The low thrum of drums echoed through the wedding hall. Wang Gi stepped forward slowly. Though he was dressed in flawless wedding robes from head to toe, there was no trace of a groom's joy to be found on his face.

Today, he was to marry a princess of Yuan. It was a marriage that should have been blessed. However, other thoughts were swirling in Wang Gi's mind. Did the Yuan Emperor send her specifically to keep watch over me? Or is there some other purpose I am unaware of?

At that moment, Budashiri appeared from the opposite side of the hall. Her wedding garments were red and magnificent. Ornaments displaying imperial dignity swayed slightly with every step she took. Wang Gi's gaze lingered on her. At first glance, he thought she was beautiful, but he immediately erased that thought from his mind. Beauty meant nothing.

Wang Gi's fingers stiffened slightly inside his sleeves. The princess came to a halt before him. A distance of a few paces remained between them.

The officiant raised his voice. "Will the two of you please face each other."

Wang Gi slowly looked at her. There was neither tension nor fear on the princess's face. Rather, she was excessively calm. That bothered Wang Gi even more. I cannot tell what she is thinking.

"The first bow."

Wang Gi bent at the waist. Across from him, the princess also offered her respects. Even as he bowed his head, Wang Gi remained conscious of her. What does Yuan hope to gain through this marriage? Do they intend to keep me within their grasp even after I become the King of Goryeo?

"The second bow."

They offered their respects once more. Wang Gi straightened his body. In that moment, his eyes met the princess's. For some reason, Wang Gi immediately averted his gaze.