Engagement

The meeting was intense. The Grand Alchemist, with his two sons were now discussing ways to make Cornelius enter the demons lair.

Cornelius showed the letter and earring to his father as proof that Luciana was safe.

The contents were not revealed to the emperor and this a heated debate on infiltrating the western Wahrheit had commenced.

Both leaders sat face to face discussing the borderlands of the realms.

"Why not take him with a caravan. Blue Van is the best choice since they frequent all realms around the world."

"It's a plausible suggestion. However..." The Grandmaster hesitantly spoke.

"It will take too long." The emperor said.

The Grandmaster nodded and folded his arms focused on something.

"That's why it's the most accurate way to enter Wahrheit. They always have an alchemist and soldiers with them for such places when they travel for trading exotic goods."

"Brother is right father." Cornelius spoke up.

"They are well aware of shortcuts through the hidden passageways and portals they use. And they will less likely suspect them taking me with them."

They looked at each other and remained silent reminiscing over their suggestions.

"It is too risky." Helios said.

"Indeed. And the nations closest to Wahrheit are Zhonguo Republic in the east and Kemet Empire further south."

"We will have to inform them in advance." Canute told so.

"The envoys from the Kemet Empire are already visiting Amanécer. As always they bring their gold to sell around this time of the year."

Kemet Empire was famous for its gold that was found in it's hot desert sands. Around the spring of every year the traders along with the envoys sent gold as an offering, in exchange for the barrier protection against demons. The price of gold was always discussed prior the beginning of the trade.

"All the better. They had arrived here the day before. So it's best to indulge them in the meeting for conditions."

The opening of the ancient forest portal was discussed discretely.

Later in the evening a banquet was held to announce the engagement between the two houses. Cornelius found Aria with Avlynn and Melody in the grand ball.

She was dressed in turquoise silks wearing aquamarine necklace. Her curly blonde hair was loosely tied with a hairpiece made of gold.

Canute did not attend the ceremony. He had preferred to spend his time looking after his wife and newborn.

He looked at the envoys from the Kemet Empire giving their greetings and graces. Their skin was black. They had muscular built, thick lips and few had curly black hair. Some had shaved heads. They wore traditional Kemet clothing.

Aria's gaze was at him. He smiled at her as she blushed trying to concentrate on the envoys.

After their greetings the other envoys from Maya, Achaemenid and Zhonguo Republic greeted them and presented their gifts. Maya Kingdom offered the parts of exotic animals. Achaemenid envoys brought forth rare spices, essential oils, gems and books of famous poets. Lastly Zhonguo Republic envoys presented themselves with their gifts of finest brocade and silks and scented teas.

"I Xi Liang son of Governor General Cao Wei greets the sun of the holy realm. May you overlook upon us as the envoy of God."

He formally greeted the emperor.

Helios nodded and smiled a wan smile.

Cornelius looked at the youth who he assumed was just a year younger than Canute. He was tall well built youth with long black hair tied in a high ponytail. He had black sharp eyes and pale skin that was a significant trait of the people of Zhonguo Republic. He wore traditional clothing of Zhonguo Republic. His envoys had refined demeanor like him.

He stepped forward with a box and presented four jade bracelets for four princesses of Amanécer.

Melody was delighted to witness such fine piece of work. She was always focused on collecting exquisite ornaments from all over around the world.

Cornelius frowned and looked away and saw the Caelus brothers standing together. For some reason he felt that they were giving off the same look to the envoys.

The greetings ended and dinner was served. Before the guests indulged themselves with food displayed on the table, Helios asked Aria to come forward and stand beside him.

"Today, I wish to announce to all of you who have made time to attend this event, that my second daughter Aria Mircea de Amanécer has willingly tied a promise with one of the esteemed noble houses of Amanécer." He announced.

Rudolf looked at Helios who continued his speech and then at Octavius.

He cautioned him to stay alongside him.

"Cornelius Arcea. Please take the hands of my beloved daughter."

Rudolf stood frozen in his place.

"What?.... Cornelius? Not Octavius?" He muttered in shock.

Cornelius walked past them stoic and firm. He walked up the dais and took Aria's hands in his. She smiled sweetly just like the maiden excited to meet her love for the first time in life.

"From here on the vow has been signed between both houses. May God bless the new journey of our children."

The crowd applauded and congratulated the couple.

Aurora was the first in women to greet her niece and nephew.

Whilst the rest of them looked at them frozen in shock.