Chapter 73: The Engagement

Jin took a deep breath as he stood in front of Lia's grand family estate. He had fought demonic cultists, clashed with his own father, and faced monsters beyond human comprehension—but somehow, this moment felt more terrifying than all of them combined. Meeting Lia's parents. Officially.

Kaelros gave him a hearty slap on the back. "Relax, Supreme Commander. It's just a couple of old folks who want to make sure their precious daughter isn't marrying a battle-hardened psychopath."

Lysander grinned. "Yeah. Too bad they're totally right about that."

Jin shot them a glare, but before he could retort, the doors swung open, revealing Lia in an elegant, flowing dress. Her soft smile was enough to calm Jin's nerves… until she spoke.

"My parents are waiting. Try not to look like you just crawled out of a battlefield."

Jin instinctively checked his clothes. They were clean, but no matter what he wore, he always gave off an intimidating aura. He sighed and stepped inside.

Inside the lavish dining hall, Lia's father, Duke Reinhardt, sat at the head of the table, his piercing gaze locked onto Jin. Lia's mother, Lady Celestine, sat beside him, her expression unreadable. The tension was thick enough to slice with a blade.

Jin bowed. "It's an honor to meet you both."

Duke Reinhardt leaned forward. "Jin Shang. Slayer of Demonic Cults, Supreme Commander, and the man who—" he paused, then narrowed his eyes, "—is trying to marry my daughter."

Jin gulped. "Yes, sir."

Celestine sighed. "Reinhardt, stop intimidating him. You do this with every man Lia brings home."

Jin blinked. "Every man?"

Lia shot her mother a glare. "Mother!"

Reinhardt's expression darkened. "And none of them survived my tests."

Kaelros, watching from the corner, whispered to Lysander, "I'd pay to see what those 'tests' were."

Lysander smirked. "Maybe we should put Jin through one."

Jin ignored them and met the Duke's gaze head-on. "Sir, I know I may not be the ideal son-in-law. I've spent my life fighting, and I don't know much about nobility, but I will protect Lia with everything I have. That's a promise."

There was a long silence. Then, to everyone's shock, Reinhardt burst into laughter. "Hah! Finally, a man who doesn't grovel. I like you, boy."

Jin exhaled in relief. Lia's mother smiled warmly. "In that case, let's discuss the engagement ceremony."

A week later, the grand engagement ceremony was held at the Reinhardt estate. Nobles, heroes, and even former rankers gathered to witness the event. It was a breathtaking spectacle… or at least it would have been if not for Jin's so-called 'friends.'

Lysander smirked. "You look uncomfortable, Jin. Not used to wearing something so fancy?"

Jin adjusted the stiff collar of his ceremonial outfit. "It feels like a noose."

Kaelros chuckled. "It's not just the clothes, my friend. It's the weight of commitment."

Rin pouted. "Jin, why didn't you ask me to be your fiancée instead?"

Lia crossed her arms. "Rin."

Rin grinned. "I was just checking if he'd consider polygamy."

Jin coughed violently. "Can we NOT do this right now?"

Before Jin could recover, Lillian appeared with a devious grin. "Oh, Jin~."

He stiffened. "What?"

Lillian held up a small, ornately wrapped box. "A wedding gift from me. You should open it now."

Jin hesitated. Considering who it was from, he had every reason to be cautious. With everyone watching, he slowly unwrapped the box and opened it.

Inside was… a tiny stuffed bunny with a pink bow.

"…What."

Lillian batted her eyelashes. "I thought you needed something soft and cute in your life."

Kaelros doubled over laughing. "That's it! The Demon King of War has been defeated by a plushie!"

Lysander wiped a tear from his eye. "Wait, wait—Jin, say 'I am the Supreme Commander of World Guidance' while holding it."

Jin glared at them but, much to his horror, Lia picked up the bunny and smiled. "Actually, it's kind of adorable."

Jin groaned. He'd never live this down.

As the ceremony progressed, things seemed to settle down—until it was time for the traditional "first dance" of the engaged couple.

Jin froze. "…I have to WHAT?"

Lia sighed. "Dance, Jin. It's a noble tradition."

"I've fought gods, Lia. I don't know how to—"

"Too late." Lia grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. A crowd formed around them as a gentle waltz played.

Jin did his best to follow Lia's lead, but his movements were stiff and awkward.

Kaelros whispered to Rin, "He looks like a battle mech trying to learn ballet."

Rin giggled. "Should we bet on how many toes he steps on?"

Jin muttered under his breath. "I can hear you."

Lia laughed. "Relax, Jin. Just follow my movements."

Slowly, he eased into the rhythm. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't thinking about battles, strategies, or survival. Just the warmth of Lia's hand in his.

As the night went on, the atmosphere remained festive. Jin found himself surrounded by laughter, teasing, and an unfamiliar sense of peace. Was this what a normal life felt like?

But deep in his mind, a thought lingered—one he couldn't shake.

How long will this peace last?