The Doll and The Prince - v2 Chapter 80 (Patreon)

Himari (2)
"What are you saying? Chasing after someone in that way is no good."

Sakuji interjected, questioning with a hint of accusation.

"Just stating the facts. It's not about chasing after. I can't live without him.”

Otoha detached herself from Naruhito next to her and calmly stated. Naruhito nodded in agreement.

"We must ensure His Highness and Hitachimaru live long lives."

Sakuji sighed and, for some reason, turned towards me.
Our eyes met, and I instinctively touched my lips.
The same look in His Highness’ eyes when he kissed Naruhito, that melting tenderness, was now directed at me.
Heat rushed to my face, and I quickly looked away. Was Sakuji thinking about what would happen when I died? Does he really, truly like me so much?

Eventually, I must succeed the Shichijou family. Was this feeling of being born unable to leave offspring detached from instinct? Why is His Highness so free, able to whisper love to that former enemy doll without hesitation? … That person is truly free.

My mother, too, was a free spirit. Despite being a princess of the Royal family, she turned down all high-ranking suitors and married into the Shichijou family.

"I love this person's beautiful face."

Mother said she loved Father's handsome face. Mother herself was a stunning beauty who turned heads. It was assumed that she pursued the quiet Father. But Father's eyes looking at Mother were always tender.

My Elder brother, who was born a minute before me, despite being from the Shichijou family, holds the right of succession to the throne and carries a revered name. I, too, have inherited that right.

The treatment of the Shichijou family, whose lineage has become more prestigious than those from the second to sixth in line, posed challenges. There were discussions about sealing our family under the vacant Ichijo household. However, since my Father is an only child, talks of this plan were dismissed. But now, with my Elder brother and me, the situation has changed.

With my Elder sister's marriage to Prince Akemi as an opportunity, rumors have circulated that my Elder brother, ranking fourth in the line of succession, might be designated as Ichijo, while I, ranked fifth, would become Shichijou, potentially surpassing even Lord Sekitora, who was currently fifth.

I must not be swayed by momentary emotions. Perhaps my feelings towards Sakuji are just the "bridge effect" from the battlefield, surely.

In the battlefield, it was often more challenging to escape from allies than from enemies. Being among excited soldiers with this face that resembled either of my parents too closely was incredibly dangerous.

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