Duke Proposes Annulment

The Duke, made his way to His Majesty's presence, carrying a weighty proposition in his heart. As he stood before the emperor, He greeted and spoke boldly with confidence and power, "Your Majesty, I submit a proposal for the annulment of our engagement. I believe it is in the best interest of both parties that my Dukedom and I no longer maintain any familial ties with the Imperial family through martial relation."

(Mackil Duke's pov)

Unbeknownst to me, the Emperor was already aware of the Crown Prince's mistreatment of Helen, my daughter. However, he had chosen to turn a blind eye, convinced that Helen's infatuation with the Crown Prince would prevent her from ever entertaining the idea of breaking off the engagement. In his mind, it was advantageous for the Crown Prince to keep the Sulgae family close.

Thus, my sudden proposition for annulment sent shockwaves through the Emperor as well. He carefully considered his response before addressing me, "Duke, are you absolutely certain about this decision? I believe it would be prudent to leave the final verdict in the hands of our children."

Knowing the immense power held by the Mackil Dukedom, responsible for managing all the empire's businesses and functioning as its financial backbone, the Emperor understood that he had no authority to impose his will upon us. Respectfully, I concurred, "I concur, Your Majesty. I shall bring my daughter before you, allowing her to decide the fate of our engagement. Time is of the essence, for I wish to prevent any further spread of rumors concerning my daughter's involvement in a loveless engagement."

Amidst a bitter smile, the Emperor suggested, "Very well, Duke. We shall await your next visit to extend the invitation to your daughter. However, why not expedite matters and summon her forthwith? After all, she is attending the tea party organized by the Empress today. I shall order my knights to bring Miss Helen respectfully from the gathering. Let us conclude this engagement today, without unnecessary delay."

With a heavy heart and a touch of resignation, I thanked the Emperor for his understanding and departed to dispatch my knights to retrieve my daughter, Helen, from the Empress's tea party.

The Crown Prince never could have fathomed, even in his wildest dreams, that Helen, who had been hopelessly infatuated with him, would be the one to propose the annulment of their marriage. The Empress herself found it difficult to believe that a girl who had remained silent in the face of insults would now seek to cancel the engagement with her precious son.

Clivat, with her innocent countenance, could hardly contain her joy. She believed that now that Helen was no longer in love with the Crown Prince, she would become his and he could make her his wife.

"What... what do you mean by annulment? We are engaged for political reasons. How can you simply withdraw as you wish?" the Crown Prince asked, his voice filled with tension. He could not accept that the girl he had always disregarded since their youth now desired to sever their ties.

"Political reasons? Do you believe that House Mackil can be restrained by mere political pressures?" Helen glared at the Prince, a cold smile playing upon her lips.

"Do not think that I will see you differently or develop any love for you just because you attempt this game of cat and mouse! I will never love you. My only beloved is Clivat," the Crown Prince shouted, his frustration evident.

Clivat blushed at the declaration, overwhelmed by the unexpected confession.

"Be quiet and mind your manners," the Empress warned the Crown Prince sternly, trying to ease the tension by forcing an awkward smile.

The other ladies present reveled in the spectacle, thoroughly enjoying the unfolding drama.

Just then, the knight sent by the Emperor arrived, interrupting the charged atmosphere.

"Greetings to the moon of the empire," he greeted the Crown Prince and the Empress before turning his attention to Miss Helen. "The Emperor wishes to see you, little sun of the empire. Please accompany me."

Realizing that her father must have already broached the subject of annulment with the Emperor, Helen excused herself from the company of Her Majesty, the Crown Prince, and the other ladies. "Oh, it seems my father has already presented the proposal of annulment to the Emperor. Please excuse me, Your Majesty, Crown Prince, and lovely ladies. I must go and address the Emperor's concerns," she stated calmly, rising from her seat.

"Wait, I will accompany you," the Crown Prince declared, walking towards the knight. He turned back and bid farewell to Her Majesty and Lady Clivat.

With a mixture of uncertainty and determination, Helen and the Crown Prince followed the knight, leaving behind a room filled with curious gazes and a lingering sense of anticipation.

Helen was acutely aware that the Emperor would not readily consent to the annulment of their engagement. His desire for control over the nation's financial affairs was well-known, and he would undoubtedly perceive House Mackil's vast wealth and influence as an indispensable asset.

As I pondered the situation, I understood the complexities that lay ahead. The Emperor's thirst for power extended not only to matters of state but also to the intricate web of economic transactions that sustained the empire. The Mackil Dukedom's role as the principal steward of these financial endeavors granted us considerable leverage and autonomy.

Knowing the Emperor's disposition, I realized that obtaining his approval for the annulment would be no easy task. He would undoubtedly strive to maintain his grasp over the flow of money within the nation, believing it to be an essential instrument of control.

I embarked on a path that would test our resolve and diplomatic prowess. We (Mackil Dukedome)

were prepared to face the formidable challenge of convincing the Emperor that our desires were just and valid, even in the face of his insatiable thirst for power.

With every step we took, we braced ourselves for the inevitable clash of wills, knowing that the fate of this engagement and the future of House Mackil rested on our ability to navigate the treacherous waters of the Emperor's ambitions. It was a battle where financial influence, political maneuvering, and the spirit of freedom would clash in a fierce struggle for resolution.

As we ventured forth, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination within me. I was ready to confront the Emperor, armed not only with the Mackil Dukedom's financial might but also with the conviction that our Dukedom has enough power to overwhelme the empire in matters of trade and the inherent right to choose our own destiny should prevail.

Little did I know that this journey would not only challenge our relationship but also reshape the very foundations of power within the empire. The stage was set, and the stakes were high as we prepared to face the Emperor, knowing that our fate and the destiny of the nation hung in the balance.