Chapter 566

Heins Academy had already been bustling with crowds for four days. A special holiday had been declared, and the entire territory was saturated with a festive atmosphere. Elves, dwarfs, humans, and a race of farmers known as dwarfs, who had arrived through the introduction of other dwarfs, along with hobbits, all mingled together. The territory was overflowing with an unexpected festive spirit, as the first successful harvest approached, just in time for Thanksgiving. The children who had grown up as war orphans were too captivated by the exciting festivities in the Heins territory to think of anything else.

"Your Highness."

"Yes?"

Observing Aeria, who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself, the Fire Fox Archduke, Kathryn Carabella, sighed deeply. Was Aeria aware of her own state? Probably not. The romantic feelings of the Nine-tailed clan weren't something that could be easily switched on and off. They were both a binding chain and a blessing for the clan.

Following the joyful Aeria, who surveyed the scene with her pointed ears perked up, Kathryn, wearing a stern expression, cautiously asked, "Are you truly alright?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm referring to Prince Davey's impending marriage."

"It's a union with someone he genuinely loves. Naturally, I should offer my blessings."

Kathryn felt a twist in her gut at Aeria's clear response. Yes, it was a joyous occasion. Kathryn didn't want to bring up a somber topic at someone else's wedding, but if Davey continued to avoid Aeria like this, the constraints of her race might one day lead her to a tragic fate.

"How can you be so unaffected by loving just one person?"

Of course, there was nothing wrong with that. It was actually a good thing. But from Kathryn's perspective, who cherished Aeria, it was heart-wrenching.

"Don't you feel anything at all?"

"Is there a problem?"

Appearing as if she genuinely didn't comprehend, Kathryn couldn't help but sigh at Aeria. She had suffered from a disease since childhood, always concealing her grotesquely distorted face behind a mask. Now she had emerged as a beautiful person, receiving admiration, envy, and attention from many. She was truly good and beautiful. Why wasn't anything allowed for her?

"Your Highness, will you keep this a secret from Prince Davey until the end?"

Aeria El Lyndis paused in her tracks and silently turned her head to look up at Kathryn.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because it's a promise."

With those words, Aeria offered a gentle smile and held Kathryn's hand with determination.

"Let's go. We have blessings to bestow. We should go and congratulate them."

In the end, Kathryn couldn't sway Aeria's resolve.

* * *

"Greetings. I am Prince Rendos de Pallan from the Pallan Empire." The man approaching with a friendly countenance possessed a robust physique and exuded a slightly aloof aura.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Davey O'Rowane."

"It's an honor to finally meet the renowned Saint of the continent."

"It's equally an honor for me to meet the prince of the Pallan Empire."

With a relaxed smile, he shook Davey's hand, piquing Davey's curiosity. Davey had planned to gather funds from various sources under the guise of gifts, but he had never invited a stranger before.

"I heard you're getting married. Congratulations."

"Ah, thank you."

"May I inquire about the noble family your fiancée hails from?"

Davey paused, momentarily distracted from his earlier thoughts by the question. "She comes from royalty."

"Royalty, you say? Intriguing. If you don't mind my asking, which kingdom's...?"

"Is there a pressing reason for me to disclose that?" Davey responded with a broad smile, causing the man to look at him with a hint of unease and manage a forced laugh.

"Ahahaha. No, not really. Even if you don't tell me, it's no big deal. Anyway, congratulations." The man chuckled awkwardly and soon offered various excuses before departing from Davey's side.

"Where is he off to now?" Watching the man's departure, Davey clicked his tongue and shook his head in exasperation.

"Davey." Davey heard someone call his name.

"Illyna?"

"Congratulations." She had an oddly subdued expression.

"Is something amiss?"

"It's nothing. By the way, was that Rendos earlier?"

"Yes."

"Hmm... What brings that man here?"

"Wasn't he formally invited?"

"Well, I wouldn't know, but I'm not exactly on the best of terms with him."

At her words, Davey tilted his head. Indeed, there must still be ongoing power struggles within the Pallan Empire. With Sullivan attracting widespread attention and fiercely contesting with other princes, this Prince Rendos was likely one of them.

"Rendos has been coveting the White Bird brigade that I lead."

The White Bird Knights, a continent-wide brigade ostensibly under Illyna's command, but with numerous others effectively managing it on her behalf.

"Anyway, don't get too close to Rendos. He doesn't seem malevolent, but he's strangely off-putting."

"Off-putting?"

"He's excessively reserved and pristine. It would be simpler if he were openly uncivilized, like you. He's the type who wouldn't have a speck of dust even if you shook him." Illyna sighed deeply, fanning herself.

"Brother!"

Then, others began arriving at the banquet hall. The first to be seen was Baris, who escorted King Krianes. There was also Winley, who came alongside a familiar face, Yulis.

"Brother!" Midway through her enthusiastic dash toward Davey, Winley slowed down, seemingly conscious of the watching eyes. She gave an awkward, blushing smile. "Hehe. I guess I can't just hug you outright now."

