This time, even Scarlett looked at Kiara in quiet surprise. She had not expected her to voluntarily surrender ownership of something worth tens of millions of gold coins.
The Prime Minister also grew thoughtful. From that angle, the armor had transformed from dowry into royal inheritance — a gift that would eventually return to Scarlett's bloodline.
The Emperor remained quiet for several long moments before he finally spoke.
"No… it isn't that."
He exhaled slowly.
"The problem isn't merely the cost."
He looked directly into Kiara's eyes.
"Forging equipment of that quality… takes time. A very long time."
He paused.
"And until the dowry is prepared… the marriage cannot proceed."
The words left his lips and echoed in the quiet chamber.
*Until the dowry is prepared… the marriage cannot proceed.*
He stopped.
His own words seemed to settle inside him like stones sinking into deep water.
He repeated them beneath his breath, once, then again.
