Chapter 435
Having shared an awkward silence with the Emperor, I was relieved that he didn’t probe further, merely sticking to the topic of what conversation I’d had with the situation.
It was a pure question and answer exchange, without any subtle digs or backhanded comments. Despite knowing the Emperor for several years, this level of ordinary dialogue felt like a rarity—perhaps even a first.
Once I finished the conversation and exited the palace, I found myself absentmindedly petting the little puppy nestled in my arms. Just having this cute fluffball with me had significantly lowered the difficulty level of talking with the Emperor.
‘Defense totem.’
That thought crossed my mind suddenly. This cheerful little pup was undoubtedly the situation’s mercy, a way of showing pity for my anxious self. With this little guy around, I was suddenly fearless.
‘Let’s stay together forever.’
The little pup seemed to enjoy my petting, licking my face in joy as I made that resolution.
This little blessing, or treasure, would live a life as good as any affluent family’s pet.
When I returned home that morning with a puppy in tow, my lovers and servants at the mansion were visibly taken aback. Honestly, I would’ve been surprised too.
Fortunately, the initial bewilderment quickly subsided. After all, I had brought home an adorable pet. Unless someone had an intense dislike for animals or allergies, there was no reason to hesitate.
“His Majesty bestowed it upon you?”
“Yeah. He said it seemed to like me, so I should take it home. Apparently, it’ll live for at least ten years?”
I replied calmly to Marghetta as she watched the little treasure bounding around the room.
Her head tilted in confusion. “So, was that pup with you when you visited His Majesty?”
I cast my eyes down, unable to explain how I couldn’t possibly tell her that the situation was, in one corner of the imperial palace, running a miniature Bremen Town Musicians production.
Those who frequently enter the palace were likely already aware of such peculiarities, but for those without access? That was classified information—one I didn’t have the courage to reveal.
“Sometimes, they bring in horses for the royal family. I guess it came along then.”
With my forced excuse, Marghetta nodded as if convinced, or perhaps, she just let it pass.
Suddenly—
“Woof!”
The little treasure joyfully barked, and I turned my gaze to see it rolling atop Trixie’s head, which was sprawled out on the floor.
‘What on earth?’
My heart dropped. Even though Trixy had a gentle temperament, it was a whole different issue when a furry beast was toying with her hair. I mean, even dog lovers wouldn’t like it if a dog was chewing on their hair, right?
“Haha, what a lively one,” Trixy said with a smile directed at the playful pup. I had worried she might be annoyed, so that was a relief.
“By the way, big brother. What’s its name?”
“Uh?”
As the puppy became the focus of everyone’s attention, Irina casually tossed that question my way, redirecting all eyes to me.
It hit me at that moment; although I had referred to it as “little treasure,” I hadn’t given it an official name yet.
‘A name, huh.’
I pondered while stroking my chin. Of course, since it was a pet of the situation, it must have a name bestowed by him—
“I’ve just been calling it Type 3 for convenience, but since it’ll now be under the Minister’s care, he should name it himself.”
‘Type 3’ wasn’t exactly fitting. It didn’t matter that the situation didn’t say to name it, it was a rather pathetic placeholder.
I looked down at my little treasure with a bitter feeling. What kind of dog is named “Type 3”? Why was he kind to titles for dukes yet cold with a pet he owns?
“How about Beatrix?”
After a moment’s consideration, I spoke out the official name.
Beatrix, a beautiful Latin word meaning ‘blessed’. It seemed suitable for this little defense totem that had smoothed out my conversation with the Emperor. With this little one, I felt I could happily enter the palace.
“…What about Titi?”
“Yeah, that’s nice,” I agreed, but it was strange. I’d suggested something, yet my name was just brushed off.
Seeing that reminded me of the nightmare I had with ‘Lu.’ What I thought was a nice name didn’t seem to cut it for others.
‘What’s wrong with Beatrix?’
I closed my eyes quietly, feeling a twinge of sadness. If they’d known the situation had given the name, they’d realize my choice was like a fairy tale.
If they had asked to pick between Type 3 and Beatrix, there’d be no contest—I’d definitely choose the latter.
*
Only a few days after that meeting with the Emperor, I was summoned again.
And sure enough, this time it was about the title I’d mentioned last time, so I hurried along. I didn’t want to give off any impression that I was unhappy about being granted a title—no, I wanted to avoid misunderstandings.
As soon as I reached the Emperor’s office, instead of titles, I found myself hearing something else.
“They say the Barandi Marquis’ daughter is both brave and wise. As she’s around your age, I hope you can make a good connection.”
His words were framed as a suggestion for a good bond, but it was pretty clear he was nudging me toward marriage.
Not that it was a vague suggestion; it was direct to the point of bluntness—if I hadn’t caught on that much, I might as well be dead three years ago.
“However, regardless of her abilities or character, she has lived as a nomad for long enough that there may be a chance of awkwardness between you two.”
