Unexpectedly, I Became the Emperor’s Fiancé

Prologue:

“…Ru, no, your Majesty, I would like to propose a contract engagement to you.”

The moment I saw him holding the bedroom doorknob, my mouth moved on its own accord. It was because the thought that I shouldn’t let him go at this moment suddenly overwhelmed me.
Apparently my statement was quite effective, as soon Ru, who had stopped moving, turned around with a rigid face.

“What did you just say?”

Although my heart ached from his gaze, which was so different from before, I gathered my expression, which was about to waver, and opened my mouth.

“I said let’s have a contract engagement, your Majesty.”

“Contract engagement?”

He showed a sign of confusion for a few seconds, then soon burst into laughter as if he had heard a joke.

The way his mouth was rounded in a smile contradicted his dry irises, which was paradoxical.
“That’s an interesting proposition.”

Seeing Ru’s hand fall away from the doorknob, I secretly let out a sigh of relief. It was a relief stemming from the thought that I had successfully managed to keep him here.

Now is the crucial part, so let’s do well.
As I was making a resolution in my heart, Ru, who came close to me again, crossed his arms and inclined his head slightly.

“Let’s see you keep talking.”

“If people find out that I was cast aside by His Majesty the day before our engagement ceremony, my reputation will hit rock bottom. Not just that, exaggerated rumors will block my path to marriage.”

I swallowed dryly due to my parching throat and then continued calmly.

“So, primarily for my future, I want to suggest a contractual engagement.”

“Hmm…”

A slight glimmer of emotion flickered in Ruth’s eyes, which had been consistently emotionless.
I watched his pale lips slowly part, hoping for a positive response to come out.

However, hopes were just hopes.

“So, to summarize, you’re proposing a contractual engagement to me so that you won’t suffer any damage?”

I bit my lower lip upon hearing his voice, cold as a blizzard on a winter night, and then managed a faint smile after suppressing the welling sorrow.
I had no right to be sad in the first place. This was all a result of my own choices.

“Primarily, yes. That’s right. I am proposing a contractual engagement to you for my sake.”

“In that case, I’m sorry, my lady, but I must decline that proposal. I don’t engage in matters that won’t benefit me.”

Soon after, he let out a succinct rejection without a moment’s hesitation, his eyes curving into a sly grin. It was an arrogant smile, reminiscent of a predator. Yet, in a way, it also seemed like that of a child scared of an unexpected variable.

…A predator and a child, what a needless discord.
A powerless laugh almost burst through my slightly parted lips.

I slowly closed my eyes and then opened them, worried that I might no longer see the violet that resembled violets and that all the thoughts filling my head would disappear.

“Why…”

As soon as I lifted my eyelid, emotions I thought had dulled over the 11 years quickly revived.
Trying to rid myself of these thoughts, I closed my eyes, but it only seemed to increase them, slightly furrowing my brow.

Feeling a dull ache near my chest, I took a deep breath, and suddenly a familiar boy’s voice echoed in my ears.

“We’re going to play hide and seek from now on.”

“…”

“You hide, and I’ll seek.”

The image of the boy who had turned around pretending not to see me crying overlapped naturally with the figure of Ru standing in front of me.

“So do your best to hide, Serbia. No matter where you hide, I can find you.”

“Ah.”

I unconsciously let out a short breath.

The moment an old memory that hadn’t faded even a bit was completed, my heart pounded and my stomach churned at the same time. Thoughts of wanting to throw up and wanting to swallow it down got tangled together.

Ruth, looking at my pale-faced self questioningly, asked, “What are you thinking about in front of someone?”

“…Nothing.”

I deliberately smiled and left a vague answer. I couldn’t tell her that I was thinking about my childhood.

“Boring.”

Ruth murmured quietly and brushed back her slipped down hair.

“Anyway, if you’re done talking, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Still…!”

I hastily grabbed her wrist as she turned to leave.
Then, looking at my hand that had grabbed her wrist as if she was looking at some dirty foreign substance, Ruth’s face turned cold.

“What is this supposed to mean?”

I swallowed my trembling breath as I saw the demand for an explanation in those eyes.

Opportunities don’t come at just any time.

Therefore, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity given to me at this moment.

“I clearly said it was a ‘primary reason,’ Your Majesty.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

The tone colored with dry interest was intriguing.
“Yes. My story starts now.”

It was a good sign.