I Once Thought I Had No Place, Being Married Off to An Enemy Nation as A Token of Apology but That Was Only for One Night - Chapter 5

One day eight years ago, I slipped away from the castle and sat alone on a plaza bench, weeping silently. As an illegitimate child, I was treated like a stranger by my father and stepmother. My biological mother, the only person who was ever kind to me, had passed away. I had lost sight of why I was even born.

The person who comforted me then was an incredibly handsome older boy. When he asked why I was crying, I blurted out my entire situation through my sobs. Looking back, I was quite reckless, and he must have been shocked by such a heavy story. However, he did not show a single hint of annoyance. Instead, he showed me a path forward.

“Very few people are born with a reason to live,” he said. “Normally, it is something you find for yourself.”

If I worked hard, perhaps even I, someone who felt her life had no meaning, could find a place to belong. His words were a single ray of light piercing through my pitch black world. Yearning for that radiance, I looked up at his profile.

“Do you think I can find it, too?” “I am sure you can. But if you truly cannot find it, I will lend you a hand. So, try your hardest until then.”

Even as a child, I knew his words were merely a kind way to encourage me. Still, his gentleness made me happy, and I lifted my head. Just then, I spotted a servant across the street. My time was up. I stood up from the bench and smiled at him.

“I will try my best. I will work hard and become a magnificent Saint someday!” “A Saint?” The boy blinked in surprise. “They say I have the aptitude. I did not understand the point of aiming for it before, but now I do. I will become a magnificent Saint. And then, I will protect everyone in the city and you as well!”

When I smiled, he broke into a grin that softened his strikingly beautiful features.

“I see. Then I shall look forward to that day.”

That was how I met the older brother figure I admired. And now, the story continues.

I joined the knights of the Rayvel Empire at the harbor and traveled to the southern continent by ship. The voyage lasted only a day. Upon arriving at the port, I walked down the gangway and stepped onto the pier of the Rayvel Empire. However, it was not the scent of the tide that filled my lungs, but the stagnant air of heavy miasma.

“I had no idea the miasma was this thick.”

Miasma negatively affects plants and animals. The concentration at this port had reached a level that would impact the lifespan of the people living here. I wanted to suggest that the miasma be purified immediately. However, as a bride from another country, and an apology gift at that, I could not afford to be so presumptuous. As I was lost in thought, a shadow suddenly fell over my feet. I looked up and saw a young man standing there who looked as if he had stepped straight out of a fine art gallery.

He had a refined, slender face framed by silky black hair. His features were so perfect they felt cold, and his deep blue eyes gazed at me quietly.

Why is he here?

We had only met once when I was a child, but there was no mistaking that artistic beauty. The young man standing before me was the grown version of the admired older brother who had been my goal all these years. I had reunited with him. I could not believe it, but it was definitely him. I did not think two people with such perfect faces could exist in this world. But why was he here?

Wait, I have a bad feeling about this.

“Um, are you perhaps?” “I am the Emperor of Rayvel, Albert. You are Princess Noel of Ashtal, correct?”

This was the absolute worst case scenario. I was thrilled to see him again, but not like this. Not now! I had declared that I would become a magnificent Saint and protect him. Yet, here I am: a Saint of ill omen, an apology gift, and the sister of the foolish Crown Prince who harmed his people. I did not want him to see me in this miserable state. How could I ever tell him I was sent here as a consolation prize after making such a bold promise?

Instead of introducing myself proudly, I wanted to deceive him and flee the scene. I performed a curtsy, praying that he would not recognize me.

“Oh!”

My foot caught on the uneven surface of the pier, and I stumbled forward. In that moment, I accidentally lunged right into Emperor Albert’s chest. My heart throbbed, but it was not romance; a chill ran down my spine.

Is this a curse?

What did this mean? Was Emperor Albert cursed? No, more importantly, I had to deal with this position! I pulled myself out of his arms and bowed my head, apologizing profusely. When I slowly looked up to see his reaction, he was looking down at me coldly.

“Did you not hear from the Saint who visited this land previously? Feminine wiles do not work on me.” “No, that is not it! I truly just tripped!”

Had the Saint from the technical exchange actually done something like that? I denied it desperately, unwilling to let such a misunderstanding stand. Emperor Albert remained silent for a moment before he finally spoke.

“I wish to ask you a question.” “Anything at all.”

I prayed he would not ask if we had met before.

“Is it true that you are called the Saint of Black Snow?” “Yes, it is true.” “Why is that?” “I suppose it is because those who saw the purifying snow I use began calling me that.”

When I answered, he thought for a moment and then exhaled. “I see.” “Is something wrong?” “No, it is nothing.”

At that moment, I was so focused on hiding my past that I neglected to explain further. I should have explained that the name came from the fact that my purifying snow turns black as it absorbs miasma. Because I failed to mention that, a misunderstanding grew between us.

