At the end of a war that lasted for months, the Kingdom of Arbel had no strength left to endure. Instead of stopping the advance of the Valentier Imperial Army toward the capital, the Kingdom had to accept incorporation into the Empire's diplomatic and military sphere of influence and a royal marriage.

After long negotiations, the Empire agreed to preserve Arbel's royal family and national identity. In exchange, the final condition to guarantee the treaty was placed in the center of the conference room.

The marriage between Lucian, a member of the Valentier Imperial family and Plenipotentiary, and Guest, the sole Princess of Arbel.

As the ministers of both nations held their breath, the final treaty was placed before the two.

The final signature was completed.

The moment the pen tip left the paper, the silence that had weighed down the long conference room was broken. Beneath the treaty stamped with the crests of Valentier and Arbel side by side, the conditions for ending the war—and the marriage that would bind the two countries—were written.

Without a single change in expression despite her bravado, Lucian opened the conference room door and stepped out. Outside the door, ministers, diplomats, and reporters from both nations were already waiting for the results of the meeting.

The moment the door opened, dozens of gazes focused on the two of them simultaneously.

Lucian slowly scanned the scene. It needed to look like a new alliance, not the humiliation of a defeated nation or a one-sided victory for the Empire.

His judgment was swift.