Book 1 Chapter 981

981.

Abad's expression was one of slight bewilderment.

"Emira and I are to be married?"

"Yes."

"Father. Isn't this too sudden?"

"Of course it's sudden. This came up during the meeting of the great families."

Cheide replied calmly to his son's words.

"Even so, arranging a marriage with someone from the Zerdinger family…"

"Under normal circumstances, it would be unthinkable. However…"

Cheide glanced at the map placed in a corner of the family head's office.

It was a map of the western continent.

And there were areas on the map, colored pitch black.

Land that even the mighty Lorden Empire could not claim.

The very reason the empire maintained its formidable military power, and the reason for the existence of the two hero families that could be called the pillars of Lorden.

It was the domain of Tartarus.

"You're aware of the recent unusual movements of the demons, aren't you?"

The world stood at a crossroads.

Countless heroes felt this truth.

"The continuous subjugation of Erebus's fragments is certainly a positive sign. But…"

"You mean the world itself might disappear, not Erebus and Tartarus?"

Cheide nodded.

It wasn't just Erebus's fragments being subjugated.

The Demon Queen and the Giant King, who had threatened the world for 5,000 years, were also defeated.

It was undoubtedly a devastating blow for Tartarus.

Yet, the offensives of Tartarus occurring in various parts of the world showed no signs of abating.

Instead, they seemed to be burning even more fiercely, like a fire fed with fuel.

"Some say it's Tartarus's last-ditch effort before annihilation… but we could get swept up and burn along with that last-ditch effort."

As the leader of the strongest mage family.

And as another mage.

Cheide knew all too well that Tartarus should never be underestimated.

"And even if Erebus and Tartarus disappear, it won't be the end."

The era after that must also be considered.

Tartarus was a threat to the world, but also a deterrent.

Because there was a common enemy, the various powers of the world joined hands and prevented countless conflicts.

Of course, there had never been a time without conflict in the world's history, but even while fighting, they stopped when issues related to Tartarus arose.

Cheide couldn't easily predict how the world's political landscape would unfold after the disappearance of Erebus.

"Lorden needs to unite further. This is the common thought of the Imperial Family, our family… and Zerdinger."

"So…"

"Yes. The proposal of marriage between you, the successor of Ruelin, and Emira, the direct descendant of Zerdinger, was discussed."

Hearing Cheide's words that everything was for the future of the empire and the family, Abad sighed deeply.

"Considering the history of the two families, wouldn't announcing this cause a huge stir?"

"It would. However, with the most conservative elder council within Zerdinger losing power, the biggest obstacle has been resolved."

Ruelin also has elders.

But unlike the strict and conservative knights, mages pursue 'efficiency.'

Looking at the pros and cons, they would understand that getting closer to Zerdinger in the current situation is beneficial, so they won't strongly oppose it.

"Then why Emira and me?"

"Leo and Chelsea were also discussed… although Leo is a direct descendant, he is now the king of Archi, so it's no exaggeration to say he's half independent from Zerdinger. Rhys already has a successor, so he's naturally excluded. All that's left is you and Emira."

"Isn't there Celia too?"

"Celia? Absolutely not."

"Do you have a negative view of Celia?"

"It's not that. Celia is not just a direct descendant of Zerdinger. She's a child with potential as a knight, comparable to Rhys. Zerdinger wouldn't want to send such a child to Ruelin. Especially if their strength has greatly diminished with the expulsion of the elder council."

Although Zerdinger had eliminated internal threats by expelling the elder council, it also meant they had lost their best knights from the previous generation.

As a heroic family, they would clearly not want to leak a powerful asset like Celia to the outside.

"Besides, don't you have a bad relationship with Celia?"

"…"

Outwardly, they were rivals.

'It might even be a good thing.'

Abad decided to think positively.

Wasn't the biggest concern with marrying Celia the issue between the families?

But now, both Ruelin and Zerdinger felt the need to clear past emotions in preparation for the new world.

'On this opportunity, my relationship with Celia…'

"If it were Reina and Gis, maybe. But Seuld. Me marrying him? Hahaha… No. Absolutely not. I'd rather call off the marriage proposal than that."

'Ah…'

Seeing his father grinding his teeth, Abad recalled one fact.

Cheide Ruelin, Abad's father, who was meticulous and rational in everything.

Although he was considered one of the most outstanding family heads in Ruelin's long history, he was also evaluated as having the worst relationship with the Zerdinger family head in Ruelin's history.

"Celia is absolutely out of the question. Even if you're okay with it, I'm not."

Seeing Cheide's eyes bloodshot, Abad swallowed hard.

'I think I need to discuss this with Chelsea first.'

***

Upon arriving at the main residence, Chelsea was busy being congratulated by her family.

"Lady Chelsea! Congratulations!"

"Yes. Thank you."

Even the maids of the Ruelin family greeted her with bright smiles, making Chelsea feel overwhelmed.

