Episode 41
Glenn stood outside the audience chamber, looking worried. That morning, Kaien had looked more drained and out of it than Glenn had ever seen—worse than after two days and nights of nonstop battle.
“This is… strange.”
And that wasn’t the only odd thing.
Kaien had calmly let the chief attendant and head maid help him into his formal uniform, and then asked to summon the Minister of Rites first. That had never happened before.
“I hope nothing big has changed with His Majesty…”
Glenn sighed as he stood guard outside the tightly closed doors after the minister went in. Emma had mentioned it had to do with the emperor’s marriage, but Glenn still had no clue what the actual problem was.
Inside the audience chamber, Kaien felt the same.
“So, what’s the problem supposed to be?”
The minister bowed.
“Your Majesty, the whole world knows you didn’t consummate your marriage on your wedding night.”
“And what if I say that’s not true?”
“It’s far too late to correct it now. On top of that, didn’t you ride off before the guests had even left? Right after the ceremony?”
Kaien cursed under his breath. Back then, he hadn’t imagined that impulsive move would come back to bite him. Honestly, he hadn’t even thought he’d ever face Alicia again, let alone talk to her.
“And since Your Majesty asked, there’s something else I must report.”
“What now?” Kaien’s face twisted with irritation. He was already overwhelmed just thinking about clearing up this misunderstanding with Alicia, and now there was another issue?
“Yes. There’s already been a challenge raised against the marriage itself.”
Kaien barked a laugh.
“Unbelievable. They were gossiping about my marriage like it’s their business?”
The white-bearded minister lowered his head.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I sent you several letters about it, but it seems they never reached you.”
The reason the old marquis even had the Minister of Rites post was that it was mostly ceremonial. The new emperor had never really needed him—until now.
“The Kingdom of Lucan has expressed grave concern, the imperial nobles are worried, and even the Holy See has officially expressed regret.”
It was news to Kaien, though even if he’d heard it earlier, he probably wouldn’t have cared. Back then, the empress had just been a political pawn—an annoying, noisy parrot forced on him by Lucan and the nobles.
Don’t expect anything from me.
He had been the one who’d said that coldly to Alicia before walking away.
But now Kaien had to admit it—he’d been wrong. Not just wrong, but a complete fool. He’d always thought regret was something only the weak muttered about, but right now, if he could, he’d go back and punch himself.
“At least, Your Majesty has learned of this before the deadline,” the minister added.
Kaien froze at that word.
“Deadline? What deadline?”
“Pardon? Was that not why you called me here?”
“I asked what deadline!”
“Well… in short, Your Majesty, it means your marriage will soon be null and void.”
“What? How dare they—”
“As I said, Your Majesty, you haven’t consummated the marriage, and according to the Holy See’s doctrine and our imperial customs… the deadline is this Sunday.”
Kaien’s eyes narrowed.
“You don’t mean… this coming Sunday.”
“Regrettably, yes. Let’s see… three days from now.”
Kaien had lived his life in harsh lands, fighting to survive. Not much could surprise him—yet lately, it kept happening.
“That doesn’t make sense. The marriage can’t just vanish like that.”
“Well… yes and no.”
Kaien bristled at the minister’s slow, vague way of speaking, but he forced himself to stay calm. If he threw the old man out now, finding answers would take even longer.
“So it only becomes a problem if someone makes it one?”
“Exactly. Anyone who follows the Holy See’s faith could raise the issue.”
That wasn’t the answer Kaien wanted. Lucan publicly followed the Holy See, so their Grand Sage could demand Alicia back. Or Duke Nigel might try to push one of his own people into the empress’s position.
“And what’s the solution?”
The minister looked surprised. “Your Majesty doesn’t know?”
Kaien coughed awkwardly. His mind had been racing so fast he’d spoken without thinking.
“Then it’s simple. The marriage is complete. I’ll set the date for whenever I want now that I’m back.”
If Emma had been there, she’d have scolded him for that comment.
“I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Your Majesty.”
“You’re refusing my order?”
“It’s not my choice. You left a year ago without completing the official rites.”
Kaien’s brow furrowed deeper. Did this old man want details about his and Alicia’s bedroom life? Just thinking about her face made his temper spike.
“How dare—”
The minister quickly bowed.
“No, no! That’s not what I meant.”
He explained, “The rite is part of the Holy See’s doctrine. The priest—His Holiness, in your case—blesses the couple, they spend their first night together, and the next morning, the priest offers a prayer marking the start of the new household.”
Only then did Kaien realize—he had never actually finished his own wedding.
“You should’ve told me back then!”
“I tried, Your Majesty, but you said you’d execute anyone who blocked your way…”
Kaien rubbed his temples. The only one to blame for this absurd mess was himself.
“Why Sunday?”
“It’s the anniversary of your wedding day.”
The more they talked, the worse Kaien felt. Back then, he’d had a mission to focus on, and the empress had been Lucan’s daughter. But looking back, all the problems started with him, and he couldn’t name a single moment where he’d truly done the right thing.
“Sadly, His Holiness is ill. But if you allow it, I can contact the Holy See right away and ask them to appoint an archbishop to perform the rite in his place.”
The minister’s words didn’t even consider the empress’s opinion, and that irritated Kaien. Yet he was also furious at himself—he hadn’t been any different.
He didn’t even remember the exact day he’d left her alone. He couldn’t even recall which cheek he’d kissed at the ceremony.
“This is the worst,” he muttered.
“It’s not too late, Your Majesty. You still have three days to complete the marriage.”
Kaien’s grip tightened on the armrest of his throne.
“It’s a simple matter, no need to worry.”
But he knew he had no right to take it out on this old man. Alicia had probably seen the same thing in him last night. Even if he hadn’t meant it that way, she had understood his words like this:
Go back.
He remembered her beautiful blue eyes brimming with tears. At the time, he’d just been flustered, but now he thought he understood—fear, sorrow, resentment, and… disappointment.
Please…
The always calm and gentle Alicia had pleaded with him. And it had been a plea that left no room for negotiation.
What he didn’t know was whether she had only rejected his rash, thoughtless demand or if she was rejecting any possibility of a future between them.
“What should we do, Your Majesty? Shall I contact the Holy See?”
“Get out.”
The image of Alicia’s tear-streaked face under the moonlight was something Kaien didn’t want to share with anyone.
“Pardon? Ah… yes, I’ll take my leave.”
When the minister left, Kaien let out a long sigh. He didn’t want anyone to see him like this.
“What if… It’s me she doesn’t want?”
It was strange. Not long ago, this woman had been practically invisible to him. But now, she was inside his heart, poking at every corner, making it ache—like she was punishing him for his past.
