A woman was discovered in the Emperor's bedroom. Judging by her dark hair, she must be the interpreter who had entered the palace as a guest yesterday.
From the early hours of the morning, rumors began to spread rapidly within the palace. Of course, it wasn't just a rumor about smoke rising from the chimney. Ivan, while Yui was sleeping, shook the rope and brought in the servants. Beyond her upper body, only her bare shoulders and a little hair were visible.
“Can I stay here?”
Yui, who had woken up late, looked down at the breakfast brought into the bedroom and asked a question. Ivan, draping a robe over his naked body, replied, "What could be wrong?"
“If you're going to stay here anyway, you need a reason.”
Perhaps he was worried that the words might change. Thinking so, Yui rinsed her mouth lightly with water before shoving the fruit in. The moderately tart and sweet fruit crumbled in her mouth.
“Aren’t you going to ask why I did that?”
Ivan's expression, not even a hint of surprise, seemed suspicious. He narrowed his eyes and asked.
"Not really."
She didn't really feel like pointing out to Ivan why he did such a thing. True, as Ivan had said, she needed a reason to stay in Escliff, and since it wasn't going to change her mind, she figured it didn't matter.
Besides, it was Ivan. A man who had longed for her and loved her so desperately that he hadn't even glanced at another woman for years. She didn't think he would harm her.
“If you change your words again and tell me to become a government official, I’ll just follow Prince Musan.”
Yui added playfully. Ivan's face contorted. The man strode over and snatched the tray from Yui's lap. Yui, whose appetite had just begun to diminish, looked at the tray with a regretful expression before turning her gaze to Ivan.
“You told me you wouldn’t go.”
“I’m not going.”
"Just now..."
“If you betray me, that’s what I’ll do.”
Yui answered as she picked up a piece of fruit from the plate Ivan had snatched away. She then shoved it into Ivan's mouth. He muttered something along the lines of "She must be sensitive from hunger."
“No, not again.”
“Then I won’t have to do that either, so relax your expression.”
Yui replied briskly, pointing at the tray Ivan had taken. She meant for him to bring it back. Like a dutiful servant, Ivan offered the tray again.
“I will tell Prince Musan that I have embraced you and to leave you here.”
“That’s amazing.”
Yui replied in a calm voice. She hadn't expected it, so she didn't seem particularly surprised.
“I will use the woman I took as a symbol of harmony between the allies.”
But perhaps unable to anticipate what Ivan would say next, her hand, already reaching for the fruit, hesitated. Yui's gaze shifted to Ivan.
“Do you think they would do that in Mujo?”
“If they could gain the benefits of a marriage alliance without having to sacrifice their true bloodline all the way to such a distant place, they would follow.”
Ivan was certain. Mujo would definitely agree. Yui, who spoke Escliff fluently, was the most appropriate person to ask for mediation should any diplomatic issues arise.
“I didn’t know it would go this far.”
“Do whatever.”
Ivan spoke firmly. Yui followed the gentle light pouring down on his face, as if entranced.
“If there is anything I can do for you.”
Ivan's resolve was clear. He would do whatever he could for Yui. He would take the initiative to prevent any further inconvenience or sadness.
“There are things I thought about the moment I thought you were dead.”
The scars on his heart were still vivid as he recalled the moment he thought the woman he loved was dead.
"I shouldn't have lied. I shouldn't have deceived you. I shouldn't have treated you like a passing woman. I should've realized this feeling a little sooner."
Ivan affectionately bumped his forehead against hers.
“Instead of looking around and wondering if I can do it or not, I’ll just try it...”
Her heart ached at the soft whisper. She could sense the bitter regret he felt, thinking he had lost her forever.
“I don’t want to regret it again.”
Yui hugged the man, who must have been suffering under the curse left by Amelia Escliff, their foreheads pressed together. The tray of food spilled over to one side and fell onto the bed with a loud crash.
Ivan seemed startled for a moment, but then he looked up, firmly grasping the waist of the woman who had climbed onto his lap. A brilliant light poured over Yui's shoulder. Ivan couldn't resist and burrowed into Yui's lips again. The woman trapped in his arms didn't escape, but hugged Ivan's neck tightly.
