At that moment, the royal members and ministers exchanged looks as they found that it was reasonable for the two to get married soon. After all, the emperor didn't cancel the engagement even though the public had thought that he had been dead before.
"I, Prince Basil, hereby declare that my engagement with Miss Shirley is invalid, effective immediately." However, Rocky shocked the crowd as he deviated from people's expectations.
Everyone's minds were rattled as they heard this. In fact, they found that Rocky was being so bold to declare that especially when Bryant, the chief of the Ximen Clan and Shirley's grandfather, was around.
"But, Your Royal Highness, is that the emperor's decision?" Bryant asked in a low voice as his face was covered in shame.
"You heard me right, Chief Bryant. Miss Shirley and I are no longer engaged," Rocky said with firm resolution as he looked into Bryant's eyes seriously.
Bryant trembled and became very furious when he heard Rocky's words, but as a man of honor, he composed himself immediately. Instead of lashing out, he shot a confused glance at Rocky. This was not what the emperor and he decided upon. He felt humiliated because Rocky announced it to everyone without even discussing with him, or at least informing him in advance. He found it rude, and he even suspected that Rocky deliberately made the Ximen Clan unable to back down with good grace because of pressure.
Meanwhile, Marcia also sighed inwardly. Although she had expected that Rocky would turn down the emperor's proposal, she still believed that it was better for him to inform Bryant beforehand to avoid hurting his face. But now, it was too late for her to convince Rocky to do that.
However, Rocky thought about this carefully and considered what he thought was just and fair. He had thought of discussing with Bryant, but he knew that there was a huge possibility that Bryant might refuse. Thus, in order to force Bryant to agree, he decided to announce it to the public first and then apologize to Bryant after. In his mind, making a hasty decision was the best way to resolve such a situation involving marital engagements.
At the same time, everyone present saw the visible displeasure written all over Bryant's face. In fact, they all felt that Rocky's announcement was a one-sided cancellation. If that were true, then things would certainly become a little awkward. This might lead to a conflict between the Ximen Clan and the royal family, affecting the current situation in the empire.
At once, Rocky turned to Bryant with a sincere expression and said, "Chief Bryant, I believe you know why I made this decision better than anyone else."
Bryant furrowed his brows slightly. Deep in his heart, he knew and understood that Rocky didn't want him to marry his granddaughter off just for the empire's sake. And from this aspect, he had to admit that Rocky was braver than him. On the other hand, he was still annoyed that he was not prepared for any of this to happen, simply because he was so sure that the two would get married. As a proud chief of the largest clan in the Holy Dragon Empire and one of the Three Great Generals, he felt quite embarrassed by such a blunt refusal in public.
"Since Your Royal Highness has made a decision, I have no other choice but agree." After finishing his words, Bryant turned around and left in front of all these people.
"That would be all the announcements and nothing further. Help yourselves, please!" Rocky said to the royal members and the ministers as his eyes followed Bryant's back.
Soon after, all the people also left in groups of threes or fives.
The next day, the announcements were made in black and white and were posted across various boards in the entire Holy Dragon Empire. Since all the three announcements were so unexpected, it was inevitable for some rumors to arise.
Although Rocky cancelled the engagement, the trouble it brought was still not over.
Later that day, a delicate figure rushed into the Crimson Palace in the most aggressive manner, which gave both Sabina and Lucilla quite a shock. Immediately, both of them thought critically on how to solve the problem at hand.
"Miss Shirley, what can I do for you?" Sabina asked at once.
The delicate figure was none other than Shirley, Rocky's former fiancee.
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