93. Fighting for the Big Picture

That prince is definitely an eunuch, remarked Grand Duchess Kathryn bluntly.

Alberth sighed. Grand Duchess, please refrain from uttering such remarks. Please consider that hes first and foremost the one who saved Aeria.

Then, what are we supposed to do? Its not like theres something wrong with his eyes. How can he just refuse to marry our cute Imperial Princess?

Who knows? Perhaps the reason why he cant accept her is because

Because?

He already likes someone else, Alberth commented.

After a moment of silence, Grand Duchess Kathryn stated confidently, Thats also a possibility. But according to my own investigations, he is not seeing any woman at all.

Youdid a background check on him? Alberth questioned Kathryn in complete disbelief.

Kathryn said with a cheeky grin, I just did a simple check. Just to confirm things.

First and foremost, you are the empires Grand Duchess. Please act accordingly, you have responsibilities

The most important thing for us right now is to make him agree to the marriage.

If Father steps forward, then everything will be done quickly

In his youth, Emperor Deorte of the Lyndis Empire had made plenty of women cry for him. The problem was that the emperor, who could become their strong backing, was still on the fence regarding the marriage proposal.

Emperor Deorte was already fully aware that Aeria was infatuated with the Rowane Kingdoms First Prince, Davey ORowane. However, the Lyndis Empires Imperial Family was very much crowded. There wasnt any urgency to marry off their youngest princess in a political marriage.

Alberth and Kathryn really wanted to get Emperor Deortes help to make Aerias love come true. But unlike Alberth, who cared about his younger sister, and Grand Duchess Kathryn, who wanted her to meet a good man, Emperor Deorte wanted to keep his cute daughter in his arms forever. They all loved the young princess, but the emperors love was now a huge obstacle for the other two.

If Emperor Deorte continued to have this lukewarm reaction to their proposal, then nothing would happen even if Aeria truly wanted it. Well, if they were being honest, their target did not seem to be very interested in Aeria either.

What are you so worried about?

An unexpected voice suddenly rang out in the otherwise silent training hall, where Alberth and Grand Duchess Kathryn were currently brooding about what they should do next.

Your Your Majesty! Alberth cried out in surprise while Kathryn just bowed her head silently.

Speak. Tell me what you are so worried about.

Uhm That, Alberth hemmed and hawed as he tried to think about what to say. When he saw Emperor Deortes eyes narrowing slightly, he blurted out, The Grand Duchess. The Grand Duchess will tell you about it.

Your Majesty, how long are you going to gatekeep and overprotect Her Imperial Highness Aeria? Grand Duchess Kathryn asked in a straightforward manner.

A flash of interest appeared in Emperor Deortes eyes as he said, Gatekeep and overprotect?

Yes. A bird has wings and should be set free from its cage to roam the skies.

In other words, you want me to hand over Aeria, the apple of my eye, to that monster of the Rowane Kingdom? Is that what youre trying to get at?

Oh my, whatever do you mean by monster? I believe hes a good man who is still fairly within the means of common sense, said Kathryn with a grin.

Emperor Deorte suddenly grabbed a bow from the rack in front of Alberth, nocked an arrow, and shot the target in front of him. Tch, tch Youd better stop.

Your Majesty! Alberth protested loudly. Are you aware of Aerias situation right now? She has been thinking about him all day! According to the doctor, she even suffers from delusions! Do you know what this means?!

Those were early symptoms of lovesickness. The beastfolk princess was too pure, innocent, and kind. Surprisingly enough, this pure princess had fallen in love with a stubborn prince who had his own territory and would not accept her at all. And the deeper she fell in love, the stronger her symptoms of lovesickness would be.

Alberth.

She is still fine for right now. Thats right, there arent any problems for now. Shes a member of the Imperial Family who is just toiling around, knitting a woolen wrist guard with high-quality wool. But what if her symptoms continue to worsen?!

When Emperor Deorte was rendered speechless by his unexpected exclamation, Alberth went on to say, Are you aware of the pain of those who suffer from lovesickness?