Naturally, Prince Musan was extremely surprised to hear the news about Ivan and Yui. Since he didn't understand the Escliff language, he had heard directly from Yui that she would remain in Escliff.
[“It is, of course, a good thing for you to become a party to a marriage alliance...”]
Grand Prince Musan trailed off. A marriage alliance is always beneficial. But Ivan already had an heir, so marrying him would be like thrusting yourself into the middle of a political battle.
Meanwhile, the King of Mujo, deeply cherishing his daughter, opposed any marriage that would involve living far apart from him or plunging into complex political strife. He would absolutely oppose her marriage to Ivan.
So, if selling Yui could strengthen the bond between the nations, it would be beneficial for Mujo. But he wasn't sure if it would be good for Yui.
[“Are you sure this is good for you too?”]
Prince Musan asked. He seemed to be naturally kind and concerned for Yui, whom he had known for a little over a year. Instead of rebuking her for being a noob, Yui nodded with a smile.
[“Yeah. That’s what it looks like.”]
Then, Prince Musan smiled kindly, his face relaxed. A contented calm appeared on the woman's face, which had always seemed somewhat uneasy.
[“Leaving you here is not difficult. However, it is somewhat inappropriate for you, a non-royal member, to represent Mujo and bridge the two countries.”]
"Is it the opposite?"
[“Tell them you are the princess of Mujo.”]
[“What, how could that be possible...”]
[“Yes.”]
Her mouth fell open in surprise.
[“The King said that you should use your own discretion in most matters.”]
[“...”]
[“The Emperor impulsively took you as his consort, yet declared he would make you his concubine, considering his relationship with Muju. Since he requested a proper position instead, I told him I was lying about you being my sister. He will ultimately agree to this. After all, I would not wish to send my real sister as proof of the alliance.”]
Yui's lips twitched, but she couldn't say anything. If only it were possible, she'd be greedy. It would be an easy path. Ivan had said he would accept Yui as Empress even if she were merely an interpreter from Mujo, but she knew there would be considerable opposition.
[“As soon as I return to Mujo, I will ask my father to issue an edict officially granting you the status of Princess. If that doesn’t work, I will take you in as my adopted daughter.”]
[“...”]
[“If the Emperor doesn’t want to look down on you, you need to have a family, so just accept it.”]
Prince Musan advised Yui to accept his proposal.
“What did he say that made you make that face?”
Ivan looked at Yui's face with concern and asked. Yui quietly told Ivan about Prince Musan's proposal.
“What are you doing, Ivan!”
Ivan then immediately extended his hand to Prince Musan in a gesture of handshake. Prince Musan sensed Ivan had accepted his intention and quickly took his hand. This happened before Yui could even stop him.
“What are you hesitating for?”
Ivan, who was holding hands with Prince Musan, turned his head to Yui and asked.
“Don’t think about whether it’s selfish or not.”
“...”
“Just remember that whatever others offer you, it is because you think it is worth it.”
The moment Ivan said that, her hesitation vanished in an instant. She couldn't even remember why she had hesitated.
“...”
She suddenly became scared that she might be appearing in front of others with a false identity, that she might be using a fake name.
But didn't Grand Prince Musan promise to take her in as his adopted daughter and settle things? It would have been more foolish to swallow her words out of fear, cower, and limit her worth like before.
[“I will gratefully accept Your Majesty’s proposal.”]
Yui declared with a determined expression. Ivan smiled happily, as if he understood, even though he didn't know what she meant.
That alone made him happy with her decision.
From the early hours of the morning, rumors began to spread rapidly within the palace. Of course, it wasn't just a rumor about smoke rising from the chimney. Ivan, while Yui was sleeping, shook the rope and brought in the servants. Beyond her upper body, only her bare shoulders and a little hair were visible.
“Can I stay here?”
Yui, who had woken up late, looked down at the breakfast brought into the bedroom and asked a question. Ivan, draping a robe over his naked body, replied, "What could be wrong?"
