Who Could Have Loved the Monster Princess? - Chapter 17
Fortunately, others didn’t show much interest in our conversation. Despite initially attempting to eavesdrop on Mir and me, people quickly lost interest when they realized our topics revolved around monsters, politics, and estate management, returning to their own discussions.
“By the way, have there been any discussions about the Princess’s betrothal?”
“…Yes.”
‘Oh, I see…She wouldn’t want to talk about her engagement even if she was the main character.’
The Princess hadn’t yet decided on her betrothed. There were no suitable candidates from prestigious families, and no other country was financially or politically able to take the empire’s princess.
Originally, the Princess did have a betrothed chosen by the Emperor. However…
“Do you think the Princess’s match should be a hero?”
The lady speaking now was referring to Ken. She couldn’t be referring to a priest, an old sage, or my dad, a married man.
“I think he’s the only one suitable, because he’s so handsome, and he’s got valor and fame.”
In response to another lady’s words, the Princess took a sip of tea with a composed expression. She seemed mischievous when she wore a stern look similar to Carnelian. It seemed like she had succeeded in controlling her worsening mood, but the Princess suddenly frowned.
“A hero, you say!”
Princess Ceti slammed the teacup onto the table and scoffed.
“That lowly commoner is praised beyond measure for being lucky enough to end the life of a demon!”
The ladies nodded hurriedly at her words, their faces turning red.
“Yes, that’s right. He has no noble lineage.”
“I heard he still lives like a commoner.”
“What’s the point of having perfect looks when we can’t know what blood runs through him?”
“I can’t understand why ignorant people label that commoner as the warrior of salvation. My uncle also participated in battles, vanquishing monsters.”
“That’s right. My cousin also participated. He lost friends there.”
The Princess nodded. “Knights and soldiers of the Empire who sacrificed themselves for peace are the true heroes who should be honored.”
“My uncle will be pleased that the Princess recognizes that!”
I half-listened to the chattering ladies with one ear and let their words pass through the other.
‘It can’t be helped that the Princess hates Ken.’
As much as the Princess disliked Ken, she also harbored affection for him. Right after Ken was designated as the warrior who would slay the Demon King, the Emperor declared that if Ken were to slay the Demon King, he would be allowed to marry the Princess.
In her own way, the Princess had been looking forward to marrying the warrior. She would inquire about Ken’s well-being, curious about the recent developments in the war. Ken had always been conventionally attractive, even at a young age. Even a fleeting glance revealed a captivating presence.
As the heroes and their companions set out to slay the Demon King, they were watched by priests who projected their images onto silver plates filled with divine power and holy water. From the moment the heroes entered the Demon King’s castle, the nobles in the capital gathered in the palace banquet hall, receiving updates every hour.
As the representative of the Staedt Duchy, I attended, praying for my parents’ victory and safe return.
Ken stood at the vanguard, conquering the city of demons, facing the Demon King for the longest time, and eventually, severing his head
Everyone tuned in to the battle, and when the Demon King was killed, the whole world seemed to erupt in celebration. I, for one, will never forget that moment of joy.
Perhaps the Princess felt the same. She must have waited with trepidation for Ken to return. However, whatever plans for marriage were cut short by Ken’s refusal.
‘Of all times, Ken had to declare he didn’t want to marry the Princess right at the victory ceremony…’
Of course, the Princess was merely twelve at the time, still a child. Still, a four-year age gap shouldn’t have been that significant.
The Emperor was furious. Ken’s rejection was not just a refusal of the Princess; it was a rejection of the honor bestowed by the imperial family. Had Ken married into the imperial family, the emperor and the nobility would have recognized the honor he had earned and his lineage as ennobled by the gods. But because he refused to marry the Princess, all the nobles present at the triumphant ceremony looked down on Ken as a lowly commoner who was given undeserved praise.
‘They just didn’t want to grant the recognition that should be given to a hero.’
