[FMMIKA] Chapter 306: Marriage Alliance and Golden Palace

"That's how it is..."

After Artorius stated his reasons, Nero widened her eyes, gazing at him with a somewhat incredulous look.

However, soon enough, her gaze dimmed.

As an emperor, she could certainly understand Artorius because she was the same—willful, arrogant, often behaving like a fool.

But, just like him, she held her empire above all else, even herself. So, thinking this way, it was only natural for Artorius to reject her.

Even this wouldn't affect her opinion of Artorius. If anything, his refusal might even elevate him in her eyes.

But still, it was embarrassing, heartbreaking, and painful.

"Ye-Yeah, you're right..."

Nero stuttered, her voice carrying a hint of a sob.

"Indeed, to betray one's country for a woman or treasure is despicable. I, of course, would look down on such a person. To do something so stupid, I must have lost my mind. So, let's forget about today, pretend nothing happened—"

After saying this, Nero turned around, trying to make a quick escape.

If Artorius allowed her to run away like this, the chances of conquering Rome or winning over Nero would significantly decreased. So of course he wouldn't let that happen.

When Nero tried to escape, Artorius reached out, grabbed her, and pulled her back into his embrace.

"Wha—?! What are you doing?!" Nero looked a bit angry at Artorius. "You've rejected me, so we have no connection. Then—"

"But I can't just watch you leave." Artorius interrupted her with a firm tone. "My love for my country and people is not fake. But at the same time, my love for you is equally real."

"But—"

"So..." Artorius cut her off again. "So, I think we can develop a better solution that solves all the problems. Let everyone be happy. All Romans."

"Le-Let everyone be happy..."

Hearing Artorius speak so earnestly, Nero's face blushed again. It seemed like she was considering some alternate possibility.

It wasn't Artorius surrendering, becoming her subordinate. Of course, it wasn't the other way around either. Also, it wasn't just the nominal cooperation they had now, which would eventually lead to war.

There was only one solution.

That was a marriage alliance.

Co-ruling the empire.

If she and Artorius had equal rights, there would be no problem.

In ancient Greece and Rome, co-rule systems were quite popular and stable. Marriage partnerships or father-son co-ruling had almost no issues.

This way, it could prevent both sides from going to war, spare the people from harm, and naturally reunite the lands of Rome.

"This... if it's like this..."

With Artorius's plan, it seemed like there was no difference from Nero's planned scenario, but the internal distinctions were significant.

The former was just a transaction. Both parties would take what they needed, but internally, their minds and bodies would be harmed, viewing it as shame and injury. Recalling it would feel like a tearing pain, and ultimately, this darkness would devour them.

The latter, however, was an emotional and loving commitment. A warm and romantic union where, once their feelings were confirmed, what they gained was the purification of body and mind and the sweetness of love. A balance between public and private matters.

"No need to rush with an answer, Nero." Artorius lowered his head and kissed Nero on the cheek. "We have plenty of time."

"..."

"U-Umu."

With that, Nero left Artorius's bathroom with mixed feelings. She couldn't sleep the whole night after returning to her room. She barely dozed off in the early morning, only to dream of Artorius doing 'various things' to her.

Despite summoning the courage and hazily preparing for the ultimate confrontation, her brain blanked out.

After opening her eyes again, Nero couldn't sleep at all, tossing and turning feeling miserable.

Artorius, on the other hand, was different. The Dragon Emperor was quite relaxed, as what happened in the bath that night was, in the grand scheme of things, trivial for the Dragon Emperor.

If he had really 'consummated' with Nero and fondled her, perhaps the Dragon Emperor would be a bit happier. But that didn't happen.

He simply comforted her and held her in his arms, rubbing her back.

Although it felt great, a sensation like never before—after all, when Artorius held Artoria, who had a similar age and body proportion to Nero, he always felt the ribs poking uncomfortably—even though there was a petite butt to squeeze. But something felt missing.

Now Artorius understood. It was the lack of a safety cushion in front.

The soft touch made Artorius feel excited, like meeting an old friend for the first time. They say it's love at first sight, and that's exactly what it was.

'If only I could marry her...' Artorius couldn't help but sigh.

But he couldn't.

What he said to Nero before was just to soothe her.

In this world, in this era, Artorius had his mission. He wouldn't interfere excessively until the completion of the compilation of the New Human History.

'But there might be a chance.' He continued to think.

The opportunity lies in Nero's death. Becoming a Heroic Spirit, entering the Throne of Empire.

Then Artorius would have the final say.

When the time comes, whatever Artorius says goes. However he wants it, that's how it will be. Is there any other choice besides whining and enduring it?

There really isn't.

That's called sharing the same bed in life but not in death.

'That's it, then.'

Artorius closed his eyes, ready to rest for a while. However, shortly after falling asleep, he was disturbed by communication magecraft.

Opening it, he saw Mash with a serious expression.

"What's the matter, Mash?"

Wouldn't it be nice if he opened a portal now and had Mash come over to keep him company?

Looking at the serious Mashmellow, Artorius thought so.

"Has contact with Chaldea been established?"

"Yes. But what I have to report is not just that... Your Majesty, you better take a look at this."

After saying that, Mash stepped aside, and the camera shifted to show the magnificent golden palace behind her.

"This palace seems to have a connection with the Olympian gods in Greek mythology and is still intact. It also has a defensive bounded field in place..." Mash said seriously. "I think this is important, so I reported it to you immediately, Your Majesty."