a sword since that day…”

My voice trembled.

“That day” was when I submitted to the prince.

The memory of that terrifying night resurfaced.

“You’ll wield one again starting today. I command it.”

His voice was firm and resolute.

Reluctantly, I took a sword from the corner.

Its feel was nostalgic, reminding me of my former self.

“Let me explain why.”

The prince began speaking with a serious expression.

“I have a grand goal.”

He stood, moving to the center of the training grounds.

“Let me show you my true power.”

The next moment, black and brown mana swirled from his body.

Earth and dark magic.

Powers he claimed to have secretly mastered.

I gasped.

I couldn’t believe what was happening before my eyes.

The overwhelming display of mana was unimaginable from the fat, foolish prince.

A massive chunk of earth rose from the floor, merging with dark energy, forming a towering tornado of dark earth, like a mudflow, in the training grounds.

Eleanor and I were speechless.

I understood.

This was power gained through relentless training.

“This is the power you didn’t know I had.”

As he dispelled the magic, silence fell over the training grounds.

“Let me tell you my goal.”

The prince stood before us, speaking earnestly.

“My aim is to make the world take notice. To make the entire world mine.”

“What…?”

Eleanor let out a small voice.

“Don’t misunderstand. Not through slaughter or destruction. I’ll dominate economically, militarily, politically, and unite the nations.”

I was confused.

His words were completely at odds with the cruel, sadistic prince I’d known.

“My first goal is to become this kingdom’s king. Then, I’ll gradually conquer neighboring countries—militarily, politically, through religion, and economically, using various combined methods.”

I spoke hesitantly.

“Why… tell us this?”

“Good question.”

The prince approached me, peering into my face.

His eyes held not the usual base desire, but sharp intelligence.

“Those who thought me a foolish, lazy prince would try to assassinate or eliminate me in countless ways once I start moving seriously. I maintained this fat body and trained only in magic because it kept enemies off guard, which was convenient.”

He paced before us, continuing his explanation.

“But now, with my engagement to Eleanor announced, enemies are no longer careless. My reputation in court is already shifting. It’s time to train my body and hone martial skills.”

“So, you want me…”

I began, and the prince continued.

“Yes, I want you to teach me swordsmanship. I’ve only trained in magic so far. But now, I must prepare for every danger.”

I was surprised.

I thought he only used me for pleasure.

A new role sparked a faint hope.

“And Eleanor, I want you to train with me in magic.”

Eleanor looked up, surprised.

“Magic…?”

“Yes. Your ice magic combined with my earth magic could create new power.”

Eleanor stared at him, confused.

She knew she was announced as his fiancée, but hadn’t realized it was part of a grander plan, not just for power.

“And one more important thing.”

He spoke meaningfully.

“Something significant for both you and me.”

We held our breath, awaiting his words.

“Have you seen the small bottle Iris holds?”

We turned to Iris, standing in the corner, holding a small bottle.

“That’s a transformation potion.”

“Transformation… potion?”

Eleanor asked, puzzled.

“Yes. One of my greatest secrets.”

The prince signaled Iris.

She approached, handing him the bottle.

“When I drink this, I become someone else.”

He took the bottle and drank it in one gulp.

The next moment, an unbelievable change occurred before my eyes.

His fat body began to transform.

Fat tightened into muscle, his face sharpened, eyes grew piercing, hair became lustrous.

In seconds, the fat Prince Victor was gone, replaced by a lean, handsome man.

Not just his body—his hair and eyes changed too.

Brown hair, green eyes, with dwarven features.

“This is Marcus Gray, soon to be ennobled as a baron, my businessman persona.”

Eleanor and I were speechless.

“Baron Gray… you?”

My shocked voice slipped out.

“Yes. As Marcus Gray, I’ve approached Lucius, gathering information from his faction.”

He drank another bottle, transforming into a silver-haired noble in his forties.

“And this is Earl Leon Silver.”

“Earl Silver too…!”

Eleanor choked.

Earl Silver was deeply tied to her engagement and had pressured her family’s business.

She was visibly shaken to learn he was the prince.

“And finally.”

He drank the last bottle, transforming into a frail, sinister-looking figure.

“This is Hugo Black, my slave trader persona.”

I was utterly speechless.

I could only stare in shock as he transformed repeatedly before us.

