"As an imperial princess, I cannot choose my own partner. I must be caught in a web of interests, then, in a few years, marry a stranger at my imperial brother's command, wed him, bear his children, and then... spend the rest of my life that way." Xu Jiujiu lightly pressed her red lips together.
"But now, I've met you..."
"But isn't tonight the first time we've actually spoken?" Xu Cheng asked with a frown.
What was this? A honey trap?
Even if it was a honey trap, wasn't this a little too halfhearted?
"I only like strong men. Your strength has completely exceeded my expectations. At the very least... I don't dislike you."
"My brother thinks very highly of you. If he were to betroth me to you, he would certainly be willing. And for me, the chance to choose my own husband, someone I actually like, will probably come only once in my lifetime."
Xu Jiujiu spoke softly.
She sounded as though she were reciting lines, yet also as though she were speaking from the heart.
"If I marry you, I won't mind you having other women. I'll devote all of the Star Luo Empire's strength to helping you rise, manage your harem for you, and never fight for your affection out of jealousy like other women. I'll support my husband and raise our children. Even if I have to marry into the Sun Moon Empire... and never return home, that would be fine."
Xu Cheng: "..."
A pair of bright eyes fixed on him, filled with anticipation.
He frowned. Why did it seem... as though she meant it?
"Then what if I refuse?"
Xu Cheng asked after a moment's thought.
"You'll regret it," Xu Jiujiu said.
The two stared at each other.
After a long while, Xu