Well, this time, if you tried to compare the old portrait with this current photo, y'all would end up seeing a lot of differences, like, for example, Queen Grandeeney, who used to be beautiful and charming, now had become a woman with more experience, like, how can I say it, a more seasoned woman. And Princess Wendy, who used to be on the left side, was now on the right side. She hadn't changed much in appearance; the only noticeable thing, besides her beautiful dress, was her natural beauty, but I'm still sure she's the same spoiled princess as always. On the other side of the queen, the reason for all that fuss and the reason for every girl in the kingdom and the country to sigh: the prince and maybe future king of Fiore, Natsu Dragneel.
It would be too hypocritical of me to say that Prince Natsu wasn't handsome. Sure, not as much as my Gray, but he was handsome; he had his charm. And one of those charms, without a doubt, was that pink hair that blended perfectly with those black eyes, as if a vast emptiness stared back at you whenever you looked at him, I couldn't quite explain. It was as if he knew your whole life with just one glance.
I'm not sure why, but whenever I watched the prince, I always had the impression of seeing him with a surfboard in hand and swim trunks, while enjoying the sands of Red Beach. While giving those contagious laughs with that mouth that obviously were made to smile.
Reflecting on that scene, for a moment, I ended up getting carried away by the situation momentarily. Instinctively, realizing what I was thinking about, I bit my lower lip with some intensity, trying to ward off the lustful thoughts that hovered over my mind.
"Lu-chan, don't tell me you're starting to succumb to the prince's charms?"
Said my brother with that annoying voice, while pretending to look surprised, clearly trying to provoke me again, just for a change.
After our little argument, I was already getting used to that idiotic and retarded personality of my brother.
(I better not say anything, after all, last time I spoke up, I ended up saying what I shouldn't have. And it was that awkward atmosphere between me and him for several days.)
Lucy pondered, while letting out a slight sigh.
"It can't be, can it?"
Declared Laxus as he watched me intensely, trying to find any hint on my face that confirmed his suspicions. However, before he could say anything more, the queen began her announcement, thus conveniently interrupting him. And thank goodness, or else he would be bothering me all morning with this subject.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
"My dear citizens of the Kingdom of Fiore, it is with sorrow that I come here today to communicate a lamentable event that occurred this morning: an attack orchestrated by the Vortex group resulted in injuries to many of our valuable soldiers. Despite this setback, we maintain a strong confidence in the new recruits who will soon join us. With their collaboration and the invaluable support of our population, we are confident that we will be able to restore not only our forces but also our pride."
Queen Grandeeney expressed seriousness and determination in her gaze, seeking to convey confidence in her words as she addressed the current situation happening in our kingdom.
Before continuing her words, the queen made a brief pause, demonstrating her consideration before proceeding with her speech.
"Like you, I also have a deep repudiation for wars. But unfortunately, I have to be frank with you: there is a very real possibility of our kingdom not surviving another invasion of such magnitude. The last one was too devastating for me, as it resulted in the irreparable loss of my only son, Igneel, and his wife, Mavis. I can't even imagine what would become of me if something happened to my grandchildren."
Upon noticing that the queen was starting to show signs of unease, the chief of the kingdom's committee, a tall and muscular man with orange hair falling to his shoulders and black eyes, chose to intervene preemptively before something worse happened. Such as the queen failing to instill enough confidence in her people and even less in the soldiers who were risking their lives. This was Lord Gildarts, who besides being the godfather of the prince and princess, was also the best friend of Queen Grandeeney.
There were also some rumors circulating among the gossipers that Mr. Gildarts had already been rejected, incredibly, seventeen times by Queen Grandeeney (this certainly takes the word persistence to another level).
After the camera focused on Mr. Gildarts, he kindly shared crucial information about the large debt that the Kingdom of Fiore owed to the neighboring Kingdom, specifically Foxglove. In addition, he also confirmed with a cheerful smile on his face the rumors circulating about the then 'secret' marriage between Princess Wendy and Crown Prince Romeo. In conclusion, he also detailed the infrastructure projects planned for the roads and mentioned the preparations for a diplomatic visit to the Land of Stella, aimed, of course, at the advancement and prosperity of our kingdom.
The infrastructure projects and the diplomatic visit to the Land of Stella represented not only efforts to strengthen the kingdom's defenses and economy, but also to cultivate positive relations with neighboring countries, promoting peace and regional cooperation.
After the diplomatic speech given by the head of the committee, it was the turn of the master of ceremonies, Mr. Makarov, who was fully aware of the whole situation surrounding the selection, to take the floor.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen who are with us this morning. As you know, we sent out a short form to all the young women who live in our kingdom. And it is with great joy that I come to tell you that today I have just received the first batch of this form. And I must admit that I felt a little envious of the prince."
RECOGNITION TO MEMBERS:
Matthew Jimenez🤝 - THANK YOU FOR ACTIVATING THE DOMAIN EXPANSION "MAHAYANA PRISON".
Gkiller ⛩️ - THANK YOU FOR ACTIVATING THE DOMAIN EXPANSION "MALEVOLENT SANCTUARY".