“Why…”

Eleanor finally managed, her voice strained.

“Why go this far…”

“To seize the world.”

He answered, reverting to his original form.

“Since childhood, I resented this fat body and the role of the foolish prince. But I stopped resenting it when I realized it was the perfect disguise.”

He continued his explanation calmly.

“No one suspected me. No one saw me as a threat. Meanwhile, I secretly amassed power, mastered magic, and built wealth and status in other forms.”

“You planned all this alone…?”

I exclaimed in shock.

“No, not alone.”

The prince looked at Iris and Mia.

“They are my most trusted allies. Gifted to me by Uncle, they’ve become indispensable to my plans.”

Iris and Mia bowed silently.

“Without Iris’s knowledge of magical potions and Mia’s commercial talent, I wouldn’t have come this far.”

“But now, the two of them alone are not enough.”

He turned back to Eleanor and me.

“My future plans require your strength as well.”

“Our… strength?”

Eleanor asked, puzzled.

“Yes. Eleanor, you’re the Frostheart heir with ice magic talent. Leia, you’ve inherited the Braveheart family’s swordsmanship and have an affinity for earth magic. Both of you hold positions in high society.”

He stood before us, speaking earnestly.

“As Earl Silver, I’ve pressured your families’ businesses. But it wasn’t to destroy them—it was a stepping stone for integration.”

“Integration…?”

“Yes. By merging the Frostheart family’s ice magic stone technology and the Braveheart family’s earth magic stone technology with Earl Silver’s magical device business, we can create an entirely new industry.”

He spoke passionately.

“Road construction, medical fields, new magical devices… the possibilities are endless. Through marriage and business partnerships, your families can be saved from economic hardship and achieve greater heights.”

“You’ll save our families…?”

My voice held a mix of doubt and hope.

“Yes. In return, you’ll cooperate with my plans.”

Eleanor bowed slightly, speaking softly.

“My family already sees a path to salvation through my engagement to you.”

“Exactly. And tonight, I want to make the same offer to Leia.”

My eyes widened.

My heart pounded fiercely.

“The same… offer?”

“I want you to become my second wife.”

Silence spread through the room.

I was speechless with shock, and Eleanor caught her breath at the unexpected proposal.

“Your… second wife…?”

I finally managed to speak.

“Yes. Eleanor as my first wife, you as my second. I, the great one, have grown fond of you both through our nights together. I’d love you every night. It saves both families and strengthens my power. It’s the best choice for all of us.”

The prince approached me slowly, peering into my face.

“So, Leia, will you become my wife and join my plan to dominate the world?”

I stared at the prince, my heart a tangle of emotions.

In that moment, memories flooded my mind.

That night, when I visited the prince’s detached palace to save Eleanor.

How his vile methods left me unable to resist, bound to that terrifying restraint platform.

The first pain, fear, and humiliation.

And the overwhelming pleasure.

Both my front and back virginity, forcibly taken by this man.

Yet, the man who was initially violent and sadistic had gradually softened.

I noticed changes in him through our physical closeness.

Was it because my defiance waned with each embrace?

Or had he genuinely grown fond of me?

His caresses became gentle and meticulous, my body increasingly yielding to him, sinking deeper into pleasure with each touch.

Though I started as an oppressed slave, I found myself feeling comfort in his arms.

Now, his true self stood revealed before me.

Beneath the mask of Prince Victor, a man of immense magical power, intellect, and boundless ambition.

Within me, the pride of the Flame Sword Princess clashed with my emotions as a woman.

Looking at Eleanor, it was clear she had walked a similar path.

She gave me a small nod, a silent message: “I respect your decision.”

Clarity struck me suddenly.

Accepting this proposal could save the Braveheart family.

And the undeniable truth—I was beginning to be drawn to him.

Not to his violence, but to his strength and intellect.

And to the love I felt growing with each embrace.

My lower abdomen already ached with desire for him.

Eleanor must feel the same.

To be loved so fiercely by such a powerful, remarkable man.

Passionate, intense love.

“I’d love you every night.”

His words echoed repeatedly in my mind.

(If I become his second wife, even more…)

“Lord Victor.”

I finally spoke.

“Thank you… for this offer.”

I slowly knelt.

“I… accept.”

“Good.”

The prince nodded with satisfaction.

“A wise decision.”

Eleanor knelt beside me.

