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 21: The King’s Insight (Albert’s Side)

Chapter 21: The King’s Insight (Albert’s Side)

“Albert.”

As Albert was heading to the meeting place with the imperial envoy, a voice called to him from behind.

He quickly turned around.

There was only one person in the castle who could address him so casually.

“Father, what brings you here?”

“I’m feeling well today… I thought I might join you for the meeting.”

“I see, by all means.”

Though the king claimed to be feeling better, his complexion didn’t look great.

He was probably pushing himself.

It irked Albert, making him feel as if he were still being treated like a child.

However, he didn’t want to upset his father by insisting he could handle the envoy alone.

As they walked together, Albert speculated about the purpose of the envoy’s visit.

It was likely about the long-delayed marriage of the imperial princess.

The kingdom had repeatedly expressed its readiness to proceed, but each time, the response from the empire had been to wait a little longer.

But now, the princess was approaching twenty. 

In noble circles, that was a bit late for a marriage. Surely, there wouldn’t be any more delays.

Was Albert enthusiastic about the marriage? Not really.

He had only met the princess twice, and compared to the alluring and slim yet voluptuous Galforne, the princess was a plump woman.

But then again, no woman could measure up to Galforne’s charms.

Marrying the imperial princess had always been for the sake of the kingdom.

As royalty, Albert understood from a young age that he wouldn’t have the freedom to choose his own spouse.

Marriage among nobles was ultimately about strengthening power and alliances.

That’s why Albert participated in the dangerous Demon Lord subjugation—to gain recognition and solidify his future ties with the empire.

When the marriage proposal was later brought up to the empire, Emperor Jamirat, a man of military background, eagerly agreed, saying, “If we can form ties with a hero, I’m all for it.”

Everything was going according to plan.

And if the Demon Lord were to be resurrected and the kingdom handed over, the princess would serve as a valuable hostage against the empire.

Surely, Galforne would be pleased with this.

“Albert, what’s wrong? You seem distracted.”

Lost in thought about his future, Albert realized they had already arrived at the meeting room.

“My apologies. I was thinking about something.”

“Honestly, that’s why I can’t leave things to you.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Albert gritted his teeth inwardly as he stepped inside.

After all, it was he who had risked his life to secure this marriage, yet he had never received any thanks for it.

But it would all be over soon.

Entering the room, they exchanged the usual formal greetings with the imperial envoy before the envoy got straight to the point.

“The Emperor has declared that the marriage between Lord Albert and Lady Mariabelle is to be annulled.”

“…What?”

“In other words, the engagement is to be canceled.”

“W-Why?”

“I have not been informed of the reasons.”

“T-That’s out…”

Albert almost blurted out that it was outrageous, but his father held him back with an arm.

“We understand the message. While we recognize that if it is the Emperor’s decision, it is unlikely to be reversed… Albert has remained unmarried all these years, not even keeping a mistress, out of respect for the engagement with the princess. Considering his sincerity, we ask for permission to send an envoy to His Majesty to appeal this.”

“I understand. I will convey your request.”

With that, the envoy swiftly left after delivering the message.

Albert quickly turned to his father.

“Father, w-what does this mean?”

“I don’t know. The Emperor is not one to act impulsively. This sudden decision feels odd… but no matter, I have a plan.”

“As expected of you, Father. What’s the plan?”

“Hmm. Summon Van Ismir.”

“…What?”

“Don’t just stand there—call for Van.”

Albert was taken aback.

He hadn’t yet informed his father about the situation with Van, as his father had been bedridden most of the time recently.

“But… but…”

“What is it?”

“At least, please share your reasoning first…”

“…Very well, but you must not speak of this to anyone.”

“Understood.”

“Van… may very well be connected to the late Emperor Vildreft. He could even be his illegitimate son.”

“W-What?”

Albert tried to keep his voice steady, but his body trembled.

Inside, he was far more shaken.

Van, the son of Emperor Vildreft?

“Forgive me for doubting, Father, but… why do you believe that?”

“I met Emperor Vildreft once, many years ago. Van bears a striking resemblance to him. If you calculate his age from the time of Vildreft’s death, it matches up closely.”

“And that’s the reason…?”

“You fool. That’s not all. When I shared my theory with Barnes some time ago, he didn’t confirm it outright, but he did ask me, ‘Please keep this thought to yourself.’ That’s when I became certain.”

“W-Why didn’t you tell me earlier… at least to me…”

“Hmph. You’re still young. Your attitude toward Van might have changed if you knew. And you lack the experience to play such a critical card properly. Even with family, you must keep your best cards close to your chest. Consider this a valuable lesson, don’t you agree?”

It felt as if the ground beneath Albert’s feet was crumbling away.

If his father’s suspicions were correct, then this annulment might very well be Van’s doing.

His body trembled slightly.

Mistaking Albert’s reaction for excitement, his father continued.

“In other words, we should send Van as an envoy to express how generously our kingdom has treated him. Emperor Jamirat would likely be intrigued by his origins once he sees Van.”

“…”

“And the empire has a sacred artifact that can prove bloodlines. If Van’s lineage is confirmed, and Jamirat learns that we’ve protected the late emperor’s son all these years, he may reconsider the annulment.”

“I… see.”

“Good, you understand. Now, summon Van.”

Having finished his explanation, the king waited for Albert’s next words.

But Albert couldn’t speak.

He frantically searched for a way out, but no solution came to mind.

Finally, Albert steeled himself.

“Why are you hesitating?”

“F-Father… there’s something very difficult I must tell you…”