By Zephyria 
My footsteps led me toward the chapel. I needed peace of mind after pouring out so much anger last night. I opened the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. I had guessed as much after seeing the Saint Palace attendants standing outside, and sure enough, Alexis had arrived first.
It was quite unexpected to see him kneeling in prayer before the plaster statue. Alexis remained focused on his task, paying no mind to the presence behind him.
Cecile quietly approached his side. He knelt on the floor as well, folding his hands in prayer. The content was mundane—simply asking that the day pass without incident.
After finishing his brief prayer, Cecile looked beside him to find Alexis still praying. Cecile couldn’t tear his eyes away from the solemn expression on the other man’s face.
With his eyes closed, Alexis murmured.
“You woke up early. I didn’t expect you to come here.”
He didn’t even mention what had happened in the greenhouse yesterday. Cecile played along, pretending nothing had happened.
“…And why is Your Highness in the chapel so early in the morning?”
Eyelids lifted, revealing blue eyes. Alexis gazed at the plaster statue modeled after Goddess Gaia.
“It is part of my daily routine. I offer prayers of gratitude every single day, without fail.”
“You must have many things to be grateful for.”
“Every day is a blessing.”
Blessing, my foot. I know exactly what’s going on, Cecile muttered inwardly.
Until yesterday, the mere thought of Alexis had been enough to give him a stress-induced fever, but today, he felt only a sense of pity. Bathed in the morning sunlight, Alexis looked more pious and gallant than usual, but in Cecile’s eyes, he looked only pitiful.
Cecile slowly stood up. Watching Alexis rise along with him, words suddenly escaped his lips.
“…Have you eaten breakfast?”
“Not yet. You?”
A flicker of anticipation appeared in the blue eyes staring at him. Cecile looked at him and cleared his throat. Facing Alexis made him feel strangely flushed. It must be because of the memories of the previous day.
“I haven’t either.”
“Then shall we eat together?”
The light proposal wasn’t unwelcome. Cecile gave a small nod. He’s a pitiful human, so I should be the one to save him. It’s not like the world will flip upside down just because we eat one meal together.
Shortly after the debutante balls ended, marriage proposals began pouring into the Imperial Palace. It was a natural result, as there were now two people who had reached marriageable age.
In particular, the pursuit of Crown Prince Alexis was overwhelmingly fervent. Once it became known that Yuria, who had been known as the Crown Prince’s partner, had become engaged to the eldest son of the Bandel family, everyone became desperate to occupy the now-vacant position of Crown Princess.
Portraits of beautiful noble ladies piled up like mountains. All were from prominent noble families, perfectly qualified to become the Crown Princess.
Today, as well, a palace archivist headed toward the Saint Palace carrying an armful of scrolls containing portraits. By chance, Cecile witnessed the sight. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Leo, the chief valet standing beside him, spoke in surprise.
“Wow… it’s obvious, but His Royal Highness the Crown Prince really is popular.”
“…….”
“The entire capital is in an uproar. People are even placing large bets on who will become the Crown Princess. I heard the pot has reached as much as 5 million salas!”
“Who cares. I’m not interested,” Cecile replied curtly, with a face that looked more interested than anyone else.
His attendants brought him news and rumors circulating in the streets. This was because Cecile kept prying into the marriage talks surrounding Alexis. However, for some reason, the more news Cecile heard, the more displeased he became.
Leo tried his best to soothe Cecile’s mood.
“Now, there’s no need to feel disappointed. You have the young lady of the Duke of Harold’s house, don’t you, Master Cecile? Since there is such a powerful competitor, everyone else is likely playing it safe.”
Leo seemed to lack intuition. The reason Cecile was displeased wasn’t that Alexis was receiving more proposals than he was. He simply found the idea of Alexis considering marriage distasteful.
Thinking about it carefully, he realized he was incredibly bothered by whoever Alexis’s marriage partner might be. First Yuria, and now an unspecified multitude of people whose faces he didn’t even know.
“…Do I really have a problem?”
“Pardon?”
“Leo. Find out where His Imperial Majesty is right now. I need to see him.”
He needed to dig deeper into how the marriage talks were progressing. The quick-footed valet soon found the Emperor’s whereabouts and reported that he was currently in the greenhouse. Naturally, Cecile’s steps led toward the greenhouse.
The Emperor was in a private meeting with Alexis. Three or four royal guards stubbornly blocked Cecile’s entry. They claimed it was an imperial order that no one be admitted until the conversation ended.