“Master, we will serve you together.”

“Rise.”

The prince had us stand, lifting our chins one by one to meet our eyes.

His gaze no longer held base desire, but deep affection and expectation.

“From now on, your new training begins. Leia, master swordsmanship. Eleanor, perfect your magic. I want you both to gain strength worthy of my wives.”

“Yes, Lord Victor.”

We answered in unison.

Fear had vanished, replaced by new resolve.

I was surprised by my decision, yet deep down, I felt it was right.

His world domination wasn’t cruel conquest, but a wise integration through economics and politics.

And he was already steadily advancing that path.

The peaceful world I once dreamed of on the battlefield.

Could it be realized not by the sword, but by a wise ruler like him?

And… the comfort I felt in his arms was no lie.

The man I once hated had become someone I trusted.

From the cruel Prince Victor to a confidant, he had changed.

Meeting Eleanor’s gaze, I saw the same resolve in her eyes.

Together, we would become this man’s wives, supporting his grand dream.

No longer victims, but accomplices.

“And tonight, we’ll make it a celebration.”

The prince smiled meaningfully.

“I’ll reward your loyalty fittingly.”

Eleanor and I exchanged glances, nodding softly.

Strangely, his words, once filled with terror, now sparked sweet anticipation.

Today, our new lives began.

As Victor Whiterose’s wives, as future queens.

And deep down, I could no longer deny that I was beginning to love him.

After the shocking revelation at the training grounds, we were led to Victor’s private chamber.

It was an elegant, luxurious room on the top floor of the detached palace.

The window offered a panoramic view of the capital’s nightscape, and a beautifully set round table stood at the room’s center.

“Tonight is a special night. Let’s enjoy a meal together, the three of us.”

At Victor’s words, Mia opened the door, and servers brought in dishes one after another.

The rich aroma stirred my hunger.

“Sit.”

Eleanor and I sat, flanking Victor on either side.

“Pour the wine.”

Mia promptly poured a fine red wine.

Its deep hue gleamed in the room’s warm light.

“A toast. To new beginnings.”

Victor raised his glass, and Eleanor and I followed.

The dishes were exquisite.

Befitting a royal banquet, yet with a warm, homely atmosphere.

“By the way, let’s talk about Iris and Mia.”

Victor said, sipping his wine slowly.

They stood at a distance, their expressions shifting slightly at his words.

“They are my most trusted allies. And… my lovers.”

Eleanor and I exchanged a brief glance.

It wasn’t surprising, but hearing it formally caused a slight unease.

“Even after marriage, I’ll continue my relationship with them. I want you to understand that.”

“Yes, Lord Victor.”

Eleanor nodded quietly.

Her blue eyes showed no jealousy, only understanding and acceptance.

“I… don’t mind either.”

I agreed.

In noble society, lovers were common.

His honesty, though, brought a sense of reassurance.

“Iris, Mia, come closer.”

At Victor’s call, they approached our table.

“You are my trusted allies. And Eleanor and Leia will be my wives. Respect and trust each other.”

“Yes, Master.”

Iris and Mia bowed.

Their demeanor held respect, with no hint of hostility.

“I want to spend tonight with just the three of us. Prepare the rest.”

“Understood.”

They bowed and left.

As the door closed, the room’s atmosphere grew more intimate.

“Come closer.”

Victor beckoned us.

Our distances closed, sweet scents mingling.

“Try this steak. It’s exquisite.”

Victor cut a piece of steak with his knife, speared it with his fork, and brought it to my mouth.

“Ah…”

I hesitated.

In noble society, such an act was considered “unseemly.”

Feeding each other was an intimacy forbidden in public.

Yet, the kindness in his eyes made me open my lips.

“Mmm… delicious.”

The meat’s tenderness and juicy flavor filled my mouth.

“Eleanor, your turn.”

He offered Eleanor a piece.

She hesitated but opened her mouth, her eyes softening at the taste.

“It’s truly delicious.”

Her voice held an uncharacteristic warmth.

The “Ice Flower’s” heart had melted completely.

“Now, you two feed me.”

At his words, Eleanor and I exchanged glances.

She nodded first, spearing a piece from her plate and offering it to him.

“Here, Lord Victor.”

Her hand trembled slightly.

To see the once-cold, noble Eleanor express affection like this.

