The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

“Gustave, Your Highness! Welcome to the Empire!”

In the audience chamber of the Imperial Palace, a warm welcome and a beaming smile greeted me from Edward of Straskreid, the Emperor of Straskreid. He was renowned for expanding his territory the most in the century-long conflict with Valrois Kingdom, and he bore the nickname “Golden Lion King” due to his golden hair.

In my first life, I had always avoided encounters with him because of his intimidating presence and booming voice, except for this audience and Princess Abigail’s wedding.

But in this second life, it was different. To achieve my revenge against the kingdom, I needed to earn some level of trust, if not as much as Princess Abigail’s.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am Gustave, former Sixth Prince of Valrois Kingdom.”

“Hmm? Hahaha! Indeed!”

After briefly raising an eyebrow at my introduction, Emperor Edward burst into hearty laughter.

“You must be tired from the long journey! Please, take your time to rest today!”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

With his booming voice that echoed even outside the audience chamber, Emperor Edward praised me before standing up from his throne and exiting the room with only his chief chamberlain in tow. Although our first meeting as my daughter’s fiancé was brief, it seemed the initial greeting had gone well.

“Gustave, well done. Allow me to guide you to the room where you’ll be staying.”

“Oh… Thank you.”

Leaving the audience chamber, I was led by Princess Abigail to a familiar place.

“This is splendid, isn’t it?”

It was the same room where I had spent three years of my first life. The room was lavishly decorated with historic furnishings and everything needed for comfortable living.

In my previous life, I had thought of it as just an overly spacious and luxurious room, but looking at it again, I could see how much care had been taken to make it convenient and comfortable for me to live in.

“Um… Did Princess Abigail arrange this room?”

“Oh… Is there something about it that you don’t like?”

Seemingly worried that I didn’t like it based on my reaction, Princess Abigail peered at my face.

“No, not at all. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the effort put into making this room splendid and comfortable for my stay.”

“I see… Well, I’m glad.”

Although her expression remained unchanged, Princess Abigail seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. It appeared that she had been responsible for arranging this room as well.

“Princess Abigail, thank you.”

“N-no…”

Taking her small hand, I planted a kiss on it, causing a slight blush to grace her cheeks.

“Well then, tonight, I’d like to hold a welcoming celebration for Your Highness Gustave, so please feel free to relax until then.”

Saying that, Princess Abigail was about to leave the room when…

“Oh my! So, this is the gentleman who’s become my brother!”

With both hands clasped and a beaming smile, a young girl appeared. Like Princess Abigail, she had golden hair, but her eyes were a clear emerald color.

This charming and expressive girl was Bridget of Straskreid, the Second Princess of the Straskreid Empire, and Princess Abigail’s half-sister of the same age.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am Bridget, the Second Princess.”

“I’m honored to meet you, Princess Bridget. I am Gustave of Valrois Kingdom and have recently become engaged to Princess Abigail. Please, remember me.”

I bowed with a hand on my chest in response to Bridget’s graceful curtsy.

“Hehe… Since we have this chance to meet, would you like to have tea with me?”

“Chris, Gustave has just arrived. We shouldn’t impose.”

Bridget’s proposal was interrupted by Princess Abigail, who stepped in between us. Although I had no problem with seasickness during the journey, the continuous travel from the capital to Norland and then to the imperial capital of Londeenia had left me quite tired. Honestly, I wanted nothing more than to lie down on a bed right now.

But…

“Princess Abigail, no need to worry. Besides, it seems Princess Bridget also wanted to welcome me…”

“But… I understand.”

Princess Abigail hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Gustave, thank you! Then, I’d like to take you to a special place! Ah, would you like your sister to join us?”

“…I’ll pass.”

Princess Abigail shook her head and left with Claire, who had been giving me sharp glares.

I almost reached out to stop her, but I managed to restrain myself. I couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.

“Well then, let’s go.”

“Yes. Mariette is unpacking in the room, so…”

“Understood.”

I took Bridget’s hand, and we headed to a special place—the greenhouse in the imperial palace garden.

And then…

“Gustave, who do you think is the most suitable to be the next Queen of Straskreid Empire?”

Sitting on the terrace, Bridget sipped her tea and smiled.