"Shilai, you..."
Tales let out a long sigh. "Do you really know what you're saying?"
"Of course I do!"
Shilai pressed down on her moist eyes, her expression turning serious again, her tone leaving no room for doubt:
"I'm talking about a political marriage, power, benefits, the situation, politics, the balance of the kingdom, Emerald City's future, and even His Majesty's ambitions!"
A political marriage, power, benefits, the situation, politics...
Tales felt his heart sink.
"What about you?"
"Me?"
Shilai froze for a moment.
"I'm the right age, healthy, not bad-looking, and most importantly, capable of bearing children—isn't that enough? The requirements people have for a woman as a wife... Oh, I understand now."
The girl stared at Tales's dim eyes and suddenly realized.
Her expression stiffened for several seconds, but soon a smile replaced it.
"What time do you think this is, Tales? Are we really going to talk about those outdated things like love and affection, understanding and companionship, moonlit promises and eternal vows? This isn't some clichéd love story about Emperor Komora and Princess Elan turning from enemies into lovers!"
Tales said nothing.
Shilai waved her hand and gave a mocking snort, as though she were talking about the most absurd thing in the world.
"Lethal Iris above, how old are you, Tales? Have you taken political science? Have you memorized the histories and general circumstances of the major families in the Star Kingdom?"
She emphasized her words like a mature politician lecturing an inexperienced child:
"You're the king's son, and I'm the duke's sister. We live in reality. We ought to be above those terms that only appear in romantic ballads and adventure novels!"
But Tales merely gazed at her with a distant look and remained silent for a long while.
"Really?" The Prince's expression was