Chapter 244: The Grand Banquet: The Clans' Refusal

The trio exuded a regal air as they made their way toward the Emperor. The guests parted to make way for them, their eyes fixed on the group as they walked past.

Lia glided into the grand hall, her dress shimmering in the light. The soft fabric of her white gown draped elegantly down to the floor, with delicate lace accents that traced intricate patterns along the hemline. The gown hugged her curves in all the right places, showcasing her feminine figure.

As Lia walked, her dress flowed gracefully behind her, like a cloud of silk trailing in her wake. Her movements were fluid and effortless as if she was dancing to a silent tune only she could hear.

But it wasn't just her dress that caught the attention of the guests. Lia's beauty was captivating, with her piercing scarlet eyes and perfect features. Her face was serene, almost otherworldly as if she was a goddess among mortals. And yet, there was a warmth to her that drew people in, making them feel welcome and comfortable in her presence.

As guests greeted her with smiles and wishes, Lia returned their warmth with a gracious nod of her own.

As the four of them stood beside the Emperor, Lia, and Rio on his left side and Nyla and Helia on his right side, the spotlight of the show started enveloping the four of their figure. all the attention was focused on the four of them.

Although the guests were mesmerized by the future empress's ravishing entrance but there were still curious about who was the boy beside her.

Emperor Dylan's voice echoed throughout the grand hall, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make. My beloved daughter, the future empress of the Shamor Empire, Lia, will be getting married to this handsome man here. He is a gentleman by the name of Zero. He's a bit of a mystery to all of you, but I assure you he's a fine match for my daughter."

An old man said, he was the supreme elder of the Strongblaze clan, "But Your Highness, we have never heard of this Zero before. Who is he?"

As the old man spoke, a wave of curiosity rippled through the crowd. Though he was the one to voice the question, it was clear that many others shared the same thoughts.

"The young man at my daughter's side is a man of humble origins, but also my personal disciple. I took him under my wing when he was just a boy of five, and I have personally overseen his training. He has shown remarkable potential from a very young age. I believe he will prove himself to be a worthy husband for Lia," the Emperor declared with pride in his voice.

The old man cleared his throat before speaking, "With all due respect, Your Highness, may I inquire about the choice of a commoner as a suitor for your esteemed daughter? It's not a secret that the great clans had been hoping for a union with the royal family, and yet it seems that our desires have been overlooked in favor of someone of lesser standing.

Please do not misunderstand me, Your Highness, I have nothing against this boy, but one can't help but wonder if his background is truly suitable for a match with the future Empress. After all, we have many eligible candidates from our clans who would be honored to take her hand in marriage."

"Are you implying that my personal disciple is inferior to the heir of the great clans?" said the Emperor with a tone of disbelief and mild anger.

"I wouldn't dare to question your wisdom, your highness, but pardon my frankness, Zero looks so young. How is he going to compare to our talented red-stage warriors? Can he even stand one blow from one of our clans' candidates?" the old man said with a hint of skepticism in his voice.

This caused Emperor to halt his voice and be paused as the old man challenged the boy by his side for one single punch.

The white-haired beauty stepped forward, her voice clear and chilly as she spoke, "It doesn't matter if Zero can take a blow from any of the candidates or not. What matters is who I choose to be my husband. But if anyone wishes to challenge him, I invite them to step forward."

Lia's voice resounded through the grand hall, piercing the air and causing the chatter to die down. Her words were sharp, cutting through the silence like a blade.

A chill spread through the room, and the guests could feel the temperature dropping as she spoke. They shuddered, feeling the icy power and dominance behind her voice. The hairs on the back of their necks stood on end, and they couldn't help but take a step back, awed by her commanding presence.

As her cold eyes swept across the guests from the old man, she saw a figure emerge, his long black hair following down his back like a waterfall of shadows. A small, intricate sun tattoo on his right wrist glimmered in the light, signifying his affiliation with the Strongblaze Clan. This was Drake Strongblaze, a man of twenty-three years who exuded an aura of arrogance and entitlement, he was a red-stage warrior which was a good enough reason for him to act haughty and not take Rio much in his eyes.

"Lia, don't misunderstand us. We simply don't want to see you make a mistake by choosing someone who doesn't measure up to the expectations of the great clans.

But since everyone seems to be avoiding a challenge, I'll happily step up and test this boy's worthiness to marry the woman I admire," Drake said, his voice dripping with confidence and a hint of smugness, and his eyes glittering with mischief and a hint of arrogance.

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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow