Naval Prince Marriage

"That is Lady Auriga."

"Even like this, she still looks enchanting."

"I wonder what kind of man will marry her?"

Whispers spread among the invited guests attending the celebration of victory and the inauguration of the First Prince as a Second Lieutenant.

There, Kasha Auriga had already become the center of attention the moment she stepped into the hall—even before the main figure made his appearance.

It wasn’t only because she was the only daughter of a Duke, but also because of her unmatched beauty and elegance. She was hailed as the Perfect Lady, the muse of all noble ladies in the kingdom.

Her jet-black hair and golden eyes often drew attention. Beyond the rare combination of those two colors, her beauty and calm personality made her the standard for anyone wishing to find a good husband. She was also known as the “Jewel of the Auriga Family.”

"I heard the First Prince successfully defended the kingdom’s waters again."

"My brother was part of that expedition. He said the First Prince led the troops bravely and was finally appointed as a Second Lieutenant."

"But have you heard the rumors? After everything he’s done for the kingdom, the First Prince isn’t even in line for succession. What’s the point of all those achievements if he’s far from the throne?"

"I heard it was the Queen herself who asked the King."

"For the sake of her son who is ‘like that’?"

"Sshh… better keep our eyes and mouths shut before our heads end up hanging in the city square."

Once again, Kasha could hear the gossip growing louder, all centered around the First Prince.

After all those achievements…

Kasha counted on her fingers—he had spent nearly ten years at sea defending this land, and all he received was the title of Second Lieutenant, aside from his nearly meaningless status as a prince.

Kasha wasn’t surprised by these rumors. It wasn’t the first time she had heard about the First Prince. There were countless rumors about him—both good and bad.

To Kasha, none of it really mattered. It had nothing to do with her, or at least, that’s what she initially thought.

She came here only because her father forced her to, as the face of the Auriga Family. She had no choice but to attend.

Truthfully, Kasha was already troubled by her father’s increasingly pressing demands. But then, she was faced with a choice she should never have had to make.

Altair Xavierues. The First Prince. A young man known as the Prince of the Navy.

Kasha never expected things to turn out like this. At first, she only intended to observe—but in the end, she was forced to step into it herself. Because right after this banquet, she would never have imagined where fate would lead her.

Just as Kasha was about to sit at the corner of the hall, the announcement of the royal family’s arrival echoed through the room. From afar, she could see the distinctive blue hair of the royal family, signaling that the King, Queen, and the princes had entered.

Kasha narrowed her eyes. There, behind the Second Prince and the Queen, Altair walked last.

His sharp features and upright posture gave him the bearing of a true knight. His slicked-back blue hair added to his charm and gallantry. His thick brows and piercing gaze made anyone who met his eyes feel intimidated.

Honestly, he was quite handsome.

Kasha could see the slight expression on Altair’s face—like a perfectly carved statue. His dark pupils, mixed with violet, seemed capable of hypnotizing every lady who looked at him.

Did our eyes just meet?

Kasha murmured, momentarily startled. For a brief second, it felt like she had locked eyes with Altair. That couldn’t have been real… right?

After paying their respects to the King, the main ceremony began. Altair was called forward to the podium, kneeling before the King, ready to receive his commendation for winning the war.

"I am proud of my son. Thank you, and congratulations on your victory. For your service, dedication, and unwavering loyalty, I hereby appoint you as a Second Lieutenant."

The King pinned the insignia onto Altair, who maintained the same expression.

"After this, you will receive a special inauguration from the Admiral of the Navy."

The King raised a glass of champagne high into the air and declared, "Congratulations to Altair Xavierues! Long live the Xavier Kingdom!"

Following his proclamation, the guests raised their glasses and echoed the same cheer.

Kasha remained in her corner, silently observing everything.

"But, my son."

The hall fell silent once more as the King spoke again. The atmosphere turned tense.

King Gilham faced his son, patting his shoulder a little too firmly. He grinned as he scanned the crowd, as if searching for something.

Once he found it, he turned his attention back to Altair.

"Now that you have reached a proper age and have passed your coming-of-age—albeit on the battlefield—isn’t it time you seek a bride?"

Kasha stayed silent, watching. Altair’s rigid expression didn’t falter in the slightest as he met his father’s gaze with unwavering courage.

Meanwhile, the guests began whispering again, speculating, guessing—some even certain of what the King would say next.

Kasha herself could already predict it. She glanced at the young ladies who looked especially eager.

Who would it be, I wonder?

"On this joyous day, I have one more important announcement for all my people. Altair Xavierues will marry a lady from the Auriga Family. Lady Kasha Auriga. This is a match I have arranged with the Duke of Auriga!"

At that announcement, the whispers that once resembled faint murmurs of insects erupted into loud, unabashed chatter.

Unbelievable.

Kasha choked on her champagne, while Altair finally showed a flicker of emotion upon hearing her name.

Did I hear that right? What the hell was that?

Kasha wiped her lips, trying to steady her thoughts.

"Kasha Auriga, come here, child."

Kasha’s eyes widened. The King called her forward so suddenly that all eyes turned to her, each gaze carrying a different meaning. She herself couldn’t believe she had been chosen.

Since when was this marriage arrangement decided? She and Altair didn’t even know each other—he was rarely in the kingdom.

With every step she took, Kasha cursed inwardly, questioning and recalling every conversation she’d had with her father.

She had predicted the announcement correctly—but who would have thought it would be about her?

Like opening Pandora’s box—who knew what would emerge next?

When Kasha finally stood before the King, she could clearly see the dark expression on Altair’s face. His rigid features showed clear displeasure at the King’s decision.

As expected, Altair hated this—but he remained silent, his expression alone enough to intimidate.

"Father—no, Your Majesty, isn’t this too sudden? I fear this—"

"Altair, enough. Be silent and accept it."

The King clenched his teeth slightly. Kasha could clearly see the cold tension between them.

"Consider this your reward for your victory. Besides, who would refuse a lady as beautiful as the Duke’s daughter? Her personality is quite pleasant as well."

Kasha flinched slightly at those words.

'A reward?'

So, I’m nothing more than a ‘war prize’ for his son?

Kasha’s golden eyes burned with suppressed anger. This was the first time she had been treated like a mere object—completely absurd.

She glanced at her father, who looked at her with pride.

That annoying old man.

The King took Kasha’s hand and placed it on top of Altair’s cold one.

"With this, I give them my blessing to marry. I expect the wedding to take place soon."

"With that, this celebration officially begins. Enjoy yourselves!"

After delivering such a shocking announcement, the King, Queen, and the Crown Prince left the hall.

Kasha and Altair both glanced at their still-linked hands. Altair quickly pulled his away, wiping it slightly—as if he had touched something filthy.

Does he hate touching me that much?

"Um—"

"You’d better not get any strange ideas, Lady Auriga. Don’t get too happy. It could kill you."

After saying that, Altair turned and left her alone under the weight of everyone’s attention.

Damn it. Damn all of this.

Kasha held back her emotions, cursing relentlessly in her own mind.