EMATEC Chapter 160

160

In any case, the engagement between the two was nothing more than a formality.

Even when Cherrya stood in front of Enoch, she didn't show the slightest indication of seeing him as a man.

She treated him more like a long-time friend or family member. With that kind of demeanor, Aurelian would likely be able to endure it.

'As long as we get through this crisis, one serious enough to require the cooperation of both Emblem and Gray, the engagement will remain just that. It will never lead to marriage.'

What a petty and ugly emotion this was.

Aurelian clenched his teeth at the thought that had surfaced as a way to console himself.

From the moment he first met Cherrya, he had known she was destined to be engaged to Enoch Gray. At the time, he believed their union was necessary for the sake of the empire.

But now that very judgment of his was tightening around his own neck like a noose, because his feelings for Cherrya had changed.

As the crown prince, he could possess everything in the empire. And yet because of that, he could not reach out to Cherrya Emblem.

"Fortunately, my mother has announced she'll be actively attending social gatherings. The demon contractor is probably preoccupied with watching her for any signs of the Empress's weakness. That means there will never be a better time to investigate the Kratyn Forest."

Aurelian bowed his head, unable to meet Enoch's gaze out of embarrassment.

How could he let personal emotions cloud his judgment when this was a knight willing to venture into danger for the empire?

He still had so much to learn.

Feeling the weight of his father's absence, he finally opened his mouth and spoke.

"I understand your loyalty to the empire. Do as you wish."

In the end, he had no choice but to give his permission.

As soon as Aurelian's approval was given, Cherrya turned to Enoch and looked him in the eyes.

She held out her palm to him, and Enoch gently met her hand with his own.

To an outsider, it looked as if a silent agreement or deal had just taken place between the two.

"You two…"

Watching this, Aurelian clenched his fists tightly. He had just resolved not to be swayed by personal feelings.

Trying to remind himself that their relationship was purely political, he forced himself to speak again.

"It seems you two have grown closer, must be because the engagement ceremony is near."

"We have to be careful when we fight now."

Cherrya replied casually, oblivious to Aurelian's inner turmoil.

"If we lose control, someone might get hurt. So we're trying to live in peace, as much as we can."

Only Enoch noticed the subtle shift in Aurelian's tone.

Narrowing his eyes, Enoch looked at him for a moment, then sighed and said.

"The engagement ceremony will proceed without any issues. Please don't worry too much."

"…Yes. Of course."

Feeling like Enoch had just scolded him for his own pettiness, Aurelian finally loosened his tightly clenched fists.

"But at a time like this, what is the Empress doing? There's no way she's just standing by and watching me and Enoch get engaged."

"The Empress has also collapsed and hasn't regained consciousness. Arthur is by her side."

"Ah… His Highness, the Second Prince."

It was odd enough that the Empress had collapsed at such a time.

But what really soured Cherrya's expression was the mention of Arthur.

To her, the Second Prince Arthur was an unpredictable and inscrutable figure.

"The Second Prince and the Empress are so close, so why does His Highness just sit back and do nothing?"

"Cherrya."

Enoch cut in gently, trying to rein her in.

Both the Emperor and Aurelian held Arthur dear. Even though they were aware of the Empress's schemes, her attempts to kill the Emperor and place Arthur on the throne, they had always let it be.

Though a mother's crimes should not fall upon her child.

Even after it was revealed that the Empress had colluded with demons, Arthur remained the untouchable, sensitive spot of the imperial family.

Cherrya alone could poke at that weak point so nonchalantly.

That was because she was one of the few who had no political motives or ambitions.

"His Majesty the Emperor cared deeply about whether Arthur had actively participated in the Empress's crimes, or if he had merely stood by, powerless under her pressure."

"The empire is on the verge of collapse, and yet we're still indulging in such merciful hesitations?"

Cherrya didn't mean to sound sarcastic. But a sigh escaped her lips all the same.

"Now that Enoch and I have awakened as Swordmasters, shouldn't we stop letting the demon contractor or the Empress dictate our actions?"

"Cherrya, we can't interfere so carelessly in decisions of the imperial household."

At the slight edge in Cherrya's voice, Enoch tried to gently dissuade her.

While it was unlikely that Aurelian would be offended. Had someone else been present, Cherrya's tone would surely have drawn criticism.

"But I'm right, aren't I? If anything, the imperial family should be even more resolute, not swayed by personal affection."

Cherrya's unwavering gaze made Aurelian feel as though something had pierced straight through him.

"Our family has always been loyal to the imperial household. Commander Gray gave up even her own family to stand as the Emperor's shadow. If you understand how heavy that burden was. Then now, in His Majesty's absence, it falls upon you to make the decisions."

"Dame, I…"

"Even our engagement is ultimately for the sake of placing the blades of Emblem and Gray firmly in your hands, Your Highness. Because of that, even if someone we truly love appears someday, we'll never be free of this engagement."

The demons were said to possess strength great enough to wipe out not just the empire, but the entire continent.

The Emperor had been sharpening his blade for that day.

And now, the time had come to wield it.

But if he hesitated because of someone like the Second Prince. Then the Emblem and Gray blades would hesitate too.

And a hesitant sword loses its edge. One cannot face demons with a dulled sword.

"You might not like what I said, but…"

"No, not at all. Truly, I don't feel that way. How could I be offended by your words, Dame Cherrya? The Emblem family has done so much for the imperial house."

Aurelian quickly shook both hands in denial. The imperial family owed a great debt to Emblem and Gray.

There wasn't a single soul among the imperial line who didn't know that thanks to those two houses. The authority of the crown had been able to take root securely in Lutinas throughout generations of emperors.

Naturally, the same went for both the Emperor and Aurelian.

"But right now, we must be cautious about confronting Arthur directly. Not because we're worried about hurting his feelings, but because… if the Empress isn't the demon contractor, then the possibility that it's him must be considered."

"…I see."

Cherrya nodded with a sigh. If Arthur were the true contractor, provoking him now would be dangerous.

As the two continued speaking, Enoch, who had been silently absorbed in thought, suddenly broke his silence.

"In that case, before I leave for Kratyn, may I make a proposal to Your Highness?"

"A proposal…?"

"Why not keep the Second Prince close? With His Majesty absent, you have more than enough justification."

At that, Cherrya turned to Enoch in shock, practically shouting.

"Did you not hear what we just said?! There's a chance the Second Prince is the demon contractor!"

"Exactly. That's all the more reason to keep him close. Wouldn't that make his intentions easier to see?"

"Wh-what do you mean? I don't see anything clearly at all!"

Cherrya stammered in disbelief.

Next to her, Aurelian quickly interjected, his tone urgent.