From Mimic to World's strongest daughter

Chapter 31

Y/n's POV

"Really? You don't know about my collection? Why don't you come see them later? I lost some, but I've got a few left. A group of women and child and they don't disappoint." The emperor suggested. I kept my neutral face as I balled my hands into fists, thinking about the other beastmen that were trapped in the Empire. "I couldn't be less interested. Besides, I've got to make sure my daughter stays safe around here." Papa said, stunning me. I looked towards him as the Emperor turned to face me. "Oh, I see, so you've already got a daughter. May I know which woman of yours gave birth to her?" The Emperor asked, studying me as I turned to face him.

"None. She's a bit of a unique creature." Papa said. The Emperor continued to study me as I stared at him. "Moving back to my toys I have. Alongside the groups I've gathered, they have expertly forged short swords and curious weaponry. What do you think, Master synergist? Are you still not interested?" The Emperor asked.

"Yeah. It sounds boring. I don't even use swords." Papa answered.

"Those toys I lost, someone broke into the dungeon and freed them last night. They easily snuck in and out of the castle like ghosts. You wouldn't know any special magic or artifacts that could pull off such a feat, would you?" The Emperor asked. The Emperor was clearly trying to see if Papa was the one who snuck in and out of the castle last night. "I can't say that I do. Sounds pretty awesome though." Papa said. He took a sip of the tea that the emperor had prepared for us. "Alright, I've got one last question for you. What would it take for you to ally with the Empire?" The Emperor asked.

"Find me a way back to my original world. Do that, and I'll gladly cheer you on once I'm home." Papa said. I smirked, knowing that would be his answer to the emperor. The Emperor huffed as he heard Papa's answer, clearly upset by it. "You're even worse than the princess said you were. Truly, you're an insufferable brat." The Emperor complained. One knight walked over to the Emperor and whispered something to him. "Well, I've clearly learned everything I'm going to get from you. That'll suffice for the time being, but there's always later. The empire has more pressing concerns for now. We're hosting a welcoming banquet for the princess tonight. I'd like you and your party to attend. I'm sure you'd hate to miss the chance to celebrate her engagement to my son." The Emperor said, getting up from his seat. He headed to the door and left the room, with a knight still following him. Everyone gasped as they heard the princess was going to marry the emperor's son. "Lily! Is this for real? You're engaged?" Kouki asked.

"Our kingdom has lost its king, and we can't withstand another demon attack as it is. It's my duty to strengthen ties with our allies at any cost." Lily said, not looking at anyone.

"But this?" Kouki asked.

"This arrangement. Were you expecting it to happen?" Shizuku asked. Lily looked at Shizuku before explaining. "The emperor and my father arranged the engagement ages ago. The banquet tonight will make it official. Shaken as they are after the demon invasion, the public needs a show of our unity," Lily said.

"So that's it? Shouldn't you confirm with your advisors?" Shizuku asked.

"They'll simply have to accept my decision. But I doubt they would oppose." Lily answered.

"Lily... do you even like this guy?" Kouki asked. Lily turned to look at him. "My personal feelings aren't important right now. This is a strategic means of uniting our two nations." Lily answered.

"What! How are you so calm? You're acting like its nothing!" Kouki shouted, standing up. His chair scraped against the floor as he stood. "I'm royalty. This is how things are done," Lily answered.

"Oh, come on! You're not just a princess; you're a girl. Don't you want to marry someone you actually love?" Kouki asked. Papa stood up as the rest of our party did the same. Papa started heading towards the door before Kouki got his attention. "Hey Nagumo, don't you have anything to say about this?" Kouki asked.

"What do you want me to say? Sounds to me like marriage and politics go hand in hand in this world. I don't think it's our place to argue with it." Papa explained.

"It's wrong." Kouki muttered.

"In case you've forgotten, we've got work to do here. One crisis at a time." Papa said. We left the room, and I heard Kouki complaining about how Papa had a heart made of ice. We spent some of the day relaxing while we waited for the party to get closer. "Okay, Y/n. It's time to get ready." Mama said. I looked at her as she held up a sky-blue dress for me to wear. Mama, Shea, and Tio were all smiling about this as they pulled me into the bathroom with them. They put me in the sky blue dress. It was a sleeveless dress with a high rounded neckline and a waistband tied in a bow., the skirt went just past my knees with neat folds. Mama and the others were excited to see me wearing a dress, since normally I had a tomboy style of clothing so I could fight easier. After that, they let me out of the bathroom as I saw Papa getting ready for the party too. "Woah. You look amazing, sweetie." Papa said, looking at me from head to toe.

"She's just so precious like this," Mama cooed. I sighed as I walked back over to the bed and sat down, waiting for the others to finish getting ready. Mama and Shea wore what looked like wedding dresses, while Tio and Kaori wore simple dresses that fit them perfectly. As night arrived, we headed to the party in the castle, with Papa leading the way while holding my hand. "How'd it go? Is everything all set?" Mama asked.

"It's all in order." Papa answered.

"Did you have to make your way through a lot of traps?" Kaori asked.

"Nothing too serious." Papa answered.

"Good thing the emperor threw this party tonight. It'll be easier to put our plans into motion with crowds of people milling about," Tio said.

"Do you really think this will work?" Shea asked. I didn't hear anything as we continued walking to the ballroom. "You all... thank you guys," Shea said.

"Now then... It's time to get this party started." Papa said.