If it were anybody else, who asked him if they could meet Lyn, Allen would undoubtedly think that they had an ulterior motive. However, because it"s Rei, Allen understood that the woman was merely curious while she is not the type to pay attention to ideal gossip and immerse herself in her research most of the time. For her to express such an interest now."Are the rumors that entertaining Lady Rei?"
"It"s more like; I am worried about how this will affect your state for the upcoming conference. He will announce you as the next heir then, correct?"
Indeed, contrary to his compet.i.tors. He has already won the throne. But Allen continued playing their games and feigning ignorance this whole time to amuse them. It seems, however, that the game will quickly come to an end.
Feeling Rei"s eyes on him, Allen sighed, "It will not disrupt me, besides if she cancels it before the conference, then I will have time to prepare myself."
Rei nodded, "You think she will cancel it?"
Allen wanted to laugh, but he knew that would be even more unlike him, instead he gave a small nod, "There is no reason for her to marry me now that she has somebody she loves."
"We do not choose who we marry," Rei pointed out.
"Even if that"s the case. An alliance with the Sound Kingdom would equally benefit Queen Orthez and King Daichi. In fact, their union would not surprise me. They need to keep the Sound Kingdom in check. Queen Orthez already regrets what she has been doing to Lyn."
"So her daughter"s happiness and a beneficial union," Rei nodded, "Indeed, I can see that happening. But, don"t sell yourself short Allen. The connection you built up with the Mist Kingdom royal family is not weak. They would not risk offending you either."
Over the years since the engagement, Allen took on the matter with the Mist Kingdom himself. He even personally instructed to his relatives and everybody involved not to interfere. That"s why he"s in charge when it concerns the Mist Kingdom affairs.
"Even if the engagement will be nullified. I will not hold a grudge against them," Allen nodded, "Your right. I spent far too long cultivating relations.h.i.+ps and connections here. While it may be damaged slightly if the engagement is canceled. But, it will not be completely lost."
And if Lyn were to become Queen, then with her personality she will maintain his work the way it is now. Allen wondered since when, since when did he think Lyn would become a good Queen?
"Just hearing you talk, I can tell that none of that matters to you. All you want is to marry Princess Lyn," Rei shook her head, "Allen, why don"t you talk to her?"
"About what?"
"Tell her you don"t want to cancel the engagement. Tell her you can make it work. Tell her how much you love her."
Allen paused and briefly considered Rei"s words, "If I could do that, I would have done so a long time ago."
If it were that easy to tell Lyn his feelings, he wouldn"t have struggled this entire time. He wouldn"t have had to suffer for so many years.
After he said those words, Allen felt the atmosphere turn awkward. So he swiftly changed the topic, "So, about seeing her. If you accept my request, you"ll be able to. Then you can see her act like a fool when she is with him."
Allen finished the fruit he was eating.
"I take it that you do not approve?" Rei asked quietly.
Allen sighed, "Considering how I am about to be abandoned because of him. It"s normal," he didn"t mean to sound bitter. But Allen knew that he wouldn"t be able to hold back when it came to this matter anymore. He is not an emotional person, but there are many emotions he has discarded and kept locked up in a vault inside his heart all these years. Emotions that will come spilling if he doesn"t remain calm.
"Have you received any other proposals yet, Lady Rei?"
Rei eyed him, suspiciously, "Your bad personality has not changed. How could you ask me something like that?"
"I do realize it is in bad taste to ask a woman about their marriage offers. But, I believe I ought to be concerned," it always worried Allen that the girl could not get another marriage offer after the cancelation. While it was merely a rumor and nothing publicly announced. People gossiped about it. So when he suddenly got engaged to Lyn, many people believed that the canceling happened.
It didn"t help how he couldn"t visit Lady Rei for a while, which only added to the rumors.
"Rest a.s.sured my lord, the rumors didn"t affect me."
"That"s good to hear."
"But, before I answer, I must ask. Where is this coming from?"
"I am curious," Allen shrugged. His own concern regarding the rumors. It baffles him how a young lady like lady Rei is still living at home. By now, shouldn"t she be in charge of her own household? "Your age, most girls who are younger than you are getting married."
Rei pursed her lips. It was clear that she was hesitating whether to speak to him about this. Eventually, she spoke up, "There are a few offers," Rei admitted, "My brother is looking them over and narrows it down."
Sensing her voice and seeing her expression, Allen felt that the girl was reluctant. So he asked, "You do not approve?"
"It"s not that I don"t want to. I am very grateful that I"m getting so many. But," Rei paused, "I want to get to know the other person first."
A knowing, "ah" pa.s.sed his lips. It seems like even for somebody like Rei who has spent all this time focussing on her studies, would have a preference. It seems like she also wants to fall in love, like all the other girls her age. Allen nodded, he understood. Lyn is the same after all. Even though her circ.u.mstances meant that she had little opportunity to interact with the outside world. Allen always knew that the girl wanted to fall in love. A strong love, one that is genuine.
The elders before decided that Lady Rei is the perfect match for him because they knew her emotions would not sway her. She would remain loyal to him, unlike the majority of the women.
At the sight of at a loss of wealth would turn to another man. But he supposes the same went for men too, they would discard the woman who has little use to them. That"s why the elders picked Lady Rei because of her talent, moderate beauty, and loyalty.
"None of them caught your eye at all?"
Rei shook her head, "None," she paused, "Of course, even if my brother decides and chooses somebody for me. I still get the final say."
Allen nodded, "That"s right, so do not feel pressured."
These days it is common for the ones involved to have a say in their marriages. While they cannot choose their partners, they can decline. Of course, most people choose not to.