My Mistress Became My Wife (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 84

The meal meticulously prepared by the Crown Prince’s Palace chef was growing cold, but neither Harold nor Austin had eaten much—it was because they were engrossed in conversation.

“…And that’s how it happened.”

Harold told Austin everything—from the death of Megan, the caregiver who had looked after Lily’s mother, up to his recent encounter with Darius.

Of course, he omitted certain details: his tense standoff with Frederick at the care facility, his plea for Lily’s time, or the moment they’d confirmed their feelings with a deep kiss. There was no need to reveal such private matters, and besides, Austin would surely be shocked if he heard them.

“So Darius actually said that…”

Austin stroked his chin, thought for a moment, then asked Harold,

“Do you remember the proposal letter Hermann Kingdom sent me four years ago?”

Harold nodded. He couldn’t possibly forget. How could he forget that absurd incident where, barely a year into his marriage, Austin had been bluntly asked to accept the kingdom’s Second Princess as a concubine? Even Sonia, who was usually skilled at hiding her emotions, had scowled openly and sharply condemned their rudeness.

Though the Empire tacitly tolerated consorts, it was officially forbidden—this rule applied even to the Emperor, who had no concubines whatsoever.

Hermann Kingdom, however, permitted its king to take multiple wives under the belief that fathering many heirs was both a royal duty and a virtue. The current Hermann monarch himself had no fewer than four queens.

Thus, while the Emperor and others—including Austin—found the proposal outrageous, they ultimately chalked it up to a cultural misunderstanding.

“Back then, His Majesty the Emperor himself wrote a personal letter explaining why he couldn’t accept the proposal, yet Hermann Kingdom still didn’t understand.”

Austin moistened his dry lips and continued, gently tracing the rim of his cup with his index finger.

“They argued that since the Empire hadn’t always been without concubines, and considering how accepting the proposal would strengthen ties between our nations, why refuse it? They kept pressing, asking why unofficial consorts were tolerated but not this.”

“I’d prefer if you’d just get to the point.”

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