After my little chat with King Emi, the party ended quietly. People were dancing and chatting happily, obviously trying to expand their connections with more influential nobles or those with some commercial value. Of course, there were also many people whispering while looking at Emi and me, who were now chatting together at the table where my family was seated.

My father and mother were quite nervous about being in the presence of Princess Anna, but she was quite at ease, even calling Emi Onee-chan. Emi didn't seem to mind this and even appeared to enjoy it. I didn't say anything to stop it.

While Emi and Anna were getting along, there was one person next to me who was quite excited from the moment Emi and I arrived at the table.

"Ahahaha, although I encouraged you to go and ask Emi to dance, I didn't think you were going to propose right away, hahahaha"

Although Aria was laughing quite a bit from my side, she wasn't laughing loud enough to draw the attention of the people around. Emi didn't seem particularly bothered by it, and to be honest, neither was I. At the end of the day, it was true that if it wasn't for Aria, today would probably be quite different. As Aria continued to laugh, Emi looked at her with her inexpressive face and spoke for the first time.

"Auntie, you are being rude to him"

Saying this, Emi looked at me with a tired expression and apologized on Aria's behalf.

"Please forgive her for this. Although she is like this, I swear she is not doing this out of spite"

Said Emi with a soft smile on her face. Hearing her words, I turned my gaze back to Emi. I already knew Emi was telling the truth about Aria, I had spent enough time with her to understand her personality.

"There's no way I could think that. In fact, I'm really grateful for the courage she gave me"

I said, looking at Aria with a soft smile on my face. After that, we talked about various random subjects. Although my parents were nervous at first, they both got used to Emi's presence as time went by. Aria didn't hold back either and asked me about various things related to the steam train.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

I simply answered her, saying that I had been thinking about a new means of locomotion for some time, and the steam train came to my mind as something that would move at high speeds.

At the end of Emi's party, we continued to talk while people slowly began to return to their properties. Soon, the time would also come when my family and I would have to return to our mansion, or at least that's what I thought we would do.

"Speaking of which, Ren"

Aria said as she looked at me.

"Yes?"

I asked, looking back at her.

"What do you think about you and your family spending the night at the castle?"

Aria asked, looking at me. Listening to her words, I couldn't discern her intention behind this request.

"I think it's a good idea too"

Said Emi from the side, from the looks of it, she was listening to the conversation as well. With both of them saying this, I felt like I couldn't just say no.

"Okay, although it might be a bother, I will gladly accept"

I said with a soft smile on my face. Hearing my words, Aria and Emi smiled.

"It will be no bother; you are more than welcome"

Emi said with a smile on her face.

"You don't have to bother so much about it, Ren; you are already part of the family"

Said Aria with a smile on her face. Listening to Aria's words, I wondered why she had such confidence in me. I mean, Emi and I have not started our relationship even an hour ago. It really makes me wonder where all this confidence in me comes from. Maybe noticing my doubt, Aria started to speak again.

"I don't think someone who can harbor a crush for so long would devalue it once they get it. Besides, you are a pretty serious person, so I know I can leave my niece with you. You've done more than enough for me to trust you. Welcome to the family, Ren"

Said Aria with a smile on her face. Hearing her words, a soft smile appeared on my face. I really didn't know that Aria esteemed me that much.

"Thank you, Aria"

As we talked, I had totally forgotten about two people who didn't know about the situation yet.

"Umm...what exactly is going on? Why is Miss Aria accepting Ren into her family?"

Asked my mother as she looked between me, Emi, and Aria. Her expression was one of total doubt, just like my father's. Hearing my mother's words, Emi seemed to have realized her mistake.

"I apologize for the delay in my introduction, although you probably already know my name is Emi Tulipal Solaris. From today, I will be in a relationship with Ren. I hope we can get along well"

As soon as they heard Emi's words, my father and mother became wide-eyed and seemed to lock in place. Seeing this, Emi looked at me with a worried expression.

"Maybe I said something I shouldn't have?"

Emi asked as she looked at me. Hearing her question, a weak laugh escaped me.

"Not really; my parents are always like that. You don't have to worry about them, they'll be back to normal soon"

I said as I looked at Emi. Hearing my words, Emi nodded, although she still looked reluctant.