"Don't be silly." Saying so, Davey lifted Winley up and spun her around, her face lighting up with pure joy.

"Brother! Congratulations! The day has finally come."

"Haha, congratulations, Mr. Davey."

Following her, Yulis extended a hand for a handshake. Though they hadn't seen each other in a while, Yulis appeared unchanged, likely having surpassed the level of a master.

"One celebration after another, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Ah, my mistake. I misspoke."

There was something off about Yulis hesitating. Davey glanced at Winley, noticing her averting her gaze. Then Yulis looked at Winley with a soft gaze. Almost. Not like he was looking at a younger sister...

"Baris. Call the royal guards."

"Huh?"

"We might need to take action against a thief with intentions on a young girl."

At Davey's words, Winley looked horrified, trying to restrain him, while Yulis broke into a cold sweat. "No... Brother, don't!"

Seeing Winley's distressed face, Davey frowned. His heart ached. All that effort raising a daughter for nothing!

"...Since when?"

At Davey's question, Yulis cautiously replied, avoiding eye contact. "Not too long ago."

"Do you have a conscience?"

"Hahaha..." Yulis managed a forced laugh.

Then, Tanya, Princess Maria, her close friend, and the archer who had escorted them entered. Tanya, who had lived in the elf village and learned archery from them, was a rare sight.

"It's been a while."

"Hehe, I'm sorry, Brother."

"Visit me more often."

"Okay."

Afterward, Princess Maria approached Davey, her eyes covered with a pure white blindfold.

"Congratulations on your marriage."

"Do you find everything comfortable here?"

"Yes. I love feeling the free forest air and riding through it. The elves are all so kind."

She could not see well. However, she had mastered a skill to distinguish objects around her in her own way. The basics of archery, feeling the wind and its trajectory. By applying it in daily life, she compensated for her sight.

"If you ever want to return, just let me know."

Although Davey had brought her amidst turmoil because of Tanya, he held no ill feelings toward Princess Maria.

"No, I'd like to stay here a bit longer. It's my first time experiencing such freedom outside the palace." She seemed much brighter than when she had first arrived.

"That's good to hear."

"By the way, big brother, you're really impressive. I guess it's true what they say, one becomes a true adult after marriage." As she looked Davey up and down, Tanya clapped her hands. "I'm so proud of you, big brother."

"Thank you." Davey smiled and patted Tanya's head, and she said they would see each other later and went somewhere.

Although Davey had delegated some tasks to Bernile and Amy, he had not expected so many guests. Turning his head, he saw Aeonitia, Edison, and Tiara engaged in a heated discussion, trying to hide their fatigue. Among the others...

"It's been a while, Davey."

"Princess Aeria."

"Could you perhaps address me more informally?"

"Thanks for coming."

At Davey's words, Aeria smiled. She then took out a small box from her bag. "It's a bracelet. I made it myself as a gift for Perserque."

"Thank you. Perserque will be pleased."

Seeing Aeria's smile, Davey couldn't help but show a bittersweet expression. Her lineage was of the Nine-Tails. Once a Nine-Tail gave its heart, it did not let go unless the memories were erased. And Aeria, even after losing her memories, was the pitiful girl who longed for and searched for him. He should have avoided complications if he could not take responsibility. His mind raced with these thoughts, but he remained silent.

"Is the offer still valid?"

"Pardon?"

"Our agreement to get to know each other."

Her slightly surprised expression quickly transformed into a bright smile.

"Not for now, at least." She gently brushed Davey's cheek and took a step back. "I'll keep my distance for the time being. But I haven't given up. My love for you is genuine."

She looked away shyly, whispered these words, and then hurriedly ran off. He involuntarily smiled at her departure but quickly concealed his amusement. Davey had not expected to feel so conflicted on his wedding day.

[If only things went as one wishes.]

It was something Emperor Contas had once said.

[To save Aeria's life, I would do anything.]

It was what Emperor Deorte had told him during their engagement crisis.

Pushing away these conflicting emotions, Davey walked on. In the end, he had not made a decision. Alchemy school, temples, magic towers, various nations. Many had come. He could also see the students from Shakuntala's F division scattered here and there, so he assumed most notable figures had arrived.

Then, he felt an odd premonition. When he looked in that direction, he was surprised. He demanded, "Why are you here, bitch?"

"Oh my, did I come somewhere I shouldn't have?"

"You damned witch?"

It was Urd, the elder sister of Verdandi and Skuld, presumed to be a trace of the Hercules Goddess Freyja had mentioned. Currently, she was one of Davey's greatest adversaries, a formidable foe that he would even risk his life to face.

"Relax your face. You seem to be engaged in something crucial. I'm not here to fight today."

At Urd's words, Davey's frown deepened. "If you're here to make trouble..."

"If you keep glaring at me like that..." Her words trailing off, she approached Davey with a smirk. Whispering into his ear, she teased, "It wouldn't be too bad if this place turned into chaos, would it?"