Royal Secret: I'm a Princess!

[Three days ago…]

***

"WE WILL be sending a formal apology to both Hanna and House Quinzel later," Nikolai said, clenching his hands. "My son, the new emperor, will take all the blame for the failed engagement. We will make sure that the public knows that."

Rufus, who looked like he had already expected to hear that from him, nodded his head politely. "Then we'll be waiting for the Imperial Family's apology."

"We will also personally apologize to Hanna," Nikolai added. He didn't want to admit this, but seeing Rufus without an ounce of his usual friendliness on his face was making him nervous. "At her convenience, of course."

"Please summon my daughter to receive your apology before it gets noisy."

"Before it gets noisy? What do you mean by that?"

"Your Lord Majesty, I'm not only here to demand an apology from the Imperial Family," Rufus said, then he pulled out a scroll from the inside pocket of his jacket and placed it on the table. "I, Duke Rufus Quinzel, officially step down as a member of the Twelve Golden Families."

Nikolai was shocked to hear that.

[House Quinzel has withdrawn its support from the Imperial Family…!] 

To be fair, he shouldn't have been surprised.

[Rufus' world revolves around his wife and daughter, after all.]

Even so…

[I still need to salvage the Imperial Family's relationship with House Quinzel.]

"Rufus, believe me, I understand what you're feeling," Nikolai said carefully. "Your daughter was hurt, and her reputation would suffer a major blow once the news about her failed engagement broke out. But please understand that what happened was also beyond Nero's control. He didn't want to break his promise with Hanna."

"We know that, Your Lord Majesty– I do," Rufus said. His face had softened up a bit. But his eyes remained a little cold. "However, like what Your Lord Majesty said earlier, Hanna's reputation would suffer. I can already see my daughter becoming high society's new laughingstock."

He clenched his hands tighter because he knew that the duke was right.

It didn't matter if there was war.

As long as the nobles were safe in the comfort of their homes, they would always find time to gossip about the misfortune of others.

Since Hanna Quinzel was the most noble lady in the empire after Neoma, there were many envious eyes waiting for the former Crown Princess' downfall. Those hyenas wouldn't miss this opportunity to attack the only heiress of House Quinzel.

However…

"I'm no longer the emperor, but I still have the power and the cruelty to shut the mouths of whoever dares to make fun of Hanna," Nikolai said firmly. "Hanna may not be the Crown Princess anymore. But she's still my niece. She's a part of the extended Imperial Family as you are, Rufus."

For the first time since Rufus got there, he finally gave Nikolai a small smile. "Thank you for saying that, Your Lord Majesty."

Hmm?

It seemed like his cousin's mood suddenly changed.

"Your Lord Majesty, I'll be honest with you– I'm upset with Emperor Nero for hurting my daughter," Rufus said, his face and stance relaxing a bit. "But Hanna defended His Imperial Majesty as if her life depended on it."

Nikolai felt strange after hearing that.

Of course, he was grateful that Hanna didn't hold a grudge against Nero even though she had all the right to be mad.

On the other hand, he felt bad for Hanna.

[My son lost an amazing person on his side.]

"Moreover, my daughter said she didn't want her failed engagement with the new emperor to become a weakness to the Imperial Family," Rufus continued. "As a duke of the empire, I agreed with Hanna's decision. It's a miracle that we haven't been attacked by an outer force, but that didn't mean it wouldn't happen in the future. If the Imperial Family showed weakness at a time like this, then the empire would be attacked on all sides."

He understood what the duke was trying to say.

Hence, he was even more confused.

"Then why are you stepping down as a member of the Twelve Golden Families?" Nikolai asked with furrowed brows. "Rufus, I trust you know how big of an influence the Quinzels possess as the biggest supporter of the Imperial Family. If you step down now…"

"I said "I" am stepping down, Your Lord Majesty. After all, I couldn't possibly represent House Quinzel when I'm no longer the head of the household."

"What do you mean… oh."

Right.

[I almost forgot about the fact that the laws have changed and women are allowed to inherit their family's noble titles now!]

Nikolai raised an eyebrow. "Did you already pass your noble title to Hanna?"

"It's not yet official because the vassal families are being too nosy," Rufus said, sighing. "Hence, I'm here to ask for Your Lord Majesty's help to approve Hanna's appointment as the new Duchess Quinzel of our noble household."

***

JASPER was half-surprised and half-curious when he saw the important guests who visited his mansion.

He had just returned home after fighting in the frontline.

And it hadn't been a day when he got a surprise visit from people he least expected.

"We apologize for coming unannounced, Duke Hawthorne."

Jasper immediately shook his head. "You don't have to apologize, Princess Hanna."

"I'm no longer the Crown Princess, Your Grace," Hanna Quinzel said with a polite smile. "Emperor Nero is the first emperor in history to ascend the throne unmarried."

Oh.

He didn't know what was more shocking.

The fact that Hanna Quinzel was no longer the Crown Princess, or the fact that the Crown Prince had already ascended the throne without the public's knowledge?

But more importantly…

"Is it okay for you to announce that here, Lady Hanna?" Jasper asked carefully while looking at the familiar faces in the drawing room at the moment. "With all these people here?"

Melvin Lucchesi.

Sandie Morisley.

And, finally, Rubin Drayton.

Wow.

[Rubin Drayton's good looks haven't gone anywhere, huh?]

Jasper pointed at the most handsome young man in the empire. "I'm sorry, but I can't trust Lord Rubin."

[I want to trust Hanna Quinzel, but…]

"Don't worry, Your Grace. We're not here to do anything dangerous," Hanna Quinzel said, smiling. "We're only here to build Neoma's fans' club."

A what?

***

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