Still, confirming the truth of the matter left her feeling far from satisfied.

Though Anelope refrained from expressing her discomfort openly, a hint of dissatisfaction crept across her face when Astrid spoke again. 

“If you’re considering marriage, I could give them minor titles.” 

The dining room fell into a brief silence at his words. 

‘Minor titles.’ 

Though described as ‘minor’, gaining a title as a commoner was like plucking stars from the sky. Only by achieving extraordinary feats on the battlefield could one hope to earn a barony at best. Yet here was Astrid, suggesting the possibility of granting titles simply for the sake of marriage – an unprecedented gesture. 

Caught off guard, Anelope stammered in response. 

“B-brother… While your sentiments are deeply appreciated, the granting of titles isn’t something that can be done so easily, even for you…” 

“Isn’t it just a matter of creating the right justification?”

Astrid replied immediately, as if he had anticipated her hesitation.

If he really set his mind to it, there was nothing he couldn’t achieve. Even non-existent achievements could be fabricated and celebrated if necessary.

But for something as trivial as his sister’s marriage?

Anelope pressed her lips together, choosing silence as she tried to discern Astrid’s true intentions. 

An uneasy tension filled the dining hall. The knights, wary of the atmosphere, kept their heads down and avoided any unnecessary movement. They concentrated all their energy to ensure that even the faint clinking of forks and knives did not disturb the silence.

It was Astrid who broke the long silence. 

“The Prince of the Kingdom of Esmel has proposed to you.” 

“What?” 

“He seems to remember seeing you at some banquets when you were younger.” 

The Esmel Kingdom was a small, powerless nation. Rejecting the proposal wouldn’t cause any major diplomatic problems. Anelope, determined, spoke firmly.

“No, I’m happy with the way things are.”

As if expecting her answer, Astrid smiled knowingly.

“I thought you might say that. That’s why I suggested you marry them instead.”

Anelope looked at him, clearly confused, her fingers fiddling absentmindedly with the stem of her wine glass.

“Suggestions like that will continue to come.”

“…” 

“Proposals from nobles within the Empire, or ones like this from small kingdoms, are manageable for you to deal with on your own. But when it comes to larger diplomatic matters, it won’t always be so easy to refuse.” 

Astrid spoke with a hint of regret in her voice, his expression showing faint traces of apology. 

“For now, it’s not an issue. But if our empire ever begins to falter, even slightly… neighbouring countries will undoubtedly demand you, the unmarried royal, as a bargaining chip.”

His words were undeniably true. While the Empire was currently enjoying its golden age, no one could guarantee how long it would last.

Anelope bit her lip hard, her grip on the fork in her hand tightening.

“So I want you to seriously consider marriage.”

“…”

“To be honest, I can’t completely deny that part of this is to prevent you from marrying an influential noble and being used as a pawn for power.”

Astrid smiled bitterly, his tone tinged with regret.

“I’m sorry for being such an unworthy brother.”

“No, it’s… it’s not your fault.”

Despite calling herself a ‘poor brother’, Astrid had shown considerable concern for Anelope. Their relationship was far from that of ordinary siblings, but Astrid could still be considered a commendable brother by most standards.

Even if only symbolically, the title of Grand Duchess, which allowed her to stand tall before the nobility, and the substantial monthly stipend to maintain her dignity, were acts of immense generosity.

Had Astrid so wished, Anelope could have been nothing more than a candle flickering in the wind. But he saw to it that she lived a life worthy of a high-ranking noblewoman.

Astrid seemed to have more to say as he looked at her with a pensive expression. After a moment’s silence, he finally spoke.

“The Empress is pregnant.”

A short sigh escaped Anelope’s lips.

“It may sound selfish.”

Astrid continued, her voice heavy with sincerity.

But I want to pass the throne on to my future child.”

In essence, Astrid’s intention was clear: by marrying Anelope off to powerless commoner knights, he intended to ensure that she could never claim the throne. 

Understanding the hidden meaning behind his words, Anelope forced a smile to her lips. 

“I understand. But this isn’t something I can decide alone. The knights… they’ve probably never even considered such a deep relationship with me.” 

Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. She tried to keep her composure, but the thought of marriage – it was all too sudden. 

“Very well, I understand. I have no intention of forcing you into anything. Anelope, if it’s not something you want, I won’t force it.” 

“I know. I trust you, brother.” 

“Thank you.” 

When they had finished eating, Astrid rose from his seat. 

As he climbed into the carriage that would take him back to the Imperial Palace, he leaned down and whispered softly to Anelope: 

“Think carefully. The choices you make now will determine not only your future, but the stability of the Empire. 

“Anelope.” 

“Yes, brother?” 

“The Empress, the child and my current family are important, but so are you, Anelope. You’re my family too.”

“If my proposal today has made you feel burdened or uncomfortable, please forgive me.” 

“No, it’s not that. I was just a bit surprised, that’s all.” 

“If any of the knights ever act inappropriately or make you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to tell me. I don’t want you to be unhappy…” 

Anelope took his hand in hers and smiled warmly. 

“Thank you, brother. I’ll visit you soon with a gift for the baby.” 

Anelope knew very well that Astrid was not an evil man. He was neither cruel nor blinded by power.

He was simply human.

Even as emperor, his family and their peace were the most important thing to him. He wasn’t like the virtuous heroes of fairy tales, merciful and altruistic in every way. 

That’s why Anelope couldn’t bring herself to hate him, even when he said things like that. At least he didn’t try to manipulate her like a sly politician. 

The carriage carrying Astrid slowly disappeared from view. Watching it go, Anelope finally turned and walked back into the manor. 

—

“Did you enjoy your meal?” 

Layla’s voice greeted her as she opened the door to her office. 

Anelope gave a quick nod and sank into her chair. Neatly arranged piles of documents prepared by Layla waited on her desk. 

As she read through the documents, Anelope let out a small sigh. It was only a matter of time before Layla began her inevitable lecture. After all, she had scandalously shared a bed with a commoner knight – there was no way the strict Layla was going to let that go. 

But contrary to her expectations, time passed and Layla said nothing. 

Anelope, unable to shake her fear, felt like a restless puppy, constantly looking at Layla, waiting for the impending scolding. 

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Anelope broke the ice. 

“Um… Layla.” 

“Yes, Your Grace?” 

“Have you nothing to say to me…?” 

At the abrupt question, Layla looked up from the documents she had been concentrating on and turned her eyes to Anelope. 

“What do you mean, all of a sudden?”

She asked, her tone genuinely perplexed, as if there was nothing unusual to discuss. 

Anelope blinked, taken aback by Layla’s apparent obliviousness.