An Unexpected Proposal

August 17, 2020

"Have you made contact with the First Prince of the Christi Kingdom?"

"Fortunately, he welcomed our proposal. It should proceed without issue."@@novelbin@@

"That is hardly fortunate. There’s little to gain from this arrangement."

Cabelenus’s lips twisted slightly in displeasure. To minimize his losses, he had even sought out Veloa’s eldest brother, yet securing a meaningful advantage was proving difficult. The prince was not pleased with Veloa’s engagement to Cabelenus, but that was all. The terms he offered in exchange for breaking the engagement paled in comparison to the conditions Veloa had initially proposed.

"There’s no helping it. The perspectives of a ruler and one who is leaving are fundamentally different."

Gajev chuckled awkwardly. As the most likely candidate for the next king, the First Prince had little to lose. Even if Cabelenus had gone through with the engagement, the prince would have simply lamented that he couldn’t sell his sister at a higher price—nothing more. He would not have taken any further action.

"I suppose I should just be grateful that the nuisance is being dealt with so easily."

Cabelenus let out a short sigh and pressed his fingers to his temple. Just remembering Veloa screaming at him like a petulant child over the broken engagement made his head throb.

"By the way, the princess has requested a meeting."

"Reject it. The matter is already settled."

"Anticipating that response, I turned her down myself. However, it seems she still refuses to accept Your Highness’s decision."

"She carried herself as if everything already belonged to her. It’s only natural she would resist."

Veloa’s displeasure was expected given the sudden reversal. However, her protests could not be entertained indefinitely. Noble marriages were always subject to change until they were officially sealed. It was said that a true noble would experience at least a dozen broken engagements in their lifetime. There was no grounds to make an issue of a mere verbal agreement falling through. Veloa knew this just as well as anyone.

"She knows all she can do is raise her voice, which is why she’s making such a fuss. Ignore her and ensure she leaves without incident. The deal with the First Prince will go more smoothly if she remains unharmed."

Cabelenus crossed his legs and absentmindedly flipped through the documents in front of him. Gajev, pretending to organize papers, cautiously observed his superior’s expression. It was highly unusual for Cabelenus to go back on a decision, especially when it meant forgoing an obvious gain. Even knowing it was a futile hope, Gajev couldn’t help but wonder.

"To be honest, I never expected Your Highness to make this choice."

"Neither did I. That I, of all people, would allow my emotions to blind me into making such an absurd decision."