Chapter 76: Unexpected offer

Without understanding what was happening, I found myself surrounded by the princes and princesses of the Tamerid Empire, as well as Fiona's three sons and her other daughter. Of course, the reason for this was Princess Evangeline, who was the first to approach me, followed in turn by the other princes and princesses.I could eventually understand why Princess Evangeline was coming towards me, but what about the other siblings who followed her like ducklings?

Unfortunately, the table I was sitting at was quite large, making it a reasonable size for others to sit at. They had already started talking among themselves, but since I didn't see a need to join the conversation, I directed my gaze towards the engaged couple. They were exchanging rings, and then Tamerid's second prince leaned forward and kissed Umala. The crowd began to applaud and cheer.

After a passionate kiss, they withdrew and approached the clergyman. The clergyman sprinkled a kind of water on the couple's heads and then recited a prayer in a distinct language.

After the clergyman finished his prayers, the guests around the couple slowly began to clap. The love and devotion in the couple's eyes were among the most special moments of the ceremony. King Richard and Emperor Exdarth of Tamerid were standing next to the couple. When the clergyman left the area, the crowd here finally started to stir.

"Althea, bring the gift," I said, and Althea nodded and walked away.

In this world's traditions, giving gifts during an engagement ceremony was customary. Gifts were never given at weddings, as giving gifts at a wedding would be considered disrespectful, except for Southerners. Southerners generally presented their gifts at marriage ceremonies. However, there were no Southerners here, so everyone else followed the tradition and lined up to give their gifts.

Respecting such traditions, I also intended to present my gift at the engagement ceremony.

Althea returned with two male servants, and I stood up and walked towards the newly engaged couple. When I glanced back, I noticed that Evangeline was walking beside me. As I approached the couple, I noticed Fiona looking at me, but I couldn't discern any emotion from her gaze—it definitely wasn't an indifferent look.

I also saw my mother, Luciana, looking at me with a proud expression. I walked with the servants carrying the chest towards the slightly elevated platform where the couple was standing. The servants behind me were using all their focus to avoid dropping the chest down the stairs. When I finally approached the couple, I glanced at the two state leaders beside them.

My father, King Richard, had a smile on his face, while Emperor Exdarth had a curious expression. Ignoring the two, I looked at the couple and noticed a fleeting expression of hatred on my sister Umala's face.

"I congratulate Princess Umala and Prince Yavein on their engagement," I said in a completely indifferent tone.

I first called Althea from behind and asked her to bring the long box she was holding. Althea opened the long box and took out a shining sword.

"This is a masterpiece made by Master Grannor from the South, who has struck twenty thousand times" I said briefly. S~eaʀᴄh the NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Then I called the two male servants behind me and watched as they placed the chest beside me. I opened the chest to reveal the clothes shining in the sunlight.

"These are products I brought from the Tiamat Empire in the North for my sister Umala. I congratulate you both on your engagement again and hope you have an advantageous marriage," I said and walked back to my seat with Althea.

My cold and indifferent manner had attracted a lot of attention, but for some reason, the interest of Princess Evangeline, who was watching me with a grin, caught my attention the most.

Instead of returning to my seat, I moved to another empty place by the lake and poured myself a drink. Since the place was covered with white marble, it was not wet at all. Before long, Evangeline came to the place where I had moved and sat in the chair next to me.

"It's quite a pleasant view, isn't it? Unfortunately, unlike you, who can see this view every day, I will only see it once," said Evangeline as she prepared herself a drink.

"If you want, you can see it every day," I said casually, which caused Evangeline to look at me with a surprised expression.

"Was that a roundabout marriage proposal?"

When faced with this unexpected question, I realized from Evangeline's laughter that she wasn't serious. Also, it was impossible not to sense the killing aura emanating from Althea behind me.

"I'm joking. I know you're not the kind of man to propose. So, I guess I'll have to propose," she said.

I wasn't sure if this girl was joking or serious, but I knew I needed to do something about Althea's deadly glares.

"Althea, go wait for me in the carriage. I'll join you soon," I said, looking at Althea.

There was a hint of disappointment in Althea's eyes, and she looked at me with a surprised expression, but then she turned and left. I made a mental note to pamper her later and turned back to Evangeline. She was looking at me with a mischievous smile.

"Was that an indirect declaration of love, Princess?" I asked, while refilling my glass.

"If it were, would you accept it?" she asked suddenly again.

Her attitude continued to surprise me, but after clearing my throat, I momentarily considered actually marrying Evangeline. She was a princess of the Tamerid Empire, and with my help, she would certainly become the next empress. The power dynamics in the Tamerid Empire were more complex than those in the Asina Kingdom, but this actually made gaining power simpler.

If I were a prince in the Tamerid Empire right now, I would probably be the sole heir to the throne and I would have already defeated my siblings. I know this sounds a bit arrogant, but it was true.

Ultimately, in the Tamerid Empire, princes and princesses could summon an army whenever they wished, and this was not against the rules. Just for this reason alone, I could easily neutralize many of my rivals. After all, I used to be a history teacher and knew a great deal about cunning military tactics, especially for large-scale wars.

"I suppose if that's the case, I could discuss the marriage discussing with you" I replied to the surprised Evangeline.

Evangeline's expression of surprise seemed to be trying to gauge whether my response was genuine. There was a moment of silence, interrupted only by the sounds of the surrounding crowd and a few curious glances. Finally, Evangeline smiled slightly and took a sip of her drink.

"When a princess from the most powerful state on the continent proposes to you, do you really want to waste time discussing it?" she asked, taking another sip of her drink. "Also, are you truly interested, or are you just joking?" she added, finishing her drink in one gulp.

Evangeline's serious tone made it clear that this was not just a joke. Her smile had vanished, replaced by an expression of curiosity and anticipation. Her demeanor further complicated my thoughts. Taking a sip of my drink, I wanted to delve deeper into the subject.

"I am serious, Princess," I said, setting aside my inner plans and looking into Evangeline's eyes. "However, accepting such a proposal is a significant step and cannot be decided with just a few sentences."

Evangeline tilted her head slightly and stared at me. "Then what kind of step do you think we should take?" she asked. Her tone clearly reflected seriousness and interest.

"First, everything needs to be clarified, and both sides must evaluate this decision from all angles," I said. "We must particularly consider the power dynamics between the Tamerid Empire and the Asina Kingdom."

Evangeline's eyes lit up. "It's clear you are quite serious about this," she said. "However, understanding the emotions and intentions of both sides will be important in this process. We will also need to consider the relationships between the two empires." There was an evident hidden meaning in her words.

"Then, come to my study when you have time, and we can discuss this further," I said, standing up. "Now, if you'll excuse me," I added, straightening my clothes.

"I will visit you when I have time," she said.

"Oh, and by the way, I should let you know that I won't be very available tomorrow," I said, walking towards the carriage.

Although I noticed that people were watching me because of my premature departure, I walked to the carriage without paying much attention and got inside. As I sat in the carriage, Evangeline's words and glances were still running through my mind. I needed more information to understand the true intent behind this sudden and striking proposal.

Whether Evangeline was joking or serious was a crucial factor that would influence my future plans.

As the carriage doors closed and I looked out at the passing scenery, I began to consider the implications of the proposal from both personal and political perspectives. But then I shook my head and pushed the thoughts aside. I looked at Althea beside me, and my eyes widened in surprise. Even though she had looked away, I noticed her wet lashes and slightly swollen eyes.

However, I understood that Althea was not in the mood for conversation right now, so I remained silent. Doing anything now might backfire...