Dole had thought marrying a princess would be simple—just like with Aixi, have a simple meal with her parents and show off his abilities.
He had not expected things to become so complicated.
Identity, status, ability, financial resources—not one could be lacking. At the very least, they all had to be displayed before everyone and earn everyone's approval.
Dole found it rather baffling. What the hell did "earning everyone's approval" even mean? He did not know ninety-nine percent of the people at court. Why did he need their recognition? As long as he and Elreya could live together, that was enough.
But that was how the imperial system worked.
After marrying Elreya, Dole would become an imperial prince consort, qualified to stand in court and take part in discussions of state affairs. That was the real point. Countless people fought until their heads bled for that title, strutting before others like peacocks spreading their tails, showing off in every conceivable way.
As for the princess being married off, she was instead the least important link.
That was the sorrow of imperial princesses. They had no way to decide for themselves whom they wanted to be with.
While grumbling inwardly about all this, Dole also felt deep sorrow over the chaos among the upper ranks of the nobility. When Elreya had left with him back then, she had truly walked her own path. As for whether she had genuinely fallen for him or simply had no other choice, that had been another matter at the time.
Dole ran between the Clan Rites Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Royal Palace Etiquette Office by himself for two days before finally settling the procedures. Next, the Empire would make an announcement, and Dole would have to face scrutiny from every sector