I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

46. Little Radar (Happy New Year’s Eve)

The royal family of the Great Eng Empire, unless absolutely necessary, must never actively accept help from others, nor show weakness before them.

Before beginning formal royal studies, or rather… when she first gained a clear understanding of her royal status as a child, the first lesson Fielora received was this. Unlike the vast majority of the Great Eng Empire’s nobility who merely served as figureheads, the royal family needed prestige and connections. “Showing weakness” was limited to within the royal family; to the outside world, they must and could only present a single image.

So, the moment she broke this rule for the first time, turning to Zellora for help when she was utterly helpless, Fielora was filled less with anxiety about what would happen next, and more with bewilderment at her own actions. In other words, she had handed over her greatest weakness and the very truth that she was “completely powerless” to Zellora to decide; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she had entrusted her reputation and future to him.

However, Zellora never seemed to harbor any ulterior motives. Fielora had realized, on more than a few sleepless nights, something that made her blush: he truly just liked her, without any purpose, even if she wasn’t royalty, his feelings wouldn’t change.

Having figured that out, relying on Zellora’s ideas also became more accustomed, more easy, in Fielora’s heart. She was incredibly grateful: that one-time-use “weapon” of hers had been entrusted to the most suitable person. In comparison, what she had done, what she had offered, was so little that she even felt somewhat ashamed and troubled.

Right now, within the Academy, the setting sun was fast disappearing. It was long past school dismissal.

After accompanying President Mel to finish the student council’s work and bidding her farewell, Fielora was thinking about Zellora, pondering this and that, while packing up her books, getting ready to leave.

She had long grown used to Zellora busying himself for her. Though she said she didn’t want it, when Zellora wasn’t around, Fielora still felt empty. But it couldn’t be helped. After all, Zellora had been summoned by the Royal Sister today. She had said that she would instill into Zellora how he should change and act as the partner of a royal.

Fielora thought it was a good idea: it was time to properly change Zellora’s image and attitude. Every time he childishly declared his affections so loudly, it wasn’t *him* who was embarrassed, but her! If only Zellora would seriously change a little, in less than a year… no, just give him a suitable identity and a few months of nurturing, and he could immediately have enough capital to become someone admired by all.

Should she… stop by the Royal Sister’s place on the way back and check on her “educational results”? And, and… today, even if Zellora didn’t want to, he’d definitely have to stay overnight in the Royal Palace, so, perhaps…

Ever since being so simply rejected last time, she had been holding it in for so long… another opportunity?

Thinking this, Fielora was already a little impatient, but the next moment…

Just as she was preparing to leave the classroom, she suddenly noticed: a familiar figure was standing by the door, waiting for her for who knew how long!

Golden curls, a tall figure, and… a clearly hostile gaze!

All of this made Fielora’s heart clench for a moment, and she tensed up!

“Henry IV…”

“After waiting for so long, you finally notice me. How negligent you are, Filora.”

Henry IV, after a perfunctory knock, entered with a smirk. “You always made excuses before, but now that man isn’t around… surely you have time for me now?”

“What do you want…?”

As the words left her lips, Filora suddenly remembered: what was it about this Henry IV that made him so persistent? This time, she had no one to “show weakness” to.

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

Zerola was naturally unaware of whatever was happening at the academy, his mind preoccupied with the weariness brought on by what felt like endless lecturing.

Zerola was currently enduring a private lesson from Louisa III, Queen of the Great Ying Empire.

Most people, even nobles of the Great Ying Empire, would tremble and stiffen if the Queen pulled them aside for a private “chat.” But Zerola genuinely felt that the Queen’s words were as tedious as an old monk’s chanting. If it weren’t for her position, he’d already be nodding off.

Firstly, he wasn’t particularly interested in the Queen herself, and secondly… what she said was just so… drawn out.

“Zerola, therefore… when interacting with Filora, it’s essential to be rational and restrained. Even if you think being exuberant is harmless, Filora needs reputation and honor, you see?”

“Not to mention we will eventually find a way to integrate you into the royal family, so you must be even more composed. Those youthful declarations of ‘I like Filora,’ we can’t have any more of those.”

Zerola, who hadn’t absorbed a word, could only hum and nod in response. Then, to prevent the Queen from dwelling on the topic, he abruptly asked, “Has Henry III not said anything to you?”

“!”

Under normal circumstances, Zerola would have already been dragged out and beheaded, but the Queen merely blushed and didn’t dwell on it. However, Zerola’s subsequent restless search made her anxious.

“Don’t… don’t look for him. He isn’t here. He…”

After a moment of silence, the Queen said, “He hasn’t been around lately, um… he’s gone on a trip. But it’s an internal secret, so it hasn’t been announced publicly.”

“Hehe~”

Zerola grinned mischievously. While Henry III might be a treasure, the Queen’s secret affair with him seemed so fascinating!

He was about to gleefully tease her about it when the smile gradually faded from his face, because…

In the next instant, it dawned on him: this morning, Henry IV had strutted over and said something like, “I’ll spare you for today because I’m going to see my brother!” Yet, the Queen had just said Henry III was away on a trip!?

Was Henry IV lying!?

Immediately, a sense of unease washed over Zerola, because… this morning, he’d been confident enough to accept the Queen’s “lecture” precisely because Henry IV wouldn’t be bothering Filora at the academy. But now…

Something wasn’t right!

Filora was still at the academy, and Henry IV, who had been harassing her for days, was nowhere to be seen!

“Queen, the lecture is just about over, I think.”

At this thought, Zerola stood up.

Although he had recently made some “agreements” with Henry IV… what if he still went after Filora? Without any power of her own, Filora would be…

“Eh? Wait, you…”

“My little radar suddenly senses Filora is in danger, haha~ Sorry, Your Majesty, I’ll listen to your lessons another time!”

Without so much as a formal farewell, Zerola’s face hardened, and she departed, swift and resolute!

—

A colored illustration as a New Year’s blessing for you all, to be released shortly.

I also hope for your generous support in the form of monthly votes.

Colored Illustration: Hoping-for-good-luck Fairy Horus

A New Year’s gift, in gratitude for all your support. Please continue to support me in the new year, and may monthly votes abound.