I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 172
“So that’s Sir Rufus, the hero who beheaded the Demon King Audixus. Why haven’t we ever seen him before?”
“He looks rather ordinary. Given that he’s from a baron’s family, his magical power must not be very strong either. Quite impressive, really.”
Unwelcome gazes. Lukewarm compliments. The sound of whispers as heads leaned together. Ignoring all of it, Rufus straightened his back and walked forward.
“We pay our respects to His Majesty the King.”
Standing before the king, Rufus and Sarubia bowed deeply.
“Saintess.”
The king strode toward Sarubia.
“Thanks to you, my son Tarek has returned safely. I am sincerely grateful.”
“It was nothing. The blessings of the gods were with him.”
Sarubia, still bewildered by the king’s sudden respect toward her, was unsure how to respond. The king then gestured toward Rufus.
“Rufus, today’s banquet is also in recognition of your achievements. Please, eat and enjoy yourself to your heart’s content.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Rufus bowed his head deeply before the king. The king, pleased by this display of deference, smiled with satisfaction.
The hero who had slain the Demon King, kneeling and submitting before him. The sight would only further elevate the esteem in which the nobles held the king. His honorable name would soar even higher from now on.
But contrary to the king’s hopes, Rufus inwardly smirked bitterly.
Disgusting.
This old man, who believed everything in the world moved according to his will, was utterly revolting.
Is the king truly happy because his youngest son has returned safely?
Fine, then.
Laugh and celebrate to your heart’s content. Let yourself be overwhelmed with joy.
I will destroy everything you hold dear.
So, savor this moment of bliss as your last, while you can still revel in your delusion.
I’m eagerly awaiting the moment when your face is twisted in despair.
Please, enjoy this moment to its fullest.
Just as Rufus and Sarubia were about to step back from the king, they were interrupted.
“So, you are the hero Rufus, the man of legend.”
As they turned, they saw a blond man approaching.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Upon seeing Crown Prince Viren, Rufus bowed respectfully.
“Ah, the Saintess is here as well. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Noticing Sarubia standing beside Rufus, Crown Prince Viren greeted her warmly.
“I-I am honored!”
Taken aback by the unexpected encounter, Sarubia was momentarily flustered but quickly composed herself and bowed to the prince. Crown Prince Viren, smiling kindly, turned his attention back to Rufus.
“You’ve accomplished great feats at such a young age. Truly remarkable.”
“You are too kind. Everything was done for the Kingdom of Hevania.”
Rufus replied humbly, bowing his head once more.
“Haha, you speak well.”
Crown Prince Viren, already a father, seemed to approve of the much younger, unmarried Rufus.
“…”
Rufus cautiously observed the man standing before him.
Crown Prince Viren. The most likely successor to the throne and the royal with the greatest power among the king’s children.
Unlike his siblings, he was admired by all for his kind and benevolent nature. Although he had struggled after losing his mother, the late Queen Echinacea, during his childhood, he had grown strong through adversity.
He had value.
For now.
“Brother Viren.”
A dignified voice called from behind. Rufus’s expression stiffened the moment he turned to see who it was.
The one he most wanted to avoid had appeared.
“Ah.”
Sarubia, following Rufus’s gaze, instinctively held her breath.
Standing before them was—
“You’ve come, Sordid.”
It was the kingdom’s only princess, Sordid.
‘The Princess…’
Sarubia’s face grew tense at the sight of her former master.
Would she recognize me?
Of course, she would. Ever since Sarubia revealed her identity as the Saintess, many had flocked to Princess Sordid’s palace.
What would she say when she saw her? Would she demand to know why Sarubia had hidden her true identity? Would she be angry at being deceived?
But Princess Sordid wasn’t someone who cared enough about others to bother with such things.
The princess, her flowing hair cascading down, ignored Sarubia entirely and greeted Crown Prince Viren.
“How have you been, Brother?”
The crown prince’s expression softened as the princess approached.
“I’ve been well. How have you been, Sordid?”
“I’ve been the same. Ah, there’s someone I’d like to introduce to you.”
Maintaining her graceful composure, Princess Sordid smiled sweetly. At the end of her outstretched hand stood a man.
“It is an honor to meet the little sun of the Kingdom of Hevania.”
The man accompanying the princess was none other than Prince Erius of the Empire.
Rufus, now pushed to the side, narrowed his gaze at the imperial prince.
‘So, that’s the imperial prince I’ve heard so much about.’
He was unmistakable. The man chosen as Princess Sordid’s future husband.
Over the years, countless suitors had sought the princess’s hand. Ever since the king had declared that anyone could propose to her, waves of young men had flocked to the palace. And from all those countless suitors, the one ultimately chosen was Prince Erius.
With his striking looks, noble status, and second-in-line position for the imperial throne, Prince Erius was deemed the perfect match for the princess—so much so that the king took great pride in the choice.
“Since he will soon become part of our family, I extended a special invitation for him to join us at tonight’s banquet.”
Princess Sordid lightly rested her hand on Prince Erius’s arm.
At the same time, she cast a glance at Rufus, as if to say, Don’t even think about coveting what’s beyond your reach.
