------------------
HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
------------------
Chapter 21: A Wedding For Two
"By now, they've probably sealed off all the temples with high priests and are scouring the Grand Duke's and the Count's estates. They must be wondering where we are."
"They wouldn't send people to search the mansions themselves, would they? Or drag out our families?"
"That depends on His Majesty's patience, but if he acts recklessly, the other nobles won't stay silent. Besides, there's not enough evidence to accuse us of treason."
Will handed Selina a glass of water as he spoke.
"There are nobles who want to protect the dragon's power, so they won't let His Majesty act rashly. You don't have to worry."
"How much longer until we reach our destination? What if someone from the Imperial Family is already there?"
Janus smiled gently at Selina to soothe her worries.
"It will take another three days. I doubt they'll think of that place so quickly. It's a secret location passed down only to the heirs."
"I see. I didn't even know there was a law that states, 'The marriage between the one with the dragon's power and their mate, held in the Land of the Dragon, is recognized.'"
"It's a law established long ago by the second heir, so very few people know about it."
"The Land of the Dragon..."
Selina repeated the words softly. It was fascinating to learn things she had been completely unaware of.
"They say that land doesn't allow just anyone. Only the heir and their mate can enter, so it has to be a wedding for just the two of them."
"We'll know for sure once we get there."
"What if..."
Selina looked at Janus with a hint of uncertainty.
"What if I'm not your real mate?"
Seeing Selina hesitate, Janus smiled with confidence.
"My nose always tells me you're my mate, but if you're really not..."
"I'll just step out for a moment."
Thanks to Will's tactful departure, Janus was able to sit closer to Selina and continue speaking.
"I'll find another way to marry you, even if it means using other methods."
"And you won't look for your real mate?"
"I won't."
"Why... you said you'd die if you didn't marry your true mate."
'If it were me, I'd definitely find my mate and get married to survive.'
Selina swallowed the rest of her words.
But Janus, without a moment's hesitation, said,"I will marry you. This feeling won't change. Call it love at first sight, or the heir's attraction to their mate."
Before they knew it, the two were sitting as close as they had been by the lake.
Janus met her eyes and continued,
"You've become someone I can't resist. I want to keep you by my side, no matter what."
The warmth in his red eyes made Selina's throat dry, even though she had just had water.
"It's a good thing Young Master Patel broke off the engagement. At least no one got hurt."
Selina made a joke out of embarrassment causing Janus to chuckle at her cuteness.
"Indeed. It was a wise decision not to covet someone beyond his reach. Though I can't forgive him for ruining your reputation."
After sharing their childhood stories by the lake, the two felt much closer.
Selina was still taken aback by Janus's fervent feelings, which seemed to surpass her own.
However, she decided to trust Janus, who had rushed to her side that night and told her everything honestly, and was now accompanying her on this long journey.
'I won't regret choosing him.'
Selina leaned her head on Janus's shoulder more comfortably.
"To be honest, even if I am your mate, it's not easy to accept all of this. It was a bit of a distant concept for me."
"I understand. I feel guilty for putting you in this situation."
Upon hearing Janus's words, Selina sat up, looked him in the eye, and said,"I've been meaning to talk to you about that."
Selina spoke firmly to Janus, who was looking at her with wide eyes.
"This isn't something Your Grace should apologize for."
"My lady..."
"The reason I ended up on this long journey with you is because the Imperial family tried to use me to pressure you. It's not your fault, so I don't want you to feel sorry for me."
"But if I didn't have this power... You could have had the wedding you always dreamed of, in the place you wanted, with the blessings of many people."
The wedding she dreamed of.
Those words made Selina think.
'If I honestly told him that I never dreamed of a wedding, long before I even met him, I wonder how he would react.'
Others might see her as a flower from a wealthy family, but Selina had always strived to protect what was hers.
'This choice was just another way to protect myself.'
She couldn't go to the Imperial Palace, lose her family's business, and live a life mortgaged to them.
"It might sound strange, but I never had any fantasies about marriage. I have other goals in mind."
Selina continued, smiling lightly.
"So please don't apologize. This is my choice too. I chose not to go to the Imperial Palace. I want to try and build the future I want, here by your side."
Janus tightly grasped Selina's hand.
"Tell me whatever you need. I'll help you with anything, as long as it's for you."
Selina smiled beautifully, reassured by the strength she felt in their intertwined hands.
* * *
"Ruth. I never thought you'd come all the way here."
Count Arsene spoke, looking at Ruth, who had pushed his way in despite the mansion being locked down.
"What if I had a contagious disease? You're someone who serves His Majesty up close!"
"I came by Imperial order."
"Imperial order... Well, I knew you'd come in like this eventually. It's been eight days."
Ruth calmly asked,"Do you really not know anything about your daughter?"
"Do you think I'd tell you even if I did, after going through all this trouble?"
Ruth sighed, watching the Count pour himself a drink, no longer pretending to be ill.
"You've always been like this. Selina is all you have left, so you'll do anything to protect her."
"Yes, you of all people know why I'm doing this."
After clinking glasses and taking a sip, Ruth cautiously spoke.
"His Majesty wishes for you to come to the palace."
"Is he asking me to willingly become a hostage?"
"If you remain defiant, your life hangs in the balance. His Majesty is waiting to see your loyalty. You know that, don't you?"
"Indeed, that seems to be the unfortunate reality. I'm at a loss for words."
"Surely you're not thinking of turning your back on His Majesty?"
Ruth's eyes trembled as he asked the Count.
Count Arsene sighed.
"Who is my daughter's intended? It's Grand Duke Justia. His Majesty will never trust me again."
"Why did you choose him as her marriage partner, of all people? You should have just married her off to the Patel family!"
"If His Majesty hadn't acted like he was going to marry Selina off tomorrow, I would have looked for another family. It seemed like he had a special reason for wanting her. Do you know anything about it?"
'It's because your daughter is the Grand Duke’s mate.'
Ruth couldn't bring himself to say it, so he just shook his head.
"To avoid the Imperial family, you're going over to the Grand Duke's? Do you think the dragon's power within the Grand Duke will protect your daughter too? It's nonsense. Haven't I told you countless times that it's just an exaggerated power!"
"After 17 years of not showing any interest, he suddenly wants my daughter. Are you saying there's no other reason? If so, then I have nothing more to say. I'll just have to give His Majesty a clear reason why he cannot have my daughter."
"I'm telling you, siding with the Grand Duke is the wrong choice!"
Flora, who had been secretly listening to their conversation from outside the door, gasped and quietly slipped away.
------------------
HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
------------------
