"I've gathered you all to announce my engagement to Amelia," Kael declared with a smile, taking Amelia's hand. Though usually composed, Amelia found herself flustered under the sudden spotlight—especially with the topic being her own betrothal. A faint blush crept across her cheeks.
Engagement!
Indeed, while Amelia had accepted Kael's proposal, marriage for a hereditary count recognized across the Three Continents involved intricate formalities. An engagement would have to come first, with the rest of the arrangements following gradually.
Kael's announcement landed like a thunderclap.
"You're getting engaged?!" Finn's eyes nearly bulged out of his skull. This was utterly unexpected. Sure, Kael and Amelia had been smitten with each other for ages, but thisfast?
"You've got to be kidding me. By the gods, Kael's getting hitched, and here I am without a single beauty by my side!" Finn's face fell into exaggerated despair—until his gaze landed on Amanda across the hall. Instantly, his expression brightened.
"Heh, at least there's still a long-legged stunner here. The gods haven't abandoned me after all!" Finn's eyes gleamed with renewed hope as he locked onto his new target.
Lone Wolf, who'd already suspected as much, nodded knowingly. No wonder Kael refused political marriages—he's had his heart set on someone else all along. And the future countess was not only breathtaking but clearly formidable in her own right.
"Kael, you're engaged? Then the ceremony must have plenty of roasted meat! And cake!" The unicorn rhino Alaric's massive frame occupied half the hall's space. His immediate reaction to the news was a demand for feasting staples.
(Cake, incidentally, was a recent culinary obsession for the gluttonous Alaric.)
This suggestion earned enthusiastic support from the Snowbear Beast, leaving Kael no choice but to chuckle and agree.
"At least these guys are still content with ordinary food. What if they suddenly develop a taste for dragon meat one day…?" Kael mused inwardly.
"My lord, your engagement ceremony must be grand…" Jett immediately stepped forward, seeming quite versed in such formalities. Kael promptly delegated the arrangements to Jett and Lone Wolf. As for Finn—well, the man was too busy chasing beauties to be of any help.
By dawn the next day, when the sky was still dim, Jett and Lone Wolf had already set out with dozens of attendants in tow, scouring the city for supplies. Their enthusiasm was commendable, though most shops hadn't even opened yet. But the news of the count's engagement was extraordinary. Squads of guards knocked on doors, rousing bleary-eyed shopkeepers to explain their purpose.
Kael's reputation in Laffey City was at its peak—revered and respected by all. When the merchants and commoners learned that the count was preparing for his engagement, they harbored no complaints. Instead, the city buzzed with celebration.
In less than a day, word of Kael's engagement had spread throughout Laffey.
The city lord's manor was adorned with lanterns and decorations, transformed into a vibrant spectacle. Every guard and maid was dressed in crisp, new uniforms, and ceremonial equipment stood ready. The banquet hall bustled with servants hurrying back and forth.
With trusted aides like Lone Wolf and Jett handling the preparations, Kael had nothing to worry about. Besides, this was merely an engagement, not the full wedding, so there was no need for excessive formality.
Still, while keeping things simple, Kael ensured nothing was lacking. He didn't want Amelia looking back on this day with any regrets.
All of Kael's key subordinates attended, including members of the former rogue bandit group—now utterly loyal to him. On the continent, strength commanded respect, and these men had never chosen banditry willingly. Kael had given them a new path, one they embraced wholeheartedly.
Representatives from major merchant guilds—the Jindik Family Trade Group, the Alpha Family Trade Group, and others—also arrived in the city to offer congratulations, bearing lavish gifts.
Even nobles from neighboring territories made appearances, drawn by Laffey's rapid development and eager to forge ties with Kael.
Naturally, Kael welcomed them all—though he left Lone Wolf and Jett to deal with the pleasantries. He had no time for the empty chatter of pompous aristocrats.
As evening fell, fiery clouds streaked across the sky, and the city lord's manor blazed with light—Count Kael's engagement banquet had officially begun!
The grand hall was filled with over a hundred guests, all the most distinguished figures in Laffey City. Lone Wolf and Jett had outdone themselves, arranging the venue with impeccable elegance—sophisticated, spacious, and undeniably luxurious.
By tradition, Amelia could not attend the banquet just yet. She would only make her appearance after the guests had enjoyed their fill of fine wine and delicacies.
For now, Amelia waited in her chambers, a mix of joy and shyness coloring her expression as a dozen maids and etiquette specialists fussed over her. To their frustration, the young woman needed no embellishment—even without cosmetics, her natural beauty was breathtaking. Any adornment risked being superfluous.
Amanda kept her company, ensuring Amelia wouldn't feel lonely. How strange life could be—not long ago, the two had been sword-crossed enemies, yet now they chatted like close friends. With similar cultivation levels and shared experiences as women, they had no shortage of topics to bond over.
The banquet was underway, and though Kael longed to see Amelia's attire, he was forced to weave through the crowd, mechanically offering "thank yous" and other pleasantries. The stiffness of it all left him sighing inwardly.
Meanwhile, the Snowbear Beast and Alaric—ever the gluttons—were feasting in a side hall, utterly oblivious to the formalities. Kael couldn't help but envy their carefree indulgence.
Still, the engagement banquet proceeded smoothly, with hosts and guests alike in high spirits.
By the time the feast concluded, it was finally Amelia's moment to step into the spotlight.
Accompanied by a melodious tune and bathed in the glow of crystal chandeliers, Amelia made her entrance.
Every guest in the banquet hall turned their gaze toward her, curiosity burning in their eyes—many had never seen Amelia before and were eager to meet the woman at the center of this engagement.
At first glance, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Men and women alike found themselves unable to look away.
What… what a breathtaking woman!
Amelia wore a flowing gown of sheer silk, her raven-black hair cascading freely down her shoulders. Though barely adorned with cosmetics, her beauty defied all description.
Some guests, after stealing a few glances, averted their eyes as if overwhelmed—even holding their breath, as though her radiance rendered their attention unworthy.
Amelia herself remained composed, though a faint spark of shyness flickered in her eyes when they met Kael's. With each graceful step, her elegance stirred imaginations and left hearts racing.
"Count Kael is truly blessed! A woman like her—she might as well be a goddess descended!" timely praises erupted from the guests, met with fervent nods of agreement.
Kael rubbed his nose, grinning. Amelia's appearance was nothing short of stunning. After tonight, rumors of the 'Lustful Count of Laffey' will probably spread like wildfire.
Jett presided over the ceremony. Traditionally, elders from both families should have led the rites, but circumstances dictated otherwise.
The ritual itself was simple. Guided by Jett, Kael and Amelia completed the formalities, culminating in thunderous applause.
Hand in hand, Kael winked at Amelia. Her eyes shimmered—three parts shyness, three parts sweetness, three parts anticipation—as she linked arms with him, their harmony undeniable.
Just as everyone assumed the ceremony had concluded perfectly, a clamor erupted at the hall's entrance.
"What?! Today's Count Kael's engagement banquet? No way—how could he not invite me, his best friend?!" An indignant voice boomed from outside, dripping with outrage.
"Exactly! Snubbing us for his engagement? Unacceptable! Let us in—we demand an explanation!"