Chapter 666: Moving the Wedding Ahead of Schedule
Looking at their shocked faces, Alaric was internally amused. He also had the same expression when he heard all this information from Bellator.
He cleared his throat and continued. "And the last of the three great continents is called the Hasrahan continent. Other than the three great continents, there are also smaller islands. Although they are significantly smaller than the three great continents, we cannot underestimate them."
He took a dramatic pause and studied the women’s faces. "According to Lord Bellator, these smaller islands have a huge number of experts who are beyond the Venerable realm."
Hearing this, the empress and Bai Seol-hwa were stunned.
"In the end, we are just ants in this massive world," Yskaela mumbled as she slumped into her chair, looking dispirited.
"That’s true..." Alaric nodded in agreement.
The world was much bigger than they had imagined.
"How about we move the wedding ahead of schedule?" He suddenly suggested, leaving the empress quite shocked.
"Huh?"
Alaric smiled faintly and quickly added. "I want to explore the outside world. I don’t want to be confined in this desolate region all my life. How about you two?"
"...After hearing all that, doesn’t it make you want to see the vast world?"
Bai Seol-hwa lowered her head and fell into silence, seemingly contemplating his words.
Meanwhile, the empress let out a sigh and shook her head. "Just like you, I also want to seek more opportunities outside the desolate region, but I cannot leave Veronica without an heir. If I leave the empire, it would definitely fall into chaos."
Alaric furrowed his eyebrows. He understood her worries. He knew how fickle the hearts of the nobles were. If they were to see a chance, they wouldn’t hesitate to rebel against the imperial family. For an empire to survive, it must have a strong and reliable imperial family.
Alaric rubbed his chin and adjusted his sitting posture.
"Veronica has already signed an alliance treaty with Astania. Unless there is a Beyonder realm expert, no one would dare to rebel against the throne."
Yskaela nodded, agreeing with his words. "You are right, but I will only feel at ease if my country has an heir. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even think of leaving."
Looking at how stubborn she was, Alaric knew that persuading her was impossible.
If she wants an heir, does it mean that she plans to have a child with me as soon as we get married?
Alaric was dumbfounded. It was only recently that he told his father that he wasn’t ready to have a child. However, the empress was hinting that she wanted a child.
This made him feel conflicted.
If I give her a child first, Hershey might feel jealous.
Alaric rubbed his temples and let out a sigh.
From the looks of it, there was no postponing this matter.
The room became quiet afterward. Just as the atmosphere was starting to get awkward, Alaric opened his mouth.
"Fine. I will make it possible."
The empress’s eyebrows shot upward, not expecting him to agree without much of a fuss.
"Good! As expected of the man I’ve chosen! You are decisive!" She clapped her hands in excitement.
Bai Seol-hwa was also happy. Veronica’s lack of heir had left her feeling anxious in the last few months. Now, she could finally relax.
Alaric could only smile helplessly.
"Then let’s discuss the new schedule. How about next week?"
"Next week? But the preparations..."
Alaric waved his hand. "Most of the important guests have already arrived at the empire. As for the few who haven’t arrived yet, I have already sent my men to escort them. The venue and the decorations are also being expedited as per my request. The only thing left is your approval."
Yskaela covered her mouth with her hand. "You prepared all these on your own?"
Alaric shook his head with a chuckle. "Of course not. The household did most of the work. I only gave the instructions."
"Then it wouldn’t be right for me to reject your request after all the preparations you made. Alright. I give you my approval." Yskaela sent him a gorgeous smile.
The topic quickly shifted into other matters. They didn’t even notice the passing of time. Since it was already quite late, Alaric invited the empress to stay for the night.
Surprisingly, the empress agreed to his invitation.
...
Over the next seven days, a huge cleanup operation was carried out. The loyal followers of the Carefree Duke were stripped of their status and were banished to the borders of the empire. Some of them resisted the orders, but the imperial guards and the warriors of House Silversword quickly eliminated them.
With the significant number of disappearances among the followers of the Carefree Duke, rumors began to spread throughout the populace. Many believed that the Carefree Duke was planning to rebel, but he was quickly discovered by the empress. Their theory was that the empress only left him alive because of his meritorious service to the empire.
To these allegations, the Carefree Duke’s estate offered no explanation. It looked as if it had quietly accepted the imperial family’s demands.
The nobles and the merchants who once had tight relations with the Carefree Duke silently distanced themselves.
In just a week, the Carefree Duke estate that once held power just second to the imperial palace quickly lost authority. The people even came to despise it due to its treasonous acts.
...
At this moment, in a newly constructed church in the heart of Sorl, a huge event was held.
The main path leading to the church was decorated with ceremonial arches adorned with glowing silk, fresh florals, and other ornaments. There were also freshly plucked petals along the cobblestone path as well as high-value spiritual plant cuttings.
A romantic music was played by the hired musicians, giving the entire venue an emotional shift in mood.
Inside a distant carriage, the empress peeked through the tiny gap in the window and mumbled nervously. "So I’m getting married today..."
The sight of the big crowd of guests made her feel a mixture of emotions.
