Chapter 103

“The next day. As soon as I arrived in the capital, I was summoned to the Imperial Palace.”

I found myself facing the Emperor, who regarded me with that languid expression I had seen before, likely due to the absence of Princess Chloe by my side. The princess had urgent matters to attend to, and since the Emperor had called for me specifically, she had wisely made herself scarce.

Like any father with a daughter, the Emperor stared at me, evidently displeased with the situation, before finally speaking.

“It’s the first time in the thousand-year history of the Empire that the fiancé of a princess is a woman. What do you think, Count? As the one who will receive this first honor?”

“…I suppose it’s an honor, of course.”

“I even changed the law for you and my daughter. Though, it wasn’t too difficult, given that you captivated the Marquis of Portus’s daughter and the Church’s Saint too.”

Why does that sound more like a backhanded compliment? The Emperor had returned to his relaxed demeanor, comfortably seated on his throne, quietly watching me. Besides the guard knight glaring at me from the side, the vast hall felt eerily empty—uncomfortably so.

“I hear you haven’t seen Chloe’s face for three years.”

“…We thought we needed time apart.”

“Time is nice. But did you really not visit your fiancée for three years? It seems to me you were trying to pull some sort of emotional distancing.”

….

He’s not wrong, so I maintained my silence. The Emperor silently nodded, observing me as I stared blankly.

“Did you think your infatuation would pass like a shooting star?”

“To be honest, yes. After all, it’s not love but same-sex attraction. It could’ve been a fleeting crush.”

“Yet none of the three women you captivated have distanced themselves from you. So, what will you do now? Are you planning to marry all three?”

“Yes. Given the circumstances, I believe I must take responsibility.”

“Well, that’s at least good to hear. It’s the best thing you’ve said today.”

After saying that, the Emperor paused for a moment, then spoke again.

“The wedding will take place the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s sooner than I expected…”

“The princess preferred it quick. We’ve been preparing since before her graduation, so there’s no need to worry about a hasty arrangement.”

“I’m not worried about that…”

Wait, does this mean who’s going to wear the tuxedo? Me? It should be me, right? Honestly, I don’t want to give in on this. No matter how you slice it, I can’t quite picture myself in a wedding dress.

“Then you may go.”

With the Emperor’s dismissal, I exited, soon followed by a palace attendant. They set about dragging me left and right for a pre-wedding rehearsal. A part of me wanted to catch a glimpse of Chloe, but since meeting the bride before the wedding is considered bad luck, the attendants half-forced me into busywork.

Honestly, I feel like I didn’t do much over the two days, but time flew faster than an arrow. Two days passed in a blink, and as I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in my wedding gown, I felt a flicker of despair. Well, I kind of expected this…!

At least the wedding dress itself was incredibly beautiful. What would Chloe wear? A tuxedo? I don’t think so. With those thoughts, I quietly rose from my spot. Once the maids finished my styling, they stepped back, and I started walking forward with soft footsteps. The venue was, of course, Anastasia Hall.

Given how seldom this hall opens, it’s a fact that a large event like this would be held there. Plus, it would be the first high-society same-sex marriage after the law on same-sex marriage was enacted. So, there’s likely an agenda behind showing off to the people.

It was a bit concerning that my first marriage might be used as a means, but ultimately, it was my choice, so I couldn’t voice any complaints.

As I entered, it wasn’t the lively music one would expect at a modern wedding, but instead, the orchestra invited from the palace played a melody similar to one. Amidst the complete silence of the guests, I stood before the officiant, raising my head calmly. Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps clattering beside me.

Turning my head slightly, I saw Chloe in a wedding dress similar to mine, smiling at me with a bright grin. It wasn’t just a smile with her eyes; it was a smile that genuinely radiated joy.

“You look beautiful today, Chloe.”

“I didn’t expect you to say something like that.”

“I might not be good at expressing myself, but… don’t you think such a day deserves some words?”

“If you could just drop that stiff tone, it would definitely warm my heart.”

As the first prince, Meyer, who was officiating, continued to chatter in front, Chloe and I exchanged those lines. After a moment of hesitation, Chloe added,

“You look beautiful, too.”

It felt oddly nostalgic, but I have to admit it was a little embarrassing.

“Now, the two of you may share the vow kiss.”

After a series of questions, Prince Meyer looked at us and chuckled softly. It seemed he was the most excited person here. I suppose it makes sense, as he must feel he finally secured the Emperor’s position. While I was pondering this, Chloe cupped my cheeks in her hands. Then, without warning,

Smack.

She pressed her lips against mine fervently. Startled, my eyes widened as I caught sight of Chloe smiling at my reaction, her eyes glinting mischievously. Wait, hadn’t she done this before? Why is she so skilled?

After about five seconds, Chloe pulled away. As I stared at her, dazed, Prince Meyer continued with the ceremony.

To be honest, I don’t remember much of what happened afterward. I completely lost grip on reality after that intense kiss. I vaguely recall greeting approaching nobles, but the next thing I knew, it was night. I had changed out of my wedding dress into something more comfortable and was drying my wet hair when it hit me.

“Ah.”

I could hear the distant sound of water. Why did it feel almost provocative? In the dark of night, I was caught up in a sweet scent wafting around the bed. The subtle lighting created an unmistakable atmosphere of a bride on her wedding night.

I would have preferred the opposite, to be honest. Just then, the door to the adjoining bath opened, and a figure emerged through the mist. It was my newlywed bride.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Umm… ah, nothing.”

I glanced at Chloe, who was only clad in a robe, before quickly averting my eyes. I had thought she was impressively endowed even while clothed, but without those layers, it was another level altogether. Would it even fit in my hands? I couldn’t help but wonder.

“You have quite the innocent reaction.”

“I am innocent, you know…”

She said that, even though she didn’t seem innocent herself. I looked at her with that thought, and Chloe wore a teasing smile.

“Of course, I may seem the same, but members of the royal family still have a certain degree of sexual education.”

“Is that so…”

Chloe approached me confidently, wearing only her robe. As I saw her coming, I slowly closed my eyes.

…

Ugh.

Yawn. I woke up from my slumber. Had the night been long? I felt quite tired. Next to me, Chloe was groaning, scrunched up on the bed with her brows furrowed. Hmm, was she really feeling that way? I thought as I discreetly glanced at Chloe’s white form. She bore blushes in numerous spots, a sight that triggered a more instinctual response within me. Gently touching her pale back elicited a slight moan from her.

“Th-that’s…”

“Isn’t this entirely different from sexual education?”

“That’s true… I never learned a thing about sleeping with another woman.”

….

Well, it made sense that a royal family, aiming for lineage, wouldn’t teach such things. I mused over this while gently pulling Chloe closer. The softness of her skin and her scent made me feel as if I never wanted to leave this moment. However, Chloe suddenly slapped my hand away.

“Don’t even think about going any further.”

To be honest, I had no intention of pushing things further with the exhausted Chloe, but I found her response amusing enough to tease her.

“Such a shame. Just the other morning, I clearly remember you calling my name in a delicate voice and screaming.”

“Shut it.”

As Chloe mumbled, her face flushed, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly, getting up from my seat. For now, I decided to leave our delicate princess to her rest while I took care of the matters awaiting me in the palace.