Episode 78
Alexios, now officially crowned as the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, would henceforth be known as Alexios III.
The coronation ceremony was conducted by the patriarchs of the Orthodox Church in the capital, followed by my wedding to the Emperor’s daughter, Anna Angelina.
Though slightly different from European customs, it was common in the Eastern Roman Empire to hold the wedding and coronation together.
As a nation deeply intertwined with the Orthodox Church, the Eastern Roman Empire placed significant importance on the marriage ceremony.
The ceremonies were typically longer and emphasized biblical values repeatedly.
This was my first experience with a wedding.
Despite my efforts to stay calm, I couldn’t help but feel tense.
The entire wedding process adhered strictly to Eastern Roman traditions.
Given the recent change in regime, it was crucial to appear approachable to the citizens.
Of course, that was the official reason; the real reason was my lack of knowledge.
Frankly, I was relieved the Orthodox Church didn’t ask for my input on the wedding.
In games, marriage and parenting are determined by traits and stats, but reality is different.
The biggest issue was my almost non-existent romantic experience being exposed.
Given my background, having extensive experience with women wouldn’t have been beneficial.
However, I couldn’t afford to appear insecure due to my lack of experience.
I had run countless mental simulations, so I hoped to manage adequately.
Alexios III had promised to help, after all.
As I was lost in thought for nearly half a day, Georgios II handed me a document adorned with gold ink on purple silk.
It was a marriage document, perfectly following Eastern Roman tradition.
Presenting this to my wife would officially make me the son-in-law of the Eastern Roman Emperor.
“As of today, the marriage between Edward Marshall, son of William Marshall and Count of Auvergne, and Anna Angelina, daughter of Alexios Angelos and Euphrosyne Doukaina Kamaterina, is officially recognized. May God’s blessings be upon their future.”
I followed the etiquette I had learned, glancing over the contents of the marriage document.
Compared to Europe at the time, the Eastern Roman Empire granted significant authority to spouses.
The Empress, for instance, could be granted the status of a legal ruler and act as regent in the Emperor’s absence.
Having accepted a princess from the Eastern Roman Empire, I needed to offer her a certain level of respect.
Of course, I planned to benefit from this arrangement, so I had nothing to lose.
While I was contemplating, Anna approached me.
She was intelligent and a great conversational partner during my stay here.
I had a basic fondness for her, and seeing her so beautifully adorned made my heart flutter.
“Shall we go, then?”
The moment had finally arrived.
I tried to maintain a calm demeanor as I walked towards the bridal chamber.
A quick glance revealed that Anna’s face was slightly tense with nerves.
Thankfully.
“Have a wonderful time. Ah, this is a gift from His Majesty himself.”
A servant handed me a heavy package with a knowing smile as I entered the room.
Once inside, a peculiar silence settled.
We had conversed easily before, but now, with the setting, it was hard to act.
This was not the time to show nerves.
I smiled gently, searching for a light topic.
“His Majesty has prepared a gift for us. It’s kind of him to be so considerate.”
“My father holds you in high regard. He was very pleased with this marriage.”
“And how do you feel, my lady? Now that we are married, I hope for our mutual happiness.”
“Of course, I’m happy too.”
“Leaving your beloved home must be difficult. You don’t have to pretend otherwise. It’s natural to feel that way.”
Anna hesitated, almost shaking her head, then agreed with a sigh.
“Well… I’m mostly worried about the food in the West. I’ve heard it’s quite lacking. What if I can’t adjust?”
Food is indeed a significant concern.
Having enjoyed the culinary delights of Constantinople daily, I was also reluctant to return to Europe.
If I felt this way, how much more so for a princess who had lived here all her life?
“Let’s think positively. Fortunately, the land we’re going to is just as fertile as here. If you bring chefs from here, you could elevate European cuisine.”
Fortunately, the Italian Peninsula was already adopting Eastern influences, gradually improving its culinary standards.
My territory was well-positioned for trade with Italy.
By bringing skilled chefs from the Eastern Roman Empire, we could rapidly advance French cuisine.
We could potentially accelerate the development of French culinary standards by centuries.
