Chapter 35: The Bride To Be Is…
A heavy dreadful silence filled the conference room. After news of their defeat, extreme anger roused their unsettled heart, but now, only a somber tune filled the place.
“But won’t this turn into a national wedding? It isn’t like this hasn’t happened in the past. We don’t need to worry too much…”
The prince snorted at the nobleman’s remark. “Your example is completely wrong. Previously, when a national marriage from both sides occurred, it was for the purpose of peace, unity, and harmony, and this time we’re forced to unilaterally give up our princess as if she’s mere pawn? Do I have that right?”
“No… I…”
The nobleman twitched. Sensing the atmosphere taking a downward turn, he shut his mouth.
The noblemen next to him began to voice their thoughts one by one.
“It’s an unexpected request, really. I’ve heard that in Arundell there’d been a number of repeated arguments concerning the king’s marriage, but the king himself vehemently refused each time… this time he suddenly asked for a national marriage.”
“What is the king of Arundell’s purpose… I wonder…”
“Our beloved princess is of royal lineage. Arundell’s king seeks a national marriage. We have no choice but to give up our princess.”
As they voiced their opinions one after another, they’d forgotten the prince’s love and care for his sister. Only then did they notice the prince’s expression turn awry and thus spoke no longer.
The prince gritted his teeth and said, “Is there no other way?”
Arundell’s king awaits in the port of Sheviet, a strategic position where he could push straight into Tars, the capital of Chrichton. It would take two days. Chrichton has no time to delay. In other words, either agree to his request or wage an all-out war, neither of which looked favorable. Should they go to war, the damage will not end with simply losing their military and warships. No, it’ll sweep the land.
Then… Duke Ivan opened his mouth. “The king’s demand… didn’t he request for a royal marriage?”
“Yes, sir.” A nobleman gave an insipid reply.
“Then… it doesn’t necessarily have to be a princess.”
All eyes were on Duke Ivan.
“What do you mean?” the prince asked.
“I mean, if you’re of royal blood… you’re either a direct descendant or of royal lineage. Don’t we have other royal women close by to give to Arundell’s king?”
Rihannan.
Everyone’s eyes immediately fell on Marquis Priebius.
His face was flushed with embarrassment. “What the hell does that mean? This is too much speculation. Isn’t the expression ‘a royal woman’ in itself refers to the princess?”
“No, I don’t think so.” Duke Ivan shook his head. “I am well aware of Arundell’s characteristics. It is a country full of rigorous laws and mandates. They’re committed to using the exact words and expressions in every document to avoid future indemnity and damage. If he meant to marry the princess and only the princess, he’d have written on the document ‘Send Princess Helena, a royal of direct bloodline, as a bride.’ but he did not.”
A light could suddenly be seen on their hopeless tunnel. There was an escape plan and everyone grew heated with excitement. Meanwhile, Marquis Priebius’ face was heavily distorted. He would be sending off her niece to… god knows what…
The prince burst out in merry laughter. “I see. In the first place, this matter was of no concern. Even if that foolish king is angered that we sent another woman instead of the princess, we can argue that we’ve kept our promise to send a royal woman. Ha-ha!”
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