Prologue

The night sky exploded with colorful fireworks.

Everyone enjoying the festival cheered, and couples linked arms affectionately or danced, then kissed.

All the citizens of the kingdom celebrated with one heart, rejoicing on this day— the Queen’s birthday.

Lively music played everywhere in the streets, and the same was true in the white royal castle at the center of the capital.

“Has it already been five years since Her Majesty the Queen ascended the throne?”

“Time really flies. When the late King suddenly passed away, I wondered what would happen…….”

“It was an unnecessary worry. Thanks to Her Majesty’s wise rule, look around you. Not only domestic nobles, but celebrities from all nations have gathered to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday.”

The banquet hall was crowded with gentlemen and ladies dressed beautifully and elegantly. Nobles invited to the birthday banquet raised their wine glasses with pride.

“Now, if Her Majesty receives the national letter and produces an heir, nothing more will be needed.”

“I heard the Senate is troubled because proposals are pouring in like a flood. Rumor has it that not only domestic but also foreign proposals have been sent?”

“Judging by the scene, the rumors seem true.”

The nobles exchanged such conversations as they scanned the crowded interior of the banquet hall.

Normally, at high society events, men and women enter as pairs, but this banquet had a distinctly different atmosphere. There were quite a few men attending alone, without partners.

And most of them were young men, similar in age to the young Queen.

“Look, isn’t the prince of the Weldon Kingdom the most promising? He has the noblest bloodline among the men here. He’s a flawless candidate for the national leader.”

“But the second son of Marquis Oro from our country is also rumored to be wise. Above all, Marquis Oro was greatly trusted by the late King, so if Her Majesty wants to strengthen the foundation, marriage with the Marquis’s son would be good, wouldn’t it?”

“There’s also the second prince of the Biselman Kingdom, famous for its diamond mines. If our kingdom’s railway connects to Biselman, wealth will flow in naturally.”

“No wonder the Senate is troubled. It’s really hard to choose.”

“In any case, this is interesting. It’s not easy to see so many second sons of noble families gathered in one place.”

“But…… will Her Majesty be alright?”

“…….”

The lively discussion paused for a moment at one person’s words.

The nobles simultaneously looked toward a terrace some distance away. The entrance, tightly closed with thick curtains, was guarded by the kingdom’s knight captains.

Just moments ago, the Queen had gone in there, saying she wanted to rest for a while.

“She’s always been delicate…….”

“Even as a princess, the late King cherished her greatly and never let her go outside freely.”

“Her dignified demeanor is a model for ladies, but…… it’s a bit worrying. She must choose a husband from among them.”

Normally, a daughter’s marriage is the parents’ concern, but the current Queen, having lost both parents, had to choose her spouse herself.

Yet, they all worried whether the Queen they knew could overcome her shyness and make a bold decision.

“She’ll be alright, right……?”

“She’ll be fine. ……Probably.”

But at that very moment, the nobles could not imagine what was happening to their dignified Queen.

***

“Wh-what……!”

In one corner of the banquet hall, on a terrace draped with thick curtains.

The Queen staggered backward.

Her face, suddenly illuminated by the fireworks lighting up the night, was filled with shock.

“I told you. I’d come to see you.”

Step, step.

With steadfast footsteps, a man emerged from the darkness. As he approached, the Queen stepped back, but soon she was blocked by the antique railing.

Her long platinum hair hung precariously over the edge, and a large hand propped itself right next to her.

Her chin was lifted, frozen as if she’d forgotten to breathe.

Under the dim night sky, his bronzed skin appeared even darker, and his golden eyes stared down at her.

“You seemed to be having quite a good time earlier.”

“Ah…….”

“You spend the night with me, then immediately laugh and chat with some other fool.”

Soon, hot breath escaped from lips that hovered just above her pale lips.

“It’s really…… unpleasant.”

“Wa-wait, hmm……!”

Before she could finish her words, their lips overlapped.

Bang, bang!

The biggest fireworks so far exploded, and cheers erupted all over the capital.

“Long live Her Majesty the Queen!”

“A toast to Her Majesty’s birthday!”

In the midst of the noisy festival, the Queen struggled to push down the man’s shoulder to escape the rough kiss, but her hand trembled.

‘……?!’

Her voluminous dress was lifted. The skirt, carefully pressed layer by layer by the maids, was mercilessly crushed, and a reckless palm slipped between them.

“Hmm, are you, are you crazy? Stop……!”

“Why. Don’t you want those proud suitors to know?”

The stranger, gripping firmly under her smooth hips, smirked crookedly.

“That between the legs of their dignified Queen, there’s nothing dignified anymore.”