The prince’s decision unsettled the capital.
The nobles were outraged by Prince Konstantinos’ choice, openly criticizing him for insulting a highly esteemed grand noble. A once-celebrated hero was now branded a traitor who had sullied the empire’s pride.
Only Co-Emperor John refrained from uttering any slander against Konstantinos. Instead, he began arranging for the second prince, Theodoros, to be matched with Joannina, whose engagement had been broken off.
In the wake of the scandal and her rejection by the prince, Joannina secluded herself in her chambers for some time.
The servants, understanding her turmoil, did not attempt to coax her outside. It was understandable. It would not have been surprising if Joannina’s heart was shattered. Occasionally, her father, Andreas, would knock pitifully on her door, only to turn away in sorrow.
“I should never have arranged a marriage with the royal family from the start. If I had known it would come to this, I would have sent her to be a nun instead…”
Regret always comes too late.
Yet, contrary to everyone’s expectations, Joannina did not break. When she reappeared after some time, her demeanor and actions bore no trace of a broken heart. She had spent days replaying the prince’s dismissive words, and now, socializing naturally among those who didn’t know how to treat her, she held a glass firmly in her hand.
“Inadequate,” he had said.
Joannina had never considered herself lacking. She had worked hard enough to stand beside a prince, and all who had witnessed her efforts acknowledged it. So what had he seen to deem her insufficient? The past few days were spent searching for an answer to this question.
Finally, Joannina found a response she could accept.
“The only condition where Serbia might seem preferable than Kantakouzenos would be the number of soldiers and economic power they could mobilize.”
At the same time, she realized who the right woman to stand beside the prince was. Being a supportive wife meant nothing. What Constantine needed wasn’t a warm human connection. He wanted a partner who could join him politically.
As she smiled at those around her, Joannina’s mind continued to analyze.
“In other words, that’s all there is to it. The prince chose Serbia solely for that reason.”
He was a man who would discard what was no longer useful without hesitation. Whatever merits the Serbian princess had, Joannina knew her own legitimacy and prestige within the empire surpassed them.
Once she secured enough economic and military power, the outcome would be different. With all external factors removed, she would rely solely on her innate charm as a woman to challenge.
Having resolved her course of action, Joannina walked through the crowd with more confidence than ever before.
At the end of her path waited her father, Andreas Kantakouzenos, who had been lost in regret. As a father rather than a noble, he cast aside his mask and embraced his beloved daughter tightly.
“I’m sorry, Joannina. I forced something too difficult upon you. I promise never to do so again.”
“Thank you, Father, for truly caring for me.” Joannina buried her face deeper into his embrace. As they shared a powerful connection, she slowly spoke.
“Father, I have a request.”
“Tell me. I’ll do anything for you.”
Andreas, filled with regret, readily agreed. Joannina looked up at him with clear determination, knowing her request was unreasonable.
“Please arrange for me to meet His Majesty John.”
The relief on Andreas’ face hardened. He pondered his daughter’s words for a long time before responding.
“No. I don’t want to use you in any more power struggles. I’ve seen the harm my ambitions have brought you, and I won’t repeat the same mistake.”
He rejected her firmly. Yet Joannina’s resolve was not shaken by her father’s opposition. Instead, she gripped his arms tightly and laid out her reasoning.
“Given the situation, our family must have connection with the imperial family. Otherwise, the nobles angered by the insult from the royal family will rally behind someone else, sparking a civil war. I don’t believe we can remain safe at the heart of this turmoil.”
“So, you’re willing to marry against your wishes? Joannina, if this is your way of reproaching my mistakes, I’ll kneel and apologize right now. What is power worth if it causes my beloved daughter such pain? I’d rather give it all up.”
“Thank you, Father. I’m glad you’d go so far for me.”
Still. At her next words, Andreas closed his eyes tightly.
“But I don’t want to retreat.”
What a resilient woman she had become. Despite the humiliation and disgrace, she stood firm, making her father proud yet ashamed of himself. He felt nothing but regret. Determined to do his best for her, Andreas finally nodded slowly.
Thus, following the Kantakouzenos family’s proposal, the imperial government allowed John and Joannina to meet.
Due to the prince’s drastic decision, which had destabilized the government’s political standing, it became necessary to show leniency toward the clear victim, the Kantakouzenos family. For this reason, the young Emperor John beamed at the bold young lady standing before him.
“I deeply regret the previous engagement matter. It was a significant incident that tarnished the prestige of a renowned grand noble, and we are contemplating more certain compensation.
But if there is something you desire more than what we can offer, please speak up.
We will make every effort to accommodate your request as closely as possible.”
With a bright demeanor that could easily win the favor of his subjects, John seemed a skilled diplomat adept at crafting his image. Joannina, after briefly analysing the new emperor, confidently presented her demand.
“Your Majesty, I assume you are also considering a new union between me and the imperial family.”
“Of course, given the Kantakouzenos family’s reputation, that is a natural decision.”
It seems this will proceed smoothly, John thought to himself. As he did, Ioannina bit her lower lip lightly. To stand beside the prince, she had to transform into a politician, not merely a woman—a dictator who suppresses emotions with cold reason. She continually drove herself forward.
But what meaning would there be if, in the end, I lost myself as a woman? I want to be by his side. I won’t give up. I’ll work as hard as I need to for that.
…Still, I want to be loved as a woman.
She swallowed hard. She had resolved not to retreat.
Tears were now reserved only for moments of joy.
“But you must know that the dissolution of this engagement cannot be patched up with a superficial union.”
“I am aware. That is why we are considering the second prince, Theodoros…”
“That won’t suffice.”
The words were cut off sharply. The young emperor’s smile vanished. Sensitive from the burden of safeguarding his throne, John quickly adopted a more aggressive stance. His eyes ignited with intensity as he fixed his gaze on the Kantakouzenos lady.
“What more do you want?”
This is where it begins.
Reaffirming her resolve, Joannina did not flinch in the face of the emperor’s overt hostility.
“I desire a share in imperial power. There could be no more solid proof of the bond between our family and the royal house.”
John did not respond immediately but instead chose to press his lips firmly together.
After a pause, he displayed a smirk that was entirely different from the smile he had shown earlier—one of skepticism.
“Did Konstantinos instruct you to say this?”
“No, it is solely my personal thought.”
“So, Konstantinos has rejected the grace that came his way. Or perhaps… he has become more tempered through this ordeal.”
Regaining his composure, John slowly rose and walked to the window. After a moment, he spoke again, gazing at the sea and the capital’s expanse beyond.
“I had considered strengthening Theodoros to check Konstantinos. But this approach might not be bad either. The resolute Kantakouzenos lady—surely, you have something else you wish for, having come to see me personally?”
Joannina flinched slightly. At this, John chuckled softly.
“I promise you this: I will protect your purity. I have no interest in forcibly taking a woman who loves another.”
“…Are you certain?”
“An emperor does not speak in vain.”
Still gazing out over the capital, John concluded.
“As long as I can keep this throne.”
TL : Nah this chapter is crazy. might need to drop this
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