Even Though I Defeated the Demon Lord, My Wife and Daughter Treat Me Like Trash ~ I Found Out My Wife's Child Isn't Mine, and When I Confronted Her, She Got Mad and I Was Exiled. The Country's in Trouble Because the Demon Lord Came Back? Sorry, I'm Getting Remarried to a Princess, So I Can't Help. - Chapter 18: After the Broken Engagement

Chapter 18: After the Broken Engagement

“So, tell me what brings you here.”

Prompted by the emperor, I began to explain the recent events.

How my wife of ten years had apparently been cheating on me since before our marriage.

When I mentioned that her lover was none other than Prince Albert, the emperor raised an eyebrow slightly.

However, Lady Mariabelle’s expression remained unchanged—she just kept smiling at me.

I continued, explaining that Emilia wasn’t my daughter and that Albert was her real father, as well as how I had been framed for attempting to assassinate Albert and subsequently exiled from the kingdom.

After hearing the whole story, the emperor was silent for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

“That prince is such a fool. I thought he was a more decent man, but it seems I was wrong.”

“You’ve met Albert before?”

“Yes, after I sent Mariabelle for a formal introduction, Prince Albert also visited from their side.”

Now that he mentioned it, I vaguely remembered something like that.

At the time, I was busy pursuing Galforne, so I didn’t accompany them.

The emperor continued speaking.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t usually mind if Prince Albert kept a few women around. For royalty, ensuring an heir is an important duty—practically an obligation.”

“I agree with that.”

“But when the woman in question is your wife—a man who has contributed greatly to the kingdom and whom I consider a friend—that’s a different matter. Moreover, for him to boast about it while disrespecting my daughter, and then falsely accusing you of such a crime… that’s unforgivable. I cannot overlook this.”

The emperor didn’t raise his voice, but there was anger in his tone. After a brief pause, he muttered bitterly,

“The engagement between Albert and Mariabelle will have to be annulled. On top of that, I will demand an explanation from their side regarding the false charges against you, Lord Van.”

Whoa, if that happens, it would be a bigger success than I’d anticipated. Albert probably never imagined that his actions would reach the emperor’s ears so directly.

The kingdom is in a precarious position.

Being located in the center of the continent, it’s surrounded by potential enemies to the east and west.

That’s why the marriage alliance with the empire, which controls the west, was so important—it offered a valuable connection that would have eliminated a major threat.

“Now, we need to discuss Lord Van’s position in the empire.”

“My position? Just having your help with this matter is more than enough for me…”

“No, considering the debt I owe to Emperor Vildreft, this is hardly an effort on my part.”

“Father, I have a suggestion regarding Lord Van’s position.”

Mariabelle said with a smile, raising her hand slightly to interject.

“Oh? Let’s hear it, Mariabelle.”

“First, Lord Van will need to undergo the ‘ceremony.'”

“That goes without saying. I am already certain, but it must be done.”

Though it seemed like an obvious thing to them, I had no idea what they were talking about.

I decided to ask.

“Um… what exactly is this ‘ceremony’?”

“Oh, right, I should explain. The emperor possesses a sacred artifact known as the ‘Holy Grail,’ which has been passed down through the generations since the first emperor received it from the gods.”

“I see.”

“This grail has a special ability. When a new emperor ascends to the throne, their blood is stored in the grail. Vildreft’s blood is also preserved. When the blood of a potential heir is added to the grail, it emits a glow. The stronger the blood connection, the brighter the glow.”

“So, it’s a tool that can verify if someone is truly of royal blood?”

“Exactly.”

That would be useful.

If I had had such a tool back when Emilia was born, things wouldn’t have turned out this way…

“So, first, we need to confirm whether I truly carry Emperor Vildreft’s blood, right?”

“Exactly. As I mentioned earlier, I am certain you are the late emperor’s son. However, this proof is necessary to convince others.”

Well, if it serves as undeniable evidence, I have no objections.

As the emperor finished his explanation, the princess chimed in with another matter.

“And once it’s proven that you are indeed Emperor Vildreft’s son, you will become engaged to me!”

“Ah, now that’s a brilliant idea!”

“Right, Father!?”

“Yes! Had things gone as they should, with no rebellion and Lord Van inheriting the throne, I would have insisted on it! We’re just rearranging the order a bit!”

Wait, hold on—what is this father and daughter pair talking about on their own…!?