“If you're going to stay here anyway, you need a reason.”
Perhaps he was worried that the words might change. Thinking so, Yui rinsed her mouth lightly with water before shoving the fruit in. The moderately tart and sweet fruit crumbled in her mouth.
“Aren’t you going to ask why I did that?”
Ivan's expression, not even a hint of surprise, seemed suspicious. He narrowed his eyes and asked.
"Not really."
She didn't really feel like pointing out to Ivan why he did such a thing. True, as Ivan had said, she needed a reason to stay in Escliff, and since it wasn't going to change her mind, she figured it didn't matter.
Besides, it was Ivan. A man who had longed for her and loved her so desperately that he hadn't even glanced at another woman for years. She didn't think he would harm her.
“If you change your words again and tell me to become a government official, I’ll just follow Prince Musan.”
Yui added playfully. Ivan's face contorted. The man strode over and snatched the tray from Yui's lap. Yui, whose appetite had just begun to diminish, looked at the tray with a regretful expression before turning her gaze to Ivan.
“You told me you wouldn’t go.”
“I’m not going.”
"Just now..."
“If you betray me, that’s what I’ll do.”
Yui answered as she picked up a piece of fruit from the plate Ivan had snatched away. She then shoved it into Ivan's mouth. He muttered something along the lines of "She must be sensitive from hunger."
“No, not again.”
“Then I won’t have to do that either, so relax your expression.”
Yui replied briskly, pointing at the tray Ivan had taken. She meant for him to bring it back. Like a dutiful servant, Ivan offered the tray again.
“I will tell Prince Musan that I have embraced you and to leave you here.”
“That’s amazing.”
Yui replied in a calm voice. She hadn't expected it, so she didn't seem particularly surprised.
“I will use the woman I took as a symbol of harmony between the allies.”
But perhaps unable to anticipate what Ivan would say next, her hand, already reaching for the fruit, hesitated. Yui's gaze shifted to Ivan.
“Do you think they would do that in Mujo?”
“If they could gain the benefits of a marriage alliance without having to sacrifice their true bloodline all the way to such a distant place, they would follow.”
Ivan was certain. Mujo would definitely agree. Yui, who spoke Escliff fluently, was the most appropriate person to ask for mediation should any diplomatic issues arise.
“I didn’t know it would go this far.”
“Do whatever.”
Ivan spoke firmly. Yui followed the gentle light pouring down on his face, as if entranced.
“If there is anything I can do for you.”
Ivan's resolve was clear. He would do whatever he could for Yui. He would take the initiative to prevent any further inconvenience or sadness.
“There are things I thought about the moment I thought you were dead.”
The scars on his heart were still vivid as he recalled the moment he thought the woman he loved was dead.
"I shouldn't have lied. I shouldn't have deceived you. I shouldn't have treated you like a passing woman. I should've realized this feeling a little sooner."
Ivan affectionately bumped his forehead against hers.
“Instead of looking around and wondering if I can do it or not, I’ll just try it...”
Her heart ached at the soft whisper. She could sense the bitter regret he felt, thinking he had lost her forever.
“I don’t want to regret it again.”
Yui hugged the man, who must have been suffering under the curse left by Amelia Escliff, their foreheads pressed together. The tray of food spilled over to one side and fell onto the bed with a loud crash.
Ivan seemed startled for a moment, but then he looked up, firmly grasping the waist of the woman who had climbed onto his lap. A brilliant light poured over Yui's shoulder. Ivan couldn't resist and burrowed into Yui's lips again. The woman trapped in his arms didn't escape, but hugged Ivan's neck tightly.
***
Naturally, Prince Musan was extremely surprised to hear the news about Ivan and Yui. Since he didn't understand the Escliff language, he had heard directly from Yui that she would remain in Escliff.
[“It is, of course, a good thing for you to become a party to a marriage alliance...”]
Grand Prince Musan trailed off. A marriage alliance is always beneficial. But Ivan already had an heir, so marrying him would be like thrusting yourself into the middle of a political battle.
