“A familiar ceiling.”

Wilhelm looked at the ceiling, which had become all too familiar, and looked to the side. He saw Abraham looking at him with wide eyes.

“Ah, hello Abraham. How much time had-”

Before Wilhelm could speak, Abraham grabbed both of Wilhelm’s shoulders tightly.

‘Hm?’

“Your Highness.”

His voice was cold. Even Wilhelm flinched after hearing it.

“Uh, what’s wrong?”

“What do you mean, what’s wrong? You just collapsed!”

“Well…But I'm okay now. Besides, I did warn you before, right?”

Wilhelm explained to Abraham as much as possible about what might happen and about what he was doing, though he was very suspicious at the very least he believed that Wilhelm wouldn’t die after analyzing God’s Neutralizer.

‘Everything went according to what I said, so what's the problem?’

“Be that as it may, do you know how worried I was when I saw you collapsed, and that scream like you are dying!?”

“R-right, sorry.”

“Even if your words and predictions are true, it does not make me worry less. Please, Your Highness, value your life.”

“I apologize, I shall value my life more.”

Wilhelm valued his life more than anything else, which is why he had to do these kinds of things. Abraham didn't seem convinced but he still relented.

“...Alright then, I apologize for the outburst. You can punish me as you see fit, Your Highness.”

“I don't see a need to punish someone worried about my health.”

“Even so, it’s discourteous for me to scold someone of your standing.”

“It’s fine. It’s not as if we are in an official noble meeting or something…Have Gaius been well?”

“He has. He also became a lot stronger. ”

Wilhelm smiled. It was worth it bringing him here.

“I heard Your Highness also made him apply to Eldoria Academy.”

“Yes, I did. Talent like him should be given a chance to grow.”

Though the primary reason is to have Gaius help him break through the story, an Apostle level of talent like Gaius will be extremely helpful in resolving the game storyline.

“I agree, ah, right. I also had something to deliver to you.”

Abraham gave Wilhelm a luxury parchment paper, similar to the one he received when the Emperor called for him.

“This is?”

“The date for the Grand Party of your engagement, Your Highness.”

“Ah, right.”

Wilhelm briefly forgot about it because of the poison shock.

“I will read it in my room.”

“I shall lead you there, Your Highness.”

Abraham guided Wilhelm from the clinic to his room in the Emerald Palace. After getting inside, Wilhelm needed to check something first before reading the paper.

Wilhelm ate some poisonous plants to check the [Anti Poison Physique]. He had an antidote nearby and the poison was only a slightly paralyzing poison. After eating one, there is no effect, There is no effect even after eating 10 of them.

‘Nice.’

Wilhelm was extremely happy. He had gained the two most important things he needed. [Spiritual Sight] to solve his long-range weakness, as well as [Anti Poison Physique] which is a requirement to defeat one of the Thalion Cultists Apostles easily.

Wilhelm then opened the parchment paper to read it, and after reading the date, he threw it somewhere on the table and began doing his work as the Crown Prince.

***

Time flew by and finally, the date of the Grand Engagement Party came. The party is located inside the Emperor’s Palace which is the Heinberg Imperial Palace, so it is no wonder that it is extremely luxurious. Tons of nobles, including both big and smaller noble families, received invitations to the party.

“Isn’t this a bit too much just for an engagement announcement party?”

Wilhelm knew that it was because the Marriage Vow was just that important. After all, ever since the founding of the Empire, there has never been an engagement between the Heinberg and Felles because of it. If the Emperor tries to save money in such an event, his reputation will get hurt, and in the world of nobility, nothing is more important than reputation. However, knowing and understanding are different things.

“Are you getting nervous?”

“Kinda.”

Not just because of the crowd of people but because of Iris next to him. Her already immense beauty is further enhanced with 5 hours of makeup effort, and the perfect white dress that suits her. Honestly, it’s quite burdensome for Wilhelm to look at her.

Iris also noticed that he was nervous, which is why she is currently linking arms with him like a lover would while they are both sitting in the waiting room.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

‘Damn this woman.’

After some time passed by, someone knocked and opened the door of the waiting room they were currently in.

It was Hendrick.

“Your Highness, it is time.”

“Sure.”

Wilhelm and Iris went out, guided by Hendrick. Wilhelm and Iris eventually arrived at a place similar to an indoor balcony inside the palace. Wilhelm could see the Emperor speaking, and the 2 princes standing behind him. After a while, a signal came and Wilhelm and Iris walked towards the balcony and stood near the Emperor.

In the balcony, Wilhelm could see the Grand Hall spread wide and tall as it was filled with the scent of money. Golden chandeliers lit up the party, intricate walls and pillars carved with unfamiliar designs, marbled floor that shone, with a luxurious feast spread out amongst the countless tables with towers of wine bottles.

Below the balcony, Wilhelm could see a crowd of nobles, all adorned with luxurious clothes. The men wore their own embroidered suits and coats, decorated with their family crest, while the woman dressed in the highest quality silk dresses, filled with many jewels that didn’t overpower their beauty. All of them, looked up towards the balcony as the Emperor continued speaking.

“As you already know, I have hosted this party to announce the engagement of my Youngest Son and Heir to the Throne, Wilhelm Von Heinberg to the Felles Archduke’s Heir Iris De Felles!”

Right after that, there were a ton of clapping sounds. Amidst the clapping noises and joyous atmosphere, some were jealous of either Wilhelm or Iris, some were calculating how they could get closer, some were angry, and some were happy. A variety of emotions spread through all the nobles but they hid them with their smiles and claps. The Emperor looked at Wilhelm and Wilhelm moved closer to the edge of the balcony.

