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58 - Art. 58. Marriage

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I am standing in front of the emperor, dressed in the formal attire of a nobleman, with a medal of some unknown order hanging from my arm, all in a glittering costume. Moreover, His Highness Weiras, the Prime Minister, and all the other nobles of the Empire are standing around me in formal attire. My throat is parched. I feel a cold trickle down my back.

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It all started a few days ago.

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"I have a favor to ask of you, Lord Linos."

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"Again? What is it this time?

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This is the Miyagi reception room. Before me sit the Prime Minister and his Highness Weiras. Both of them are wrinkling their brows, and there is an air of urgency about them.

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His Majesty the Heat has ruled that Princess Lycorette will not be charged with a crime. She is, however, still under house arrest. She is still confined to her room until the interrogation of those who took part in the assassination of the emperor is over.

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Before I ask you for a favor, there is one thing I would like to make sure of. Do you have a wife?"

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I'm single at the moment.

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Then it's time to talk. How about it? Will you marry me?

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What? Who the hell are you with?"

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"It's Mr. Ricolet."

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"You must be joking..."

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The unexpected turn of events left me blank. Of all the people to ask me to marry Licorette. Where did that come from?

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"I am a commoner. I am, on the contrary, a former slave. I am not worthy of your status.

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"As for that matter, fortunately or unfortunately, you are not unqualified to take the Lady Licorette."

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"What do you mean?"

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You were to be adopted by the House of Batham. You can enforce that."

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"I will be your guardian. In the name of Heedat Shua Vilas, I acknowledge that the adoption has taken place."

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"You can't just do whatever you want..."

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"No, this is how nobles are. Fortunately, we have a letter of adoption from Lord Batham. It is a private consultation but it bears the wax seal of the House of Batharm and the letter bears the crest of the House of Batharm. There is no problem if it is published as an official letter.

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"In the first place, the Jukka royal family is no longer in existence. Therefore, there is no need to be shy with the Jukka royal family. You will restore the House of Barsam. I'm sure the late Marquis will be pleased with that.

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"No, I think he will be angry with me.

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Well, I'll take care of the title. All you have to do is come to Miyagi on your own. The marriage to Monsieur Licourette will take place afterwards.

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"No, I didn't say I'd take it or anything..."

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This is also the will of the new emperor.

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"What?"

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When we told this story to my brother, or rather to His Majesty, he was very pleased. He said he couldn't think of anyone better suited to marry Ricoulette.

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That's absurd.

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Or do you have someone in mind?

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No, it's not that...

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If you don't have one, then by all means accept it. To tell you the truth, there is no house among the Imperial nobility that would take Lady Licorette as a bride. Still, it would be a disservice to her if she stays in Miyagi. Even if I were to marry her off to another country, she is already 23 years old. If she were a member of some noble or royal family, that would be something, but for an Imperial Princess to go to a member of the imperial family......"

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"That's where you came in. The Kingdom of Jukka is already almost gone, but the House of Barsam is a prestigious family whose name has been heard even in the Empire, and is the Grand Vizier of Jukka. There is no more suitable partner for the Empire or for my sister."

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"If you don't like it, Master Ricolet, you can lock him up in his room in the mansion. What do you say we build a mansion where Master Licolet can live in the mansion where he lives now?

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"As it is, your sister will have to spend the rest of her life in a convent. That is not what Your Majesty wants. She'll have more privacy with you.

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"I'm sorry to hear you say that, but..."

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"I'm sorry to interrupt. His Majesty the new emperor wants to see you all.

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The three of us head for His Majesty's room together. And while we're there, two of them say, "Come on!" They are trying to sell me on the idea. Let's reply to His Majesty in person.

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"Gentlemen, you're welcome. Please sit down."

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His Majesty urges us to take our seats.

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"Have you heard from the two of them, Mr. Rinos?"

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"Yes, sir, I understand, but to be honest, I'm not sure I want to do it."

