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“I haven’t really thought about your marriage until now…… Truthfully, I am surprised.”
Tristan looked at Renato with a complicated expression. Even though it was a contract, his heart felt heavy when he thought that Renato would become Khalid’s companion and build a family.
No, it was an even bigger problem because it was a contractual marriage. He would not have felt so bitter if Renato had said that he had a loved one and wanted to start a family.
It’s my fault, it’s all my fault.
Tristan inwardly sighed. Born as an Alpha, he ascended to the throne without any twists and turns amid everyone’s blessings, and he knew better than anyone how miserable an imperial family member who was born as a Beta would be. Renato in front of him was the living witness.
Renato suffered all sorts of abuse by the one who gave birth to him just because he was born as a Beta, and had to live while being despised as a sidekick Prince and a deformed Prince.
A dark shadow cast over the man’s deep green eyes when he recalled how Renato had lived. It was also his fault that his child’s life was so miserable.
‘His Imperial Highness wasn’t born as a Beta because of his own will, but…… everyone is too harsh! I’m disappointed with you too, Your Majesty! How could you be like that as a father?!’
Tristan, who grew up receiving only benefits in an atmosphere where it was natural for Beta imperial family members to be discriminated against, was an idiot who did not even realize his own faults until being criticized by Ludmilla. He had committed a crime against Renato that he could not repay for the rest of his life.
So Tristan hoped that Renato would one day find someone he truly loved and build a happy family. Just as he knew the delight of loving and being loved thanks to Ludmilla, he wanted Renato to have that kind of haven for himself.
However, for the sake of Trudy’s safety, not for his own happiness, Renato chose to marry a man he had only met for a month or so. It was a contract made up of thorough calculations and sacrifice, not love.
“I’m sorry.”
Tristan despaired, thinking that it was all because of his incompetence. He helplessly lowered his head and apologized to Renato.
“Everything is my fault. I made you think of your marriage and yourself as a trading tool……”
“Please don’t say that. Nothing is your fault, Imperial Father. This marriage is what I want.”
Renato consoled Tristan who was blaming himself. But the man didn’t believe Renato.
“No, it’s all my fault. This would not have happened if I had properly protected the Imperial Consort and acted wisely to prevent the Empress from running rampant.”
“I understand your concerns. I know you are confused by the sudden announcement as well. But please do not blame yourself.”
“Even if you say you are okay, I still don’t think of it as okay.”
“Imperial Father, please let me say this again, I do not regret this choice. On the contrary, I am very happy that this is happening.”
It was completely sincere. Realizing from Renato’s voice that he wasn’t lying, Tristan raised his head again. When their eyes met, Renato softly smiled.
“You are happy with this?”
“Yes, the grand prince is a really nice person.”
Renato said, emphasizing the word ‘nice person’. He hoped that Tristan and Khalid would be on good terms. That would make things easier in the future.
“He was actually angry when I offered a deal in the form of a marriage proposal. After hearing my conditions, he was worried because the contract was only favorable to him.”
“What?”
“The grand prince kept rejecting my offer like that, but accepted my proposal when I asked for help. He is that kind of person. As a knight, he helps the weak and keeps his faith.”
When he thought of Khalid, Renato’s lips involuntarily curved up. Renato didn’t bother to hold back his smile. A small smile blossomed on his curled lips.
‘I will help you achieve what you want, so…… Please don’t cry.’
Even though it had already been two days, the hand that wiped away his tears and the voice that softly whispered to him were still clear as if it had happened just a moment ago.
Until then, he tried not to overlap Khalid in his previous life with the man in his current life, but that day, Renato had no choice but to accept that the two were the same person.
Even if he didn’t remember, Khalid was still Khalid. Just like in his previous life, he was a kind and warm person in this life as well.
So he was both thankful and sorry. As much as he appreciated Khalid’s willingness to reach out, he also felt guilty for forcing him into a fight that had nothing to do with him.