The timing was perfect, as the new farming methods I introduced were starting to show results.
Hearing my plan, Anna seemed relieved, her expression brightening.
I should ask Alexios to send the best chefs for his daughter’s happiness.
“Father will surely cooperate, won’t he?”
“Of course. Didn’t he personally prepare this gift for us?”
“What do you think it is?”
“Something that will surely please you, my lady.”
The package felt like it contained a container, possibly jewelry or gems.
As I unwrapped it, Anna reacted before I could.
“Oh…”
I had no idea what it was, so I asked honestly.
“What is this used for?”
“Um… I think it’s… an ointment to enhance the relationship between a couple. The other items have similar purposes…”
It seemed a bit embarrassing, but Anna covered her face with the blanket and explained.
Even a thousand years ago, people were the same everywhere.
The lighthearted atmosphere from our food discussion quickly turned heated.
As a married couple, this was inevitable.
And as the saying goes, if you can’t avoid it, enjoy it.
I took a deep breath, speaking softly and steadily.
“We can’t ignore His Majesty’s thoughtfulness… Shall we try it?”
Anna, her face flushed pink, nodded slowly.
“Then, gently… apply it.”
With those words, the last thread of my rationality snapped.
I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises.
After a night that defied description, I awoke to the morning sun and headed out at the summons of Alexios III.
“Did you sleep well, my lord?”
Fatima, who had naturally joined me, calmly assessed my condition.
I hadn’t mentioned her or the other Assassins to my wife yet.
Perhaps once we returned to my territory, but not while we were here.
“Yes. Did you rest well? We’ll be returning to the territory soon, so hang in there until then.”
“No, my lord. We must be even more vigilant once we return. Now that you have a wife, especially when you’re together, we’ll ensure your safety, so you needn’t worry.”
”…Wait, were you outside the room last night? I told you to take a break.”
Could she have heard everything from outside the door?
A different kind of chill ran down my spine as Fatima nodded nonchalantly.
“My lord, do you know when the best time to assassinate someone is? It’s when they’re most relaxed. During meals, in the bathroom, and when they’re with their partner. People tend to let their guard down during these times. A skilled assassin would strike then.”
”…”
“I’ve already established a perfect defense system for meals and bathroom visits. But now there’s a new variable, so we must be cautious. Ideally, I’d guard from the closet or under the bed, but that would be too much, wouldn’t it?”
“At least you understand that.”
Listening to this assassination machine makes me feel like I’m losing my mind.
Wait, does that mean she’s been guarding me even in the bathroom?
She should have told me.
Fatima shrugged, answering my gaze with composure.
“For your safety, no compromise is acceptable.”
Come to think of it, she once suggested I practice to avoid embarrassment on the first night.
While such thinking might be normal for this era, it’s still hard for me to accept.
There’s a theory that in the old Joseon Dynasty, kings preferred concubines over the queen because during their union, numerous court ladies would be present, offering advice.
I couldn’t quite feel it in my bones, but hearing that Fatima had witnessed the entire process yesterday made me feel like I understood how the kings of Joseon must have felt.
Still, she insists it’s for my protection, claiming it’s the most dangerous time for me. It would be ridiculous for me to get angry about it here, wouldn’t it?
“Just out of curiosity, is that normal for Islamic rulers?”
“It varies from person to person. But there are those who take it just as seriously. In my opinion, given the importance of the Apostle, this level of security is necessary.”
“Sigh… Alright. I’ll think about it some more, but you should also try to come up with a less embarrassing way to handle this.”
“Yes!”
Fatima beamed and nodded vigorously. Seeing her so happy to be of help to her master made me think it might be okay… but who am I kidding?
I have to find a way to put a stop to this, no matter what.
For now, I need to make sure Alexios and Anna don’t catch wind of this.
With a small sigh, I shook off my stray thoughts and hurried toward the throne where Alexios was waiting.
The unexpected incident left me a bit dazed, but the plan itself is proceeding smoothly.
I’ve fulfilled my part by getting married as they wished, so now it’s their turn to give me what I want.
Nothing changes.