Wrong Marriage and Sweet Love

Reuben did not react as strongly as Hajime. He said slowly, “I’ve wanted to say this for a long time. I don’t want to be the emperor. When Father was on his deathbed, I wanted to make my intentions clear. I have no regrets; when I burned the edict, I made my stance known. Afterward, I wanted to leave here and take Mother back to the Bryant family. Hajime, I know I have disappointed you, but this is my true desire. This constrained life doesn’t suit me, and I don’t like power. A free and easy life is what I yearn for.”

“I understand,” Luther said. “One man’s treasure is another man’s poison. The throne is just a shackle for you.”

“Yes, if I were to take that position, every day would be suffocating for me.” Reuben glanced at Luther, grateful for his understanding. “When I burned the edict, my sincere intention was to trade the imperial seal for your safety. I didn’t expect Hirota’s people to exploit the situation; that was my oversight.”

Joyce stiffened slightly. So, she had stolen the Dawnblade in vain? In the end, Clint would still become the emperor.

“Joyce, I’m sorry. I know you are now under Clint’s control and went through great lengths to steal the Dawnblade. Your efforts won’t be in vain. At least now we have two bargaining chips. With everything in our hands, Clint must agree to our terms,” Reuben expressed his apology. “No matter what, this is our country’s issue. I’m sorry it has involved you.”

“Never mind, it’s better than having all the blame for killing you and the Crown Prince pinned on me and framing the Heath family, igniting a war between two countries,” Joyce said, knowing Hirota’s intentions and relieved she had preserved Clint’s life. She hated him but still had to protect him in the end.

“The external threats now outweigh internal strife. After last night’s events, Hirota’s intentions are exposed, and the Yoshikawa family has openly rebelled,” Luther reminded them. “Regardless of who becomes emperor, eliminating all remnants of the Yoshikawa family will require significant effort and resources.”

Hajime frowned. “I didn’t expect Hirota would dare! We underestimated him.”

“Such a person on the throne is more dangerous than anything else; you should understand that,” Luther said as he released Joyce and stood up. “The only path before us is the one I mentioned last time: negotiation.”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“Yes,” Reuben agreed. “In last night’s emergency, we joined forces. No matter what, we are all Yuchuan by blood. Now that Eastern Capital is controlled by the Imperial Household Agency and the Crown Prince, if we fight among ourselves again, Hirota will surely exploit it.”

“The other major families are probably watching closely,” Hajime said angrily. “These old guys are all so cunning.”

“In Kyushu and Shikoku, far from imperial reach, they usually stay out of royal affairs. It’s understandable they are standing by now; I’m only worried some might support Hirota, complicating matters further,” Reuben expressed his concern.

“That’s why we need to reach an agreement quickly and give a clear direction to the other major families. The longer we delay, the more chaotic things will become,” Luther said as he checked his watch. “We must settle things with Clint tonight without delay; our bargaining chips should be sufficient.”

“Mr. Warner, what do you think?” Hajime asked. “For the sake of our country, negotiation is undoubtedly the best route now. My concern is that afterward, the Crown Prince might eliminate the Imperial Household Agency and me as well since I’m a thorn in his side. But now isn’t the time to worry about my personal safety; peace is more important.”

“He may not necessarily eliminate you,” Luther suddenly asked, “Hajime, do you have a daughter?”

Hajime was taken aback. “Yes, besides my eldest daughter who is already married and my second daughter, I have a younger daughter who is 26 and still unmarried.”

He suddenly realized what Mr. Warner meant: “Are you suggesting my daughter marry the Crown Prince?”

“Would he agree?” Joyce had seen how Clint treated Chiyuki; even in desperate times when Hirota forced him into marriage, he refused.

“Chiyuki is dead now; she died at her father’s hands,” Reuben said with dimmed eyes.

“Clint had other reasons for not marrying Chiyuki. We can propose that if Clint agrees to marry your daughter, the Imperial Household Agency will surely be preserved. Given the current situation, gaining full support from the agency would be Clint’s wisest move; he’s smart enough to understand this,” Luther pointed out.

“But my daughter… I’m not sure if she would agree,” Hajime hesitated because his family had deep roots in Rohomes and he didn’t want it destroyed.

“I am willing.”

Suddenly, someone opened the door from outside.

Luther and Joyce turned to see a woman walk in.

Joyce was stunned by her gentle and serene demeanor-fair skin, bright eyes like clear water pools with a slight curve at her lips resembling a tranquil crescent moon; even her voice was melodious like an oriole’s.

Hajime was surprised too: “What are you doing here?”

Reuben also looked over: “Shizuka Minamoto?”

He quickly introduced her to Luther and Joyce: “Oh, this is Hajime’s youngest daughter Shizuka; we’re quite familiar since we’re both doctors-she specializes in internal medicine while I’m in surgery.”

Joyce smiled slightly: “Hello.”

Luther nodded gently.

“Nonsense! Why are you here? This place is for discussing state affairs,” Hajime scolded.

“Father, I came to bring you medicine since you’ve been working hard these past days; please take care of yourself.” Shizuka spoke softly but firmly: “I overheard your conversation just now; if His Highness agrees, I am willing to marry him.”

Hajime was stunned and frowned: “I’m not like Hirota; I don’t want to use my daughter as a pawn to secure our position or preserve my status! Go back home; we’re not at that point yet-we’ll discuss further.”

“Father, I chose this.” Shizuka suddenly knelt down with a thud-her bright eyes clear and pure: “I… I’ve liked him for a long time-secretly admired him… Please give me this chance.”

As she spoke these words shyly yet resolutely-her delicate charm overflowed from every expression.