Chapter 94

“I said I was engaged.”

Declan glanced down in amusement. For a moment, Duke Otien’s expression hardened.

“It was presided over by the Pope and under the observation of the cardinals as well as all the priests of the Great Temple.”

As he beckoned, Noah came over and handed him the scroll.

“This is an engagement certificate officially approved by the Pope.”

Even though the temple had lost its power, it was still customary for priests to preside over weddings and funerals.

“If His Holiness, no one else, presided, then it would not be lacking for the imperial etiquette.”

Everyone agreed with Duke Buccleuch’s words. When I glanced at Duke Otien the next moment, his composed expression was now cracked.

“It’s just a pity that I couldn’t be there with you… Congratulations on your engagement.”

In the end, the Duke bowed his head and the nobles had to acknowledge the engagement.

“I’m so glad everyone congratulated me.”

Saying so, Declan gently wrapped his arms around my shoulders as he continued, “You guys should thank Erica. Didn’t everyone worry when I said I wouldn’t get married?”

“That’s right. You are truly the benefactor of the Empire.”

Duke Buccleuch smiled happily and looked at me.

“Now, let’s discuss the wedding later in the meeting and focus on the banquet today.”

Then, Declan turned his gaze to Caleb.

“It was a welcome banquet for the delegation of Tierra, but I unintentionally became the main character. I apologize.”

“Oh, no. It is an honor to be with you on such an auspicious day.”

Caleb greeted with a bewildered face and peered at Jennifer. She showed sharp hostility when her eyes met mine. Even though she smiled as if she was responding, her eyes, resembling darkness, burned ferociously.

I met that gaze calmly and turned my head. This time, my eyes met Seian’s.

He was smiling at me with interest.

‘Why is he smiling…?’

For some reason, that smile made me feel uncomfortable.

‘Still, he’s a person who will stay quiet and return to his country.’

The worries quickly flew away at Declan’s one word.

“Erika Luhandel, will you allow me to do your first dance?”

At those words, I gazed at him, who bowed politely and extended his hand, I had mixed feelings. Suddenly, the memory of me dancing with him on the terrace came to mind.

“It’s an honor.”

As I took that hand without hesitation, Declan gently rolled his eyes. When we went out to the center, the band quickly started playing a dance song. The people in the hall stepped aside to make space for us to dance.

“His Majesty is dancing. It’s something worth living for a really long time to see.”

I took a deep breath at the sound of whispers.

“I guess everyone was surprised?”

“I guess so. I only danced with a doll.”

Imagining that scene made me smile.

“It feels like a dream to be able to hold hands and dance with you like this.”

“I know. Do you remember the first time you danced on the terrace?”

“How could I forget?”

I touched the hand that was holding me.

“You don’t know how much I wanted to touch Your Majesty at that time.”

“I wanted to feel your warmth, too.”

Soon, the warmth spread from the hot hand wrapped around my waist.

“You know I’m still clumsy, right?”

Although I learned to dance from Stella, I still made many mistakes.

“I know. How many times have you stepped on my feet?”

As I mumbled in embarrassment, Declan hugged me even more.

“It’s okay. I’ll lead, so relax.”

Even so, I was worried about the steps so I kept my head down.

“Erica.”

When I raised my head at his call, a deep gaze met.

“You have to look at me. It’s our first official dance.”

How much did he wish for this? Captivated by his hot eyes that only looked at me, I followed his lead. I didn’t feel the persistent gazes anymore… It was just Declan and me at this moment.

Eventually, when the dance was over, my heart was beating as if I had run a sprint.

“Well done.”

He whispered softly and kissed my forehead.

Even though we moved away from the center, people couldn’t think of dancing after us. Rather, they seemed busy just taking glimpses at us.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Elliott Buccleuch.”

The first to approach was Duke Buccleuch.

“My name is Erica Luhandel. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

When I greeted him politely, Duke Buccleuch smiled happily.

Returning from the Great Temple, the first people Declan met were Duke Buccleuch and Duke Caster. I told them the circumstances and sought the support of the Emperor faction and the neutral faction. Both of them were surprised by the fact that we were engaged but promised active support.

“Your Majesty, it seems that the nobles are talking about this.”

“I guess so.”

The nobles gathered around Duke Otien still looked confused.

“Actually, I was also very surprised in a different way.”

Duke Buccleuch’s gaze briefly met mine, then dropped.

“Is it because of the Princess’ doll?”

The Duke was a little taken aback at the question, probably not expecting me to mention it myself. I persisted.

“Everyone who sees me is surprised, and I couldn’t help but notice.”

“Did you? I apologize.”

“Actually, I was astonished when I saw that doll.”

Declan laughed at the skillful performance.

“I met Theodore a long time ago, and I never thought he would make a doll that looked like me.”

This was a story I had discussed with Declan beforehand.

“Thanks to that, I feel like I’ve been able to connect with His Majesty so I’m grateful.”

I looked at Declan as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders before opening his mouth, “I’m grateful to Chloe and the doll, for letting me meet Erica.”

The Duke’s eyes widened as he distinguished between Chloe and the doll and behaved calmly.

So did the people around him.

“Your Majesty…”

There was a lot of emotion in that call. Duke Buccleuch’s eyes seemed to have moistened for some reason.

“I’m sorry for worrying you for a long time. Even so, I’m always grateful for trusting me and being with me.”

“I will be loyal to Your Majesty.”

The Duke, immersed in emotion, bowed his back deeply.

“The Savior is truly the benefactor of the Empire. Thank you.”

He bowed politely to me as well.

‘With this, one death flag is gone…’

It was because Duke Buccleuch wouldn’t betray us.

Even after that, congratulations continued.

“I never thought there would be an announcement like this at today’s banquet.”

Caleb approached with an awkward smile.

“I wanted to receive your congratulations, so I made an announcement today. I hope you understand.”

“We are only happy to be able to congratulate you.”

He continued to look at Jennifer as he spoke. She looked all over for Declan while smiling brightly as usual.

‘She must be wondering why the enchantment spell didn’t activate.’

It must have been very confusing and embarrassing.

“Thank you for the congratulations. The agreement is being finalized, so I will be returning to my country soon.”

“Ah, yes.”

“I hope that no one is left out.”

Caleb smiled awkwardly when Declan emphasized that everyone had to go back.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Jennifer Medicis.”

Soon, Jennifer greeted me with her eyes curved and continued.

“I never imagined that I would experience divine power firsthand. It’s really amazing.”

“You’re welcome. Rohim has entrusted us with an undeserved mission.”

Watching her, I uttered out words of humility.

“By the way, how did you two meet?”

Even though Jennifer’s eyes shone as if she was really curious, her eyes were just cold as she scanned me up and down.

“Why are you curious about that?”

As Declan asked coldly, she opened her eyes even more fiercely.

“I’m curious to hear that Your Majesty, who had rejected all marriage proposals, suddenly got engaged.”

“Can’t you see Erica?”

“What?”

Jennifer asked with a slightly perplexed face.

“How could I not fall for such a lovely woman?”

“That’s right. I asked for the obvious.”

After that, a fruitless story followed.

“Uh, uh.”

All of a sudden, an attendant carrying drinks fell between us. The glasses they were holding spilled and fall, staining Declan’s clothes and me with red wine.

“Oh my, are you both okay?”

Jennifer, who was stomping her feet in surprise, quickly took out her handkerchief and wiped Declan’s clothes.

Tak!

“Don’t touch me.”

Declan, who mercilessly removed her hand, glared ferociously.

“I’m sorry. I was in a hurry.”

Saying so, Jennifer fidgeted and immediately lowered her head.