The King Arranges a Marriage 5
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"I have no opinion. Lord Grayman, you can decide for yourself."
Ladia glanced at Paul when she said this, her expression showing neither joy nor sorrow.
What, you don't care?
Paul felt a surge of disappointment; she really didn't care.
"Since that's the case, then it's settled!"
Paul made his decision.
"I will respond to His Majesty the King immediately. If Princess Catherine can become my wife, I will feel incredibly honored and grateful!"
"Everyone, I am currently feeling excited, happy, and blessed. I hope you all can attend my wedding."
He caught a glimpse of Ladia from the corner of his eye and thought he might be acting a bit petulantly.
"Congratulations, Paul!" Malon beamed at him. "If this works out, old butler Philip will finally have a huge burden lifted off his shoulders."
Derrick teased him, "Be careful, after you leave tomorrow, the noble youths of Crystal Glare might line up to duel you."
Earl Parker was beaming. "Princess Catherine marrying into the Northwest Bay will be an honor for all of us Northwest nobles."
Captain Victor was a bit choked up. "Oh, if only your father, old Lord Grayman, could see this moment."
Hansel, Bernard, and the others also congratulated Paul.
Among the crowd, only Ladia remained silent after her earlier remark. However, this was consistent with her usual demeanor, which gave off a cool and quiet impression, so no one found it strange.
After everyone dispersed, Paul promptly visited Earl Abbott at Hansel's residence, carrying gifts. When he arrived, Hansel had just returned and hadn't even changed his clothes yet.
He explained his purpose to Earl Abbott, who was very pleased.
"I hope you and Princess Catherine can find happiness together."
The task entrusted to him by the king had been successfully accomplished.
---
"Catherine, Paul Grayman has responded, saying he feels very honored and grateful."
In the palace garden, Rodney the Eighteenth found his sister and shared the news with her.
"Is that so? Now you can rest easy, Your Majesty."
Catherine replied lightly.
"What about Aunt Felice…"
Rodney mentioned his aunt, who was also Catherine's mother.
"Don't worry, I will handle that myself."
"Ah, you truly are a thoughtful sister."
"However…" Catherine suddenly said.
"Hmm? Do you have any wishes? I will fulfill them." Rodney promised.
Catherine stated plainly, "When I move to the Northwest Bay, I hope to take my mother and sister with me."
Rodney frowned.
He struggled internally, wondering if he should be ruthless and keep Catherine's mother and sister in Crystal Glare as a means to control her from afar.
However, Catherine had already made great sacrifices. If he continued in this way, he feared any remaining familial bond would vanish entirely.
Catherine saw the conflict in Rodney's expression, and her gaze toward the king grew colder.
"Oh, of course, of course… you can take them with you."
Rodney forced a sorrowful expression onto his face.
"Though I will miss them greatly, we are family, aren't we?"
"But…" he added, "I hope you will respect their own wishes, especially Eileen. She is still so young, isn't she?"
"She's youthful, lively, and a scholar. She would surely prefer a beautiful, bustling, and culturally rich place. The Northwest Bay can't compare to Crystal Glare in this regard. Besides, Eileen isn't that young anymore, and there are so many excellent young men to choose from in Crystal Glare."
"Are there really options for her?"
Catherine interrupted him. "Won't Eileen be arranged with someone simply because of your words? Perhaps Vibern? Or even Giles?"
"My heavens!" Rodney exclaimed, his voice tinged with embarrassment and annoyance.
"Catherine, what kind of person do you think I am? Am I really so bottomless?"
"You know your situation is quite unique…"
A hint of sadness surfaced in Catherine's eyes as she said, "Eileen is coming with me. I want to give her a free life."
"I sincerely wish her a bright future. I truly wish for that," the king said.
"By the way, perhaps you should take the time to engage with Paul privately and nurture a relationship early on; he is quite reserved and shy…"
"Shut up!"
Catherine rudely interrupted the king.
---
"Crash!"
The crystal cup shattered on the ground.
Eileen stared blankly at her sister, while their mother, former Queen Felice, looked equally shocked at her eldest daughter.
Catherine had just informed them about her impending marriage.
"Why didn't you discuss this with us first?" Felice reproached her angrily.
Even though her eldest daughter was usually very opinionated, this was simply outrageous.
"It was… it was arranged by Brother Gerd."
Catherine told her mother and sister the truth.
"However, I will take you both with me."
The two quickly realized what was happening. While they weren't involved in politics, their position meant they could not remain indifferent.
"Alright, I'll go find him! Now that he's king, he's bullying his own sister."
Felice stood up angrily, intending to confront her royal nephew.
"Mother!"
Catherine grabbed her.
"I've already agreed. Gerd is right; this truly is the best way to maintain unity in the kingdom. There has to be a concession."
"Sigh, Catherine!"
Felice embraced her daughter tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Who?"
Eileen, just waking from her daze, suddenly asked.
"Huh?"
"I mean, who is Gerd marrying you off to?"
Eileen's eyes widened, asking a very important question.
The little princess was now filled with rage, as if something significant was being taken from her.
How could her sister… how could her sister… be given to someone else?
Though she had known this day would eventually come, facing it now made Eileen's heart ache.
Moreover, this was not even her sister's own desire.
Catherine wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Eileen, you know this person."
"I know?"
"It's Paul Grayman from the Northwest Bay."
"Ah?"
Eileen's eyes widened even further.
No way?
TLN: Eileen be like, "I saw him first!!!"
(End of the Chapter)
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