Jin had thought that meeting Lia's parents was the hardest part. He was wrong.
The engagement ceremony was in full swing, and the mansion was packed with nobles, warriors, and a few uninvited troublemakers—his so-called "comrades." Kaelros, Lysander, Rin, and Lillian had all gathered, and from the moment they arrived, Jin knew he was in for a night of torment.
Kaelros clapped Jin on the back with a mischievous grin. "You sure you're ready for this, Supreme Commander? I hear marriage is harder than fighting an army."
Lysander leaned in, smirking. "You've faced demons, gods, and nightmares. But surviving a lifetime with Lia? That's the real challenge."
Lillian giggled. "I give him three months before he's begging for a battlefield."
Jin rolled his eyes. "You all seem to forget—Lia loves me. I don't have to worry about anything."
Rin snorted. "Oh, poor, naive Jin. Do you even know what 'marriage' means? It means 'yes dear' for the rest of your life."
The group burst into laughter while Jin groaned, rubbing his temples. "I see my so-called 'friends' have gathered solely to make my life miserable."
"Obviously," Kaelros said. "Now, shall we drink to your impending doom?"
Before Jin could protest, Lysander raised his cup. "A toast! To Jin, who has finally chosen a fate worse than death!"
As the hall erupted in laughter, Jin sighed. He was never going to live this down.
Meanwhile, Lia was surrounded by noble ladies, each offering unsolicited advice.
"You must make sure he never wins an argument, dear," one older woman said sagely.
"And always make him think your idea was his idea," another chimed in.
Lia, amused but slightly overwhelmed, nodded politely. "Noted."
Suddenly, a small explosion rocked the garden outside. Jin immediately turned toward the noise, instincts kicking in. "What now?"
Lysander chuckled. "That would be your future father-in-law testing your patience."
Sure enough, outside stood Lia's father, Lord Duke, stroking his beard while examining the burning remnants of what appeared to have once been a statue. "Ah, I may have overdone the fireworks."
Jin exhaled. "Sir, I don't think this is how engagement parties work."
He grinned. "I disagree. You're joining our family, so I had to test your reaction speed. You passed—barely."
Lia buried her face in her hands. "Father, please stop."
"Nonsense!" Duke laughed. "Now, let's see how you handle the next test!"
Jin turned to Lia in alarm. "Next test?!"
She groaned. "I have no control over this man."
He clapped his hands. "Gentlemen! To the dueling grounds!"
Jin's comrades immediately perked up. "Oh, this I gotta see," Lysander said eagerly.
Before Jin could protest, he was dragged outside. Within minutes, he was facing Lord Duke, wooden practice swords in hand. The older man smirked. "If you want to marry my daughter, you'll have to prove your worth."
Jin sighed. "Fine. Just don't complain later when I win."
Reinhardt grinned. "That's the spirit! Now—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Jin had already moved, disarming him with a single swift motion. Reinhardt blinked at his empty hands. "Ah. Well then. That was… unexpected."
Kaelros burst into laughter. "Jin, you just one-shotted your father-in-law."
Lysander whistled. "That's one way to start a marriage."
Reinhardt rubbed his chin, then nodded. "Alright, you pass. I like you, kid."
Jin sighed in relief. "Finally. Can we go back inside now?"
Lia crossed her arms, giving her father a look. "Are you done embarrassing me?"
Reinhardt chuckled. "For now." Before he could say more suddenly his wife pulled his ear.
" Nonsense ! Do you want embarrass out daughter and son-in-law ? " She said with ferociously.
" But I just want to___"
" Stop this nonsense and go with me I will giveva special a test for embarrassed our daughter and son-in-law. " She stopped his excuse and dragged him inside the house.
With the chaos somewhat settled, they returned to the party. Drinks flowed, laughter filled the hall,
As he watched Lia smiling among their friends, he realized—despite all the teasing, the insanity, and the unexpected duels—this was happiness.
And he wouldn't trade it for anything.