It surprised me, warming my heart.

Victor smiled, taking the meat from her fork.

“Now, Leia.”

I hurriedly chose a piece, spearing it with my fork.

My hand trembled more than Eleanor’s, struggling to reach his mouth.

“Heh, you’re shaking.”

Victor took my hand, gently guiding it to his mouth.

His warmth spread through me, enveloping my whole body.

Feeding each other like this… an unthinkable intimacy in noble society.

Yet, in that moment, I was happier than ever.

*

When the berry tart dessert was served, Eleanor suddenly stood.

With graceful steps, she approached Victor, cupping his face with both hands.

“Lord Victor…”

She pressed her lips to his.

A long, passionate kiss.

The once-cold, noble Eleanor surrendered completely to him.

Her silvery-blonde hair veiled their faces, the depth of their affection palpable, warming my heart even as a bystander.

I watched, breathless.

The “Ice Flower” had fallen completely in love.

Her actions made me confront my own heart’s changes.

“Now I understand…”

I murmured inwardly.

I understood Eleanor’s feelings completely now.

Why she opened her heart to Victor and chose submission.

As their kiss ended and Eleanor stepped back, Victor’s gaze turned to me.

His amber eyes locked onto mine.

Time seemed to stop.

In his eyes, I saw myself—red hair, tanned skin, golden eyes trembling with shame and anticipation.

His gaze overflowed with love.

The man who once violated me under the guise of “training” now held pure love in his eyes.

It should have been contradictory, yet it felt natural.

“Leia.”

He called my name.

His voice sent heat pulsing through my body.

I wanted him—to be touched, to be held.

Yet, I couldn’t be honest with myself.

“Eleanor is quite open.”

Victor said, gently stroking her silvery-blonde hair.

His gesture was filled with affection.

Seeing Eleanor’s happy, softened expression, something broke inside me.

I couldn’t hold back anymore.

I stood, approached Victor, and boldly kissed his cheek.

“Lord Victor…”

My voice trembled.

“I… love you…”

My words faltered.

Words I’d never said to anyone.

I’d faced death countless times on the battlefield, but this moment was far more terrifying.

“I love you.”

The moment I confessed, my face burned, and I averted my gaze.

I lacked the courage to see his reaction.

But he gently lifted my chin, making me look up.

“Leia, I, the great one, love you too.”

His words were sincere, filled with unfeigned affection.

He kissed my forehead softly, then moved to my lips.

A sweet, gentle kiss.

Unlike his past violent kisses, this one was meltingly soft.

My entire body felt like it was dissolving.

Eleanor watched us with a smile.

Between her and me, there was no longer jealousy or rivalry, but a bond like sisters loving the same man.

He took our hands, drawing us closer together.

“You will be my most beloved wives. It will be a long journey ahead, but let’s walk it together. Share my dreams, my ambitions, and my love.”

“Yes, Lord Victor.”

We spoke in unison, our voices free of hesitation.

The former “Flame Sword Princess” and “Ice Flower” now melted together in the love of one man.

It wasn’t forced submission, but a path we chose. This was the form of love we embraced.

In this melting moment, I was certain.

The new life beginning now was true happiness found after suffering.

In Victor’s arms, under Eleanor’s warm gaze, I had finally found my place.

After the meal, Victor led us to another room.

Not his usual bedroom, but a grander, more luxuriously appointed chamber.

“What is this place?”

Eleanor murmured softly.

“A special room for tonight.”

Victor answered, opening the door.

Stepping inside, we gasped.

Marble floors, elegant furnishings, and a massive bed at the center.

Cream-colored sheets and piles of pillows gave the illusion of lying on clouds.

When the adjacent room’s door opened, we saw a large bathtub.

The white marble tub was filled with steaming water, rose petals floating on its surface, a fragrant scent wafting through the air.

“Let’s cleanse ourselves in the bath first.”

He signaled the maids, who approached and began undressing us.

“Um…”

I hesitated.

True, both of us had been embraced by him countless times, our bodies bared before him.

But bathing together, the three of us, was a first.

Eleanor looked slightly embarrassed but surrendered to the maids’ hands.

Her skin gradually revealed itself, porcelain-white, and I couldn’t help but stare in awe.

My clothes were removed too, and soon we faced each other, naked.

Victor shed his clothes, joining us in our vulnerability.

