Chapter 27
At Rubellus’s firm declaration, the Duke, who had been about to say something, fell silent.
If he wanted to complain that he couldn’t believe the Emperor, he knew Rubellus far too well to do so.
Rubellus was meticulous and cautious. He calculated countless situations and variables in an instant before making a move.
Even the Duke himself could not guarantee victory in a battle of wits against him. And that very man was speaking with absolute certainty.
As the Duke was lost in thought, Rubellus spoke again in a quiet voice.
“If you cannot believe me… then I will stake it.”
…Wait.
The Duke suddenly lifted his head.
“Your Majesty, what did you just say?”
He stared at him in shock. Had he misheard?
“I said I will stake the fate of this nation that bears my name.”
“Your Majesty.”
The Duke’s mouth fell open. Even a hardened veteran like Wildenbiston, who had survived countless battles, had never expected to hear an emperor wager his country.
Did this young emperor understand the weight of his own words?
“You, your house, and Aira will remain safe. I guarantee it. I cannot explain everything now, but if asking you to trust me on this promise alone is shameless… then so be it.”
“…”
“But I ask it of you.”
Rubellus did not blink as he held the Duke’s gaze. His expression was serious.
To make such a request—staking the nation—for the sake of marrying Aira…
Was this a dream or reality?
The Duke steadied his spinning thoughts and asked,
“Do you care for her that much?”
“Of course.”
Aira was the Duke’s beloved daughter. Of course she was precious. But he had never imagined Rubellus would value her this deeply.
“May I ask what it is about her that moves you so?”
It was an abrupt question. Yet instead of being flustered, Rubellus suddenly smiled brightly.
The Duke stared at him in surprise once more.
“…In the Great Imperial Forest, she looked into my eyes and said they were beautiful. I had lost one lens and was covering one eye. She said she had seen it earlier. She told me the red one was prettier.”
His smile deepened. It was the dazzling smile that had captivated every noblewoman in the capital.
“I have loved her since that moment, Duke.”
Rubellus looked at him with shining eyes.
The Duke found himself holding his breath.
It had been a dark night, yet for a fleeting instant it felt as though golden morning sunlight filled the world.
Just as the Duke parted his lips—
“Your Majesty.”
The door opened, and Lady Guiden entered hurriedly. She knelt before both men.
“Your Majesty, Lady Wildenbiston has awakened.”
“She’s awake!”
The Duke exclaimed softly. Rubellus immediately asked,
“And the royal physician?”
“He is already examining her.”
Rubellus rose at once.
“I will go there now.”
“I will accompany you.”
Rubellus nodded and strode out.
Two stairways separated them from Aira’s chamber.
As the emperor descended two steps at a time, the duke called out.
“Your Majesty.”
“Speak.”
“Even if I do not oppose you, that is not the end. The most important thing is the will of the person involved, is it not?”
“You are correct.”
“If I approve but Aira refuses, then this matter is void.”
“Of course.”
“And you swear you will respect her free will and that my house will suffer no disadvantage?”
“I swear.”
There was not a trace of hesitation.
“…Then that is sufficient.”
Rubellus stopped walking.
“…Truly?”
“What can I do? If her heart is finally to be rewarded.”
The Duke spoke with forced bitterness, though in truth he did not dislike the brightness returning to the Emperor’s face.
If this made her happy, they would manage the rest.
Without another word, Rubellus practically ran to Aira’s chamber.
The attendants announced, “His Majesty the Emperor!” and opened the door.
Rubellus entered swiftly.
Aira was sitting up in bed, her arm extended as the physician checked her pulse. The physician reported there was nothing wrong and bowed out.
Rubellus’s eyes were only on her.
“Aira.”
“Your Majesty.”
“I’ve been told there is nothing wrong. You will be fine.”
“Thank you.”
It was a polite exchange.
Then silence filled the room.
Rubellus watched her carefully as she adjusted herself against the pillows.
More precisely, he waited for her answer to the proposal that had shocked her into fainting.
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes.”
“This isn’t a dream, right? You really proposed to me?”
Adorable.
Rubellus nodded, unable to suppress his smile.
“Then I just need to give you my answer, correct?”
“Yes.”
Rubellus knelt before her again, just as he had when he proposed earlier.
“Aira Wildenbiston.”
“…”
“Will you marry me?”
His voice trembled slightly.
Fifteen years had led to this moment.
If she said yes, he would give her everything.
His secrets. His power. His wealth. His heart.
“I refuse.”
…What?
Rubellus frowned without realizing.
“W-What?”
He stammered.
Aira looked at him steadily.
“I reject Your Majesty’s proposal.”
…Perhaps it was Rubellus’s turn to faint.
* * *
“You refuse?”
“Yes.”
I answered again.
Strangely, it was easier to say than I had expected.
I had just rejected Rubellus Zahard, Emperor of the Zahard Empire.
The dream of every unmarried noblewoman in the country.
I used to be one of them.
If the Aira from three years ago knew this, she would probably strangle me.
But I had already said it.
And now the atmosphere was dreadful.
I looked at his stiff face.
His violet eyes were trembling. His jaw was clenched. His complexion is pale.
Was he hurt?
That thought felt foreign. I had never once imagined that I could hurt him.
Still, I met his gaze without looking away.
I had made my choice. I had to take responsibility for it.
We held each other’s gaze in silence.
“…The reason.”
He spoke slowly.
“If it is not improper… may I know your reason, Lady Wildenbiston?”
