Death... and me

In the end, Rean understood what Nivol really wanted.

'He's not just doing it for his daughter. He also wants a visual confirmation of our relationship.'

Surprisingly, Rean was right. Nivol heard that they had kissed in front of others before and that Tulia arranged this marriage with Droman. Nevertheless, Nivol wanted to make sure it really happened and that as many people as possible could see it. For Nivol, the Imperial Family's interest comes first. The fact that his daughter seemed to have some feelings for Rean was just a bonus.

However, that was more than enough for Rean. He began to walk in Qia's direction while sending her a Spiritual Sense Message.

'Your father wants to show others that this engagement is real. It's not gonna be anything genuine, so let's get over with it.'

Sure enough, Rean found an excuse where he could go through this without giving Qia any unnecessary hopes.

Qia was taken aback when she heard that. However, she didn't have time to think about it before Rean grabbed her waist once again. And just like before, the same scene where Rean stole a kiss from Qia happened in front of everyone.

"Wow! Now that's what I call attitude!"

"Well, who wouldn't let the chance to kiss a princess pass when even her parents are consenting? Unless you're in a relationship already, such a thing would be impossible."

"Look at Princess Qia, she's so red! Her normal demeanor completely disappeared in that guy's arms."

"I'm so jealous. Why can't I find a man like that?"

"Hey, I'm right here for you."

"Go to hell!"

Qia didn't hear anything. On top of that, she didn't try to shy away from Rean this time. First, she didn't feel like she wanted to. Second, her father said that he wanted to see it, so she had to follow his wishes... Alright, it was mostly because she was craving for it. Her father's wishes just so happened to align with her own feelings. Not that she would admit it, of course.

Rean finally released her while saying with a smile.

"Sorry for making you do such a thing in this place, princess. But know that whether your father asked for it or not, I've also been thinking about it for a long time. Forgive this little one for his wishful needs."

There was quite an uproar when Rean said those words. Ariana and Nivol also nodded to his words, quite satisfied. That's what they exactly wanted to confirm. However, Qia felt like a bucket of cold water had suddenly dropped on her head.

'That's not it... There were no feelings behind his actions at all.'

Qia had talked with Rean in private a few times already. She knew that he wasn't really the type of person who would like to say those words. Soon after, she remembered Rean's Spiritual Sense message, telling her that their actions wouldn't be genuine to start with. Add in the problem that she was also in a dilemma. She simply didn't want to admit that she had feelings for him.

As Qia got lost in her thoughts, Nivol came forward and patted Rean on the shoulder.

"I can see that you know what she wants. Don't worry. This will also be a good thing for you and your Dalamu Sect."

Rean smiled back and nodded.

"This little one knows that. Besides, it was my luck that Princess Qia accepted my feelings. I will definitely not regret it."

Ariana, on the other hand, noticed that his daughter wasn't paying attention to anything.

"Qia, is something wrong?"

Qia was taken aback for a moment, but she immediately shook her head.

"Eh? No... There is nothing wrong. I'm happy that we are this close to each other as well. I was afraid that Mom and Dad wouldn't like him, but it seems like it was an unnecessary thought."

Ariana narrowed her eyes. She could tell that something wasn't right about the way her daughter was acting. However, this wasn't the place to talk about it.

As for Nivol, he simply turned around before announcing.

"Everyone, my Sasamil Imperial Family and the Dalamu Sect will be conducting this marriage after the Formations Guild Exam is over. My father, the Fifth Prince, will also be present during that day. He already received the news and wanted to tell everyone that he was delighted that his granddaughter found her own partner. He will be attending the marriage as well. Everyone is invited to the ceremony that will take place in the Imperial Palace."

As soon as the Fifth Prince was mentioned, everyone went in an uproar. The Fifth Prince had a revered status in the Sasamil Empire, so anything involving him would attract a lot of attention.

Nivol then continued.

