Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2224: Sudden proposal

"Will you marry me?"

A peculiar expression dawned on the prime minister's face upon hearing my words.

He regarded me as if I had lost my mind, but that reaction was understandable given what had just been said.

Nevertheless, I gazed at him expectantly, awaiting his response.

"What do you mean by that?"

Ultimately, he seemed unable to grasp my proposal. Despite his sharp intellect, my words had completely baffled him.

"Under normal circumstances, I would never suggest such a thing, but it's the only viable method to divert the continent's attention from this current predicament. That is precisely why I am asking if you are willing to get married."

As soon as he heard this, a deep frown creased his brow.

When the prime minister, Noah, spoke again, his words did not come from his official capacity. Instead, he addressed me from a personal standpoint, as the gravity of the situation demanded.

"Are you truly serious, brother-in-law?"

Although his tone was outwardly calm, I detected a chilling undertone.

This reaction was not unexpected, as I was fully aware of the implications of my proposal and how much this matter meant to him.

However, I would never have suggested such a drastic measure if there were any other recourse. It was only because we found ourselves in such a desperate situation that I felt compelled to make this proposal.

Therefore, I stood firm by my words and declared, "I am."

Noah remained silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized me.

I could perceive the hurt in his gaze, yet beneath it, traces of understanding were also discernible.

With a sigh, I added, "We will provide you with everything you require."

"Is that truly what matters?" he retorted, his voice growing even colder.

I understood the weight of his words, but regrettably, there was nothing more I could offer at that moment.

My expression conveyed this sentiment to Noah as well.

As we held each other's gaze, I witnessed the emotions swirling in his eyes gradually shift. It was evident that he was beginning to comprehend my reasoning.

However, this was a matter of immense personal significance to him, and it was not something he would readily relinquish.

I was aware of this, which was why I simply waited in silence for him to reach a decision.

I harbored no intention of holding it against him should he refuse, but his rejection would place me in an exceedingly difficult position. After all, no other event could possibly be considered comparable to this one if it were to transpire.

Indeed, nothing occurring within the other three empires held even a fraction of this situation's magnitude.

Without this significant event, it would undoubtedly prove challenging to divert the entire continent's focus from the current crisis.

Yet, while Noah was still contemplating my proposal, an individual abruptly approached and placed a piece of paper on our table.

Our attention immediately shifted to the document, as only those permitted to bypass our protective spells were allowed to approach. Furthermore, such individuals would only present themselves if they bore news of critical importance.

The instant we read the contents of the note, both our brows furrowed, and we rose to our feet.

Without a word, we made our way back to the castle.

Upon our arrival, I was rather taken aback by the delegation awaiting us.

Frankly, I had not anticipated that they would have any reason to seek me out.

In the end, my assumption proved to be incorrect.

"You are being summoned to appear before the gods."

This pronouncement was unexpected, yet I harbored no objection to it.

After all, there was crucial information I had been seeking from the gods, and they had been deliberately withholding it from me. They had consistently avoided any direct communication, and I possessed no means to compel them to speak.

Therefore, their sudden willingness to engage with me was, in itself, a positive development.

However, I harbored doubts regarding my ability to obtain the specific information I desired this time.

Nevertheless, I understood the necessity of meeting with them, given that they had summoned me.

But before departing, there was one crucial matter I needed to clarify with Noah.

"Allow me some time to consider it. I will inform you of my decision upon your return."

Then, adopting a more professional demeanor, he added, "I suspect you will require a greater distraction once you return."

I met his gaze with a complex expression, tinged with a hint of apology.

I was acutely aware that I was placing an unfair burden upon him, not only for my own sake but for the entire continent. If it were not an absolute necessity, I would never have asked this of him.

But the circumstances demanded it, which was precisely why I had made this request...

I reached out to clasp his shoulder before murmuring, "I apologize for imposing this responsibility upon you."

He simply shook his head and replied with a sigh, "This is the duty that accompanies being a member of the royal family. I had hoped to evade it, but ultimately, it seems unavoidable."

I found myself unable to fully agree with his sentiment, as I could not share his perspective on the matter.

Born and bred as royalty, his profound feelings were only comprehensible to those of noble blood.

All I could manage was a supportive pat on his shoulder before I followed the contingent from the Holy Empire.

If the gods desired an audience with me, then I was keen to discover their purpose.