I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-28

Chapter 28: Young King

Rihannan did not know why Igor loathed Chrichton — maybe his mother was of Chrichton descent. Though it mattered not to Rihannan any longer.

Regardless, each time he would attempt to usurp Chrichton by increasing Arundell’s maritime power, Igor met the Queen’s heavy opposition. So long as the alliance with Chrichton remained intact, the Queen thought it proper that Arundell placed more effort to keep Toulouse Empire in check.

Toulouse was located in the heart of the continent while Chrichton on the seaside.

Long ago, both Arundell and Chrichton formed a coalition through national marriage to prevent Toulouse from growing in power.

Rihannan vividly recalled his angered voice, his lashing out behind closed doors. He’d say, “Do you ignore these blatant issues because you’re of Chrichton blood?”

“Rihannan, the young king of Arundell is fearless,” Helena sighed.

Rihannan smiled bitterly at Helena’s sudden remark. She did not expect she’d hear his name from the princess.

“Rihannan, you’re twenty… right? I’m not sure what happened to you before deciding to move to Chrichton. Couldn’t you maintain a steady relationship with the Queen? Rihannan, have you met the young king before?”

Rihannan gulped. “We met at the royal palace once when I was young. We had no proper conversation at the time. I don’t know much about him. I’m sorry.”

“Hmm… I see.” Helena squinted her eyes and stroked her chin. “Though to witness at present the Queen’s power thrown away this quickly, Arundell’s young king is truly a remarkable man. A competent one too.”

Rihannan’s grip on the teacup tightened, her fingers trembling faintly. She bit her lip and said, “That’s true…”

Six years ago, Rihannan and Igor’s future changed. She was no longer Queen of Arundell and she chose to live a peaceful life in Chrichton. She was content. Though what she did not expect was the future’s dramatic change. She thought and believed Igor would simply take another woman as Queen while she lived a quiet life in Chrichton.

But the unexpected happened.

Igor had not taken a partner. Furthermore, he fought a tough battle with his mother and immediately grabbed control of all statehood affairs. Even now he continues to fight the late Queen’s forces and adamant supporters.

As for the tax probe, the investigation Igor halted in the middle of the process previously, well, he saw through the completion of the investigation in this lifetime. Igor succeeded and cut off all important figures against him, including those who supported Chrichton.

Naturally, Chrichton saw this act despicable.

Previously, Chrichton shed their own blood to help the late Queen gain back her power, and now their own blood was shed again because of her son’s despise towards Chrichton. This led to a growing conflict that brewed silently over the years. Still, though, in consideration of their long-standing alliance, both sides avoided military clashes.

But then an incident occurred months ago. A noble from Chrichton was beheaded in Edirne, Arundell’s capital. Arundell labeled the Chrichton noble a spy.

Chrichton’s anger soared like a roaring flame and set off a chain of irreversible events no one could foresee.

The Chrichton King sent his proudest warship off the coast of Arundell. Though Chrichton King’s action was not intended to cause war but more of a demonstration of protest. Had Arundell’s King conveyed his deep regret for the matter, Chrichton would have backed away.

But this was not the case.

The King of Arundell chose an all-out-war in the sea, not on land.

This chain of events did not occur in her past life. It was new.

“But let’s not care what people say. What they say, Rihannan, doesn’t matter. A king who knows nothing about the world will soon find out how foolish it was to fight us in the sea. Once reality dawns on him, he’ll quietly step back,” Helena said.

Rihannan smiled softly at Helena’s concern. “Yes, princess. Thank you for your concern.”

Rihannan set the teacup on the table and stood up from her seat. “A long time has passed. I have to go now.”

“Oh, Rhia… can’t you just live in the palace with me?” Helena pleaded. “Do you really have to go back home?”

Rihannan smiled solemnly. “I’d love to stay with you, princess, but the palace feels too stuffy for me.”

Helena sighed. “There we go again. I’m a princess at the end of the day to you. Rhia, why can’t you call me by my first name?”

“Because I’m of half Chrichton blood.”