“You……”
Tristan looked at Renato who was smiling softly while thinking of Khalid and widened his eyes in shock.
“Yes? Is there anything wrong?”
Renato tilted his head when seeing Tristan’s lips twitch in surprise.
“……No, no. It was nothing.”
Tristan opened his mouth, trying to say something, but then shook his head, saying it was nothing. However, the image had already been etched in his mind. Renato’s expression not long ago was that of someone who had fallen in love.
Does the grand prince also have the same feelings?
Tristan struggled to hold back the question that reached his throat. Unless he was mistaken, Renato was still unaware of his feelings, let alone conscious of them. He didn’t want to say anything that could ruin things.
I don’t think it is serious yet, so should I watch it a little longer?
After pondering about it for a while, Tristan decided to take a step back. He himself wasn’t sure about that yet, and it was also a bad thing to meddle in other people’s feelings.
Those feelings for another person might deepen or fade away, so he thought it would be better to just quietly watch Renato first.
However, he couldn’t help but feel his heart become heavy. If Renato had feelings for Khalid that were above goodwill, he felt fortunate that Renato wasn’t getting married without any kind of feelings, but he was also worried if Renato genuinely liked Khalid.
He didn’t know how Khalid felt, and it was a time-limited relationship that would end in three years. Agitated, Tristan opened his mouth with a dark expression.
“I’ll set up a place for dinner next time.”
“That means…… Do you allow our marriage?”
“Yes. But you can’t get married right away. There must be a short engagement period.”
“Of course. If all goes well, the engagement ceremony will likely be held in the Khan Kingdom.”
“That’s right.”
On the Tiana continent, marriage was an equal union regardless of titles and status. For that reason, if the engagement ceremony was held on the groom’s side, the wedding would be held on the bride’s side.
After marrying Renato, Khalid would come to the Empire as a patrilocal son-in-law, so the engagement ceremony would be held in the Khan Kingdom, while the wedding ceremony would be held in the Fleurette Empire.
“So what can I do to help you in the future?”
“I have decided to meet the grand prince tomorrow and write a marriage contract. First of all, I need help with that. It’s better to do this thoroughly.”
“Hmm, you mean you need someone to help you with the contract?”
“That’s right. I am not good enough for this.”
“Okay. I will send Viscount Roman tomorrow. Although not well known, he is a talented person in that area. He doesn’t have a big presence yet, so I’ll send him to avoid Marquis Medus’ eyes.”
“Thank you very much. I think it will prevent words from coming out if the Viscount goes to the diplomatic office alone rather than going with me.”
“Then let’s do that. Come to think of it, it would be better for you to have at least one aide in order to do various things in the future. I’ll get you a decent person sooner or later.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m already thinking of someone to have as my aide.”
“Is that so? Who is that?”
“About that…… I’ve been so busy thinking about various things lately, so I haven’t made an offer to that person yet. I’ll let you know if that person accepts it.”
“Okay. It would be better to deceive the Empress by disguising it as I am forcing that person to your side rather than having you directly appoint that person…… When you tell me who it is, I will immediately issue a letter of appointment.”
“Thank you for your concern. Then, I’ll be leaving for today. I think people will think it’s weird if the conversation goes on longer here.”
“Okay, you may do so. If you need anything until the next meeting, tell the chamberlain.”
After getting up from his seat, Renato carefully called out to Tristan when he suddenly remembered something.
“Excuse me…… Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
“I would like to visit the imperial tomb as soon as possible, so could you please permit me to enter?”
“The imperial tomb?”
Tristan became puzzled because of his unexpected request. It was because Renato, a direct member of the imperial family, could go to and from the imperial tomb at any time without his permission.
No, there was one space that required the Emperor’s permission. In the center of the tomb where the first Emperor and the Fairy King were sleeping, even the imperial family was not allowed to enter except for special events such as coronations of the Emperor or the Crown Prince. Ordinary visits to that place required the Senate leader’s approval or the Emperor’s permission.