Chapter 93

Even though his cold and sharp impression was still the same, he seemed strangely excited today. The Emperor, who hated banquets, was excited…

Declan, who came down the stairs and stood on the podium, turned to the audience.

“Today’s banquet is to welcome the delegation from Tierra Kingdom.”

Saying so, he glanced at the people gathered in the hall slowly before stopping at Caleb as he went on, “Especially for this agreement, Tierra fully cooperated for the sake of the Empire. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you.”

Caleb smiled awkwardly at Declan and nodded slightly.

In the meantime, Jennifer’s constant efforts to make eye contact with him were completely ignored. She moved her fingertips in an effort to calm the boiling anger.

“I appreciate the efforts of the delegation, who must have worked hard to come a long way, and I hope everyone enjoys the banquet.”

When the greeting was over, people clapped.

“Oh, and I have an important announcement to make today.”

Everyone was bewildered by Declan’s unexpected remark.

“Do you know anything?”

“Would I be doing this if I knew anything?”

People started to gossip with each other.

“Couldn’t it be about Princess Este…?”

With the mention of Stella, everyone looked nervously at Declan.

“Since the Tierra delegation is also here, it seems like a good place to celebrate.”

Hearing the word celebrate, the banquet hall stirred again.

“I just got engaged.”

As he uttered so, Declan’s lips softened at the mention of the engagement. On the other hand, people were all shocked when they heard the news for the first time. Duke Otien also couldn’t hide his expression, probably because it was something he hadn’t expected.

‘What is this…!?’

Jennifer bit her lip.

Declan’s eyes changed interestingly at the various reactions.

“So here. I’m going to introduce my fiancée, how about it?”

None of those gathered in the banquet hall could answer. Laughing at them, Declan reached out his hand towards the stairs.

“Let me introduce you. Erica Ruhandel, who will become my wife and Empress.”

As soon as he spoke, the trumpet sounded, and the second-floor door opened.

“Gasp!”

Seeing that reaction, Declan laughed lightly.

* * *

Declan, who came with me to the door of the banquet hall, told me not to worry and entered first. As I was left alone, my heart started pounding again. I took a slow, deep breath to relieve the tension before the trumpet sounded.

“You can go in.”

The door opened with the servant’s words.

‘…It’s starting now.’

I lightly clenched and opened my fists, then raised my head.

‘Alright, the fight begins!’

As I got used to the lighting inside, I gradually began to see people’s expressions.

‘As expected, everyone is surprised.’

It was an expected reaction, so I was somewhat relieved. As I descended the stairs, the reaction intensified.

“…Oh, my gosh.”

“No, what nonsense…”

Some even dropped their fan or handkerchief.

The next moment, I approached Declan with a gentle smile, and his cold face turned warm like a spring day.

People were once again surprised by his dramatic change.

He was only focused on me. I was satisfied with that and smiled even more brightly. Then, Declan took my outstretched hand and gently led me forward.

“This is Erica Ruhandel.”

When I greeted them according to the etiquette I had learned from Stella, people’s eyes widened to the point of popping out.

“Really, really a person.”

“How could the Princess…”

In the midst of the chaos, someone’s excited voice burst out.

“Your Majesty, how could you handle such a serious matter as your engagement alone?”

It was Marquis Berchen who spoke up first. As he stared at Declan in dismay, then glared at me, Declan opened his mouth.

“Who are you to discuss my marriage with?”

“Of course, you should have discussed it at the noble meeting. It is unreasonable for you to inform us like this.”

At those words, one of Declan’s eyebrows lifted.

“The future of the Empire depends on your marriage, so how can we not worry?”

Duke Otien squeezed through the crowd and stepped forward.

“That’s right. There is definitely a process for an imperial wedding.”

Perhaps Marquis Berchen was right, the Duke went out to help.

“Only a woman worthy should sit in the highest seat of the empire.”

“Isn’t that why thorough verification and screening are necessary?”

While the two were exchanging words and pushing him, Declan, however, only looked displeased, but he wasn’t agitated.

“No matter how important my marriage is, you can’t force it or interfere with it.”

Silence fell in the hall for a moment at the harsh words.

“However, that doesn’t mean that anyone can rise to the position of Empress.”

“Anyone?”

“We don’t know about a woman named Erica Ruhandel. So, wouldn’t it be necessary to verify?”

Duke Otien made eye contact with Declan and asked calmly.

“Which family is Ruhandel from?”

“I’ve never heard of this family.”

“Is it a noble family?”

“Since she looks just like the doll, she must have bewitched His Majesty with her appearance.”

Starting with the Duke’s question, people started whispering. It felt like countless sharp gazes flew at once and pierced my body. As my shoulders stiffened from the tension, I felt strength in the hand Declan was holding.

“There is no need to verify her separately.”

“What do you mean?”

The aristocrats asked as if protesting.

“Don’t you know what Ruhandel means?”

Then, Duke Buccleuch stepped forward.

“As far as I know, Ruhandel is the surname of the Royal Family of the Holy Kingdom in the past, and it is only given to the pope and cardinals from generation to generation.”

“…Holy Kingdom?”

“No, what about the surname given to high-ranking priests?”

“Then, do you mean she’s a priest?”

“How can a priest get married?”

Looking at the confused people, Declan clicked his tongue.

“Wasn’t it announced by the Great Temple that the Savior prophesied in the last revelation had descended?”

People’s eyes flew at the same time.

“My fiancée is the savior who appeared after a thousand years. Because of her, divine power has been restored to this land.”

“That is nonsense…”

“I heard that priests heal with divine power these days.”

When everyone started whispering, the hall was in a commotion again.

“This has not yet been verified. Also, it hasn’t been confirmed that Miss Ruhandel is really the savior?”

I quietly smiled at Duke Otien’s rebuttal and stepped forward.

“I know you are all confused. You will find it hard to believe.”

As I opened my mouth, the hall suddenly fell silent.

“God was very sorry that the divine power had disappeared from this land. That’s why he sent me.”

Saying so as I raised my right hand proudly, people’s attention was focused on it.

“Unbelievable.”

Everyone burst into exclamations as they saw the white light growing on their hands along with God’s pattern.

“May the blessings of Rohim be upon you.”

At the same time as I finished speaking, the white light that extended from my hands lightly landed on the heads of the people.

“Ah…”

As the wary faces softened, even Jennifer made a hazy expression.

“My head is clear. I’ve never felt so comfortable before.”

Those who had minor illnesses exclaimed in admiration that they were healed.

“Do you understand what I mean by no need to verify now?”

When Declan looked up at Duke Otien, his mouth twitched slightly.

“It is a blessing for the Empire to be able to welcome such a precious person as the mother of the nation.”

Duke Buccleuch stepped forward and bowed his head to me, and the imperial faction followed him.

“Isn’t the Empire chosen by God? Now, no country will dare to stand against the Empire.”

The next moment, Duke Castor also smiled broadly and bowed to me. Soon, those who belonged to the neutral faction also approached. Meanwhile, the other nobles glanced at Duke Otien, not knowing what to do.

“Wouldn’t it be disrespectful if we didn’t even properly hold the engagement ceremony to serve such a precious person?”

Duke Otien smiled leisurely and stepped forward.

In the meantime, there was a hint of him trying to think. It was because if we hadn’t held the ceremony, the engagement wouldn’t have been acknowledged just yet.

‘I knew he would come out against it, but I thought he acted rather sloppily.’

So, that must be why Declan was trying to speed up the engagement.