Chapter 52: 51

“If you need my permission…… Are you going to the tomb of the first Emperor and the Fairy King? What do you plan to do there?”

“I want to ask the Fairy King for Ludmilla-nim’s rest.”

Renato answered Tristan’s question as if he had waited. His original purpose was to discover the reason he returned to the past, but he could not tell the truth, so this was an excuse he prepared in advance. And he also sincerely wanted to pray for Ludmilla’s rest.

“Ludmilla’s?”

Tristan’s eyes widened when he heard Renato’s answer. He found it unexpected.

“So you care about such things as well…… Thank you very much. You are doing what I have to do.”

Tristan let out a cough, feeling emotionally overwhelmed for a moment. His green eyes became wet and shook just like leaves fluttering in the winds and rain.

“I want to give you permission to enter right away, but I have to contact the Senate and tell them the purpose of your visit, and if the Empress finds out, he might start a riot…… How about visiting after I observe the situation for a bit?”

After agonizing for a moment, Tristan said with a regretful face. He was saddened by the reality of having to mind other people’s eyes for such a thing.

“I will do so. It’s not urgent.”

Renato nodded his head without much response. He was not disappointed or nervous, because he had expected that answer to some extent. And honestly, he both wanted to go to the imperial tomb, yet was hesitant at the same time.

“If it doesn’t work out, I can visit after the wedding ceremony with the grand prince, so please don’t overdo it.”

“Yes, it is customary for imperial family members to visit the tomb of the Fairy King and make a marriage vow…… Anyway, I’ll look for an opportunity and give you permission.”

“Please do so. Then I’ll be leaving now. Please rest well.”

Renato bowed and turned around to leave the bedroom. After seeing him off, Tristan was lost in thoughts with a serious face.

“……Chamberlain.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Investigate everything about grand prince Khalid. Everything from one to ten.”

After agonizing for a while, Tristan ordered Caleb to investigate Khalid. In his view, Renato didn’t seem to know how heavy the changes that a marriage could bring, and how burdensome a union without love was. So he was even more worried.

For Tristan, Renato was a child who grew up only in the Imperial Palace and did not interact much with people, so he was gentle and didn’t know much about the world compared to his age.

It was Renato’s choice, so even though he wanted to trust and support him, there were quite a lot of things that bothered him. He thought that if he at least knew what kind of person Khalid was, he perhaps would be able to relax a little.

“After you finish the investigation, contact the grand prince and send a message asking to meet him without Renato knowing.”

“I will obey your orders.”

The chamberlain bowed his head and left without saying anything more. Left alone, Tristan leaned back on the sofa with a tired face.

“……Please let it flow in the right direction.”

Sipping the cold medicinal tea, Tristan recited his small hope in a bitter voice. When the result of the investigation came out, if Khalid was not a nice person unlike what Renato had said, Tristan would oppose their marriage and try to find another way. But that was probably not what Renato wanted.

“Huu.”

Tristan let out a small sigh, recalling Renato’s smile he just saw a while ago. It was the first time that child made such a face except for when he was with Ludmilla or Trudy.

So he hoped that Khalid would be a good man so that their marriage could lead to a good outcome for everyone. Tristan was a sinner who could not bring Renato happiness, but he did not want the child to be hurt anymore.

* * *

On the day they decided to write the marriage contract, it started snowing in the morning. With the snow falling before early spring, the capital quickly turned white.

It was a fun day for children, but a hard day for adults. Renato woke up when he heard the laughter of children running down the street. Because of the snow, their travel was delayed more than usual, and they barely arrived on time for the appointment.

“Please come on in, Your Imperial Highness. Welcome to the diplomatic office.”

When the carriage door opened, the first thing he saw was a friendly face. Seeing Khalid coming out to meet him, Renato’s eyes slightly widened, then the corners of his eyes slowly curled up.

“Hello, your highness. It is quite cold today.”

“It seems to be the coldest day since I came to the Empire. Ah, the ground is slippery, so please come down carefully.”

