Chapter 26 : So I Refused A Royal Proposal

Some women whom we rescued told others about how two individuals wearing all black saved them. They called us "Night Angels." After hearing everything from them, many people start calling us by that name. 

But to the Sanctus Dominion and nobles of different kingdoms, we are nothing but criminals. They called us "Black Demons." 

Now the question is, how could Lesious know about me being one of the night demons? 

Lesious says, "Your secret is safe with me, King Agni, for I am grateful to you. To me you are one of the Night Angels. Believe me, I didn't tell anyone about your identity. You asked me about the true purpose of this visit. The answer is, I wanted to meet you in person; that's why I've come here. I am indebted to you, King Agni." I ask, "Why King Lesious? I didn't help you or anything like that." Lesious smiles and says, "You certainly did, King Agni." 

Lesious pauses for a moment. Then he says, "My mother was from the Enhenor Kingdom. I often visit there with my mother. There I met with Jurion, a beautiful girl from Julon City. We became friends. To spend some time with her, I visit there a bit more often. Eventually we fall in love with each other. And we decided to get married. My father didn't approve but didn't oppose either. But my mother supported me. We conducted our marriage ceremony in Hamarland. Jurion's whole family was present at the ceremony. The next day of our marriage, Jurion's younger sister Jenin wanted to return her home alone for some reason. Her parents stayed, and she departed from Hamarland. But she didn't get to return home. The carriage driver said that Jenin was abducted by bandits. We searched everywhere but didn't find her. Jurion became sick from worrying about Jenin. After almost one year, suddenly Jurion's brother came to us and told us that Jenin had returned home. We all went to see her. She told us everything except how she travelled from Alnovir to Julon in such a short time. She told us that you and Lady Vaelya rescued her from the prison chamber of Alnovir. She even showed us the 100 gold coins you gave her. She also told us that you have decided to rescue every suffering person regardless of race and gender. That's why when I heard about Black Demons, I was sure that you were one of them. And later I heard about the developments of Alnovir. I told my father to be an ally of Alnovir, which would be beneficial for Hamarland. But he decided to attack Alnovir and make it his own. Everyone opposed his decision. But he didn't listen to any of us. So, I killed him and sat on the throne. And after two months, I finally come here to meet with you, King Agni." 

I say, "It was my duty, King Lesious. You don't need to be indebted to me. And I prefer you to keep all this secret." Lesious says, "Of course, King Agni. Please continue to be Night Angels. There are so many helpless people who are being tortured every day, and society pretends like it's normal. Those helpless people pray all the time that Night Angels will come and save them. Please don't ever take away their only hope." I say, "Never, King Lesious. Night Angels will continue doing what it is meant to do." Lesious says with a smile, "Now, I've said what I wanted to say to you. I am going to let you rest now. " I smile and say, "See you at dinner." 

Lesious walks to the door and suddenly stops. He turns to me and says, "King Agni. I think my sister is attracted to you romantically. I would love a bond that connects Hamarland and Alnovir." Lesious leaves before I could say anything. 

I know that his sister is not attracted to me. Lesious is making that up to make a political marriage. Political marriages are a very common thing here. king forces his daughter or sister to marry another kingdom's king or prince. This act benefits both sides except the woman who is being forced to marry. Even so, Princess agrees to do so for her kingdom. So, Lelia is that kind of princess. I can't believe that Lesious is such a king. I kind of have high hopes for him. But in the end, he's just a king who can sacrifice his sister's happiness for his kingdom's benefits. 

I sigh and lie down on the bed.

After a couple of hours, Ferminaka tells me, "Your majesty, dinner is ready." Everyone is waiting for you in the dining hall." I get up and walk to the dining hall with Ferminaka.

In the dining hall, many persons are present, including our guests. I take my seat, and maids start to serve us. Only fruits for me. 

While eating, I sense that someone is watching me from the left. I look there with side eyes. Lelia is looking at me. Our eyes meet. She looks away. Well, that's odd. Anyway, I continue eating. 

Lesious says, "Why are you only eating fruits, King Agni?" Good question. I can't tell him that I am not comfortable with eating meats. Making matters worse, now everyone stops eating and looks at me. I guess they all had the same question from the beginning but couldn't find the courage to ask. 

My hesitations make Lesious's eyes widen. He says, "King Agni, don't tell me you take pity on animals so much that you can't eat them!" I say, "No, it's not like that, King Lesious. I sure feel pity towards animals, but I know they can be eaten. We humans are in the food chain. We can eat animals and fruits. But to me." I pause and look at my plate. I continue, "To me fruits are tastier than animals." 

Everyone is in shock. Lesious says with confusion, "How can fruits be tastier than animals?" I say with a smile, "Everyone's choices and tastes are different, King Lesious." Everyone nods. We continue eating.

