CHAPTER 248: 248: CONGRATULATIONS

The nobles standing with King Edward soon dispersed as soon as Adrian arrived. They didn’t seem to wish to stick around with him.

The news of what happened at the City of Silvana had long spread. Everyone heard about how Marquis Dean had died at the hands of Adrian, but had certainly heard it in different fonts.

The main news circulating was how Adrian had brutally taken Marquis Dean’s head for disrespecting him. This was the most popular version that instilled fear in most people.

No one wanted their head taken by Adrian anytime soon, so they were keeping their distance.

"I contemplated honoring this invitation or not, but at the end of the day I decided to come because I wanted to see a friend," Adrian flashed a smile at Elvis. "A little friend whom I’ve handed over to your dear son to take care of."

Elvis knew he wasn’t here to see him.

"Ah, thanks for coming either way. It’s great to have the Grand Marquis here. The more the merrier," King Edward forced a smile. Courtesy clearly demanded those words.

"Is that so?" Adrian sighed, now staring at Elvis. "But it happened so fast. Our dear prince is getting married already. I guess he won’t have time to take care of my little friend, so I’m here to know if I can take him back."

The king was having a hard time following what Adrian meant, but he still smiled nonetheless.

Elvis said nothing. He had his cold eyes on Adrian, and his message was already clear to Adrian; BACK OFF.

"Why? Don’t you think you’re getting too greedy, my prince?" Adrian stared with a smile. "I mean, you’re already getting married. You’ll be with someone. So why don’t you hand my new friend over to me? I’ll take better care of him."

Elvis said, "We have all night to talk about that; you should settle down first and have some drinks. There are also ladies around to entertain you if you wish."

Adrian scoffed, "I’m not here for any of those. Not interested. I only need one person, and you know who they are." He smiled. "Besides," he looked around, "I don’t really plan on staying here all night. So..."

Their eyes met. Cold and hostile while Adrian still smiled.

"Oh, guess who’s there?" King Edward interrupted them. "The Grand Duke of Enor, welcome."

The two young men turned to watch Leo make his way towards them. He was in his exquisite brown and black attire, some golden jewelry around him and a brown fur around his neck. He had his glasses, looking as gentle as possible as he approached them.

He didn’t look in Adrian’s way as his eyes fell on King Edward and Elvis.

"I’m so glad to have you here," King Edward said.

"Don’t mention it. I was invited to such a joyous occasion, so of course I have to be here," He smiled. He stared at Elvis, "Congratulations on taking a wife earlier than me. That should be a feat, right?"

Elvis was quiet while staring at Leo. He didn’t seem to have anything to say to him. He didn’t seem to have anything to say to any of them.

The thought of what Eden said to him still rang through his mind. The thought of his mum going through all Eden said she was going through had been haunting him for a while now.

He couldn’t stop thinking about it, so everything else seemed secondary to him now.

And having confirmed all he wanted from his butler, he felt bad for yelling at Eden back then. He felt bad for not believing him but rather grabbing him by the collar...

"A toast..." Leo offered Elvis a glass of wine. "I’m really happy for your engagement. I always knew you’d be a promising crown prince. And now you’re getting into the Imperial household. What an authority."

Elvis hesitated before clinking his glass with his own. "Thanks." Their smiles were anything but genuine.

The King led the conversation, speaking to the Grand Duke and Grand Marquis about political-related issues. Elvis didn’t contribute much; he only partially listened to them while looking around from time to time, looking for his mother and also looking for Eden.

"I wonder what you’re so anxious about?" Adrian asked after observing. "Who are you looking for? Your bride?"

King Edward chuckled. "That’s how it always is. Getting nervous at engagements and all." He tapped Elvis on the shoulder. "I was once like that."

"Is that so?" Adrian smiled. "Or isn’t he waiting for something else?"

Elvis stared at him without saying anything.

Just then, a loud voice announced the arrival of the bride; the Imperial Princess Cordelia.

And everyone’s attention was stolen by the entrance. They stared intently as the door opened.

Imperial Princess Cordelia walked elegantly into the ballroom with a golden gown—one coupled with Elvis’s golden attire as well. They looked gorgeous in their beautifully adorned attire, standing out from all other attires in there.

As she made her way in the company of Imperial Guards and representatives, the audience of nobles instantly bowed in respect. Everyone did, including the King and Queen, and even Elvis.

They showed their respect to the Emperor as Cordelia walked up to Elvis with a bright smile. She didn’t bother with the audience bowing to her.

"Sorry I’m late, something came up on the way," She smiled at Elvis as she tried clinging onto him.

Elvis had a cold expression. He didn’t say anything but nodded.

The nobles stared at the couple with smiles while complimenting them. The King felt proud as he said after clearing his throat.

"Now that the Imperial Princess is here, I think we should begin with the engagement already. Let’s not waste much time," He said as everyone nodded.

Cordelia held onto Elvis’s arm with a smile as King Edward announced the entry of the Grand Priest.

"And I’ve also invited a special priest that will ordain the engagement of these two. Since it’s a special bond to be created."