Emperor Deorte calmly nocked another arrow. As he pulled the strings of the bow, he said, Time will be her medicine.

Your Majesty! Aeria is not a human!!! Do you know what will happen to a member of the Nine Tail Tribe that suffers from lovesickness?! Your Majesty, this

You are quite slow-witted. If you have eyes, then use them to see. Am I truly refusing to marry Aeria off because she is the apple of my eye? I just dont want her to suffer from not being the monsters main woman.

It doesnt matter if shes the main wife or not! That man would have a huge impact on the Eastern Continent No, the huge impact would even reach the Central Continent. If hes such an existence, then who would look down on Aeria just because shes not the main wife?

Hearing those words, Emperor Deorte clicked his tongue and put down his bow.

Ping! Clang!

You cant even see what is in front of you. How can I expect you to lead this empire?

Then Are you telling me that you will just leave them alone?

How did you feel when you saw that punk named Davey?

That

Okay, lets say that we allow Aeria to devote herself to a man who already has someone in his heart. Then what?

Your Majesty!

If we push for marriage, do you think Aeria will truly be happy?

It is the duty and responsibility of all members of the Royal and Imperial Families. It is common for members of the Royal Family to have more than one woman by their side! Aeria is fully aware of this fact and she still wants it!

Foolish! Emperor Deorte criticized harshly. When Alberth went silent, the emperor said, Did you forget the things that I, your father, have taught you?!

Alright. Then, Ill at least let her give up on him all by herself.

By herself?

Please agree to that. I wont ask you to let her marry him, but please do something to end her anxiety and suffering. If Your Majesty will not step forward and help them get engaged, then at least let them become complete strangers!

Alberths words were cruel and cold-hearted, but he wanted Aeria to be able to do something of her own volition. Although, this was something rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Your Majesty, just like you said, time will be her medicine. Only after she lets go of whats festering in her and hurting her would she be able to heal. Regarding this matter, I am of the same opinion as His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Alberth, Kathryn said quietly.

Emperor Deorte remained silent before pulling the strings of the bow once again. Then, he let go.

***

What are you doing? Take it, Emperor Deorte urged in a calm and casual manner.

Davey silently held the brooch in his hands.

The emperor was not giving Davey the brooch in front of everyone. Perhaps it was because he was thinking of the final variable, a variable that he couldnt predict, that Davey was capable of doing. He was also doing this so that his daughter would not become a laughing stock.

A moment, please, Davey murmured as he flicked his finger lightly.

Fwoosh!!!

Moments later, a translucent barrier appeared and surrounded both Davey and Emperor Deorte.

After casting the Silence Magic, Davey asked, Did you bring Princess Aeria here so you could block my retreat?

Understanding what Davey was trying to say, Emperor Deorte challenged, What are you going to do?

You already know what I am going to do.

Then, make sure to do it firmly, Emperor Deorte said as his eyes filled with anger. This Emperor does not intend to criticize or belittle Aerias love for you. If you choose to accept Aeria as your companion, then Of course, I will put my trust in you and leave Aeria in your care.

Davey wondered why the emperor was suddenly acting in such a way.

Earlier, when we were playing Olde, do you understand the reason why I asked you that question?

Wasnt it a test?

Yes. And you have passed it with admirable marks. Thats why I have decided that I can leave Aeria in your care and ignore everything else. However Emperor Deortes voice then became a quiet murmur when he asked, Cant you afford to spare Aeria just the tiniest bit of affection?

Before Davey could give an answer, Emperor Deorte interrupted him to say, Make sure to properly reject her here. In this way, Aerias heart can finally be at ease. She can be free.

Why do you have to do it in this way?

Prince Davey, you seem clueless to the disease that Aeria is suffering from right now.

Before Davey could express his thoughts, Perserque flew in front of him to stop him.

Accept her. This is just your own selfishness.

Dont push me to do something that I dont want to do. I am fully aware of how bad it is to have several wives.

This isnt Earth, Davey!

I dont want to do something just because someone else is forcing me to!

A disease?

