Breaking the Curse | A Royal Kiss for the Prince cursed by the Demon King ~ To Enjoy a Life with Meals, Snacks, and Naps as a Reward ~ - Chapter 4

This doesn’t taste bad, I thought as I reached for the teacup, trying to divert my attention. I took a sip. It’s delicious; it must be good quality tea. Even if someone were to describe it as grassy, floral, or fruity, I wouldn’t really understand.

“Kanan de Moley. The only daughter of Viscount Moley. She lost her mother at the age of 5 and accompanied her father to his assignment when she was 6. She spent 9 years in the eastern part of the Marquis Mercur’s territory. At the age of 15, her father’s mission ended. Since then, she returned to the capital of the Mercur territory and resides in the Marquis’ mansion. Currently 18 years old.”

W-Wow, this is properly researched.

“You don’t have a fiance, and there are no lovers or close male acquaintances. There is no mistake, right?”

“Yes, there are no mistakes.”

Those 9 years. The problem lies in whether those 9 years are accurately depicted… With a vague smile, I gently closed my eyes.

During those 9 years in the eastern part of the Merkur territory, I was very free.

The trigger was when a large-scale river construction project was to be carried out in the eastern part, and my father was decided to be stationed there as the person in-charge. But the beginning was when my mother became frail, I think.

My mother’s close friend, my aunt, was greatly saddened and made a decision. As my aunt, she resolved to raise her remaining niece into a splendid lady. That’s right, me.

Though she loved me, her education method was nothing short of strict. When the time for my father to leave for his assigned job came, I desperately clung to his legs saying, “I don’t want to be separated from you” and “Can I go with you?” I even resorted to pitifully crying.

I wanted them to feel that it was unfair for a child who had just lost her mother to be separated from her father as well.

My argument won.

I ran away from my aunt’s “aristocratic lady’s education”. I hated it so much.

After that, I was free. I had to study the bare minimum, because my father was lenient with me. I was full of energy and mischief.

He watched over me with a smile, probably thinking that if my mother had been a lively child, she would have wanted me to spend my days like this. Mother, despite being called a secluded young lady or a fairy, was actually quite mischievous.

I think my father had probably resigned himself to the fact that I wasn’t suited for the life of a noble/aristocratic lady or a viscountess.

At that time, we were passionate about playing ‘Hero and Demon King.’ I swung a makeshift sword stick and ran around with the children of parents who boasted their skills in taking on the river construction project. As the Demon King.

Ofcourse I had a knight by my side, his role being the “Right Arm of the Demon King.” He stood in the way of those mischievous boys and played the role of the scapegoat with dignity. We got along really well. In the end, the hero shouted ‘Seal!’ towards me, and the pretend play came to an end. It was fun every day.

But as we grew older, things started to change. The way we played changed, and the differences between boys and girls of our age started to emerge. Understanding the differences in social status became important.

We didn’t become enemies or excluded from each other, but their relationships became complicated. I understood that nobles shouldn’t interfere in such matters. It would only stir up faint romances.

So, I started spending my time lazily at home. Reading books, snacking on sweets. And then, I realized, ‘Hey, isn’t this the best?’

A completely unmotivated shut-in emerged, who had exhausted all her energy and enthusiasm.

“The fact that you kissed that creature in public may affect your future marriage prospects.”

I returned the gaze of His Highness with a faint smile. Is it safe? Am I safe? Hasn’t my true nature as a noble child been exposed?

“I am concerned about that and feel responsible. While your actions are commendable, my cursed appearance is not something easily accepted by people,” the prince continued, still with a serious expression. It seems somewhat safe, right?

“I am willing to take responsibility for that and seek forgiveness. If you can accept it, I would like to propose you as my consort,” he said.

“-Huh?”

“Of course, it’s not just about responsibility. Your quick decision-making and actions were all for the benefit of the country. I have always wanted a woman like you by my side.”

For the decisions and actions I took to fulfil my dream of living a lazy life with free meals and limitless naps!?!? I was left speechless by the unexpected proposal from the prince. When did this conversation take such a turn?!

“That is also one of the reasons why this summon is kept unofficial. Of course, one reason is that I wanted to apologize to you, but I also want to give you the opportunity to make the amends you desire.”

His Highness shrugged, saying it wasn’t a bestowal from the royal family. Hold on, hold on, let’s rewind a bit. Marriage!?

“If I publicly express this idea, you will have no escape. So, first, I want you to tell me what you desire. This is an unofficial setting, so please don’t hesitate. I want to fulfill your wishes,”he continued.

“That, um, well…”

Honestly, I didn’t expect this turn of events. If I were to say, “Please let me live in the palace,” in the current flow, wouldn’t that mean I want to become the Crown Princess…? I’m doomed… Can’t His Highness suddenly talk about money or something? Like, I’ll give you a reward! A lifetime stipend! Yay!! Something like that…?

As I nervously sweated and looked around, the prince sighed and smiled gently.

“It’s a sudden proposal; it seems I surprised you. Let’s give it some time. I’ll send for you again in two days. Please think about it until then.”

“Understood.”

Go home and think about it, what wonderful words. I could also talk to Marianne about it. I nodded immediately.

Once again, escorted by His Highness, I was accompanied to the door. After exchanging farewell greetings, His Highness smiled enchantingly and looked at me.

“My desire to make you my consort is genuine. Please remember that.”

With the overwhelming look from the prince at parting, I returned home in a daze.