After the conversation that took place in the dining room, everyone was being led by the servants to their respective rooms to sleep. At that point, it was already quite late since we had been talking for a long time. We ended up discussing several things, but in general, the conversations always revolved around me or Emi.
However, before going to sleep, the king asked me to accompany him to the garden, where I had last met with him and the queen. Although I did not know what the conversation was about, it seemed to be quite serious.
As soon as we arrived at the last place, the king and queen sat down in front of us and looked at me straight away with serious eyes. Seeing this, I also straightened up in my chair, becoming as serious as possible while waiting for the king's next words.
"Well, the reason we called you here is quite simple and concerns your relationship with Emi from now on"
Said the king. Saying these words, the king looked between me and Emi before turning to speak again.
"Ren, as you know, we are members of royalty. Although I recognize you, that doesn't mean everyone will. You are intelligent enough, so you must understand that, although I am the king, the country does not function only with me. The nobles are essential to keep the country stable and functioning"
Said the king as he looked at me. Hearing his words, I nodded, indicating that I already knew this to some extent. After all, this was not so different from my past life. Although there was the president of the country, it does not necessarily mean that he made every decision alone.
"Anyway, that's not the main point. Just as my wife and I thought of something that would solve this situation, I'm sure you must have come to the same conclusion"
Continued the king. Hearing the king's words, I nodded again. He's probably talking about my identity as X. Although I don't like to brag, and it's true that this letter is quite well known, I don't know how much. Besides, if it allows me to continue with Emi, I don't mind revealing my identity. It's not as if I'm intending to hide it forever anyway.
"Okay, now, on to the main subject. Unfortunately, you and Emi need to get married if you really want to be together. Emi is a member of royalty, so it's impossible for her to get into a relationship without aiming for marriage"
Said Emi's mother, looking at me with serious eyes as we discussed her daughter's future.
"But... it seems that you were already prepared for that, wasn't it?"
Said the queen as she looked at me. And of course, I had already made that possible. But still, I don't intend to give up on Emi. I had already decided to spend my life by her side years ago, and even today, my thoughts are the same.
"Yes"
I replied. As soon as I said that, I felt someone holding my hand tightly. Looking to the side, I noticed Emi looking at me with a soft smile on her face.
"I had already prepared for this a long time ago"
I said with a smile on my face as I looked at the queen. Hearing my words, she put a soft smile on her face.
"Well, since that's the way it is, I don't have anything else to say"
She said as she looked between me and Emi. After that, she turned her gaze to her husband.
"What about you, dear?"
She said as she looked at the king. Hearing the queen's words, the king briefly opened his eyes and looked at me. Although I didn't know why he was staring at me intensely, somehow I felt that if I looked away for even a second, I would lose. So, I continued to look at the king, and after a few seconds, a smile bloomed on his face as he looked at me.
"If you have that courage, my daughter will probably be in good hands"
Said the king as he closed his eyes. After that, he opened his eyes again and looked at me.
"Officially, welcome to the family, Ren"
Said the king with a sincere smile on his face. Even if he was saying that, I didn't fully understand what courage he was talking about. Still, I am happy to know that I passed his test. After that, the king and queen dismissed both Emi and me, asking us to go to sleep since it was getting late. So, Emi and I were walking around the castle at night towards his room.
As we walked, the night breeze hit my face, showing how cold it was getting. In no time, we arrived in front of Emi's room. This reminded me that this was the first time I had ever come here.
"So..."
Said Emi, stopping in the middle of the path. I felt like she wanted to say something, but for some reason, she couldn't.
"Did something happen?"
I asked as I looked at Emi. Hearing my words, Emi raised her head, looking in my direction.
"Do you really intend to expose your identity?"
Emi asked, looking at me. Her golden eyes were looking intently at my face, trying to catch the slightest details of my face. Being honest, being looked at so intensely like that made me a little embarrassed.
"I really intend to. After all, it's a small price to pay if we can be together... at least that's what I think"
I said as I put my hand on my neck. For some reason, my words came out more like a declaration of love than anything else. Hearing my words, Emi put a sincere smile on her face as she looked at me. Her eyes reflected various emotions that I could not capture. After that, Emi started walking towards her bedroom door. As I turned to leave, Emi's voice caught my attention.
"Ren"
Hearing Emi's voice, I turned towards her.
"Yes?"
Hearing my voice, Emi also turned towards me.
"Thank you very much"
Emi said.
"For what?"
I asked, visibly confused.
"For loving and appreciating me so much"
Said Emi, entering her room soon after. Still, I couldn't understand what she meant by that.
(Isn't it normal to love and value your partner?)
I thought as I walked towards the room I was assigned.