Y-Your Highness the Crown Prince! Just a moment ago, Grand Duke Alberic came to seek His Majesty’s approval for marriage!” “…What!”
The chamberlain exclaimed in shock. The very day the engagement was announced, Ashid had already gone to the Emperor to obtain approval for the marriage.
The chamberlain felt a chill at Ashid’s unexpectedly swift actions. On the other hand, Adrian, oblivious to the chamberlain’s unease, was simply surprised.
“Brother did?”
“Yes. When His Majesty heard the Grand Duke’s request, he said, ‘Before I approve their marriage, I would like to hear what the Crown Prince himself thinks about this matter,’ and ordered us to bring Your Highness to the ‘Sky Chamber.’”
“Is that so? Hmm, understood. I shall go at once.”
Adrian nodded and rose from his seat. The chamberlain, along with the servants and maids of the Crown Prince’s palace, immediately followed him.
The Sky Chamber, the audience hall of the Emperor in the main palace of the Aschillad Empire.
Seated on the lofty imperial throne adorned with gold, various gemstones, and red velvet, the Emperor observed the figure kneeling before him—Ashid.
Ashid did not even glance at the Emperor. Instead, he turned his head away, gazing indifferently toward the entrance, as if purposefully ignoring his father.
Moments later, the doors swung open, and Adrian entered with his entourage of servants and maids.
The first thing Adrian did was kneel before the Emperor and pay his respects. “Adrian Eoric Castria greets the great Emperor of Aschillad.”
“Welcome, Adrian. Come and stand beside me.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. …Brother, please rise. Your Majesty, I humbly ask that you allow the Grand Duke to be at ease.”
“I grant permission.”
As Adrian approached the Emperor, his request was readily granted. Unlike himself, who had been abandoned in the north for decades, Adrian had been raised with care by the Emperor. The difference in treatment was stark. Acshd twisted his lips into a smirk before rising to his feet.
The Emperor then extended a hand toward Adrian and spoke.
“Crown Prince, Grand Duke Alberic has come to seek my approval for his marriage with Lady Daniela Lilian Enchanto. Are you aware of this?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am aware.”
“What are your thoughts?”
“…I have a question for my brother first.”
After a moment of contemplation, Adrian turned to Ashid and asked,
“Brother, how did you come to be engaged to Lady Daniela… No, to Lady Enchanto?”
“Before I answer, I’d like to know why you ask, Adrian.”
Ashid’s voice was cold. Adrian hesitated briefly before cautiously replying.
“…Do you know the reason why I broke off my engagement with her?”
“I do not. Is it something I need to know?”
“…She was not suited to be the Crown Princess. Her fiery temperament, her excessive love for luxury—such traits may not be bad for a noblewoman, but I deemed them unfitting for a Crown Princess or the wife of a Grand Duke. I believe she and Brother will clash in many ways.”
Hearing those words, Ashid inwardly scoffed.
How touching. His naive half-brother, raised under the protection of the Empress, was trying to advise him out of goodwill, pointing out Daniela’s shortcomings. But that very innocence and kindness only fueled Ashid’s twisted sense of inferiority and resentment.
Suppressing his rising anger, Ashid smiled elegantly and spoke.
“That only makes her more endearing.”
“…Brother.”
“I have admired Lady Enchanto since the time she was your fiancée. Those minor flaws of hers do not pose any issue for me in making her my wife.”
Adrian was left speechless, staring at his brother in disbelief.
He had never imagined his cold and indifferent brother would love Daniela so passionately. He suddenly became curious about what part of Daniela had so captivated his brother.
While Adrian remained lost in thought, Ashid frowned slightly, growing annoyed by his half-brother’s contemplation. Was he planning to object to the marriage again? Ashid wanted nothing more than to be done with this tiresome situation as soon as possible.
Unable to hold back, Ashid sneered at Adrian.
“I fail to see why you are bringing this up to me. Don’t tell me, Adrian, do you still have lingering feelings for Lady Enchanto?”
“Of course not. There is nothing of the sort.”
Adrian shook his head firmly. He had long lost any affection for her. There was no reason for regrets.
Satisfied with that response, Ashid smiled smugly.
“Then, there is no issue, is there? Your Majesty?”
“…Indeed. If Adrian has no objections, then I have no reason to oppose it either.”
The Emperor nodded impassively.
“Very well. I grant my approval for the marriage.”
With that, the Emperor gestured to the chamberlain, who promptly approached with a ring bearing the imperial seal. Ashid watched indifferently as the Emperor stamped the marriage certificate.
His gaze was as cold as if he had never just declared his deep love for Daniela.
A week had passed since Daniela received the proposal from the villainous Grand Duke Ashid.
On a weekend at noon, she stood before the grand temple of Aschillad, clad in an opulent dress and a thick veil.
‘Who even gets married in such a rush like this?’
She thought absentmindedly, still unable to fully grasp her reality. At that moment, she heard footsteps approaching her. A strong, well-dressed arm was suddenly extended before her.
The other participant in this unenthusiastic wedding, Ashid. His voice was flat as he spoke.
“Take it. Unless you wish to trip.”
“…Alright.”
Hesitantly, Daniela placed her hand on his arm. As the doors opened, a long virgin road stretched before them. Relying on Ashid, she slowly walked toward the dais where the High Priest stood.
Guests whispered among themselves as they watched the couple.
“…They suit each other better than expected.”
“His Grace is, of course, handsome, but Lady Enchanto is also quite beautiful.”
“Rumor has it that His Grace had secretly loved her for a long time. He certainly looks happy.”
Daniela ignored the murmurs and focused ahead—until she spotted Adrian in the front row, watching her.
‘Why did he even come?’
As she sighed deeply, Acshd, who had been observing her, smirked.
‘Still clinging to him even after being cast aside, huh?’
