I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 22
It seems that this Rufus guy had fallen for the princess’s maid. So, he’s planning to give up on marrying the princess and take the maid with him back to the Inferna territory.
‘Rotten scoundrel.’
The king, who lost his temper with the princess, slumped in his throne.
This guy Rufus is definitely not in his right mind. How could he choose a commoner maid, with no status, over a beautiful princess? This would be the subject of ridicule for the entire country.
And as if it weren’t enough, three years ago, the princess’ engagement with the Imperial Prince had been broken, causing a lot of gossip about the princess.
Now, she’s reduced to the point where she’s been trumped by an unknown commoner maid, chosen by the hero who saved the country.
If rumors spread that the hero who is celebrated by the entire nation had cast aside the princess, what will happen to the royal family’s reputation?
There was nothing left of the abyss to fall deeper into.
The king, pressing his aching temples, closed his eyes tightly.
Until yesterday, the problem was that Rufus wanted to marry the princess, but now the problem is that he doesn’t want to marry her.
What should they do about this?
“Your Majesty, I have something to report.”
One of the king’s scribes carefully spoke up.
“What is it?”
“Recently, there has been growing discontent among the people towards the royal family. If this continues, there is a serious concern that a rebellion may occur.”
Rebellion!
At the mention of this, the king clenched his fist and pounded his throne.
“What kind of nonsense is that! Don’t take the matter of rebellion lightly!”
“With all due respect, it’s become public knowledge, and there are many stories circulating in the common folk about the royal family’s actions.”
The scribe continued calmly.
“In the past three years of war, many young people have sacrificed their lives. And among some of the common people… there are whispers of making Rufus the king.”
“What… what did you say?!”
The king was shaken by this revelation.
He had indeed been preoccupied with the princess’s marriage and had not properly monitored public sentiment.
But to hear such stories circulating was a shock.
“The audacity! Drag that Rufus to the dungeon— This instant!”
The king was trembling. The fact that stories were circulating about someone from an unknown baron family like the Infernas becoming king was a sign of how lightly the royal family was being regarded.
“But currently, the people admire Rufus as a hero. Acting recklessly might only provoke public sentiment.”
“So, what are you suggesting? Should I just let this Rufus fellow roam freely like this?”
“No, Your Majesty. We must get rid of Rufus to ensure there is no threat to the throne. But we must seize the opportunity discreetly.”
The scribe smiled insidiously.
“Your Majesty, you should eliminate Rufus quietly to avoid any suspicion of your involvement.”
***
After spending time with his grandmother, Rufus returned to his room.
“Sarubia.”
He opened the door, but no one was inside. Instead, he heard lively conversations and laughter coming from the kitchen.
‘What’s going on?’
As he entered the kitchen, he saw Sarubia. But someone else was with her, and it was a familiar figure.
It was his younger brother, Edel.
“What are you two doing?” Rufus asked.
“Oh, you’re here, Older Brother!”
Edel greeted Rufus with a smile.
“I was baking pumpkin pies with Sister Ruby.”
“Sister Ruby…?”
Rufus glanced at Edel, puzzled by the unfamiliar nickname.
“That’s my nickname. Isn’t it cute?” Sarubia said, giggling.
“Why has your name been arbitrarily reduced to just the middle part?”
“Well, it’s cute to have a nickname. For your information, I’ve decided to call Lord Edel ‘Weiss’ from now on.”
“Why on earth.”
“Because my full name is Edelweiss, but everyone calls me Edel for short. Sister Ruby said she’ll call me that because the latter half of my name is cute, too.”
“…”
Rufus couldn’t believe that they had already become so close to each other.
Sarubia certainly got along well with his younger brother. Rufus couldn’t help feeling a bit bittersweet about it.
“I…”
“What?”
“What about me?”
Rufus’s question left Sarubia and Edel looking at each other.
“You’re Rufus.”
“Big brother is just Rufus.”
Their simple responses left Rufus feeling oddly downcast. While Sarubia and Edel were busy baking pies, he watched from the sidelines.
“Ruby is really good at making pie dough. I’m jealous,” Edel praised.
Sarubia smiled after hearing Edel’s compliment.
“Haha, thank you. Lord Weiss, you’re also good at cracking eggs.”
“But I accidentally got some eggshells into the dough.”
“It’s okay, you won’t die from eating it. Besides, a little crispy texture in the pie is even better.”
Watching the two making pie together, one side of Rufus’ mind tickled.
It was peaceful.
