THJDM 44

An engagement was already absurd—
but a wedding? Even more so.

Christopher let out a hearty laugh as he looked at the two pale-faced young people before him.

“No, no,” he said, shaking his head. “In our time, people often got married even without knowing each other well. But these days, things are different, aren’t they?”

His tone carried the benevolent patience of someone who prided himself on being open-minded to new customs.

“So then,” he continued smoothly, “why not start with an engagement? You can slowly date, get to know one another, and then have a proper wedding. What do you think, Lady Payson?”

“……”

Rubiana couldn’t answer.

Engagement, marriage—none of it was acceptable. Absolutely not.

“I’m supposed to marry Chad!”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Before she could respond, Elion spoke firmly in her place.

“Your Majesty, whether it’s an engagement or a wedding, it’s all far too sudden. Lady Payson and I are not yet ready—”

“That readiness you speak of,” Christopher interrupted, raising his voice, “can come after the engagement!”

He cut Elion off without hesitation.

“Or… unless,” he added, narrowing his eyes, “you don’t intend to marry Lady Payson at all? Would you prefer I arrange a formal match for you instead?”

“Ah—well…”

“Good. Then perhaps you can date Lady Payson, but marry someone else from the match. Half of the noble marriages in the Empire are like that, aren’t they? One for love, one for politics. How about it?”

“Your Majesty, I don’t intend to—”

“I cannot simply wait forever, Elion.”

Again, Christopher silenced him. He clearly had no intention of hearing Elion’s opinion.

With a somber gaze, he looked upon his much younger brother.

“I made a promise to our mother, and I will keep it—no matter what it takes.”

“……”

The word mother was a weapon that never failed against Elion.

Christopher had drawn it at the perfect moment.

As expected, Elion fell silent, unable to argue further.

Having subdued his brother, Christopher turned his piercing gaze toward Rubiana.

“Lady Payson,” he said, “I trust you didn’t agree to become my brother’s lover lightly. You understand what it means to be involved with the Empire’s only Grand Duke… don’t you?”

“……”

It’s fake, Rubiana screamed internally. There’s nothing “light” or “serious” about it—it’s all fake!

She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself not to speak.

An engagement? Ridiculous.

There was a vast difference between dating and being engaged.

An engagement meant being legally recognized by the Empire as a couple—
a bond witnessed by the Emperor himself, the nobles, and both families.

She could manage a fake breakup. That would be fine.

But a fake engagement ending in broken betrothal? That would be disastrous.

Oh no… what am I supposed to do now?!

Faced with this massive obstacle, Rubiana felt utterly powerless.

But the obstacle before her showed no signs of relenting.

He would stand there, waiting, until she gave her answer.

She inhaled deeply. Then exhaled, slow and steady.

Now wasn’t the time to destroy the wall—she just had to get over it.

She could blow it up later, when the time came.

For now, she’d stumble her way over it—just enough to survive today.

Then, in the next stage, she’d find her chance to escape.

Clearing her throat, Rubiana forced the heavy word out.

“…Yes.”

It was an answer born of pure resignation.

She’d follow the Emperor’s will—for now—and deal with the mess later.

Christopher’s eyes widened in surprise, then gleamed brightly.

Rubiana continued, steady and composed.

“His Majesty is right. I didn’t agree to date His Grace the Grand Duke lightly.”

It’s a matter of life and death, literally.

Elion and I share a single fate, even if our relationship is fake.

Whatever this is, it’s real enough that nothing should come between us.

“Ah! I knew it,” Christopher said joyfully. “You’re far more sensible than my foolish little brother. Excellent. I’ll send an official engagement proposal to Count Payson at once.”

“I’ll be honored and grateful to receive it, Your Majesty.”

“Splendid! Absolutely splendid!”

Christopher laughed heartily, thrilled by this unexpected success.

Satisfied, the Emperor stood up.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. The two of you should finish your meal in peace.”

He was just stepping toward the door when it opened from the outside.

Florentia entered.

Both she and the Emperor froze, wide-eyed.

“Your Majesty… you’re here?”

“Saintess… in this place?”

Florentia’s eyes flickered briefly, then steadied.

She bowed gracefully.

“It’s been a while, Your Majesty.”

“It has indeed, Saintess.”

“I heard that His Grace, the Grand Duke, was injured. I came out of concern.”

“Ah, I see.”

Christopher nodded approvingly, looking between her and Elion.

“Thanks to your prayers, Saintess, Elion made it through safely once again. You have my gratitude.”

“I’m only fulfilling my duty as a servant of the Goddess, Your Majesty.”

“Still,” Christopher chuckled, “perhaps it’s also thanks to your prayers that the Grand Duke will soon be engaged.”

Florentia’s expression stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Engaged? Did he just say… engaged? No. That can’t be right. I must have misheard.

With disbelief clouding her face, she asked politely,

“Pardon me, Your Majesty—what did you just say? I didn’t quite catch that.”

“I said,” Christopher repeated clearly, “the Grand Duke is getting engaged—to Lady Payson here. You must offer them your blessings.”

He enunciated every syllable carefully, so she could not mistake it.

Florentia’s lips parted weakly as understanding struck.

Her gaze darted toward Elion and Rubiana.

Both had turned red and were avoiding her eyes—
as if to confirm the Emperor’s every word.

No… impossible.

Her heart pounded violently.

Elion… engaged to her? He loves her now?

Her breaths grew uneven.

He’s going to build a life with this woman? No! Elion’s place is beside me. If I can’t have him, no one can!

Her blood ran cold.

Her head swam, her vision spun.

Seeing her pale face, Christopher asked in concern,

“Saintess, are you all right? You look terribly pale.”

“I—I’m…”

Florentia wavered, then collapsed.

Elion caught her swiftly before she hit the ground.

“Saintess! Please, wake up!”

Christopher called out in alarm, but the unconscious Saintess gave no response.

Holding her carefully, Elion barked to his attendant,

“Fetch Hailey. Inform the main temple that the Saintess has fainted.”

“At once, Your Grace.”

Scott gestured to the servants and followed close behind Elion.

The room descended into chaos.

Rubiana, however, remained eerily calm.

Well, can’t say I blame her. I’d probably faint too if someone suddenly announced my fake engagement.

Given Florentia’s obsessive attachment to Elion, her collapse was hardly surprising.

Uh-oh. I think I’ve just earned the Saintess’s eternal hatred.

She shuddered.

Seeing this, the Emperor—mistakenly assuming she was worried about Florentia—spoke gently.

“There’s no need to worry, my lady. The Grand Duke’s physician is very capable, and priests from the temple will arrive shortly.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Christopher patted her shoulder kindly.

To his eyes, she already looked like part of the royal family.