It was a Political Marriage, But I’m Being Loved - Chapter 75

Iaoros was still mulling over Cernadis’s suggestion. He believed he understood human nature fairly well but compared to Cernadis, he was a novice. After all, she had roamed the human continent for thousands of years, stealing souls and feasting on flesh and blood.

“Using something that could awaken Him on someone who might not be worthy feels like a waste… but it’s not as if I only have one of them. Valter Bianchi might truly be a vessel fit for Him.”

The question was whether Valter could recognize that power for what it was—and be captivated by it. If Valter were to die now, that potential vessel would be lost forever.

There was no telling when or if another vessel like him would appear again. He couldn’t wait indefinitely.

“Then who should I use it on?”

Iaoros wanted Valter Bianchi to witness the power up close—so he could see it, revere it, and perhaps desire it. But he needed the timing to be right. Perhaps he should wait until the Tower Lord left the capital?

“The Tower Lord might interfere… should I wait until he leaves, or… should I strike to send a warning?”

Iaoros frowned, irritated by the fact that he, a demon, was hesitating—almost as if he feared a mere human.

He knew he would likely take a heavy blow if they fought, but he didn’t think he’d lose his life. If it came to the worst, he could always escape.

“There’s no guarantee I’d lose. And if I use a fragment of Him, I might not win—but I can leave him with a serious wound.”

It was unacceptable that a hated enemy of demonkind should be allowed to begin a happy life—with a woman he cared for, no less.

He needed to suffer more. Just like every bearer of the Illian name before him—every one of them had died in misery.

Iaoros made his decision. He would set his plan in motion—soon.

Ryuhan walked toward the banquet hall with a flutter of anticipation in his chest. His attendant followed beside him, offering a string of reminders and advice—but Ryuhan let it all go in one ear and out the other.

“So she really is Princess Charlize…”

It was a shame that the woman he had taken an interest in just happened to be getting married today. But as a spellcaster, Ryuhan believed in freedom above all.

“Too bad for the Tower Lord. That woman is far too gifted to be confined to an old, dusty tower!”

He was already thinking about how to defeat the Tower Lord—and, if the opportunity presented itself, charm his fiancée as well. If not now, then perhaps someday after the wedding, when she was officially the Tower Lord’s wife.

The light radiating from her body was stunning, her power beyond comprehension. If he could, he wanted to claim that power for himself. Maybe the Tower Lord felt the same way—that this marriage was more about gaining her strength than love.

“I didn’t even get to see her face because of the light. Hopefully, she’s not plain looking…”

Even if she were, the brilliance of her aura would make her appear special regardless. Ryuhan entered the banquet hall, unable to hide the sly smile playing at his lips.

The room was already full of nobles and foreign envoys from across the continent. Most of them had come for one reason: the Crown Prince. And so, many of the guests were women—noble daughters hoping to catch his eye.

“Still, most envoys are made up of men, so there are more men overall…”

Despite being from a distant land across the sea, Ryuhan was drawing attention just by being a prince. While the Lushan Crown Prince was already chosen, Ryuhan was still seen as an eligible suitor—exotic, rich, and royal.

He was handsome, descended from imperial blood, and would live a life of wealth and privilege even if he never ascended to the throne. On top of that, he was a well-known spellcaster. Even noble ladies unfamiliar with Lushan were glancing his way with curiosity.

“Haven’t the hosts of this banquet arrived yet?”

They were likely waiting to make a formal entrance with the Crown Prince. It had been announced that the Emperor and Empress wouldn’t attend, but the Crown Prince would appear in their stead.

Soon, noble hosts stepped forward to greet Ryuhan and strike up polite conversation. Some introduced him to other nobles and envoys. Given that Lushan often dealt with countries beyond the sea, Ryuhan and his delegation blended into the crowd with ease.

“Now entering—the radiant sun of the Empire, His Highness the Crown Prince, Her Highness the Princess, and Lord Illian of the Mage Tower!”

The herald’s voice rang out, cutting through the hum of conversation. The entire room quieted. Courtiers bowed deeply toward the entrance, while foreign royalty and dignitaries offered respectful nods.

Oscar strode into the hall alone, without a partner. Behind him came Charlize, walking hand in hand with Achilles.

The three had entered through a passage reserved for the royal family. As Ryuhan raised his head slightly, his eyes followed the princess closely.