Soon the clapping noise receded. Wilhelm looked around the party and saw some familiar faces from the game and from the Original Wilhelm’s memories. Wilhelm then smiled and spoke.

“As you may already know, I am Wilhelm von Heinberg, and I am very happy to be engaged to Lady Iris. The Felles Family has been helping this Empire and our Imperial Family for a long time.”

Wilhelm didn’t know how to do a speech and Iris said to just do a generic speech. Therefore, he practiced and created his lines with Iris in the waiting room.

“Ever since the Marriage Vow was created, there have been efforts to unite both the Heinberg and the Felles Family. Sadly, none were fulfilled. However, it all changes from now on.”

Wilhelm deliberately paused a bit.

“Now, the Marriage Vow has chosen us two and the Heinberg and the Felles Family shall now unite for as long as we are alive!”

After his speech, there was another loud clapping noise coming from below. Fortunately, his speech at least got a passing grade. Iris also did her speech and once that’s done the Emperor continued to speak.

After all this, there was no way Wilhelm could break off the engagement even after the world became peaceful but honestly, he was not complaining. Who would complain about being engaged to a girl like Iris, she is a girl who is top in everything and her true personality is charming despite it being exhausting...Besides, even if they didn’t become lovers, they could at least be close friends under the guise of engagement and marriage.

‘But what about her, though? Since she had gone this far, she probably didn't mind it that much, right?’

Wilhelm thought as he looked at Iris. She looked back with a small smile that didn’t reveal anything.

“That is all. I hope you enjoy the party because today is a special day.” The Emperor concluded his speech, and they all went down the balcony stairs starting from the Emperor, then Wilhelm and Iris, and then the other princes.

Iris had already gone to what he now calls the graceful mask. The way she was smiling, walking, all of it was like that of a refined, noble lady.

“Isn’t that exhausting?”

“What is, my dear fiance?”

“Nothing.”

Then the time he dreaded the most finally came. The nobles. The swarm of nobles tried to talk to Wilhelm and Iris and though on the outside Wilhelm was smiling and engaging very well with the nobles inside, he was extremely exhausted.

‘Fuck, how long must this goes on?’

Rather than a noble party, it felt more like a meet and greet session and it was probably not far off from it. The worst part is that he had to stay alert since hiding behind the smiles of the nobles lays various desires both good and bad for Wilhelm.

After a long time passed by. Wilhelm caught sight of a noble going his way, and he almost frowned but he quickly hid that momentary change behind a wide smile. The silver-haired and blue-eyed noble smiled and bowed his head toward Wilhelm.

“Hello, Your Highness. My name is-”

“Marquis Augustine, right? Your reputation has reached far and wide.”

“Ahaha! It's an honor for the prince to know of me.”

Wilhelm looked behind him and saw 2 sons and 1 daughter of the Marquis. They bowed once they made eye contact with Wilhelm. Wilhelm greeted them as well and noticed one person that is not there.

“I noticed that your Youngest Daughter isn’t here?”

“Ah, if she came here it would sully the party the Emperor created. She is extremely ‘dirty’ after all.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Someone like her shouldn’t be here, after all, she would just ruin the atmosphere if she was here.” One of the Marquis’s sons said, as he himself, the Marquis, and the rest of his family laughed.

Iris’s face twitched right beside Wilhelm, but she continued to chat with the other noble ladies.

‘How could someone be so cliche as a villain?’ Wilhelm sighed in his mind.

“Ahaha, is that so? Then I understand why you didn’t bring her here.”

“Haha, I'm glad you under-”

“But if she is dirty, then can’t you just clean her?”

“Pardon?”

“The great Marquis estate must have been in an extremely bad condition if they can’t afford to even clean their daughter…Oh dear, please have strength Marquis, hard times will go by fast.” Wilhelm said with a saintly smile.

Although only this level of sarcasm is allowed, it’s enough to get under the Marquis's skin.

The Marquis’s face almost contorted, but he bowed his head.

“...Thank you for the concern, Your Highness.”

“Don’t mind it, it is right for me to worry about a prestigious vassal like you.”

The Marquis soon left and Wilhelm started speaking to the other nobles.

‘Man, the power of a crown prince rocks.’

If he was a duke’s son, he wouldn’t be able to be so rude towards the 2nd Prince, and the Marquis from before, but he is the Crown Prince with the backing and engagement of the Felles Archduchy. In terms of power right now, he is just right below the Emperor, so no one can oppose him.

Of course, it's not almighty power, the emperor’s power comes from the trust of his people and vassals. That’s why Wilhelm didn’t straight up insult the Marquis but used sarcasm. Because he can just insist he meant nothing by it if the Marquis tried to pick trouble using that. After all, word by word alone, there truly was no problem with what he said.

Such is the world of nobility.

Because the Marquis is a part of the 2nd Prince Faction Wilhelm didn’t need to care about making him his ally. In fact, he is someone he needs to kill. Which is why it’s fine to insult him.

At this moment, Iris’ hands reached Wilhelm’s back. To others, it might seem like just an affectionate gesture however Iris is moving her hands like she is writing.

‘Good job.’

‘Looks like she likes that as well.’

Wilhelm thought that would be the end of it but Iris wrote another sentence before getting her hands off his back.

‘He is coming.’

At first, Wilhelm was confused but then he realized what she meant. A man bowed down, his face looked just like an ordinary middle-aged man. His body is quite plump, but he is not obese, just a bit fat. He radiated a gentle atmosphere and looked like a nice guy. However, he is far from what his outer appearance suggests.

“Hello, Your Highness. I am Count Axelane.”

“Hello, Count Axelane.”

Wilhelm shook hands with Count Axelane, the one Wilhelm suspected to be the man who killed the in-game Wilhelm just before the academy started.