Chapter 92 (1/2)

Chapter 92: Chapter 92

“Well, I think …”

I suddenly felt my heart beating faster. I was only vaguely thinking that one of the five princesses would be his final choice, but I felt mixed feelings as the emperor wanted to take into account what I felt toward them. So far, I had been looking forward to the day I would be freed from the imperial family, but now I felt nervous somehow. Taking a deep breath, however, I tried to shake off my nervousness and anxiety and said firmly, “… I think Princess Frincia is the most suitable candidate.”

“Really? Why? ”

“As the Lua kingdom is a strong country, I thought it would be good to have an alliance with the kingdom on this occasion. Although there is the Eet kingdom, I hear Princess Moira is strongly supported by the noble factions, and the Lisa kingdom is…”

“Hmm, an alliance with the Lua kingdom? Thanks for your feedback. Let me take it into account.”

I barely breathed out, which I was holding back, as the emperor nodded. I felt sorry for Princess Frincia, but I thought it was the best decision for the empire.

‘Good job, Aristia. As the emperor said he would consider it, maybe he would decide on her. Now, it’s all over. If you can hang in there a little longer until Jiun arrives, you can be a free woman.’

The emperor, who was looking at me silently, suddenly smiled and said, “Come to think of it, you look very different from the old you I used to watch. I heard that the prince suddenly ordered clothes and ornaments for you. Are you wearing them now?”

“Ah yes. Yes, Your Majesty. ”

“Hmm, I think he picked them wisely, but one thing is lacking. Don’t you think so?”

“Pardon, Your Majesty? What do you mean by that?”

“You have a dress and a necklace, but you don’t have an accessory on your head. Something is lacking there. How about this? This is my gift to you.”

He then smiled at me as if he had some mischievous intention. I received a small box uncomfortably. When I opened it hesitantly, I noticed something I never expected.

I stiffened in spite of myself.

Checking it inside the box, my father said with a sigh, “Your Majesty.”

“Yes, Marquis Monique?”

“Isn’t this a tiara? Why are you giving it to my daughter? ”

“Did I not tell you? I’m giving it to her because something is missing on her hair.”

“Your Majesty.”

It was a tiara that was inside the box that I received from the emperor. A sparkling tiara decorated with pastel pink stones and diamonds on a gold background. As it was a symbol of women’s authority, it was an ornament that only royal family women in the empire could use their hairs. This wasn’t something I could use as a daughter of a mere marquis. Since my father knew the meaning of it, he was now balking at the emperor’s gift.

“Got it. Let me explain to you, so don’t be so displeased with me.”

“… ”

“You know that since your daughter joined the knights division, there were rumors circulating that her engagement to the crown prince was broken off, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I know that.”

“Don’t you remember I made the promise in the past? I told you we’re going to have a grace period until she comes of age. In that respect, she is the crown prince’s bride-to-be. Right?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

As my father responded a bit slowly, the emperor said with a pitiable look, “Besides, you know that the noble factions are on the offensive these days. The two dukes and you agreed with what we discussed a moment ago. How do you think Duke Jena will react after I announce it? I guess they’re going to raise the issue again, which they had forgotten for sometime. In that respect, it’s better to solidify her position before they take up the offensive and attack us again. That way it is easier to protect her.”

“… ”

“Marquis.”

“Okay, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you,” said the emperor sadly, watching my father letting out a deep sigh.

Obviously, they discussed me among themselves. What the hell did they discuss?

And what is the emperor going to announce?

As I was kept in the dark, I couldn’t figure out what they discussed. When I looked at my father with a puzzled expression, he sighed once again and said, putting his hand lightly on my shoulder, “As the emperor gave the gift to you in person, please say thank you, Tia. ”

“Oh, Daddy, but… ”

“Are you now going to disobey me?”

“Oh, no, Daddy. I’m honored to receive the gift, Your Majesty.”