The King Arranges a Marriage 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

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"What... what did you say?"

Catherine stood up from the sofa, staring at King Rodney XVIII in disbelief. Her striking blue eyes were filled with shock.

Her reaction didn't surprise the king.

Suppressing his own awkwardness, he said firmly, "Just as I said, the royal family requires you to marry into the Grayman family."

Though he felt somewhat unsure, he hid it well behind his commanding tone, making it clear there was no room for debate.

Upon hearing Rodney XVIII's confirmation, waves of anger and resentment surged through Catherine's heart.

"Why? Why use such a method?"

A fierce indignation swelled within her, mingled with a sense of humiliation. How could her own brother, the king, ask her to marry a man she had only met once?

With her intelligence, she quickly surmised that someone must have encouraged the king to make this decision.

"Gerd!" she said sharply, using the name the king was called before he ascended the throne. "Who urged you to do this? McKee? Or... my uncle?"

"The decision was mine!"

Rodney XVIII stared back at her, unflinching, meeting Catherine's gaze without hesitation.

But his eyes conveyed something to Catherine: "Many people want you gone. Only your departure will bring them peace."

Catherine forced herself to hold back her fury, but her tone was icy. "Your decision makes me feel like a mere object!"

Rodney XVIII nodded. "To the kingdom, we're all objects, aren't we? Just waiting for the right price."

"Then why not exile me if you want your supporters to feel secure? Send me to defend against the orcs in Inner Neron Valley, even as a common knight! Why must I be dismissed through marriage?"

"Catherine!" The king looked her up and down. "You have exceptional qualities. If I weren't your brother, I might have pursued you myself."

"Someone as exceptional as you is far more valuable in the Northwest Bay than in Inner Neron Valley. There are already enough knights there, but Alden lacks a mistress—a graceful, noble woman with royal blood."

"I've learned that Paul Grayman has yet to marry. You know, a man's first wife often holds significant influence in his household, sometimes even becoming his equal. Truly, if Grayman already had a wife, I'd never have sent you there to suffer."

"Haha!" Catherine let out a sarcastic laugh. "Dear king and brother, am I to thank you for this?"

Rodney XVIII replied seriously, "Catherine, you are a princess. Yes, in many tales, a princess means a romantic love story. But that's merely a fairy tale. You've helped uncle manage affairs, led troops, and fought in battles. I imagine you're beyond such fantasies."

"You can ask your married or engaged friends if their husbands are anything like their dreamed-of princes or if their marriages are untouched by family interests."

He stared at her intensely and said slowly but firmly, "I believe you should have this understanding."

Catherine slumped down, a resigned look on her face.

She didn't need to ask; she knew well enough. For noblewomen, marriage was usually arranged by family, and even if they were the last of their line, their feudal lords still held sway over their marriage choices.

Did poetry and novels depict women defying familial control to pursue love? Certainly. But they were few and far between, making them legendary figures.

To escape such an arrangement, there was only one option: retreat to a convent, vow a life of chastity, and serve God. Though she was devout, Catherine had no desire to live her days idly in a convent.

"Did Paul Grayman ask for this?" she asked bitterly.

"No, he didn't!" the king replied. "But from the moment he saw you, I could tell you were the type of woman he'd admire. So, I believe he'll cherish and treat you well."

The king's anxiety eased somewhat. Catherine's anger at the forced marriage had now shifted to the prospective spouse, albeit negatively, indicating she was halfway resigned.

"Why him?" she pressed.

"I'm sure uncle spoke to you about the Northwest Bay's significance before he passed."

Instantly, Catherine recalled her father's words on his deathbed: "There seems to be a quiet transformation happening on the land to the kingdom's northwest."

She fell silent, lost in thought.

She had vowed to dedicate her life to her country. But why did fate demand she do so in this manner?

After a long pause, she asked softly yet coldly, "When I reach the Northwest Bay, which identity should take precedence?"

The king looked up. "What do you mean?"

"As a princess of Rodney? Or as Lady Grayman? Should I remain loyal to the royal family, or to my husband?"

Her brother raised an eyebrow. "Catherine, that's a tough question. Why not unite those two roles?"

"One day, these roles may come into conflict. Who knows what fate has planned?" she replied coldly. "For example…"

"I was informed by my brother today that I'll soon have a husband."

The king didn't immediately respond, only saying after a while, "Normally, a woman should first be loyal to her husband. But you aren't an ordinary woman, so you…"

He hesitated, appearing somewhat troubled.

After a moment of silence, he strode to the window, took a few deep breaths of fresh air, and then continued, "Catherine, I know you are a just and perceptive woman, with a strong sense of judgment."

"A profound transformation is about to occur. Some things, right today, may be wrong tomorrow; others, wrong today, may be right tomorrow."

"I can only do my best for the kingdom's future. I dare not judge."

"If fate indeed forces you to choose between the two… then follow your heart. With your wisdom, I believe you'll choose the right side."

Catherine was startled, surprised by his words.

It seemed as though his statement hinted at something subtle, something she wanted to grasp but could not.

A transformation.

Both her father and brother had spoken of it, all pointing to the Northwest Bay.

Perhaps she should see the land for herself? 

TLN: Man, this is gonna be awkward as hell for Paul...

(End of the Chapter)

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