At that moment, Alexis set down his teacup and conveyed his intention once more.
“I will reject all marriage proposals. It must be Cecile, or no one.”
Hah. Emperor Arnold pressed his hand to his forehead with a sigh. No matter how many times he heard it, the statement was shocking.
“Why on earth! No, do you actually believe that is possible? Moreover, that child already has someone to marry!”
“Is it not Your Majesty who grants permission for that marriage? You only need to subtly indicate your refusal. Lady Cornelia Harold also does not have great affection for Cecile. That is a fact I have confirmed personally.”
The Emperor laughed as if he were appalled.
“Does Cecile know you feel this way?”
Alexis stroked the round handle of the teacup. A bitter smile spread across his face.
“He will find out soon enough.”
“Why must it be Cecile? I’d rather you say you like some other man. This… is beyond my capacity to handle.”
“I need no one else. If you do not grant permission, I am prepared to give up the throne.”
“This is maddening.”
“It’s not as if consanguineous marriage is a first for the Imperial Family. Besides, we share no blood.”
“Unless you’ve lost your mind… It’s shocking enough that the one inheriting the throne wants to marry a man, but for it to be Cecile?”
The Emperor now sighed openly. When he first heard Alexis’s confession, he had been furious. However, the stubborn will would not bend. It had reached the point where Alexis was formally requesting permission to marry Cecile.
Alexis was equally anxious.
If he endured for a few more years, he would become Emperor, but he couldn’t hold out until then. The Empress was eager to pair Cecile with the House of Harold, and if he didn’t take action, Cecile would forever marry another woman.
“Fine, let’s say I permit it. How do you intend to produce an heir?”
“If you only permit the marriage, I will find a way, no matter what it takes.”
Emperor Arnold groaned. He felt drained every time they argued about this. He waved his hand dismissively with a frown.
“Let’s take it slow, slowly. For now… fine, I shall permit pederasty. I know your will is firm, but Cecile’s will is also important. We shall discuss marriage later.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I want to be alone, so leave.”
Subsequently, the Emperor issued a strict order that no one be allowed into the greenhouse. He seemed completely exhausted by the private audience with Alexis.
Meanwhile, Alexis stepped out of the greenhouse. When he encountered Cecile waiting openly at the entrance, his face stiffened for a moment before softening. A gentle, welcoming smile flowed.
“You came to see His Majesty?”
“Yes.”
“Now is not a good time. Try visiting him again later.”
“But I must see him now….”
“You shouldn’t take advice lightly.”
Alexis wrapped his arm around Cecile’s shoulder and began to walk. There was no time to think. Cecile forgot the purpose of his visit to the greenhouse and was led away by Alexis.
“Cecile.”
“Yes?”
“Many things will happen from now on. Do not listen to what others say; follow your own thoughts.”
“…I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
At that, Alexis laughed aloud. A response, like a monologue, followed: It’s understandable that he doesn’t get it.
“I trust you. I trust that you will surely make the right choice.”
Alexis firmly clasped their joined hands. A tangled ball of thread only needs to be unraveled one by one. He did not doubt that one day, the red thread connecting their hands would stretch out long as one.
The Emperor announced that he permitted pederasty. He even allowed marriage between members of the same sex, including the Imperial family. This also meant that the qualifications for the Crown Princess would not be limited to women. A storm broke out across the Empire. Nobles were busy presenting their unmarried sons.
“How utterly ridiculous! It will be quite a sight to see Alexis marry a man!”
Empress Elizabeth found the situation simply amusing. According to what she had subtly asked the Emperor, the person Alexis had his eye on was a man. At this rate, Alexis might actually marry a man.
“There’s no need to even take action. Marrying a man who cannot bear children—doesn’t that mean he’s giving up the throne? Cecile, if things go well, you might even become the Emperor.”
“…….”
“If that’s too difficult for you, it might be your child. In any case, the line of succession is a foregone conclusion.”
None of the words the Empress spoke in excitement entered his ears. Cecile only cared about the person Alexis had his eye on.
A man? Who…? Could it be me?
Just the assumption made his face flush hot. Given Alexis’s behavior so far, it wasn’t an entirely baseless guess.
“Cecile, are you listening to me?”
“…Ah. What did you say?”
“I asked if you’d like to make a move on Alexis. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity to ruin his reputation?”