“Come, let’s get in.”

He stepped into the tub first, offering his hands.

Eleanor took his hand, followed by me, and we entered the tub.

The warm water enveloped us, easing our tension.

Yet, seeing Eleanor’s bare body so close made my heart race inexplicably.

*

“Heh, you both look shy.”

Victor smiled, observing us.

“You should be used to this by now.”

He was right.

When he embraced us, we bared everything.

But this felt different.

More intimate, almost… familial.

“And yet, I, the great one, am truly a fortunate man.”

He gazed at us through the steam.

“To have two such beautiful women as my wives.”

His words warmed my heart.

Once, he saw me as an object to “use.”

Now, he looked at us with such affection.

“Eleanor, come here.”

He called her, and she obediently moved to him.

He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently massaging them.

“Your shoulders are tense. Always striving for perfection must be exhausting.”

Eleanor closed her eyes slightly, yielding to the comfort.

“Leia, you too.”

I moved to his side.

He began stroking my back with one hand.

The warmth of his touch melted my tension.

“You were tense too. Today must have been overwhelming.”

His gentle voice and warm hands eased my body’s strain.

“Lord Victor…”

My words caught, my chest swelling with this tender affection.

Before me was Eleanor’s form.

Her skin gleamed beautifully in the steam.

Words slipped out.

“Eleanor’s skin… it’s so beautiful. Delicate, feminine, snow-white… I’m jealous.”

I felt embarrassed after saying it.

Eleanor looked at me, surprised.

“Leia…”

Her blue eyes held an unexpected warmth.

“You’re remarkable too, Leia.”

Victor gently squeezed my shoulder.

“Full, sensual, vibrant, with healthy, glowing skin. Your body radiates vitality.”

His words warmed my heart.

“You each have your own beauty.”

He looked between us.

“The dinner was splendid, wasn’t it? The meat, the dessert—each had its own exquisite flavor. You two are the same.”

He gently stroked our hair.

“I’m bathing with two uniquely captivating beauties… I’m the luckiest man alive.”

His words made us smile at each other.

Not as rivals, but as companions.

Eleanor’s eyes no longer held icy coldness, but warm friendship.

“Let’s wash each other.”

At his suggestion, we nodded.

Eleanor took a soft cloth, gently washing Victor’s back.

I faced his chest, carefully cleansing it.

“Hmm… that feels good.”

Victor closed his eyes, satisfied.

Next, he washed us.

He started with Eleanor, gently cleaning her porcelain skin.

His touch was gentlemanly, yet laced with affection.

“Nn… it feels good… ah.”

Eleanor’s breathing grew slightly ragged.

Then it was my turn.

His warm hands glided over my skin.

“Nn…”

From shoulders to back, to waist… gently, carefully.

The old Victor would have touched me roughly, with crude words.

Not now.

Every movement carried respect and love.

“Your body is beautiful, Leia.”

He murmured, washing my red hair gently.

Wrapped in his warmth, I felt truly happy.

Finally, Eleanor and I faced each other.

A bit shy, but she smiled gently, took my hand, and we began washing each other.

“Your skin is truly beautiful, Leia.”

Her voice was sincere.

“The lines of your warrior-trained muscles… yet so feminine. You have a charm I lack.”

Her words warmed my heart.

I’d always admired her, my childhood friend, respected yet envied.

Now, I felt a sisterly closeness.

“You’re more elegant than anyone, Eleanor… like a perfect ice sculpture.”

I returned heartfelt words.

In this intimacy, we felt a bond beyond sharing a husband.

Through our “training,” we’d connected physically, giving each other pleasure.

A new family, centered on Victor.

Perhaps this was what I, as a sword princess, had secretly longed for.

“Now, we’re clean enough. To the bed.”

His words made our hearts race in unison.

Maids approached with towels, drying us.

After they left, we three moved to the massive bed.

Sinking into its softness, I thought to myself.

The old me could never have imagined this.

Loving a man I once saw as an enemy, forming a physical, intimate bond with a friend I envied, becoming a family together.

This was my chosen path.

And true happiness.

“Now, my loves. I’ve kept you waiting. The real night begins now.”

At Victor’s words, I smiled and nodded, anticipation stirring.

Eleanor responded with the same soft expression.

The “night” I once feared had become a sweet, love-filled time.