“Saint of Black Snow, our Empire welcomes you.”

That was very unexpected. “You are welcoming me?” “For now. What happens after this depends on you.” “Depends on me?” I tilted my head, unfamiliar with such words.

“As you know, your brother harmed a Saint of our Empire. Furthermore, he sent us a subpar Saint and even desecrated those who died for the Empire.”

That last part was news to me! I could not actually say that, so I simply bowed deeply.

“I am deeply sorry. I have heard my brother acted with great insolence.” “Indeed. Therefore, I have no intention of forgiving that man’s crimes with a mere apology.” “I understand that. This is not an apology for my brother’s sake.”

Is a sister responsible for her brother’s misconduct? Usually not, but it depends on the situation. In this case, my brother insulted people of another nation in his capacity as Crown Prince. As a Princess of the same country, I felt I had to apologize to the people of this land.

“I see. I will accept your sentiment. However, the Crown Prince committed an unforgivable act. There are many who hate you simply for being his sister.”

That was true. I knew it, but I felt like crying, wondering just how much damage my brother had done.

“Does Your Majesty hate me as well?” “At the very least, as the sister of an insolent man, your reputation is at the bottom. Therefore, while I will welcome you as my Empress, I have no intention of whispering words of love to you.”

That was unavoidable. Even if one understands logically that we are different people, emotions get in the way. Just as I was about to accept that fact, he continued, “However, I intend to judge for myself.”

What did he mean by that?

“You are the princess of a hostile nation and the sister of the prince who mocked us. No matter how much you deny it, a person cannot change their birth. However, your reputation from this point forward will depend on your actions.” “You will watch my actions?”

Emperor Albert did not answer. Instead, he looked at the knights standing behind him.

“Frieda.” “Your Majesty, you called?”

A female knight in her mid-twenties stepped forward. She had striking red hair tied up high and an air of coldness that kept everyone at a distance. She stood respectfully before the Emperor.

“This is Princess Noel, the woman who will become my bride. Princess Noel, this is Frieda. She is one of the Six Hexagon Lords and will serve as your Head Lady in Waiting.” “A Hexagon Lord as my lady in waiting?”

I widened my eyes in surprise, only to be met with a sharp glare from Frieda.

“Are you dissatisfied with me managing your servants?” “No, not at all! It is just that I heard the Hexagon Lords have the vital role of protecting this land. I wondered if it was appropriate for someone of your standing to be my lady in waiting.” “Are you saying you do not want to be watched?”

She actually used the word watched! I decided it was best not to challenge her and pretended I had not heard it.

“I have nothing to hide. I am simply concerned. The miasma here is denser than I heard, so the knights must be deployed quite often, right?” “Do not worry. We are neither incompetent nor cowards, despite what your brother may say.”

I looked up at the sky in exasperation. Oh, my brother.

“I apologize if I offended you. However, while I am to be the Empress, I am also a Saint. I was merely thinking of how I might be of use with my powers.” “We have no need for a Saint with such an ominous name. You are to be the Emperor’s wife, so please do not stick your nose where it does not belong. Just stay quiet.” “If you tell me not to interfere, I shall obey. I have heard the Saints of the Empire are also excellent.”

That was quite harsh. But my brother is the one at fault. It would be foolish for me to fight with her here. As I was thinking this, Emperor Albert looked at me.

“She is fierce, but she is also noble. Do your best not to disappoint her.” “I will strive to meet your expectations.” “Good. Tomorrow, we will announce our marriage to the people. Prepare yourself, and rest well at the palace today.”

With those final words, he walked away. I bowed quietly to his retreating back. Immediately, various voices rose from the other Hexagon Lords present. They cast looks of contempt at me.

“So that is the sister of that fool. I want nothing to do with her,” one said. Another muttered, “To carry an ominous title like the Black Saint is the polar opposite of a truly Great Saint.”

It felt like sitting on a bed of needles, but the ordeal ended sooner than expected.

“Princess Noel, this way,” Frieda prompted. I followed her and climbed into the carriage.

“His Majesty said you should rest, but there is much for you to learn before the ceremony tomorrow. Now that you have married into the Empire, you will follow the customs of this land. I intend to hammer everything into your head by morning, so be prepared.”

Her words allowed for no weakness. However, she could have easily taught me nothing and let me become a laughingstock. Instead, she was taking the time to teach me what I needed to know. Emperor Albert said she was fierce but noble. In other words, if I wanted to wash away the label of being that man’s sister, I would have to prove myself to her.

“Lady Frieda, I look forward to your guidance.” “Hmph. Just try not to give up.”

That was exactly what I wanted. If there was a chance, I would not run away. After all, in the Kingdom of Ashtal, I was never given a chance at all.