Its lovesickness, Emperor Deorte said with a sigh. Right now, shes just experiencing a crush, puppy love, infatuation. However, if we leave her like that, then her symptoms will worsen. Eventually, she will become bedridden.

Davey finally realized why Emperor Deorte had to do something so drastic. The emperor was right. If Davey was going to say no, then he had to say it firmly. And if he wasnt going to refuse the proposal, then he should just accept it.

At this point, Davey realized that he was partially at fault. He had been rather lukewarm with his reception and responses up until now.

After looking at Emperor Deorte in silence, Davey slowly turned around to face the turquoise-haired princess.

The Imperial Princess was looking at them anxiously. She looked like a small animal that was very worried about Daveys refusal. In fact, this was the main reason why Davey had been avoiding this entire issue.

Actually, where did Aeria even find the opportunity to get so attached to Davey?

This might be a trivial thing for you, but it might be someone elses salvation. If youre going to reject her, then make sure to do so firmly. Do not hem and haw, and give her an indecisive response. Its alright if you accept her. Its also alright for you to say no.

What are you?

Do not forget. This is not Earth. This is the Tionis Continent.

The Tionis Continent had completely different ideas, culture, and other aspects from the world that Davey had originally come from. What might be known as common sense on Earth might be unnatural here, and the same was true the other way around.

Imperial Princess Aeria, Davey called out as he released the Silence Magic.

Yes, Prince!

When Princess Aeria looked up at him nervously, Davey said, Im sorry, but I cannot accept you right now. The world is filled with plenty of good men, I hope you can find someone better for you.

Then, Davey walked by Aeria and said, Your Majesty, let us be on our way. Didnt you tell me that theres someone who wants to meet with me?

It was the woman warrior. She had lived such a sad and pitiful life that all she wanted was to leave this world in her own way.

At the same time, Aerias eyes grew wide with tears streaming down her face. Ah

Perhaps Aeria did not realize that tears were already flowing down her cheeks. She was so shocked that she had stood still, allowing Davey to silently walk right by her.

Indeed, this was the better option. If he had some time to spare, Davey would make sure to let Aeria meet a finer man, a better man than himself.

Prince Prince Davey!

When Davey halted his footsteps, Aeria rushed forward and stuffed a box in his arms. Her expression was all teary and sad.

This

Im sorry I I must have troubled you, right? Sob Aeria said with a quavering voice and a helpless smile on her face. This is a woolen wrist guard. The weather is very It's very cold, Prince Davey. Please be careful not to catch a cold.

With tears still falling from her eyes, Aeria went on to say, Im sorry Im sorry Thats why Please accept this gift This is a parting gift. I promise I wont bother you again But I worked so hard on it, so Please Sobsob

Seeing Aeria try so hard to suppress her devastation, Davey silently accepted the woolen wrist guards that she had given him.

Then

Fall!!!

Davey was not sure if it was because Aeria had grown dizzy from her tears. However, Aeria suddenly started to stagger until she eventually collapsed.

Aeria!!!

Hearing Emperor Deortes startled cry, Davey regained his senses and hugged Aerias falling body. Then, he quickly activated his mana to check on her.

Aeria was burning up like a ball of fire. She had lost consciousness and would probably not wake up for a while.

Did you say that the woman warrior is waiting for me at the banquet hall? Please arrange another meeting with her later.

You can just leave Aeria be. I will call a doctor and move her to the palace. Although the warrior is an unknown commoner, this Emperor cannot break his promise, Emperor Deorte said in an unexpectedly cold voice.

Your Majesty.

Isnt it your fault that Aeria has become like that? Youve already done enough by letting her go like that. How much longer are you going to make her suffer? Emperor Deorte said angrily.

Davey looked at the unconscious princess in his arms. Shockingly enough, he thought that Aeria looked more emaciated than before.

Thats a separate matter. Theres nothing more important to a doctor than his patient.

Only then did Emperor Deorte fall silent.

If only Davey had seen it then. If only Davey had seen the bloody smile that was gracing the damn Emperor Deortes lips