They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 200: Confirming the Rumours Chapter 200: Confirming the Rumours His words would determine their next actions, whether they would continue to seek alliances through the second princess or quietly withdraw and change their target.

Behind him, his family followed in a solemn procession.

Queen Chioma walked at his side, her expression unreadable.

On his other side sat the Queen Mother, her regal posture unwavering, though the tension in her features was unmistakable.

And behind them, the royal children stood in formation.

At the very front, standing tall, eyes forward, was Nnenna.

Her presence alone sent a ripple through the crowd.

Just days ago, they had looked at her with admiration, whispering about her talents, praising her victories.

Now, their gazes held something different, curiosity, uncertainty, and for some, thinly veiled disdain.

But she did not falter.

She had walked into this storm with her head held high, and she would not lower it now.

The courtyard fell into a hushed silence as King Ikechukwu stepped forward, his regal presence commanding attention.

The golden torches lining the area flickered, casting long shadows as the anticipation in the air grew thick.

He looked over the crowd, his gaze firm yet composed.

The nobles, ministers, and foreign dignitaries sat stiffly, their expressions ranging from curiosity to quiet unease.

His own family stood behind him, their postures straight, their expressions unreadable, except for Nnenna, whose gaze remained unwavering.

The king exhaled slowly, then spoke, his deep voice resonating through the courtyard.

“People of Lionara, esteemed guests from allied and neighboring kingdoms, I stand before you this early morning to address the matter that has spread throughout these halls and social medias.” The murmurs in the crowd quieted instantly, every ear tuned in to his next words.

“Yes, it is true.

Princess Nnenna Achebe is not my daughter by birth, but by choice.

Ten years ago, while overseeing the care of orphans in the capital city, I came across a child, a girl whose presence struck me with an unexplainable familiarity.

there was a fire in her eyes, a

learned that her parents had perished in battle, loyal soldiers of this very kingdom who gave their

exchanged glances, processing

understanding the gravity

his voice

I made my decision, not as a king, but as a man,

took her into my home, not as an act of duty, but of

but more importantly, I wanted my own daughter to have someone beside

Nnenna Achebe became a princess

once fawned over Nnenna, now

with

siblings, Ebere clenched her fists, keeping her expression carefully neutral, though

with quiet interest at his father’s words, his gaze

firmer, his

welcomed into our family

as anything less than a daughter of this

that is what

she has proven herself worthy of the title she

were not given, they

this kingdom, she is loved

moment, there

nobles, those who

clapped politely, though others remained stiff, their earlier excitement about potential alliances

the foreign delegations, Prince Minjun

murmured under his

exchanged wary glances,

his second sister, scoffed

really is a nobody,” she muttered,

silently through it all, finally spoke, her voice calm

once denied my

will I apologize for them.” The crowd shifted uneasily, her words carrying

at her, a flicker of approval crossing his face before he turned back to

the truth, and

withdraw their goodwill from my daughter because of this revelation do so at

With that, the

silence before slow applause began, hesitant at

of obligation, others

clear, alliances were being reconsidered, opinions