"We will be announcing the time when we get in contact with little Rean's parents. I already sent people to go bring them here so that we can discuss their futures. Rean's master, Droman, who's also the creator of the Communication System, will attend the marriage. I'm looking forward to everyone's presence."

Rean was taken aback by that news. However, he immediately understood that it was an obvious move. The marriage was obviously happening because they thought Droman created the Communication System. And Rean just so happened to be his only direct disciple. However, in the end, Droman wasn't his parent. Naturally, Tuen and Harmalia had to attend the ceremony as well.

'Well, even though the situation made that happen, I'm happy that I'll be able to see them so soon. Even the Ice Block melts a little when they're close. I wonder what they'll think when they find out.'

'Fortunately, they know that Roan and I always say that we are two years older than what we really are. It's not like someone will ask our ages to my parents, but at least they know what they should say. Well, I'm pretty sure that Alanda or Jury will accompany them as tribe representatives, so it will give an extra layer of protection when questions come out.'

Rean then talked with Nivol and Ariana for some time. All the time, he kept his smile while flattering their daughter, much to Nivol's satisfaction. Still, Qia couldn't wrap her head around it. She knew that it was all a ruse. Nonetheless, she couldn't help but feel sad deep down as Rean kept going on with it. At the same time, she couldn't complain with Rean either since that's what they had decided beforehand.

'This is my freedom pass, idiot! I should be happy. Happy!'

Sometime later, Rean finally ended his conversation with Ariana and Nivol.

"Alright, Senior Nivol and Ariana. My master only gave me so much time to take a break. I have some things to do in the Inner City, so I need to take my leave before he calls me back. Nonetheless, it was an honor to finally meet the two people who created the divine existence that is your daughter."

Nivol laughed out loud.

"Hahaha! You aren't wrong. There are no parents in this world who don't think about their kids as divine gifts. Very well, I'll let you go now and won't bother you anymore until the Formations Guild Exam is done."

Ariana also smiled as she said.

"It was good to meet you, Rean. But you better remember. It will be your duty to make Qia happy. If you fail, don't blame this woman for going south if you do."

Rean nodded, not minding it at all.

"Don't worry, such a thing will not happen."

After that, Rean turned around and finally succeeded in leaving the Formations Guild Hall.

'Phew... I'm finally over with all of that.'

Roan then said through their Soul Connection.

'As long as you keep the marriage intact, it will be a good result. By the way, the target already went to the brothel I mentioned to you. Don't come to the Dalamu Sect's residence anymore, we can meet near that place. Make sure you change your appearance before coming.'

Rean nodded.

'Alright.'

Back on Qia's side, her father looked at her before saying.

"You did well. This marriage will be a great boost for your grandfather in the fight for the throne. Having the direct disciple of Droman is the same as having the man itself."

Qia nodded.

"Yes, father."

Nivol then patted her head.

"This is how our Imperial Family works. It was the same for your mother and me. If you find any problems, come see me. I need to go back to the palace now."

Nivol then looked at Ariana.

"Are you coming as well?"

Ariana shook her head.

"No. There is something I want to talk about with Qia. You know, women related stuff. You can go ahead and return first."

Nivol nodded, not finding it weird at all.

"Very well. However, it's already night time, so be careful. You know the actual situation."

Ariana agreed with him.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Nivol then kissed his daughter's forehead before turning around and leaving with his guards.

Seeing that her father left, Qia asked her mother.

"Mom, what is it that you want to talk about?"

Ariana shook her head before grabbing her hand.

"Not here, let's find a private place to talk."

"But we can simply use Spiritual Sense Messages."

"No can do. I want to use real words."

Ariana looked at Tulia after that.

"Tulia, I'll send her back when I'm over."

Tulia didn't mind it.

"Don't worry. It's still breaktime. Just don't take too long since we have a lot of things to go through. By the way, just use my room. No one will bother you two there."

Ariana smiled in response as she brought her daughter away.

Note: Don't forget the Power Stones for this week's deal. ;)