About a Dating Sim Where Dating Is Impossible Chapter 23

Serbia’s sudden annulment of the engagement and proposal of new marriage terms stirred considerable repercussions.

This act was an insult to Theodoros, who had originally been in marriage discussions, and a severe blow to me, who had become the center of attention due to recent scandals.

The choice between marrying the Serbian princess or a lady from the venerable Kantakouzenos family posed immense losses on either side, making it difficult to reach a conclusion.

Serbia was one of the most influential allies the empire could gain. For Serbia, the empire was also a beneficial ally both politically and strategically.

The original intent was for Theodoros to strengthen ties by marrying into Serbia. Yet, they abruptly annulled the engagement and proposed a new match.

“This is absurd. How could they do this unless they were utterly shameless? And to point to someone already engaged in another marriage discussion!”

The nobles’ words replayed in my mind. The other party wasn’t an ordinary noble but a lady from a once powerful family that had once split the nation over the throne.

Cancelling a match with her to marry into Serbia would provoke a massive backlash. The support of the nobles might be forfeited, making the path to the throne perilous.

And what if I proceeded with the current engagement?

How committed would Serbia be to this alliance? Serbia was indispensable in the struggle against the Ottomans.

With Hungary’s support uncertain, it was necessary to form a containment network to deter an Ottoman invasion. Had Theodoros succeeded in his marriage, things would have been smooth. A sigh of regret mingled with a surge of caution.

The timing of Serbia’s proposal was too precise.

Typically, without understanding where the empire’s power was concentrated or who held the most significant influence, one would focus only on the line of succession.

The realization that someone well-versed in the empire’s internal dynamics was abroad was never a comforting one. Refusing this match could mean turning a highly interested foreign party into an adversary.

Numerous other issues bombarded my mind.

Serbia’s potential interference in internal affairs, the unrest among internal supporters, and the Ottomans’ reaction were all heavy issues that couldn’t be overlooked. The decision between the two marriage proposals was a crucial turning point, with the empire facing substantial losses regardless of the choice.

I had to choose between two paths.

The first was to sit on the throne and inherit the crown. Marrying Joannina would strengthen my faction, giving me considerable leverage in future succession disputes.

Aligning with the Kantakouzenos family would allow me to control both the capital and Morea. Successfully securing this marriage would make it easier to seize what remained of the shattered empire.

The bloodshed in the process would be minimal. Even if a civil war broke out, without foreign intervention, my side would likely prevail.

The easiest path to becoming emperor.

But I am not John.

I am not someone who must become emperor.

Demicleos conspired with the archbishop to involve me in the succession dispute, but that was all. As I once declared to them, I would claim the throne at a time of my choosing.

My struggle through these days of despair was for a singular reason.

It was merely that I couldn’t indulge in pleasure alone. There were too many tears shed by others for me to rejoice alone. The journey of decline I had passed through was long and exhausting.

Ultimately, I disliked seeing people resign themselves to their fate and succumb to the inevitable.

…The second option was to accept the criticism and forge an alliance with Serbia.

To expel the Ottomans, I was willing to risk losing internal support. More important than the distant throne was fighting against the new era’s contender, who could not coexist under the same sky.

I made up my mind.

//

Following the scandal involving an Italian mercenary leader and Serbia’s diplomatic discourtesy, the rulers of the Balkans watched Prince Constantine’s decision closely.

Between the lady of the Kantakouzenos family and the Serbian princess, who would he choose? Either choice was sure to significantly impact the Balkans’ political landscape.

In this moment of monumental decision, in front of the aged Emperor Manuel and the young Emperor John, Prince Constantine made a extreme choice.

“I will marry the Serbian princess.”

The first to question the statement, which was bound to cause a significant stir, was John. His brow furrowed in disbelief, and he cast a questioning look at his younger brother.

“Why did you suddenly change your mind? No, perhaps that’s not the right question.”

John held back his words. The passionate emperor remained doubtful.

“Why did you abandon the alliance with the Kantakouzenos family?”

The prince had already made up his mind. As always, he was prepared to sever ties decisively. He would not let emotions sway him in matters concerning the empire’s fate. With unwavering determination, the prince voiced his resolve.

“This has been the path I’ve walked from the beginning. I have dedicated my brief life entirely to this nation, aware of the changing times and concerned about its collapse amidst revolution.”

“Konstantinos…”

Manuel’s brief sigh carried a bitter note. John, too, pressed his lips tightly together, signaling his reluctant understanding.

Who else, from such a young age, would awaken to the brutal reality and struggle so fiercely? None in the empire could deny Prince Konstantinos’ devotion to its cause.

“I have lived knowing that I cannot always insist on the best, occasionally choosing second best. Yet, choosing an alternative does not mean I have resigned. On the contrary, it shows my determination to see it through to the end.”

“So, are you saying you’re giving up the best path to the throne?”

The prince shook his head.

“I’m not giving up the best path to the throne. I’m merely pursuing the best way to save the empire.”

“And what of the feelings of the Kantakouzenos lady, who cherishes you? How far are you willing to go in your ruthlessness, Constantine?”

Despite John’s probing, Prince Konstantinos did not waver. His resolute gaze met his brother’s as he responded calmly.

“I already told you. Sometimes, I have to choose the second-best path.”

With those final words, the prince turned his back on the two emperors. As soon as he exited the office, he encountered a young woman standing outside.

The recently blossomed lady looked up at the prince, unable to hide the trembling in her eyes. The prince, too, couldn’t completely suppress his unease and flinched slightly.

The awkwardness between them did not last long. Joannina was the first to speak.

“Was I lacking?”

Her trembling voice carried countless unspoken meanings.

The prince remained silent for a moment before he responded, cold and unfeeling once more.

“Yes, you were lacking.”

“Is that so, I was lacking…”

“Yes, terribly.”

The prince’s thoughts no longer lingered on Joannina. Who could have orchestrated such a forced meeting? His gaze turned toward the still-open door to the office.

At the end of his gaze stood John, his face frozen in a chilling expression. The prince addressed him not as a brother, but as a subject.

“Your Majesty.”

“According to you, she was lacking.”

John soon broke into his usual bright smile.

“Yes, terribly.”

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