While resting in the garden to catch her breath, Chelsea spotted a girl entering the Ruelin mansion and pouted.

Crossing her arms, Chelsea blocked the girl's path with a sharp gesture.

"How dare a Zerdinger come to the Ruelin mansion with only one attendant? You still have quite the nerve!"

"Oh my. Chelsea. Nice to meet you. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Emira smiled brightly.

"By the way, I heard you became a hero? Congratulations!"

"Hmph."

Despite Emira's words, Chelsea only scoffed.

"So, why are you here?"

Since Zerdinger was a guest, it wasn't strange to meet her anywhere.

However, Emira visiting the Ruelin mansion was certainly unexpected.

To Chelsea's question, Emira replied,

"I came to see Abad."

"Why my older brother?"

"Well…"

"Emira?"

"Oh! Abad."

Emira, with a bright smile like sunshine, ran towards Abad.

Seeing that, Chelsea scowled.

"What's with her?"

Seeing Chelsea's expression of incomprehension, the gray-haired attendant who followed Emira said,

"Lady Chelsea, didn't you hear?"

"Hm? What are you talking about?"

"There's a marriage proposal being discussed between Abad and Lady Emira."

Leo, disguised as an attendant, said with a sly smile.

At that moment, Chelsea froze upon hearing those words.

After standing there for a while, trying to comprehend Leo's words, Chelsea eventually let out a chuckle.

"Trying to trick me again? No way, Emira. A marriage proposal between the successor of Ruelin and a direct descendant of Zerdinger? That's absurd. Right, older brother?"

"Chelsea, that… Father is there…"

Abad, with a rare flustered expression, explained the situation to Chelsea.

Chelsea's face stiffened.

Seeing the stiffening Chelsea, Emira covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled.

"Shall I call you sister-in-law? Chelsea. Oh, right. How many nieces would you like?"

Hearing Emira's words, Chelsea's body began to tremble as if having a seizure.

"No! You're absolutely not allowed!"

With a bright red face, Chelsea shouted and stood between Abad and Emira.

However, Emira merely covered her mouth with her hand and laughed.

"The elders of the families made the decision, so can you oppose it?"

"I'd rather marry Celia Zerdinger than a wicked woman like you!"

"Celia and Abad? No way."

"Aaaaah!"

Chelsea let out a shrill scream.

'She's quite something too.'

Seeing her fierce reaction, Leo let out a hollow laugh while watching Emira play with Chelsea.

Eventually, Chelsea ran out of the garden and fled somewhere.

***

"Lady Celia. How is it?"

"Oh? A date starting now? That's nice, Niel."

"Ah, no!"

Celia giggled while watching Niel getting ready in front of the mirror.

Niel shook her head in embarrassment.

Celia, resting her chin on her hand while watching Niel, muttered to herself.

'If my relationship with Abad becomes known, will I be like that too?'

Although they had promised marriage, they weren't exactly dating.

Perhaps it was because of her personality?

Even though they had become close, she didn't feel the need to impress Abad.

"Niel."

"Yes, Lady."

"If I date, will I become conscious of my appearance like you, Niel?"

"Hmm… Lady Celia, I don't think you'll change much."

"Why?"

"Lady Celia, you always maintain proper composure and bearing as a direct descendant of Zerdinger. You always shine, so I don't think you'll focus much on improving your appearance."

"Is that so?"

"By the way, why are you asking that?"

Niel, with a puzzled expression, gave a slightly mischievous smile.

"Ah, is it because of the potential husbands your father has chosen?"

"Potential husbands, what are you talking about?"

"Why? There seem to be many handsome men."

Niel's eyes sparkled as she sat in front of Celia.

And looking at the photos of the potential husbands chosen by Seuld Zerdinger, she said,

"Hmm. This person is too young."

"He's 13, apparently."

Seeing Celia's exasperated expression, Niel chuckled.

"Don't you think he'll grow up to be a handsome man?"

While Celia remained indifferent to Niel's words.

BANG-!

A gust of wind blew in, and the mansion's window burst open.

Celia and Niel narrowed their brows upon spotting someone flying in like a bird through the window.

"Chelsea. Even if this is your family's mansion, you should have some manners…"

"Hey! Celia! Duel my older brother immediately! And lose the duel!"

Chelsea, with her eyes wide open, rushed towards Celia and grabbed her by the collar, shaking her violently.

Seeing that, Niel's expression turned cold.

"What's with this rudeness? Even if it's you…"

"Lose and quickly confirm the marriage with my older brother!"

"…"?

At that moment, Niel's expression was stunned.

Celia, horrified, covered Chelsea's mouth.

Celia, who hadn't even told Niel about her relationship with Abad.

"Lady. Didn't Chelsea just say something strange…?"

"She's talking nonsense… Ah!"

Chelsea bit through Celia's palm and screamed.

"There's a marriage proposal going on between my older brother and Emira right now! Get them to confirm their relationship before it's announced!"

"What?"

At Chelsea's words, Celia's mouth fell open.