"Can you stop now?"
My grumbling voice echoed within a fancy room as I looked up.
"You represent Segyal Highbloods," Daina said, completely ignoring my protest while adjusting my collar.
"You need to look presentable."
"I already look good," I muttered. "You're just wasting ti."
"Looking 'good' isn't enough. You need to look flawless."
I sighed, glancing at her.
She had a striking face, frad by soft blonde hair cascading down her back.
Dressed in a simple gown that clung loosely to her figure, she seed effortlessly elegant just like a high elf.
I sighed, adjusting my stance as she continued to fuss over my attire.
Finally, she nodded in satisfaction. "Better."
I turned to the tall mirror beside us.
Dark suit with small silver lining that was faintly visible.
White hair with a subtle purple undertone tied into a low ponytail.
One blue eye, one violet, gazing back at .
[]
'Thank you, my lady.'
I turned toward the door. "Let's go—"
"Wait."
Much to my annoyance, she interrupted.
She stepped forward, fingers gently braiding a small section of my hair on the left side.
She then stepped back, nodding. "I hope I can braid more of these."
"Let's go—."
"Wait."
My annoyance spiked as she interrupted again.
She activated her bracelet, retrieving a small ring and holding it out to .
I took it, frowning. "What's this?"
"Lady Mariam's gift," she said, looking at . "Sothing that will blur your life energy from everyone's eyes."
"....."
I studied her for a mont, then sighed, slipping the ring onto my finger.
The mont it settled in place, a strange sensation washed over —like a thin veil wrapping around my body.
Subtle, but noticeable.
I flexed my fingers. "Feels weird."
"You'll get used to it," she said, adjusting her bracelet.
I nodded.
Then, I kept staring at her.
"What?"
"You're not going to interrupt again, right?"
She shook her head. "No."
I turned—
"Wait!"
My eye twitched. "What. Now."
"Nothing, young master," she replied with a completely straight face. "You look handso."
"...Let's go."
'...'
Stupid woman.
I stole one last glance at my reflection before following her out the door.
The halls of the Segyal palace remained as grand as ever, intricate carvings adorning the towering walls.
Servants bowed as we passed—most of them half-elves.
I had long noticed the fearful glances they sent my way.
But.
I ignored them.
Daina walked ahead, her pace steady. "The teleportation portal is ready. Most of the Highbloods will arrive at the sa ti."
"I see." I nodded absently.
The whole wedding lasted three days, including every ceremony.
One of them being the unification of the Asuras.
'Things have gone off track.'
The tiline doesn't match.
In the ga, events were completely different.
Right now, Elijah was supposed to be part of a team led by Wilhlem, sabotaging one of Dark Trinity's attempts to summon a Dead God.
But, things have changed now.
And I don't know how it will affect .
We soon reached the teleportation chamber—a grand, circular room with a glowing arcane circle carved into the marble floor.
The air humd with unstable mana, rippling from the distortion of space.
"You've arrived."
A voice made look up.
Mariam stood to the side, clad in a traditional elven dress, her crimson hair cascading behind her.
No jewelry.
A clear sign of a widow.
I stepped toward her. "Are we the only ones going?"
A small, wistful smile touched her lips. "We are the only Segyal left."
"....."
I ant the servants.
An awkward silence settled between us as the portal continued to pulse with light.
"Let's go," Mariam finally said as Daina moved to stand beside .
I offered a polite smile. "After you."
She nodded and stepped into the portal.
I followed.
A sudden shift in gravity made feel weightless for a mont, and then—
I blinked.
We had arrived.
A massive hallway stretched before us, lined with towering pillars.
Soldiers in heavy armor stood rigid on either side.
A family of five stood at the forefront.
Mariam walked toward them, and I followed silently.
The royal family, huh?
Daina had already briefed about them.
The man at the center exuded an imposing aura despite his composed deanor.
Black hair tinged with red. Piercing crimson eyes.
Arthenis Valther Danava, the King who ruled over half the Asuras in Lumina.
Beside him stood his wife, a regal woman with cold violet eyes and deep midnight-blue hair—Lady Selene.
And behind them—
Their children.
The eldest, Orion, had his father's blackish-crimson hair and his mother's piercing violet eyes.
He carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.
Also the groom.
The second son, Lucian, had a more refined presence, draped in dark robes with a quiet air of intelligence.
And then there was the youngest—Selaria.
Unlike her brothers, her features were softer. Deep black-crimson hair, styled into elaborate braids.
Her gaze blankly stared at .
'What's with her?'
"We welco you, Lady Mariam and Heir Himl."
Arthenis bowed deeply, his family following suit.
"We are honored by your presence."
"It is my pleasure to attend such a grand wedding."
Mariam replied, though she didn't seem to an it.
"Has the preparation been completed?"
"Yes, my lady," Arthenis said, straightening. His gaze flickered toward my horns for the briefest second.
"Accommodations have been made for the Highbloods."
"Good." Mariam nodded. "Are there any ceremonies today?"
"Yes, my lady," he replied. "Tonight. A servant will escort you to your chambers for now."
"I see."
Mariam glanced at . "Shall we go?"
I nodded. "Yes."
A slight shift in Arthenis's deanor caught my attention.
"I apologize for the sudden request," he said carefully. "But Sir Mortis has asked to et Heir Himl."
Mariam fell silent.
Then, after a pause, she nodded.
"Lead the way."
"Alone," Arthenis murmured. "He wishes to see only him."
Mariam's gaze darkened.
The King quickly bowed his head. "It was his request, my lady."
Mariam sighed. "....Fine."
Before anyone else could move, Selaria stepped forward.
"I will escort him."
The sharp looks from her family told she wasn't supposed to.
...What is she up to?
"Sure." I gave a slight nod.
She turned briskly and started walking.
I offered Mariam a brief nod before following.
Silence stretched between us as we moved through the grand corridors of the Odisian Palace.
Her nervous fidgeting did not go unnoticed.
anwhile, I was preparing myself.
Mortis.
One of my favorite characters from the ga.
The only Head who remained neutral and wise despite his ssed-up family.
Soone I could actually respect.
Selaria suddenly halted, turning toward .
"Um, c-can I have your phone?"
I tilted my head. "Why?"
"Please?" she whispered, her eyes pleading.
"....."
I sighed and handed it over.
She quickly dialed a number before carefully placing it back in my hands.
"Call when you're free," she said, offering a shy smile.
"I'd like to get to know you better."
Then, she turned and walked away.
"Oh, right," she suddenly looked back.
"Sir Mortis is straight ahead, in the garden."
And with that—she ran off.
'....'
What a weird girl.
Sighing, I continued walking until I stepped into an open garden overflowing with fragrant blossoms.
Amidst the sea of colors, a man strolled leisurely—his short white hair catching the dim light, his crimson eyes steady and sharp.
Even though aged, his face still looked handso.
The head of Asura Highbloods.
His gaze shifted toward .
"She saw an opportunity and took it."
I tilted my head. "Hm?"
"Arthenis's little girl." Mortis spoke as I approached. "She's supposed to marry one of my grandsons, but she doesn't want to."
"Ah." I stopped a few steps away. "So, she's using as a scapegoat?"
"Not quite. She just thinks you're a better choice than my grandson," he replied, his body casting a shadow over mine.
"Either that, or she's simply fallen in love with your looks."
I let out a quiet chuckle. "I see. So, should I be flattered or concerned?"
"I have no objections to you courting an Asuran girl," he remarked, resuming his stroll. "As the heir of the Segyal Highbloods, you have the freedom to choose."
"....I see."
Should I ask for Echo's hand in marriage?
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