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"Well, with my sister's personality. But I don't think Licorette is the strong woman everyone says she is."

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"What do you mean?"

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She's been lonely since she was a child. She never went to bed alone. If I left her alone, she would cry. She probably hates being alone and being rejected by others. That is why it thinks and acts in such a way that people do not leave it. That is how I see it.

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"Then I would think you would be more approachable to people..."

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I suppose her status as a princess did not allow her to do so. It is for this reason that she could not show her weakness. Lycorette's eloquence may be due to her intelligence, but she probably shows her talent so that people won't leave her.

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Is that what I think it is?

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"That outlandish idea you told me about is not supported by anyone in the Reich. But you have approved of the idea. You didn't say that to get at Lycorette, did you?"

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"Yes, that's right. In a sense, you are right. But I don't think it is appropriate in this day and age.

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"That's too smart for that kind of thing. It's hard for a man to fall in love with that. But you understood and sympathized with my sister's idea. You can be there for Ricoulette. It is with this in mind that I agree with what you two have to say."

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What an observant emperor. Perhaps this emperor has a good eye for people.

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"I know I'm asking a lot. "I know I'm asking a lot, but I still want to give Licolet to you. Will you consider it?"

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"Huh... But wouldn't Lady Ricolette not like that?"

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I see. Then, first, you should talk to Licorette. If you and Licorette are unwilling to do so, then I will think of a different plan.

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Without any choice, I am led to the room of Princess Licorette.

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When I entered the room, it was dimly lit. It was daytime, but she must have closed the curtains to make it darker.

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"You must be in a lot of trouble.

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"Yes, it's hard."

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"You have been ordered to make a marriage proposal with me, haven't you? You can refuse, if you like.

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What do you think, Monsieur Licourette?

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"Thank you. I can't escape, let alone die. I am a bird in a cage, deprived of freedom. I can only do as I'm told.

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"Yes. You are a caged bird now. I know you must be anxious, not knowing what's to come. I've been there. When I became a slave, when I thought that my freedom was taken away from me, I felt really uneasy. I understand how you feel, Master Riccolet."

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"..."

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Licorette turns her head and gives no answer. I continue.

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"It is true that you are a caged bird now, but you have a choice, don't you? Aside from my marriage proposal, you can choose to live or to die. You can die by biting your tongue out. Can I die if I hang myself with a curtain? A monastery on the other hand? And you'll still live? You have a choice."

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Licorette is looking straight at me.

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"My master and his family couldn't live even if they wanted to. But you are different. If you want to live, you can live. If you die, everything ends. But if you live, if you live in any way, anything can happen. I was a slave, but I am glad to be alive. Because the future I imagined when I became a slave is completely different from the future I imagined when I became a slave. Why don't you try to live? No one may have understood you, but I think your way of thinking is correct. It's just that the times have not caught up with you. I think you are right to think that you can help others. If you can do that, you can live in any world. And people will help you. That's all I'm saying."

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I said it all at once and got up from my seat.

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"I apologize for my rudeness. Good bye."

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With quick steps, I left the room of Princess Licorette. Then I went to His Majesty's room. The two men from before were still in the room, as well as His Majesty.

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"I have been talking with Monsieur Licourette..."

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"And what did your sister say?"

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If you don't want to go, just say no. So I told him what I thought and left the room. Perhaps Master Ricolet will not accept this offer. I think it would be better for Your Majesty to consider other options.

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The Prime Minister and Prince Weiras look as if they are biting their teeth. His Majesty looks at me with a wan smile. A moment later, one of the chamberlains enters.

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"Your Majesty, the Princess..."

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"I don't care. Go ahead. Your Majesty is of no use to me. I haven't been crowned yet.

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"So, now I'll tell you... Well, sir, I...

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What's going on?

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"Princess Likolet has received word that you are to accept a marriage proposal with Lord Rinos."

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...How can that be?

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