Book 1 Chapter 982

982.

The Gathering of Great Families.

It is a grand assembly where representatives of the continental great families gather to discuss the future of the continent.

And the beginning of these gatherings of great families starts with fostering camaraderie.

Due to the nature of being a great family, they inevitably become the pillars of power in their respective regions.

The fundamental nature of power is to stand above others.

Therefore, one cannot help but bow to someone with greater power.

However, those who hold power do not easily bow down, even to someone with a stronger force than themselves.

This is because power, even before being the ability to dominate others, also has a tendency to represent those who dominate.

Therefore, they have forged close relationships with politics to oppose greater power.

In the political arena, there are countless allies and enemies, benefactors and adversaries.

There is no such thing as eternity in such complex interests.

It is not uncommon for today’s ally to become tomorrow’s enemy, and vice versa.

Furthermore, among the great families with long histories, unresolved grievances are intricately intertwined.

Meeting an irreconcilable enemy at the gathering of great families was not as difficult as one might think.

If handled carelessly, it could easily lead to bloodshed.

In fact, there were several instances in the past where wars broke out during gatherings of great families.

This is why fostering camaraderie among great families is indispensable.

There are not many foolish families that cause disputes at parties hosted by Heroic Families.

"Well, there have been many cases of disputes among Heroic Families, too," Celia muttered indifferently, dressed in a neat uniform.

"Is the reason why only the heirs and young clan members hold social parties first to dismiss it as children's squabbles?"

A voice heard for the first time.

Gray hair and eyes.

An appearance that, while no longer possessing a boyish charm and could be called a handsome young man, was somewhat ordinary and unfamiliar.

However, Celia recognized him as her cousin.

"…That's right."

Niel answered in her stead.

However, she seemed unable to shake off the confusion from the fact she had just learned.

"As always, Niel, your knight uniform looks good, but your dresses suit you so well."

Emira smiled brightly, looking at Niel.

"Seeing Niel now, I'm sure Matchel will be completely smitten at once."

"Miss Emira."

"Yes?"

"Matchel is already smitten with me."

"Wow."

Emira exclaimed at Niel's words.

Given their families, the relationship between Niel and Matchel is not entirely smooth.

But even so, that night.

The night they confirmed each other's feelings and reignited the extinguished embers of emotion.

Niel and Matchel had both made a vow.

That no matter the circumstances, they would not deny or turn away from their feelings for each other.

Having become a scandal known to the world, they vowed to be lifelong companions.

'Father raged, didn't he? Well, he's still raging. But what does family opposition matter?'

A stubborn glint flashed in Niel's wide-open eyes.

Watching that, Emira sighed softly.

"I wish Celia unnie could learn a little from Niel unnie's side."

"What?"

Celia glared.

Unlike Emira and Niel, who were in beautiful party dresses, Celia was currently in impeccable knight attire.

Looking at Celia, Emira said,

"Do you know how hard I had to work to calm Chelsea down because you were playing pranks on her?"

From Chelsea's perspective, unaware that Emira knew about the relationship between Celia and Abad, the story of Abad and Emira was a matter of grave importance.

To that, Emira said,

"Although it was a prank, my intention to marry Abad is also serious?"

"What?"

'Is she teasing me again?'

Celia, who thought it was Emira's trickery, was flustered when she looked into Emira's eyes.

The sincerity was evident in her cousin's eyes.

"I am different from Lis older brother and Leo older brother, and Celia unnie."

Emira said indifferently.

"I am also different from Aunt Reyna."

Emira was congenitally weak.

A direct descendant of Zerdringer who could not wield a sword on the battlefield.

A situation where she could neither elevate nor protect the honor of her family.

Therefore, she thought she had no right to choose a partner to spend her future with.

Even now, with the elders council gone and the pressure for arranged marriages weakened, it remains the same.

For the sake of Zerdringer, she would accept any arranged marriage without complaint.

Even if it were with the person her cousin Celia loved.

"For the sake of the family, I will marry Mr. Abad. So please, quickly inform others of your feelings."

There are not many cases where individuals can defy the will of their family.

Especially after the official announcement.

For families with great power, justification and face are of utmost importance.

To defy that will, Reyna let go of the name Zerdringer.

Even if Celia and Abad are the ones to lead Zerdringer and Rewalin, it will be difficult to turn back the tide of family will once it has begun to roll.

"There isn't much time until the party. For your information, it was announced at this social party that Mr. Abad and I will be getting married."

"What?!"

Celia's eyes widened.

Celia, who had been conflicted, finally sprang up from her seat.

And she hastily left the room.

"Is she going to Uncle Seld?"

"No. Uncle Seld would never allow me to marry Mr. Abad."

Leo shook his head at the question.

"Uncle Seld and the head of the Rewalin family are practically enemies. It's famous. That's why my dad goes as our representative when talking with Rewalin."

Jis, as Seld's spokesperson, often spoke with Rewalin.

The fact that marriage talks between Abad and Emira took place was also influenced by that.

"By the way, Miss Emira. Are you really announcing your marriage at the party this time?"

"Ah, that?"

Emira's tongue poked out slightly at Niel's question.

"It's a lie."

Her statement that she would marry Abad if it was the family's will was sincere.

However, Emira had no intention of blindly following that will.

No matter what anyone said, he was the one her beloved cousin loved.

"Isn't it when people are in dire straits that they become the most daring?"

