Wrong Marriage and Sweet Love

Joyce had already reached the door when she paused, her expression turning cold. Damn Hirota, he actually wanted to use her as a bargaining chip to force her parents into an international conflict. Clint indeed had the leverage now.

Inside, the head of the Yoshikawa family continued, “If His Highness brought her here for this reason, I have no objections. It’s a good strategy. If it’s for another reason, I disagree. I urge His Highness to marry my daughter immediately to stabilize the Yoshikawa family’s position.”

The coercion was obvious.

Joyce exchanged a glance with Darrin. “No wonder the Yoshikawa family has been posturing without taking action; they want to force Clint into marriage.”

Darrin shrugged. “The Tanaka family doesn’t fully control the military. Sometimes, even Clint can’t act freely. It’s puzzling that someone as calculating as Clint would abduct the young marshal and offend the Yoshikawa family now. What is he planning?”

“Who knows what that madman is thinking? He’s not mentally stable,” Joyce scoffed.

At that moment, Clint’s voice came from inside, “You’ve been eavesdropping long enough. Why not come in and join us?”

Joyce was taken aback; Clint knew they were there all along. She didn’t hesitate and pushed the door open.

Hirota turned around, his cold eyes narrowing as he stared at Joyce. “You must be the heiress of the Heath family?”

Joyce didn’t answer, merely giving Hirota a cold glance. This man had deep, ruthless eyes, a face lined with wrinkles, and a sinister expression. He was clearly treacherous and cunning, willing to drag neighboring countries into war for his own gain.

Clint’s tense face relaxed slightly when he saw Joyce enter. “Sit down.”

“No need. I’m here to tell you that even if I die, you won’t gain anything from me. The Heath family will never send troops; abandon that thought now,” Joyce said coldly.

“You think you have a choice?” Hirota sneered. “Your Highness, let me take her back. I have ways to make the Heath family comply. I’ve dealt with Ralph enough to know his weaknesses.”

Darrin whispered behind Joyce, “For years, there have been skirmishes at the border, mostly instigated by him. He’s naturally belligerent. The Grand Marshal hasn’t retired because of ongoing border issues. They’ve been eyeing our anti-EMP blueprints to ignite conflict. If we fall into his hands, it will be far worse than being with Clint.”

Joyce felt a chill down her spine. Clint also wanted those blueprints; was it to give them to the Yoshikawa family? Thankfully, Reuben had kept them safe; otherwise, peace would be impossible.

She glanced at Clint instinctively.

This man prioritized profit above all else. Would he really hand her over to Hirota? That would derail her plans and make things even more unpredictable.

She clenched her fists in silence.

Hirota pressed on, “Your Highness, give me the Heath family heiress and I’ll send my daughter over immediately. We can simplify the ceremony; just marry her and I’ll declare war on Eastern Capital right away. The throne will be yours; the world will be yours. The Yoshikawa family will serve you forever.”

Darrin tensed up instinctively protecting his master.

Joyce’s heart tightened too.

Although she knew Clint disliked being coerced, this seemed like an advantageous move for him. How important was the throne to him? She understood well enough that once things reached this point, there was no turning back.

She felt herself in grave danger.

Clint slowly stood up and walked over to Hirota.

His tone was calm as he approached Hirota, despite looking slightly pale and ill but still imposing. “Are you threatening me?”

“Not at all,” Hirota quickly lowered his head, though his fingers clenched behind his back.

“Have I been too lenient with you all? You dare target my woman?” Clint sneered. “Marry Chiyuki? I refuse. See her? She’s the one I want to marry.”

Clint turned Hirota towards Joyce. “Look closely; don’t get any ideas about her or you’ll regret it.”

Hirota trembled slightly, his eyes flashing dangerously. He knew Clint secretly controlled part of the military but wasn’t sure how much power he wielded.

If that’s how it was going to be…

He wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate them all later on.

The throne didn’t necessarily belong to the Tanaka family alone.

If chaos ensued, why couldn’t he claim it?

“Very well,” Hirota said slyly. “Since His Highness won’t let me take her away, so be it.”

His gaze swept over Joyce, making her shiver with unease.

What was this old fox plotting now?

“The marriage with my daughter is something I hope His Highness will consider carefully,” Hirota said before leaving.

Watanabe grew anxious as Hirota left. “Your Highness… perhaps we should accept the marriage alliance?”

His eyes cut like knives towards Joyce; their situation was precarious and this woman was disrupting their plans.

Clint gestured for Watanabe to stop talking. “Leave us.”Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Yes.” Watanabe reluctantly left but shot Joyce a venomous look before going out the door.

Once they were alone in the hall, Joyce spoke coldly, “I don’t want to get involved in your national affairs anymore. My presence here only hinders you. Let me go; name your terms besides sending troops.”

Clint sat back down and took a sip of tea calmly.

“Who said you’re a hindrance? Perhaps I can use you to make the Heath family help me reclaim my throne without Hirota’s involvement. You’re not escaping my grasp anyway. Your parents must be worried about you; should I open a private line so you can call them?”

Joyce fumed, “Clint! Don’t even think about it!”