Meanwhile, the King of Mujo, deeply cherishing his daughter, opposed any marriage that would involve living far apart from him or plunging into complex political strife. He would absolutely oppose her marriage to Ivan.
So, if selling Yui could strengthen the bond between the nations, it would be beneficial for Mujo. But he wasn't sure if it would be good for Yui.
[“Are you sure this is good for you too?”]
Prince Musan asked. He seemed to be naturally kind and concerned for Yui, whom he had known for a little over a year. Instead of rebuking her for being a noob, Yui nodded with a smile.
[“Yeah. That’s what it looks like.”]
Then, Prince Musan smiled kindly, his face relaxed. A contented calm appeared on the woman's face, which had always seemed somewhat uneasy.
[“Leaving you here is not difficult. However, it is somewhat inappropriate for you, a non-royal member, to represent Mujo and bridge the two countries.”]
"Is it the opposite?"
Yui blinked, unable to hide her momentary confusion.
[“If you were my sister, I wouldn’t know.”]
As Yui was observing Prince Musan's expression at the unfamiliar words, Ivan, unable to understand their conversation, frowned in frustration and straightened his upper body. The already large man looked even more imposing now that he was hunched over.
Yet Prince Musan wore a smile upon seeing him. There was a good reason for the whispers in Mujo that, should the frail Crown Prince meet with misfortune, he would become the next heir.
[“If you were my sister, I wouldn’t know.”]
As Yui was observing Prince Musan's expression at the unfamiliar words, Ivan, unable to understand their conversation, frowned in frustration and straightened his upper body. The already large man looked even more imposing now that he was hunched over.
Yet Prince Musan wore a smile upon seeing him. There was a good reason for the whispers in Mujo that, should the frail Crown Prince meet with misfortune, he would become the next heir.
[“Tell them you are the princess of Mujo.”]
[“What, how could that be possible...”]
[“Yes.”]
Her mouth fell open in surprise.
[“The King said that you should use your own discretion in most matters.”]
[“...”]
[“The Emperor impulsively took you as his consort, yet declared he would make you his concubine, considering his relationship with Muju. Since he requested a proper position instead, I told him I was lying about you being my sister. He will ultimately agree to this. After all, I would not wish to send my real sister as proof of the alliance.”]
Yui's lips twitched, but she couldn't say anything. If only it were possible, she'd be greedy. It would be an easy path. Ivan had said he would accept Yui as Empress even if she were merely an interpreter from Mujo, but she knew there would be considerable opposition.
[“As soon as I return to Mujo, I will ask my father to issue an edict officially granting you the status of Princess. If that doesn’t work, I will take you in as my adopted daughter.”]
[“...”]
[“If the Emperor doesn’t want to look down on you, you need to have a family, so just accept it.”]
Prince Musan advised Yui to accept his proposal.
“What did he say that made you make that face?”
Ivan looked at Yui's face with concern and asked. Yui quietly told Ivan about Prince Musan's proposal.
“What are you doing, Ivan!”
Ivan then immediately extended his hand to Prince Musan in a gesture of handshake. Prince Musan sensed Ivan had accepted his intention and quickly took his hand. This happened before Yui could even stop him.
“What are you hesitating for?”
Ivan, who was holding hands with Prince Musan, turned his head to Yui and asked.
“Don’t think about whether it’s selfish or not.”
“...”
“Just remember that whatever others offer you, it is because you think it is worth it.”
The moment Ivan said that, her hesitation vanished in an instant. She couldn't even remember why she had hesitated.
“...”
She suddenly became scared that she might be appearing in front of others with a false identity, that she might be using a fake name.
But didn't Grand Prince Musan promise to take her in as his adopted daughter and settle things? It would have been more foolish to swallow her words out of fear, cower, and limit her worth like before.
[“I will gratefully accept Your Majesty’s proposal.”]
Yui declared with a determined expression. Ivan smiled happily, as if he understood, even though he didn't know what she meant.
That alone made him happy with her decision.
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I think Chapter 137 is missing
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