Khalid held out his hand to Renato. Renato took his hand without hesitation. Maybe it was because he was wearing gloves, he didn’t feel Khalid’s warmth unlike usual. He felt a little disappointed because of that.

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“Thank you very much.”

Renato got off the carriage with his help and gave a brief thanks. He tried to let go of Khalid’s hand that was holding him. But as soon as he tried to sneak his hand out, Khalid grabbed his small hand.

“Your highness?”

“The road is slippery.”

Khalid slightly pulled Renato’s hand toward him and gave a reason for Renato to focus on looking in the front. All the roads leading to the diplomatic office were cleared before their appointment time, but the snow continued to fall, making the ground freeze.

“But I’m fine……”

“If you fall, it will be big trouble. A little while ago, a stupid aide fell on his butt.”

When Khalid added some words, Nasir, who was behind him, let out a groan. Khalid continued to escort Renato, easily ignoring Nasir’s unspoken protest. Then, he naturally held Renato’s hand and led it into his coat pocket.

“Why my hand……”

Renato wiggled his hand in surprise when Khalid’s unexpected action continued. The more he did, the more tightly Khalid held Renato’s hand.

“It’s important to show people that we have a good relationship.”

“Ah, that’s right.”

Renato agreed with his words, understanding what the man was talking about. On the day Khalid accepted Renato’s proposal, the two had a few conversations about what to do next.

‘Nobles are sensitive to rumors. If a love story spreads between you and me, your highness, I’m sure they’ll be interested. But we must not make them think of our meetings as a political union.’

‘Are you saying that you want us to be seen as fateful love, not a political marriage?’

‘Because by that way, no one can oppose the marriage. We should turn it into amusing gossip to the end. It’s a story that will be spread by the people.’

‘It’s not a bad idea.’

‘To do that, I think it would be necessary to create an image of having a good relationship with you, your highness. Like attending banquets together…… What do you think?’

Renato suggested making it as if he and Khalid were naturally in love. The story of the two had to look like a love marriage, not an arranged marriage. Only then could they lower the vigilance of the nobles. It would also avoid Blanche and Marquis Medus’ suspicion.

‘And I hope the one doing the courting will be you, not me, your highness.’

‘Am I supposed to show that I fell in love first?’

‘Yes, I think it will be easier with that. I ask for your understanding about this. My apologies.’

‘It’s okay. So let’s start by making rumors. Beginning with the Khan Kingdom’s diplomatic office…… First of all, I should spread the word that I fell in love with you, Your Imperial Highness.’

Afterward, the two discussed how to spread rumors and appear among people. Today was the beginning of it.

“Would you like me to hug you and carry you?”

“No.”

Khalid playfully asked and leaned towards Renato. Tap, their side hair lightly touched and then parted. Renato curled his lips to hide his agitation.

Holding hands or bumping their heads may not have been a big deal for Khalid, but it was the first time Renato had this kind of intimate contact other than with Ludmilla or Trudy.

But he couldn’t express that. If he reacted in surprise to this kind of touch, other people would think it was strange.

Feeling that the way to the diplomatic office was too long today, Renato moved on with his steps. But soon, he had to face another trouble again. Before entering the lobby, Khalid stopped and turned his body towards Renato.

“Please wait a bit……”

Khalid moved his other hand, while one hand was still holding Renato’s hand. He brushed off the pure white snowflakes from Renato’s purple-tinted silver hair. Then, he also brushed off the snow on Renato’s shoulders.

“If I had known this would happen, I would have prepared an umbrella. There is a lot more snow than I thought.”

“Thank you very much. Please let me……”

Renato hurriedly placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, which was much wider and sturdier than his. Then, he awkwardly moved his hand. Unlike Khalid, his hand was clumsy.

“Thank you.”

Khalid briefly thanked him, then raised his hand again, perhaps discovering something else. Renato closed his eyes involuntarily when the man’s hand once again approached him. The moment the warmth touched and gently rubbed the corner of his left eye, Renato’s shoulders instantly stiffened.

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