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DevilDarkness#0506
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During their first day of living in the palace, Rio and everyone else just stayed inside, chatting and roaming around. Rio hadn't seen Artemis ever since he came here, according to Myra who was now following Amelia, Artemis and Athena were just talking to each other.
Rio had also met Alfred, Rebecca's brother, the supposed future king of Schilla and a subordinate of the protagonist according to the plans of destiny. But that was all for the future and who knows what will happen now with his continuous interference in the plot.
Alfred was 12 years old, according to Rio's memories the last time he saw him was last year during his awakening celebrations. Alfred had awakened the element of wind, same as in the novel.
The 4 of them played around, until it was late evening and they had to stop.
Overall Rio's first day at Royal Palace was peaceful and good, but as they say all good things come to an end. And looking at the man sitting at the grand chair of the dinner table, Rio could guess this dinner was going to be an awkward one.King Maximus, dressed in red and black robe, adorned with intricate designs and jewels that showed his commanding position. The white cape that draped over his shoulders touched the ground when he sat down, and some sparks of lightning charred that place, the aura of a king, a superior being was practically oozing out of his body, while everyone around him could not help but feel the pressure of his presence.
It was the first time Rio had seen the king after he came to Arcadia and looking at him, he was starstruck. It didn't matter what his character was supposed to be in the novel , Or how him being here meant that the conversation would take a turn that he wanted to avoid for now, but just looking at the majestic presence of the king thwarted all his thoughts.
'Gotta say dude looks hella cool in that getup. That spark thingy everytime he waves his cape is just badass. Man got style.' Rio thought admiring the effort this guy must've put in his appearance.
Unlike Rio, everyone else at the table either expected King's arrival or didn't care enough to stare at it so much. Amelia and Rebecca were sitting side by side talking in whispers to each other. Becca didn't dare shout at the table, while her father was near. Alfred and Rio were sitting on one side, while Athena and Artemis were sitting beside them.
After everyone settled down the maids came and one by one started prepping up the plates and serving the food. Rio's eyes still kept looking at the king, thinking about what style he'd copy and keep when he grew up. After all, according to his thoughts, one day in the future the throne of Schilla will belong to the Blake family. Why not prepare for it from now?
But he was startled as he met the gaze of Maximus's deep blue eyes looking at him from the opposite side, 'Did this guy sensed I was after his throne?'
[Not until now, but he will if you keep looking at him like that.]
Hearing system's response to a rhetorical question that no one needed an answer for, Rio stopped his thoughts and decided to not look at him for now.
During the ongoing dinner, soon small talks started between everyone, after some greetings and normal chats, the environment had become peaceful again.
"Artemis, I must say, I'm glad you could join us here." King said as he gazed around at the dinner table. It had become a habit of his to see many chairs empty around them, but looking at it now, it was refreshing.
"Of course, I can't keep coming late every time right?" Artemis smiled and replied referring to how during Alfred's celebrations last year, Blake family appeared almost when all the guests had appeared.
"That wasn't your fault sister." Athena said, as she heard Artemis still mentioning that. She had no problem using that excuse to call Artemis here early this time, but in front of her husband she should speak the truth.
"That's not what you said when you called me yesterday, Athena." Artemis asked, looking at her with a smiling gaze, while Athena could just silently cough, her playful nature was just a thing of a past, in front of her husband she's the smart wise woman. But this sister of hers never learns. Athena even wanted to ask -she's the queen here where's her fucking respect? But knowing if she did that, she'll receive an earful of taunts so she kept silent, hoping Maximus won't focus on it.
Sadly or gladly, King Maximus however had no interest in their useless talks. He had something else in mind. He took a sip of wine and cleared his throat, signaling his intent to steer the conversation in a particular direction.
"Our two families have been long acquainted Artemis. We've always supported each other throughout the years and I plan to strengthen our ties further. That's the only way to secure the future of our children and the prosperity of our people."
Hearing his words, Athena glanced at her sister, hoping to listen to what she'll say. Artemis, who had been anticipating this topic, skillfully deflected it with a smile. "Your majesty, you're forgetting that we are already connected through family ties. Athena is my sister, we share the same blood. Our unity and support for each other are evident."
King Maximus, undeterred, pressed on. He had talked about this topic with Agnus before but that guy always spoke the same line -"The decision of my son's future is in my wife's hand friend." Maximus respected Agnus and had known the guy for years but this irritated him. He, the king of this kingdom, the most powerful person of this place, was asking his son's hand for a marriage, and instead of being glad, these idiots keep changing the topics.
If not for the news regarding Rio's blessing and the constant reminders from his chosen God, forcing him to act now, he wouldn't even mention this topic ever again due to his self respect. He could find hundreds of better people for her daughter, but everytime he thought that, there was this feeling in his gut screaming at him, that something was wrong, he was wrong. The same was the case for his God, who's been oddly interested in watching this kid nowadays.
All these things only made him think that this marriage was something necessary not only for him, but for everyone. The profits of having Raven and Blake family tied to his own - who in the world could stand against him then. That's why he was impatient.
"True, but a marriage between our children would solidify our bond further and ensure the prosperity of our kingdoms for generations to come. Rio and Rebecca are both young and talented, and would make a remarkable match." He announced, finally stopping himself from roundabout talking and saying it clean and clear.
Athena and Artemis were caught off guard by his direct statement, especially now since the kids were still present with them. Rio, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, found himself choking on his food. He started coughing, and drank a glass of water in a hurry, hoping to calm down. His eyes darted around the table, and landing on Rebecca, who had her head hung down, her expression hidden from the view, Amelia sitting near her, had her mouth wide open in shock, her best friend and her brother were getting married, why didn't anybody inform her about it.
###magic
A/N - What do you think is going to happen next? I'm bad at describing characters appearance I know, maybe that's why I didn't write any smut in the 100 chapters yet.
Ohh yeah
This is the 100th chapter of this novel - feels nice.100 chapter complete - 900 more to go, hehehehe just kidding, I don't know how long this story will be.Now don't be a party pooper and throw me some gifts and congratulations.