It was only their second encounter, but now that he was more accustomed to her overwhelming presence, he could almost make out her face beneath the light. Her hair, tinged with soft pink and red, reminded him of rose petals glistening in sunlight.

“Just from the curve of her jaw and the shape of her nose, she must be stunning…”

The man beside her—clearly the Tower Lord—was also breathtakingly handsome. Ryuhan had glanced boldly at the princess, but even from across the hall, the Tower Lord noticed and was now glaring at him.

“Well, that works out perfectly.”

If Achilles had tried to avoid conflict out of diplomatic courtesy, it would’ve been more complicated. But with that open hostility, Ryuhan knew—even a casual duel would be accepted in earnest.

Heh… They’re going to be shocked once they see what I can do.

That much was true, but Ryuhan also had another motive. He thought that getting used to the princess’s energy might allow him to finally see her face clearly. So, he leaned toward a nearby official and whispered that he’d like to greet the princess and the Tower Lord personally.

It was a perfectly reasonable request for an envoy of Lushan. Still, the attendant beside him looked visibly worried as he responded in their native language.

“Your Highness, please—do be cautious. The Radenvach Empire is one of Lushan’s most important allies.”

Ryuhan gave a lazy nod, clearly unbothered.

“I know, I know. I’m not going to do anything. I just want to say hello.”

And while he’s at it, get a read on the Tower Lord’s strength.

Crown Prince Oscar had already picked up on the tension passing between Achilles and Prince Ryuhan of Lushan. He was well aware of Ryuhan’s reputation—not only as a powerful beopsulsa (Eastern spellcaster) but also someone who loved showing off.

And now he’s looking at Charlize like that… no wonder the Tower Lord’s not thrilled.

Achilles, newly titled as Marquis Illien, had little grasp of noble etiquette. Oscar wasn’t sure that even formal training would help. He was already grateful the Tower Lord had even shown up to the banquet at all.

Even the Emperor had confessed that once the marriage was approved, he’d expected Achilles to immediately take Charlize back to the Mage Tower. Oscar had agreed with that assumption.

Achilles wasn’t the type to endure uncomfortable situations. If this all became too much, he’d likely disappear with Charlize without a second thought—completely ignoring the guests and the royal event.

That’s why Oscar was staying on alert.

“Your Highness,” a noble said, stepping forward. “This is Prince Ryuhan of Lushan.”

Though he had already heard the name earlier during the formal greetings, dozens of delegations had passed through in the past two hours. Reintroducing the prince was appropriate courtesy.

Charlize watched the exchange with mild curiosity. From where she stood, it was impossible not to notice how visibly annoyed Achilles was.

Why is a spellcaster so focused on me? Did he recognize my power, like Achilles did?

There was no real reason for a foreign prince to take interest in a princess who was about to leave the royal court through marriage. She would no longer hold political influence within the Empire. Most envoys would have exchanged pleasantries and turned their attention to the Tower Lord.

But even as Ryuhan conversed with Oscar, his eyes kept drifting to Charlize—like he simply couldn’t look away.

And Achilles’s mood seemed to grow darker with every passing second.

What should I do…?

Charlize could feel his grip tightening in her hand. It wasn’t painful, but it was definitely firm. He wasn’t even looking at her anymore.

At that moment, Ryuhan flashed her a strange smile. She wasn’t part of the conversation and had no reason to respond, but it unsettled her.

“Achilles.”

She gently tugged on his arm and called his name. Only then did his gaze return to her. The moment their eyes met, his tense expression softened. Charlize sighed in relief.

“Your Highness,” she said, her voice calm and composed, “the air here is a bit heavy. I’d like to get some fresh air.”

Oscar, catching her intent, nodded.

“Of course. Marquis Illien, I leave her in your care.”

“Yes.”

Achilles responded naturally and guided Charlize toward the palace garden. As they left, Oscar turned his attention away from them, thankful for the smooth exit.

Ryuhan, watching them from across the room, noticed how the Tower Lord’s expression had softened at the princess’s voice. From that alone, he realized that Achilles hadn’t married her just for her power.

Still, he must know her strength isn’t ordinary.

It was a shame to watch her walk away, but there was little he could do. She had said the air felt heavy—what could anyone say to stop her? And for now, the Crown Prince still had him engaged.

Fine. I’ll wait for a better chance.

Ryuhan turned his full focus back to Oscar, though a bit of frustration lingered. He had wanted to challenge the Tower Lord right then but clearly, he’d have to wait a little longer.

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