Joyce glanced at Shizuka. As a woman, she knew Shizuka was telling the truth. She hadn't expected Clint to have so many admirers. Given his looks and demeanor, it was no surprise he attracted many.
However, while Shizuka had feelings, Clint did not. Any union would depend on Clint's agreement. This unpredictable man kept everyone guessing.
Hajime was stunned. His daughter had a secret crush on Clint? How long had this been going on? Was this why she refused to marry anyone else? Her heart had already been claimed, but due to their opposing sides, she kept it hidden.
After a moment of silence, Hajime sighed. "Alright, I understand. You may go."
"Thank you, Father," Shizuka said, bowing deeply before leaving.
That night, in the Royal Council Hall, the formal peace talks were held.
Clint had treated his wounds and received some blood transfusions. By now, some color had returned to his face. He sat at the negotiation table with his hands wrapped in bandages.
Luther, Joyce, Hajime, and others were also present at the table.
Clint tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his expression unreadable. Was this a negotiation or an attempt to force him into submission?
He scoffed lightly. "Speak up; I don't have much patience."
Hajime couldn't stand Clint's arrogance. "Your Highness, we have both the Dawnblade and the Imperial Seal."
"I know that; otherwise, why would I be here?" Clint replied, gently touching the bandages on his hand.
Joyce noticed the bandages were from when Clint shielded her from flying debris. Though he wore a suit and appeared composed, the bandages peeking from his collar revealed his injuries. Despite his fatigue, he maintained his strong demeanor.
This was Clint-never willing to show weakness. Even without the two relics in his possession, he exuded confidence and calmness. Reuben could never match that.
Despite her reluctance to admit it, Joyce knew that if Clint weren't mad or obsessive, he would be more suited to be emperor than Reuben.
"Your Highness," Hajime began, "your only leverage now is controlling Joyce and restraining the Heath family. With your current forces, you can't handle both the Yoshikawa family's rebellion and the Imperial Household Agency."
"Oh, Hajime," Clint sneered. "How much do you know about my forces?"
He chuckled softly. "For over a decade, I've been secretly building my own army outside Eastern Capital. Didn't you find out?"
Hajime was stunned. A private army? If the former emperor were alive, this would be treasonous.
Joyce glanced nervously at Luther. Did Clint have another plan? Did he not want peace talks? Using his title and secret army to defeat both the Yoshikawa family and the Imperial Household Agency-how long would such a war last?
"You don't want peace talks? Then why are you here?" Joyce asked angrily.
Seeing her agitation, Clint felt a pang in his heart. She must be eager to return home.
"Calm down," he said slowly. "I didn't say we wouldn't negotiate. State your terms; I'll listen."
"Alright," Hajime began listing conditions.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Wrong marriage and sweet love (Joyce and Luther)
Very strange ending, is Joyce pregnant again or does she still have remnants of the devil with her. Christian should have apologized and made up with Luther and Felix. Too much violence and twists and turns, once settled, everyone should be happy and healthy....
Omg… can’t you just let Luther and Joyce live in peace with their children….another controversy doesn’t add to the story....
Not again, ugh … just get rid of this disgusting despicable woman...
Hopefully the underground bio lab East523will be found soon and Luther will make a full recovery, Lily will be reunited with the family and all will be good. Otherwise this will be a very disappointing story....
Please don’t make more trouble for Joyce and Luther, they need to have their children and be happy...
Looking forward to Joyce shooting Otis where it will hurt him the most and end his disgusting ways with women. He’s a pig, deserves to lose his “unit”....
Just tell him you’re the one that saved him , not the evil woman and find your beautiful love story together. Quit being a wet blanket, too smart for that....
I hate it when the hero and heroine are made out to be fools for the evil people that wish to steal their lives and live. Hopefully Charlotte is found out quickly and removed. Why should a villain with an illegitimate child reap all the rewards. Terrible....
Author wasted so much time describing how Joyce looked, more than once, no wonder the book is so long because we keep reading the same things over again...
Sorry I really hate weak stupid women. Poor stupid Joyce being played like the idiot she is huh...