Chapter 22 : A Princess As My Wife ?!

Night has now fallen, and though we had the option of using our skills to quickly travel to the Ofcroft manor, Elvaria and I preferred to take our time. After all, it was a perfect chance to extend our time together. Thus, we chose a carriage over fast teleportation, enjoying the tranquility of the ride. After spending a long time admiring the starry night through the windows, we finally arrived at our destination.

'It's huge...' I can't help but exclaim upon seeing the building before me. The Ofcroft manor resembles a true castle. Located outside the capital, its size is impressive, though slightly smaller than the Iveralmn castle. A vast, perfectly maintained garden stretched between the entrance gate and the grand door of the manor, illuminated by lanterns carefully placed along the path.

Elvaria and I are standing in front of the manor's gate. As she moves forward to open the gate, a man abruptly exits the manor, tears in his eyes, rushing toward us.

'Elvaria, my daughter, you're back! I've heard the news, you've become so famous!' He runs across the garden with surprising speed for his age, crossing the vast lawn until he reaches the gate. As we approach, he continues: 'And this man by your side... is it Aley, the one you've chosen?' he asks, a bit intrigued.

As I observe him more closely, I realize this is the first time I've seen Elvaria's father. A tall and robust man, nearly the same height as me in this body. His gray hair betrays his age, and his wrinkles mark his face, but he bears the same innocent and warm smile as his daughter. It's undeniably her father.

'Hi dad,' says Elvaria, smiling, the moonlight reflecting in her green eyes. 'Let me introduce you to Aley Vrodwil, my boyfriend... and future husband.'

I jump at her words. Future husband?! But we haven't even decided that yet!

'Excuse me,' I say, trying to clarify the situation, 'but I wouldn't say we're at that stage—' Before I can finish, Elvaria turns to me, tears in her eyes, giving me a reproachful look. This little viper is trying to force me to admit something I haven't yet decided...

I let out a resigned sigh. 'Indeed, I would like to have your approval to marry Elvaria... father-in-law.' I force a smile, trying to hide my embarrassment. Elvaria is so eager, but how could I blame her?

Elvaria's father bursts out laughing before replying in a gentle tone: 'I accept. If Elvaria has chosen you, even with the gift my late wife left her, I trust her judgment.'

A shiver runs down my spine at those words. A gift? What gift? But before I can ask a question, her father continues in a perplexed tone, glancing at his daughter before turning to me.

'I am Nevil Ofcroft,' he says, formally introducing himself. 'My daughter probably hasn't told you, but she possesses a special eye... the Eye of Oscar. It was a gift from her mother before she passed, to help her discern good from evil in men.'

Oscar... That name resonates strangely within me, like an echo from the past. A feeling similar to the one I had when hearing about Veron... Before I can ask further questions, a searing pain shoots through my head, clouding my thoughts. It's unbearable...

'Ahh... my head...' I stagger, but Elvaria rushes to me, placing her hands on my cheeks, her green eyes full of worry.

'Aley, are you okay?! These pains are coming back again... I'm here with you, I will always stay with you... tell me, talk to me about this pain.' Her voice trembles slightly, but she tries to comfort me.

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I gently shake my head, trying to dispel the pain. 'It'll be okay, don't worry. I think it's time I tell you everything... but for now, let's focus on dinner and rest. It's already late, and we should enjoy being with your father.'

The night passes peacefully. Elvaria and I spent the night in the same room, as her father insisted. We were used to it, so we fell asleep quickly. However, something still weighed on my mind...

In the morning, as we walk across a vast plain towards the capital, I can't help but notice that Elvaria is keeping her distance. Despite the serenity of the landscape, something seems to be weighing on her.

'Elvie... Why have you been avoiding me since this morning?' I ask, slightly perplexed. 'Did I do something wrong last night?' I only remember sleeping peacefully, nothing more.

She stops abruptly, as if frozen by my question. '...No... not really...' she murmurs, barely audible given the distance she's keeping between us.

Then, in the distance, the silhouette of the capital of Iveralmn finally comes into view. My heart races. We're back. But as I rejoice at returning to the city, a familiar figure stands before the main entrance, waiting for me. Who is that blonde girl?

'Elvie, look. It's the girl we saw during the Black Cats' attack. She's standing there, in front of the capital's gate, as if she's waiting for something... or rather, someone.'

'Yes, that's strange... Maybe she wants to thank us. She seems noble, so she must have the means,' adds Elvaria, visibly suspicious, while still keeping her distance.

We get closer and closer, and I begin to hear whispers from the crowd.

'...Novus Obris is arriving today?!'

'...The legendary group, I heard they've been accepted into the intercontinental tournament!'

The rumor of our arrival seems to be spreading already.

The blonde girl, meanwhile, doesn't take her eyes off me. She seems determined. I feel tension building, and without thinking, I place my hand on the hilt of my mithril sword.

'Aley, put your weapon away,' says Elvaria, placing her hand on my shoulder. 'I don't feel any ill intent from this person.'

Finally, we reach the entrance of the capital. But before I can say anything, the blonde girl steps forward, closes her eyes as if to muster courage, and declares in a loud voice:

'On this beautiful morning, I, Alfira Si Iveralmn, ask you, Aley Vrodwil, to accept my hand in marriage!' Her cheeks immediately redden, as she remains frozen, ashamed.

What?! I am left speechless, unable to respond.

Elvaria, however, murmurs in a chilling tone: 'Aley... actually, you were right. Let's draw the sword; she's completely crazy.'

The scene at the capital's entrance becomes increasingly chaotic as the tension rises. The crowd starts to stir, whispers passing through the ranks:

'The princess just proposed to Aley of Novus Obris... ?'

Curious and astonished gazes turn towards us, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Elvaria, unable to contain her anger, immediately positions herself in front of me, her arm extended like a protective shield.

'Aley is mine!' she exclaims, her voice firm and determined. Her outstretched arm firmly keeps me by her side, and she gives me a possessive look, ready to defend her place.

Alfira, the princess of Iveralmn, shaken by the intensity of Elvaria's reaction, tries to remain calm, though her voice betrays great nervousness. She averts her eyes, avoiding looking directly at me.

'Elvaria Ofcroft, I fully understand your relationship... But, I... I must marry Aley,' she stammers, her tone trembling and hesitant. 'Please let me be at least his... s-second wife, please,' she implores, her cheeks blushing even more out of shame.

Elvaria, furious, gives her a dark glare. She seems on the verge of losing her temper, and the tension between the two women becomes palpable. Despite the commotion around me, I try to bring some calm to the situation.

'Princess Alfira,' I say in a calm voice, hoping to diffuse the tension, 'I cannot deny your beauty nor your courage in publicly declaring yourself to an adventurer. However, I must be honest... I love Elvaria.'

At my words, Elvaria quickly turns her gaze towards me, her cheeks flushing pink. She suddenly wears that innocent smile that always melts my heart, her happiness evident in her eyes.

But the princess's response is unexpected. She shakes her head, ashamed, and adds in an even weaker voice: 'Oh, a thousand apologies, Aley... I don't have any real feelings for you. I just... must marry you, for the sake of our kingdom.'

What?! My face turns red with confusion. I just publicly declared that I believed she had feelings for me, and it turns out she's only responding to political obligations? Shame hits me like a wave. I've made a fool of myself...

Suddenly, a cool breeze sweeps across the plain, making the flower petals and leaves of the trees dance around us. It seeps into my clothes, bringing with it a strange sense of déjà vu. And that's when it happens