The Demon Emperor was Saint Emperor-Chapter 40: Political Marriage

After much contemplation, a political marriage seemed more advantageous than recruiting a powerful ally.

The Celestial Destiny Emperor had many children, predominantly princes; there were three princesses, but only one was available for a matrimonial alliance.

Because one princess was six this year, while the other had just turned one month old.

Only the Sixth Princess was of suitable age for marriage, which some might say is even late since she was already twenty-six years old. Ordinary women at her age might already have children in school, yet she remained single.

This was not due to her being overly picky, but rather her father had delayed her prospects.

Nobles of power and influence had once flocked to request the Sixth Princess’s hand, with eligible young suitors aplenty, but for years, the Celestial Destiny Emperor never had a preferred match, always using the excuse of preexisting plans to fend off the aristocracy.

Yet, no news of this so-called plan surfaced until a year ago, after the Day of Doom when His Majesty the Emperor suggested that a long-hatched plan had finally come through, allowing him to reveal some information.

He claimed that the Sixth Princess was betrothed to a high noble from the Light Empire, whose title reached Grand Duke and who had his own estate, which likely ranked among the top lineages across the Light Empire.

Facing such competition, the nobles of Celestial Destiny Empire could do nothing but step back. With their standing at the end of the empire’s hierarchy, how could they compare with the continent’s strongest, the Light Empire, especially when it involved a lineage with independent lands?

As they begrudgingly accepted fate, the nobles privately scorned the Celestial Destiny Emperor, who would sacrifice his daughter for relations with the Light Empire, agreeing to a union with the Grand Duke of the Light Empire.

Is this something a father would do?

Grand Duke—the prestige of which cannot be understated—those who achieve this are venerable legends often aged seventy or eighty. Notably, the title of Grand Duke differs from that of a mere Duke; it’s uniquely designated, with descendants inheriting only the Duke title.

Throughout the history of the Divine Protection Continent’s nations, no Grand Duke has been younger than seventy-five years old, and even those aged seventy or eighty must possess earth-shattering talent; most Grand Dukes are over a hundred, and many hold honorary titles without actual estates.

The Light Empire’s Grand Duke had land, forming an image of a diligent, aged genius who had served the empire tirelessly for decades, and whose bent, yet towering stature remained impressive.

The radiant Sixth Princess Helena was to marry such an elderly figure, a demise of beauty at the thought.

She was the first beauty of Celestial Destiny Empire before the coming-of-age of Vivian two years ago; no contenders would challenge her standing if it weren’t for Vivian blossoming recently.

Even now, it’s debated whether Princess Helena or Vivian is more beautiful, as they exemplify different styles. Princess Helena embodies a majestic and brilliant beauty, whereas Vivian exudes youthful charm. They can’t truly be ranked, considering differing tastes.

The reason Vivian overshadowed Helena was primarily due to her singleness while Princess Helena was spoken for, and undeniably, her suitor thwarted any wishful competition.

Nonetheless, both are now in similar standing as Vivian is betrothed too, and her fiancé is even less approachable...

"Were Helena not already bound by a marriage contract, I would not ask you to send away your own daughter. But as it happens, Light Empire has dispatched an envoy here, the engagement papers are ready for signing."

The Celestial Destiny Emperor, infamous for his foolishness, isn’t unreasonable at all times; at least his current statements hold truth. Coincidentally, Vivian and Lynn became an item, while the princess’s engagement was set, with only signatures pending.

"I understand, I will try to convince Vivian and Lynn to marry abroad, but whether they’ll reside in another nation, I can only hope; powerful figures like him hardly heed a woman’s words."

Marquis Jones’s earlier glance at the Celestial Destiny Emperor was merely a last struggle; he knew there was a mere 0.1% chance the emperor might break the engagement and wed the princess to Lynn.

As one of His Majesty’s childhood companions, he understood his character. This man tolerated no rivals; unfamiliar strengths sparked doubts in him, as did familiar peers’ allegiances.

"Hurry on then! Preferably within three days...no, in a single day, I expect news of them departing the Celestial Destiny Empire! Fulfill this, and I shall reward you handsomely!"

Seeing Eddie Jones’s obedience, willing to sacrifice for the emperor’s desires at the critical moment, the Celestial Destiny Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, familiar with the Jones Clan’s circumstances, fearing Eddie might defy orders for his treasured daughter’s sake.

Receiving the Emperor’s decree, Marquis Jones departed at once, returning home, aware his daughter faced grave matters. While Kant, an old adversary mindful of Lynn, abstained from questioning Vivian last night, she wouldn’t ultimately escape this trial.

Suspicious and timid, the Emperor wouldn’t tolerate dormant threats, deciding to lure the tiger away, with his daughter naturally becoming the bait to draw out Lynn.

Of course, it’s uncertain whether it’s indeed coercive; his daughter held some interest in Lynn, who likewise had affection for Vivian. Describing them as mutually enamored is fitting; however, the emperor’s demands would hasten this nascent romance toward its conclusion.

After Marquis Jones’s exit, the grand assembly continued briefly, but whatever they discussed was unknown to him, departing early. Yet, he cared not, for it concerned him no longer; he had received his task, and if he wished to thrive in Celestial Destiny Empire, compliance was essential.

Returning to the Marquis’s Mansion, the sleep-deprived Vivian awaited his return, eager to learn the empire’s stance toward Lynn, affecting her future interactions with Lynn.

However, as Marquis Jones recounted each word from the assembly to Vivian, the once lively and innocent girl fell silently contemplative.

"Must His Majesty require this of me?"

After a long pause, Vivian raised her reddened eyes to her father, asking in a resigned tone.

"His decree demands it, but don’t stress too much. If needed...our family will leave the Celestial Destiny Empire, forget the damn title; I want my daughter and future son-in-law to connect naturally without being forcibly united!"

Marquis Jones gazed into his daughter’s beautiful eyes as he spoke slowly.

At his words, Vivian tilted her head, and then...

"Ah?"