Chapter 601: Can I Refuse Marriage?

If Lord Prestor's gift to Princess Calia was an undeniable work of art, then what Calia presented was a masterpiece transcending the realm of art.

A divine magnum opus.

Lord Prestor's offering was commendable, but it paled in comparison to such a divine creation.

As various kings couldn't contain their admiration, King Terenas was in disbelief. Why did Prestor, of all things, choose a rose?

Wasn't it a doomed choice?

Especially given the perfection of the magical rose from Duke last year. Any lesser rose would have been an embarrassment.

Goss, standing behind Rhonin, had been nonchalant since entering the throne room. But upon seeing the magical rose formed of both ice and fire, he uncharacteristically remarked, "Not bad."

This rare compliment caught the attention of his three companions.

To them, neither elven nor human magic ever caught his interest. Yet, Duke's rose warranted his "Not bad" remark?

Terenas deeply regretted allowing Calia access to the high-grade spatial storage bag that could suspend non-living matter in time.

But it was too late.

Lord Prestor's composure finally wavered as he overheard the whispering kings.

"Why compete with Duke, who seems like a Morningstar mage but is more skilled than a Sun mage, with a rose?"

"Such a terrible first impression."

"It's fine, just a token gesture."

"Isn't it a foregone conclusion?"

Some kings discussed; some scoffed.

For the first time, Duke felt hostility from Prestor.

Duke's troubles didn't end there. He heard the whisper of the Great Demon Lord, "Duke! So you presented such a beautiful rose to the lovely Princess Calia! How enlightening."

"Calm down, there's nothing between Princess Calia and me."

"I'm not upset! Just a tiny bit jealous, like the size of the Windrunner Lake."

Wait, the lake with a ten-kilometer diameter? That much jealousy?

That's calm? That's tiny? Only 'a bit'?

"Is it worth it?" Duke replied, catching a glimpse of Alleria's sly grin.

"The past isn't worth it, but I might get jealous later."

"Uh…"

"Don't ask how I know. It's a woman's intuition."

Meanwhile, the marriage proposal was underway.

Lord Prestor's first offering was undeniably a failure. But his eloquence and poetic prowess outshone all the kings present.

As he knelt, due to his stature, he wasn't much shorter than Calia, making her uncomfortable. She instinctively stepped back.

Prestor shifted to romantic mode, praising Calia's beauty and declaring his affection.

Duke's translator couldn't fully interpret Prestor's poetry. But seeing the entranced expressions of kings like Terenas, Genn, and others, it was evident that Prestor's literary skills were unparalleled.

Sadly, Calia's response was cold.

For some reason, any other princess or noble lady would have been swayed by such sweet words. But Calia, known for her gentle nature, was unyielding.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Terenas tried to intervene, "My dear Calia, Lord Prestor is soon to be the king of Alterac. Only with him as king can we ensure peace among the alliance nations and prevent countless from starving next year. Such a magnificent man, my child, what are you hesitating for? There aren't many in this world worthy of you!"

At this, tears welled up in Calia's eyes, but she remained silent.

Terenas, out of options, declared, "I apologize, everyone. My daughter seems overly emotional. As her father, I accept Lord Prestor's proposal on her behalf. Let us celebrate Lord Prestor's ascension and his engagement to Calia on this day of the Alliance's triumph! Now, for the last time, who approves and who objects?"

In most cases, this is just a ceremonial question.

But today, at this very moment, the unlikely happened.

Calia finally spoke, her voice quivering with emotion and a hint of tears, "Dear father, may I not marry Lord Prestor?"

Silence.

Deafening silence.

Everyone was taken aback.

Lord Prestor's face turned ashen, a mockery painted all over it.

Terenas had meticulously planned, conspired, and played political games, undermining Duke and orchestrating this whole drama. Wasn't all this to elevate Prestor and control Alterac through marriage?