And so, Shien and Roxie's affair was spectacularly exposed right in the middle of their conspiracy.
Fortunately, the one who found out was Ria. She reluctantly accepted it, and although she still seemed unable to completely come to terms with it, she decided to help Shien and Roxie so they could marry smoothly.
To push the matter along, Roxie eagerly discussed many details with Ria, who looked as though she could no longer muster any enthusiasm, preparing to put them into action.
In Roxie's view, the public announcement of her relationship with Shien could be delayed for now. They should make this event, nominally a husband-selection ceremony but actually a predetermined choice, as grand as possible.
Otherwise, if their intentions were exposed too quickly, some perceptive people might realize the purpose behind this whole performance.
Thus, Roxie believed they could wait until the nobles and dignitaries from nations all over the world had gathered, creating the illusion that she truly intended to choose the finest man from among all the outstanding figures of the Human Realm. Only then would she announce her decision to choose Shien. That would have the best effect.
For one thing, the entire Human Realm would know that Roxie had ultimately chosen Shien, making many royal relatives and nobles who had been pestering her give up.
For another, if the matter was decided before the entire Human Realm, then even the kingdom would have no way to deny it afterward. Otherwise, it would be slapping its own face in front of the whole world.
Roxie's idea was that it would be most satisfying if everyone among the gods, humans, and demons knew that she was taken.
Because if this engagement became so widely known, it would basically be completely set in stone. Unless something truly happened