When he said I could mention it if I have any reluctance, I quietly lowered my head. I had no idea if that was sincere or just diplomatic banter.
One thing was for sure though—the fact that the Emperor personally mentioned the Barandi Marquis’ daughter meant that he thought it would be beneficial for the royal family and the Empire.
“Regardless of the past, she is now a part of the same Empire, so how could there be awkwardness? I will gladly follow Your Majesty’s words.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
The Emperor replied with a warm tone, clearly pleased by my answer.
That was the right approach. Even if the Emperor might have intended to propose a marriage, this choice is the right one for everyone involved.
‘This will be good for me too.’
Yes, it’s not about sacrificing myself for everyone’s happiness; it’s about everyone, including me, being happy.
If I’d gotten such a statement during the time I had feelings for Louise, I would’ve been devastated. To have to marry someone else while holding feelings for someone else would have put me in a situation where I’d risk not just my own life but also Louise’s safety.
But no more. I can’t tell if I should be thankful or it simply is what it is, but now Louise and I share a mutual friendship rather than one-sided love. With my personal desires out of the picture, I could fulfill my duties as a royal now.
‘Without ambitions to pursue, I have to follow my responsibilities.’
At least, those responsibilities aren’t heading straight into hellfire. If I’m to marry the Barandi Marquis’ daughter, she’s the only mark of the northern region’s Marquis, which means she’s not some low-tier noble the Emperor would take lightly or toss aside.
Moreover, considering the faction the Barandi Marquis belongs to, I would be more likely honored than overlooked. Connecting me to that noble’s daughter indicates respect for the Barandi Marquis, and it also signifies that my position will be favored.
That makes it a happy marriage for everyone. No ill-fated step into danger, rather a step toward a tranquil future. Given that I was born into royalty, political marriage was something I had to take in stride, and I wouldn’t regret having genuinely loved someone once.
‘A royal indeed.’
I lightly smiled while still keeping my head down.
The prince who used to hide from the gazes of the other prince and skirted his way into the academy no longer existed. In this place, only a royal remains, dedicated to serving the imperial family.
Face it; I no longer need to bear excessive tension in front of the Emperor. I need to step forward with a renewed heart filled with different convictions.
‘It’s only now, on the brink of twenty, that I’ve truly become royal.’
I felt a chuckle bubble up. During the time my brother was alive, all interests and gazes were directed solely toward him, leaving me in quiet obscurity. Once my other brother triumphed, I remained silent, merely staying put. That dreary life transformed into something new through marriage.
‘Let’s fulfill our duties.’
So, I won’t slack off on my responsibilities as a royal or as a husband. It’s merely common courtesy to the wife who will become the turning point of my life.
…But what kind of person will she be? I remember most high-ranking noble children, yet I know nothing about this new noble.
*
My fists trembled with anger. If not for my father, I would’ve already thrown a punch.
‘This is so petty.’
My teeth gritted together. It was infuriating the way my father revealed the real reason he summoned me to the capital, right after I arrived and seemed secure in my location. He told me so I could no longer escape or hide away somewhere.
“Calm down. What will you do if your soon-to-be royal wife sees you looking like a beast?”
“Father!”
“I can hear you just fine; speak softly.”
His disinterested response made my anger boil. Just one punch, just one…!
‘Of all times to have so many observers!’
I bit my lip to suppress my rage. Here we were in the capital, particularly in the manor of Count Tannian – a respected figure with a long-standing relationship with my father.
I couldn’t go and create a scandal of “the daughter attacking her father.” With all nobles looking at us, making a scene would unleash scorn upon not just my father but also the contempt directed toward us, the northern nobility.
“…I said I wouldn’t consider marriage.”
That’s why I desperately steadied my emotions and opened my mouth, only to find my father grimacing at my words.
“When did you say that? You’ve presented a whole list of conditions, but never did you declare you wouldn’t marry!”
“Come on, after laying down those conditions, you should’ve at least sensed it! I’m not thinking of marrying!”
At that, my father held the back of his neck with trembling hands, wobbling slightly.
I felt a bit guilty, but this time, it was definitely his fault. It’s one thing to bring someone who’s not interested in marriage into the capital, and it’s another to set up a scenario where I can’t refuse.
‘Absolutely not.’
No way am I doing it. I have no interest in weak men like him, and I definitely have no desire to marry someone living a life so different from mine as a resident. If he’s another royalty raised in a garden like a flower? Even more so, absolutely not.
“When I first received my marquess title! I wept so much in front of my ancestors! That we became one of the highest-ranking nobles in the Empire and could honor our ancestors for generations to come…”
I could hear my father shouting something, but I ignored him.
Now that I was in the capital, meeting this royal was unavoidable, but I wouldn’t just nod and comply. I will resist with all my might and avoid marriage.
I will absolutely do it!
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