I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 13
The King remembered the words the people used to say during festivals.
“His Majesty the King promised that anyone who brings the Demon King’s head will marry Princess Sordid, didn’t he?”
“Then, the Hero Rufus will surely marry Princess Sordid!”
Three years ago, the imperial prince, who was initially promised to marry Princess Sordid, started a rebellion and fled, leading to the dissolution of their engagement.
The King was eager to find a better suitor for his beloved daughter, but there were no more suitors offering their proposals to Princess Sordid.
Rumors started spreading far and wide that if you offend the King, you’d be conscripted into the demon subjugation army. As a result, for three years, Princess Sordid had remained without an engagement.
‘To think that I have to give my precious daughter to that penniless nobleman.’
The King was deeply annoyed.
Rufus’s hometown was the Inferna domain, a remote and desolate place in the kingdom. Furthermore, he hailed from a minor noble family.
He was an orphan, having lost his parents early, and grew up under the guardianship of the infamous Baroness Inferna, that detestable old woman.
‘Poor and insignificant, with no family or wealth, and to make matters worse, he’s raised under his grandmother’s thumb.’
The mere thought infuriated him. Why did his precious daughter, Princess Sordid, have to marry a man like that? Why did that wretch Rufus not just die?
It was that moment when the King was vehemently instructing the royal magicians to get rid of the Demon King’s head, when the door to his study was forcefully pushed open.
“Father!”
With a loud bang, the door flew open, and in stormed Princess Sordid.
“Father, do I truly have to marry that man named Rufus?”
The princess, clinging to her father, cried out.
“Do you know what the other noble ladies are saying about me? They’re all laughing at me for having to marry a country bumpkin guy from a mere barony! This is all your fault!”
Sordid shouted angrily.
“You’re the one who promised to give me to the man who kills the Demon King! What am I supposed to do now?”
She sobbed while ranting. It seemed that Sordid had no intention of marrying Rufus.
Seeing the twisted face of his beloved daughter, the King’s heart sank.
“No, Sordid. If you don’t want this, then I’ll do whatever it takes to stop it.”
“What are you going to do? Everyone in the kingdom knows I’m supposed to marry that country bumpkin! If I suddenly refuse to marry him, what will happen to the honor of our royal family?”
“…”
The King was silent. It was indeed true.
Three years ago, the King had clearly stated in front of all his subjects that he would give his daughter to the man who killed the Demon King. Reversing that declaration now was nearly impossible.
Not only would it tarnish the reputation of the royal family, but it could also fuel discontent among the general public.
The war had been long and arduous. Over the past three years, many young lives were sacrificed, and numerous families lost their loved ones.
To the people, Rufus was a savior, like a comet in the sky.
If the King were to deny Rufus the marriage to the princess, it was evident that the people would turn their backs on the royal family.
How could this be resolved?
The King was deeply troubled. No immediate solution presented itself.
“Sordid, let me think about this a little more…”
“Do something now! I really hate that man! I’d rather die than marry that country bumpkin!”
With a scream, the princess stormed out of the study.
***
“Aaaaaaaaugh…!”
Returning to her room, the princess screamed and threw objects in a fit of anger.
Smash, crash!
Expensive vases were shattered, and plates and pottery crashed to the floor.
“Where is that maid?”
The princess shouted.
“W-Who are you referring to?”
“The one with the ivory-colored hair! That wench who always smirks!”
The servant appeared bewildered.
The servant that the princess was looking for was probably the one named Sarubia.
Princess Sordid had a mean disposition despite her beautiful appearance. She couldn’t suppress her quick temper and often lashed out at her subordinates.
Her violent temper had only worsened after her engagement with the imperial prince was broken off. The servant she saw during that time was Sarubia.
The princess deeply despised Sarubia, who seemed happier than her with her everyday smiles.
