Chapter 322 The Villain Lady Arrives 151
As the princess finished her words, a heavy and complicated atmosphere filled the air. Alice stepped forward and gently held the princess's hand, with tenderness and determination in her eyes: "Princess, please believe us, light and freedom are the rights of everyone, regardless of their status. We are willing to be your solid backing and fight for the happiness you deserve."
Tariq also nodded, his voice full of strength: "Princess, now that we have embarked on this path, we will not give up easily. No matter what challenges we face, we will fight side by side until we win true freedom for you."
The princess looked at them, tears glistening in her eyes, but more of them were gratitude and hope. She nodded gently, as if at this moment, all the pressure had found an outlet to release.
So, the group set out on the road back to the royal city with a new mission. The scenery along the way was changing, but their hearts became more determined. The news spread quickly to the villages and towns along the way. When the people learned that their princess had been rescued by the brave warriors and was about to return, the whole country was boiling.
"Look! That's the warrior Tariq. He is like a god of war, invincible!" An old man pointed at Tariq who was walking at the front of the team and said excitedly to the children beside him. The children stared at the warrior in armor and holding a long sword with wide eyes and admiration, and the seeds of heroic dreams were planted in their hearts.
"And Saint Alice, her smile is like the warm sunshine in spring, warming everyone's heart." The women whispered, their eyes full of admiration and gratitude. Alice not only led the team with her wisdom and courage, but also healed every injured heart with her kindness and gentleness.
When the team approached the royal city, the people who had been waiting for a long time spontaneously gathered outside the city gate, forming an endless welcoming team. They held flowers and flags high, their faces filled with joy and pride.
"Your Highness, welcome home!" With a deafening cheer, the city gate slowly opened, and Princess Andrila, accompanied by Alice and Tariq, slowly stepped into people's sight. She was dressed in gorgeous clothes, her face was calm and firm, and her eyes were shining with infinite longing for the future.
"Thank you, my people." The princess stood in front of the city gate and bowed deeply to the people around her. Although her voice was soft, it was clearly heard in every corner. "It is your support and trust that give me strength and courage. I promise to use all my efforts to bring you a more peaceful and prosperous country."
The people were even more excited when they heard this. They came forward one after another, offering flowers and blessings to the princess and her warriors. Alice and Tariq were also infected by the enthusiasm of the people. They accepted every blessing with a smile, and their hearts were filled with warmth and satisfaction.
However, just as everyone was immersed in joy, a discordant voice suddenly sounded. "Your Highness, it's great that you're back. But please allow me to remind you that your marriage is a major national event and should not be taken lightly." An official in gorgeous official uniform stepped forward, his tone carrying a bit of majesty and unquestionable.
The princess frowned when she heard this. She knew that this official was one of the most powerful officials in the court and had always been the main promoter of her marriage arrangements. She took a deep breath and looked at him firmly: "Sir, I understand my identity and responsibilities. But I also have my own wishes and pursuits. I hope to find a partner who truly loves me, respects me, and is willing to spend my life with me. Rather than being used as a bargaining chip for a political marriage."
The official's face changed slightly when he heard this. He obviously did not expect the princess to express her thoughts so directly. But soon, he regained his composure and said in a more severe tone: "Your Highness, you may not understand the seriousness of the situation. Your marriage is not only related to your personal happiness, but also to the stability and prosperity of the country. Please think twice before you act."
The princess did not back down. She looked the official straight in the eye and spoke slowly and carefully: "I have thought it over. I am willing to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the country, but I also long for my own happiness. I believe that true strength and prosperity are not achieved by sacrificing personal happiness. Instead, it requires each of us to be able to freely pursue our own dreams and happiness."
Alice and Tariq stood beside the princess, their eyes full of support and encouragement. They knew that the princess was stronger and braver than ever before.
The people cheered again, moved by the princess' courage and determination. They raised their flags and flowers to cheer for the princess. "Your Highness, we support you!" "Pursue your own happiness!" Shouts rose and fell, gathering into a powerful force.
The official looked even uglier when he saw this. But he also understood that he could no longer hold out in the face of such strong public opinion. In the end, he could only sigh helplessly and turn away.
The princess looked at the official's back, and a complex emotion surged in her heart. She knew that the road ahead was still long, and she would encounter more challenges and difficulties. But she also believed that as long as she persisted, she would be able to win her own happiness and freedom.
Seeing the officials leave did not ease the tense atmosphere in the air, but rather it was like the calm before the storm, foreshadowing a more intense contest to come. Princess Andrila knew that those opposing voices would not be silenced, and they would definitely find new reasons to try to pull her back to the predetermined fate.
At this time, Alice gently held the princess's hand, giving her silent support and encouragement. Tariq looked around with a sharp gaze to ensure that there was no potential danger threatening the princess's safety. The princess smiled back, and that smile showed both determination for the future and gratitude to her companions.
As expected, the next morning, many ministers and nobles gathered in the palace hall. They all looked solemn, as if they were attending a meeting concerning the fate of the country. The princess was summoned here, and although she had expected it, she still felt a little heavy in the face of the pressure from the civil and military officials.
"Your Highness, we are deeply shocked by what happened yesterday." An old minister spoke slowly, with a bit of majesty and unquestionable in his voice, "However, marriage is a big deal, how can it be treated as a joke? You are a symbol of the country, and your marriage is related to the rise and fall of the country. How can it be decided based on personal wishes?"