After a while, I am getting the same feeling. Someone is watching me. I look at Lelia with side eyes. Our eyes meet again, and she looks away. 

What! Is there anything wrong with me? I look at my clothes. Ah! Now I get it. I am wearing my world's dress, which is an unknown dress to everyone. Lelia was only looking at my dress the whole time. Can't blame her, though. Everyone already certified this dress as a weird dress. I sigh. 

After dinner, everyone was speaking with someone. I am talking to Vaelya at the corner of the dining hall. Vaelya says, "Do you know if the eight thousand Hamarland soldiers have taken their dinner or not?" I say, "Yes. A few moments ago Nordial came to me and told me that all of the soldiers have eaten their meals." 

Emelin comes to me with an overjoyed expression. I say, "What happened, sister?" Emelin whispers with excitement, "Brother, I think she is in love with you!" I quickly look at Vaelya. Vaelya startles and turns at Emelin. Vaelya hesitantly says, "Who?" Emelin says, "Princess Lelia." 

Ah! This poor child! I say, "You are mistaken, sister." Emelin says, "No. I am not. She was looking at you all the time. I saw it." Vaelya says, "Yes. I also noticed that." I say, "Listen, I noticed that too. But..." Emelin interrupts me and says, "I told you so." I continue, "But she was looking at my dress." Emelin says with disbelief, "What?" I reply, "Yes. You know my dress is weird to all of you. You are used to it. But she is not. That's why she is looking at my dress. Understand?" 

Emelin remains silent for a moment. Then she says, "I am not wrong, brother. I know how a woman looks at something weird and how a woman looks at someone special." I say, "I think you should recheck your knowledge." Emelin says, "Alright then, I am going to ask her." My heartbeatstops for a moment. I say, "What! No. Of course not. Sister, it would be very rude to her." Emelin becomes upset and says, "Alright, I won't ask." 

Vaelya says, "She is not wrong, you know." I say, "She is Vaelya." Vaelya says, "Alright then, I am going to get some fresh air with Emelin. You will be alone here. Let's see if Princess Lelia comes to talk with you or not." Emelin says with excitement, "Yes! You are so genius, lady Vaelya." Vaelya smiles and says, "I know. Let's go." Vaelya and Emelin leave.

Ah! Seriously! Their misunderstandings are touching the top of the ceiling. Wait! I look at the ceiling. How high is the ceiling again?

- "Um...Your Majesty."

I turn to the left. Lelia is standing at a hand's distance from me. She seems to be shy. Maybe she needs something. I say, "Princess Lelia. You need something?" Lelia hesitantly says, "My brother said if I need something, I have to ask on my own." I nod and say, "He is correct. No one can describe your desire better than yourself. Now, tell me, Princess Lelia, what do you desire?" 

Lelia looks me in my eyes. Then quickly lowers her gaze. She says, "You." I startle and ask, "Pardon me, I didn't get that." She hesitantly says, "I want to marry you, your majesty." 

I am shocked to hear that. Lesious is that desperate! He is even forcing his sister to propose to me! And Lelia is ready to sacrifice herself for her kingdom. 

I say, "You don't have to do this, Princess Lelia. You have the right to decide whom you want to marry." Lelia looks at me with confusion and says, "Yes. That's why I want to be your wife." I sigh and say, "Princess Lelia, Even though your brother is a king, he can't force you to marry someone. You have the right to choose your husband. Emelin told me that you are considered the most beautiful woman. It's a gift, Princess Lelia. Marry someone who made you fall in love with him. Don't throw your life to a random person." 

Lelia seems to be puzzled by what I said. She thinks for a while and says, "But I want to marry you, your majesty." I say, "Listen, if you are thinking about sacrificing your life for your kingdom, then you don't need to. I promise you, I will always keep a friendly bond towards Hamarland. So, you don't have to do this political marriage anymore. Marry someone you want to marry." 

I smile at her. She stares at me for a while. Then she turns and walks outside of the dining hall. I release a satisfactory sigh. She finally understood my words. Now, I have to make sure she is free to make her decision. 

I walk to Lesious. I say, "King Lesious, was the dinner satisfactory to you?" Lesious says, "Yes, King Agni. I very much enjoyed the dinner." I smile and say, "I am glad that you liked it. I'll let the chief know."

Lesious hesitantly says, "King Agni, did my sister say anything to you?" 

- "About that. Listen, King Lesious, I promised Princess Lelia that Alnovir will always keep a friendly bond towards Hamarland." 

- "That's wonderful news. But why did you promise that to my sister, King Agni?" 

- "So she doesn't have to take part in a political marriage."

Lesious remains silent for a moment. Then he says with confusion, "But I didn't plan any political marriage for her."