NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Chap 3.2
Judging Blair's surprised expression as showing reluctance towards this marriage, Ivan quickly added.
"I trust you won't say anything childish like you don't want a political marriage."
"It's quite a good, no, the best match. There are women all over the empire who would love to dance with Duke Delmark even once. His Majesty has put a lot of thought into your marriage partner."
"Your marriage is not simply a union between a man and a woman. It's for improving relations between families, so as an imperial princess, you should have a sense of responsibility…"
Ivan and Katrina preemptively struck, worried that Blair might express opposition to this engagement.
Seeing their reactions, Blair finally recalled her past memories.
'I'm sorry to both of you, but I don't want this marriage.'
Before her regression, in the same situation, Blair had refused to marry Herdin.
It was the first act of rebellion from Blair, who had always been obedient to Ivan and Katrina's words.
It wasn't because she disliked Herdin. Blair found him uncomfortable and frightening. Ever since that day ten years ago when the fire incident occurred in the Empress's Palace.
But…
"I'll do it."
This life's Blair showed a different reaction from her past life. Obeying Ivan's order as she always had before her regression.
"It's only right that I follow Your Majesty's will."
However, her eyes had changed from before.
In this life, she had a reason why she absolutely had to marry Herdin.
* * *
After finishing the luncheon and returning to the Imperial Princess's Palace, Lina secretly observed Blair's mood.
'She seems different from usual today… Did something happen?'
But as her closest maid, there was nothing about Blair's every move that she didn't know.
Until last night, everything had been as usual.
She had just slept quietly in her room and woken up, nothing could have happened in between.
If anything, the news of the marriage to Herdin that she heard at today's luncheon might have been shocking.
However, Blair seemed unaffected by that news.
'No, rather… she seems to be in a better mood than this morning.'
Lina tilted her head.
Although it was before she had entered the imperial palace, she knew that the relationship between the Delmark duchy and the imperial family was not good.
And that the fire incident at the Empress's Palace had sealed that ill fate.
'Her mood seems to have improved after learning of a sudden marriage arrangement with a politically opposed family.'
Blair's father, the previous emperor, had two women.
The legitimate empress, Esmeralda, and the imperial consort, Katrina.
However, the empress had no children for several years, and for that reason, Katrina was brought in as a concubine.
At the time of her entry into the palace, Katrina, of gypsy origin, had no power or influence, but when she gave birth to a son, Ivan, those seeking to attach themselves to power quickly emerged.
As the power struggle between the two women intensified, political opposition centered around Esmeralda and Katrina developed.
Nevertheless, the empress loved Blair, the daughter of her political rival, as if she were her own daughter.
At least, that's how it appeared on the surface. Until 'that incident' occurred.
A fire broke out in the Empress's Palace, killing the empress and severely injuring Blair, who was with her.
The shock caused Blair to lose her memories of that time.
The emperor, vowing to uncover who had hurt his daughter, investigated thoroughly, and all circumstances pointed to Empress Esmeralda.
The Delmark duchy, Esmeralda's family, denied the results, claiming it couldn't be true, but in the end, the empress was buried with the status of a traitor.
Her only nephew was none other than Herdin.
'Their Majesties are also inconsiderate. No matter how much it's for improving relations…'
An unwanted marriage, especially to Blair who was the direct victim of the incident, couldn't be welcome.
Worried, Lina was about to speak as she received Blair's outer garment, but Blair spoke first.
"Lina."
"Yes, yes!"
"Please send someone to the Delmark duchy. Tell them I want to meet tomorrow. If they're busy, ask them to let me know a suitable date."
Surprised by Blair's order, Lina's eyes widened.
"You want to meet Duke Delmark?"
"Why are you so surprised?"
Well, it was because Blair had been avoiding him even at the harvest festival a few months ago.
'Well, Her Highness must have her reasons.'
Thinking this, Lina replied.
"Ah, it's nothing. I'll send someone right away."
After Lina left the room, Blair, left alone, looked out the window.
Soon, she saw an attendant leaving the Imperial Princess's Palace in a carriage.
Blair thought of the owner of the duchy where the carriage would arrive. And also of the lovely child who looked just like him.
Remembering that face, Blair placed her hand on her stomach that had once carried that child.
'I'll do anything to meet Asiel again.'
Even if that 'anything' meant repeating the terribly lonely married life with him.
If so, there was only one thing she needed to do now.
'Successfully marry Herdin again.'
If this was the predicted future and she had indeed returned to the past, things would flow as predetermined even without her intention.
But Blair didn't want to leave any possibility that he might not become her husband.
'I will definitely meet my baby again.'
Her eyes, which had lost their light, began to sparkle again.
Search "child" at redcatty [.] com to read ahead up to chap 170.