Contract Marriage: Rewritten - Chapter 27

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Chapter 27

Translator: Yonnee

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“Pardon?”

What did he mean, the attack happened because of him? There was no way he had sent the assailant himself—so what was he talking about?

“After you left from meeting me, another group of ministers came to me and began speaking recklessly about our marriage. So…”

Hyperion hesitated before continuing.

“Since you hadn’t given a definite answer yet, I told them that I wasn’t considering something like divorce. I thought if I spoke firmly, it might make them bother me less… but it seems they interpreted it a little differently.”

He went on, explaining further.

* * *

“So, in other words… the ministers left thinking that Your Highness loves me deeply and would never consider divorce. And the assailant was sent by one of them.”

Summarizing Hyperion’s words, Laniakea let out a long sigh.

“To think they would misunderstand so badly…”

“……”

Hyperion remained silent at her murmured remark. Assuming that his silence was an expression of guilt for how things had spiraled out of control, Laniakea spoke with a troubled expression.

“Is there no way to correct their misunderstanding now? If you divorce me immediately—”

“No, that would only make them believe it even less.”

As if he had already anticipated what she would say, Hyperion responded without hesitation.

“I’ve been saying all this time that I had no intention of divorcing you. If I suddenly change my stance right after the attack, they’ll think that I’m only sending you away because I truly… care for you and don’t want you to be in danger.”

Laniakea’s expression hardened at his words.

It was a reasonable argument.

With what he said, she found out that Hyperion must have been fiercely rejecting the ministers’ divorce demands until now.

And now, to suddenly change his stance? It was only natural that they would assume he was doing so out of concern for her safety after the attack.

As she processed Hyperion’s reasoning, Laniakea’s face darkened.

“Then… that means I’ll still be in danger even after the divorce.”

Even if Hyperion were to remarry and live harmoniously with a new empress, this misunderstanding would not easily dissipate.

And considering that an assassin had managed to infiltrate even within the palace walls, what would happen if she left the imperial palace after the divorce? Would she even make it out of the capital alive?

For a brief moment, Laniakea imagined a line of assassins lining up, each waiting their turn to kill her.

‘Then what am I supposed to do now?’

Just hours ago, she had been imagining what crops to plant and how to decorate her house. Now, all of that seemed to have vanished like an illusion.

As despair closed in and she found herself unable to speak, Hyperion took a step toward her, then lowered himself to one knee.

“Laniakea.”

Calling her name, he met her gaze.

At that moment, she recalled how he had called her name when he had rushed in to save her.

As if he had done so many times before, Hyperion naturally spoke her name.

“I know you might think I’m shameless for this after everything that’s happened, but… would you consider my proposal once more?”

“Your Highness’s proposal…?”

With a more solemn expression, Hyperion spoke.

“Stay here as my wife and empress, and bear my child. If you do that, I will never ask or demand anything from you again.”

He spoke as if he were pleading, as if this were the only wish he had.

Something about his demeanor made Laniakea feel strange.

They had already had a wedding. Legally, there was no issue with their marriage, and in a royal union, producing an heir was considered an obligation above all else.

Hyperion could demand that of her as much as he wished. If he wanted, he could even force her.

And even if he did, no one would criticize him for it. On the contrary, they would point fingers at Laniakea for failing to fulfill her duty.

The moment she had signed the marriage contract, she had, in effect, agreed to that responsibility.

Yet despite that, from the very beginning, Hyperion had always given her the choice.

He had told her that if she truly did not wish for it, he would let it go.

“Furthermore, I will grant you anything you desire. If you wish to live outside the imperial palace, the empire’s knights will always protect you. If you desire a quiet life, they will guard you in secret.”

At Hyperion’s words, Laniakea fell into thought once again. Seeing this, he added one more condition.

“I won’t force you to stay for long. Please, just one year. Stay as my wife for one year. If, after that time, we do not have a child, I will not hold onto you any longer. And even if there is no child, I will still grant you anything you wish.”