Chapter 1025

“I thought that would end differently.” Eliana spoke quietly.

“Hmm?” I raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

“Alysia… she really did marry the General.”

“What’s wrong with that?” I asked.

What she was going to respond with was interrupted by the sound of a firework erupting over the city, followed by ooh’s and awws. We were currently at the reception. Compared to the church, the reception was a much larger celebration, and the reason so many people came to the wedding, even those that weren’t allowed into the church, was that there were layers to this celebration.

Naturally, we were in the main celebration, which was for the respected party guests. However, there was a celebration in the streets too. It had been being set up for weeks, and now it was finally here. It was a boisterous festival, and one could hear the festivities occasionally rise over the rather demure music playing in the more traditional reception.

“I wish we could be out there.” Raissa sighed, her tail drooping slightly.

I had to agree with her. We were sitting at fine tables listening to gentle music play while stuffy people spoke about treaties and agreements. General Octin had gathered a group of men around him, laughing playfully as he spoke with them. They seemed to be hanging on his every word. Actually, they were probably interested in him for reasons that had nothing to do with his words. Should I tell them? Well, that will be for them to find out. He can take care of himself.

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“I’m surprised you’re not out there more, talking it up.” I asked Eliana, trying to change the subject.

It wasn’t that I was uncomfortable with her comment or anything, I just wasn’t in the mood to cause an international incident. So, why did it make me feel so uncomfortable? I didn’t want to be one of those guys that felt ownership toward women. Part of the reason I had initially been so bothered by my Slave Master ability was that I didn’t want to take their choice away. Yes, a lot of that had to do with me being unwilling to recognize that I was good enough to be around these women, but even if I accepted their love, I wanted it to be their choice.

Alysia chose to marry General Nova. She might have been pushed into it by her mother, but it was ultimately her own choice. She said yes. Whether it was for duty or love, it was her decision. If she asked for my opinion, I would have told her not to do it. If she had asked for my help, I would have given it. However, she was silent, and it wasn’t my place to break things up just because we shared a few moments several months ago. There were certainly more fish in the sea, and I had caught several of them.

“I know it seems like I’m a social butterfly, but the honest truth is that I don’t get along much with the aristocracy.” Eliana spoke up. “In Aberis, they contribute to the slavery I despise. Before I met you, Deek, I often went around trying to bring down the slave trade. That’s why I tried to buy out your slaves when I first met you.”

“Buy out…” Raissa glanced over at her. “Did you ever buy out any slaves from Lord Reign in Alerith?”

“Hmm? Once, a long time ago… why?”

“I was freed from Lord Reign. They told me it was done by a young noble… someone Lord Reign couldn’t refuse. I think… maybe you were the one who freed me.”

“R-really?” Eliana’s eyes widened.

She didn’t recognize Raissa. It was likely something she had done spontaneously and without thought. However, she had done it because of the kind of person that she was, and that meant something too. Now, two women who were divided by status, a princess and a slave, had a history. The princess had freed the slave, and now they were both the mothers of children from the same man. It was almost like fate had brought them together. The girls clasped hands, their eyes tearing slightly.

It was truly a beautiful and touching scene. So, why did I still feel so uneasy?