"Then where did she go?"

"She probably went to Grandpa."

Emira chuckled and stood up.

"Then shall we go to Grandpa's room?"

"Why?"

"That way, we can see Celia unnie using all sorts of flattery and aegyo. Isn't it lovely just thinking about it?"

Looking at Emira, who cupped her cheeks with an ecstatic expression, Leo said,

"It's probably a good thing you lack talent as a knight."

Her playfulness with Celia and Chelsea was no ordinary matter.

Emira just smiled at Leo's words.

***

"Yes. I've thought of a good plan, older brother."

"What is it?"

"I'm going to cry in front of Father."

"……What?"

"Sob, sob. I'm going to cry my lungs out."

Chelsea was a beloved youngest daughter who was affectionate not only to her older brother Abad but also to her father, Chade.

However, she had never been a spoiled child who used affection to get what she wanted.

Her affection was simply her inherent personality.

She had always achieved everything solely through her own rigorous skill.

And now, she was a commendable daughter who had reached the position of a hero, like her father, surpassing Abad, who would become the head of the family.

Because of that, Chade was practically immune to his daughter crying and throwing tantrums.

"What if it doesn't work?"

However, Chade was a man who carried the burden of the great Rewalin family on his shoulders.

He would not easily yield his will just because his daughter pleaded.

"Then I'll cry my heart out in front of Grandma."

Abad stroked his chin, thinking of his grandmother, the former head of the Rewalin family, who doted on her granddaughter.

This was a powerful means only possible because it was Chelsea.

Although it was a very ungraceful, undignified, and petty method for someone who had become a hero.

But this was not the time to be concerned about such things.

"Still, what if it fails?"

"……."

Chelsea stared intently at her brother, who was considering the worst-case scenario.

"Then I'll have to use the ultimate weapon."

"Ultimate weapon?"

"Lis senpai's method."

"But if something goes wrong, I could die."

"That's why it's the last resort."

She didn't hate Emira to death.

Although they were close to being accomplices, she had known her as a childhood friend since she was young.

But still, she refused to have her as an older sister-in-law.

'I'd rather call Celia my older sister-in-law!'

Thus, the siblings entered the head of the family's office.

"Oh, Abad, Chelsea. Come in quickly. You must be busy with the social party soon, what's the matter?"

Rewalin was the host of the social party.

As such, Abad and Chelsea, as hosts, were expected to be at the party venue beforehand to greet guests.

Seeing his son and daughter who came to find him while he was busy, Chade smiled warmly.

'Even though they are my children, they are such filial sons and daughters.'

They never caused him trouble since they were young.

In that regard, Chade thought he was better than Seld.

Lis and Celia were not lacking either… but didn't Lis suddenly bring in a daughter-in-law and grandchildren, making Seld grip his nape?

"Father. About my marriage talks."

"Huh? Why is it about your marriage?"

"I will marry Celia."

"……."

Chade's mind momentarily froze.

Then he furrowed his brow.

"Hmm. I must have misheard because I've been busy lately. What did you say?"

"Older brother says he will marry Celia."

At Chelsea's words, Chade smiled faintly.

"That's a rather cruel joke."

"It's not a joke."

At Abad's serious words, Chade's eyes trembled.

"No."

"……."

"It's not that I don't like Celia. She's an ideal daughter-in-law. But she's his daughter, so no. Absolutely not."

"We have already promised to marry Celia."

Strictly speaking, there was a condition of winning the duel, but for now, they decided not to mention that fact.

*CRASH!*

"What?!"

Chade slammed his desk violently.

Then he took out a communication crystal from a drawer and infused it with magic.

[What is it, Chade Rewalin.]

Seld Zerdringer's annoyed voice was heard from beyond the crystal.

Towards Seld, Chade shouted fiercely,

"Seld Zerdringer! Aren't you managing your daughter?! Your daughter is seducing my son… Ugh, ugh!"

Chelsea quickly covered her father's mouth.

Abad snatched the communication crystal and said,

"Mr. Seld. This is Abad Rewalin. My father is not in his right mind, so I will speak in his stead."

[Yes. Abad-kun. It seems your father is out of his mind from overwork. I just heard strange noises? What on earth is it?]

"Mr. Seld. I have promised to marry Celia."

[……What?]

"I would like to call you father-in-law from now on, please grant me permission."

[…….]

"Father-in-law?"

There was no reply.

Instead, a woman's voice mixed with laughter was heard.

[Abad-kun? It's me, Reyna. My brother just ran out of the room. By the way, I heard a very interesting story?]

"It's exactly as you heard."

[Oh my~ That's great. I approve of this marriage.]

"Approve of what! Absolutely not!"

Chade, shaking off his daughter's hand, struggled.

At Chade's shout, Reyna's bored voice was heard.

[When the children want to marry, what can my brother and the head of Rewalin do?]

"As the head of the family, I cannot tolerate this! If you are born as a descendant of a Heroic Family, it is your duty to follow the family's will!"

[Wow, you're really shameless. You also went through a love marriage despite family opposition…]

*Click-!*

Chade hurriedly cut off the communication.

Silence ensued among the family.

"Anyway, no! Chelsea! What have you done while your brother is getting involved with a Zerdringer woman?!"

Chade, whose reason was half-paralyzed, unfairly blamed Chelsea.

A moment later.

The sound of someone crying loudly echoed from the Rewalin family head's office.