With Monet and Boa attending to him, Carl changed into his favorite black and gold embroidered robe before leading Shalria to the reception hall.
Rosward had already been waiting there for some time, though he hadn't dared to sit down. When Carl arrived, Rosward was still standing at the entrance.
Seeing Carl, Rosward hurried forward, bowed deeply, and respectfully addressed him, "Saint Carl."
Carl extended a hand to help Rosward up, an action that left Rosward feeling both honored and shocked.
After all, Carl's status had completely changed. Previously, he was publicly recognized in Mary Geoise as the young master of the Figarland family—a position already incomparably noble. But now, his authority directly surpassed even the Five Elders!
Rosward was among the few Celestial Dragons privy to this information. Nusjuro and the others had shared it with him in advance because they knew his daughter had a close relationship with the Figarland family and was likely to be betrothed to them.
This revelation had left Rosward feeling immense pressure, to the point where he hadn't even noticed Shalria standing beside Carl.
It wasn't until she softly called out, "Father," that Rosward snapped back to reality, remembering that his daughter was right there. He knew full well that if not for her, he'd still be standing outside alongside the other Celestial Dragons, left to fend for himself.
Or worse—perhaps he wouldn't even have had the chance to stand outside, considering the grudge he had previously incurred at the slave market.
At this thought, Rosward wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Carl gestured toward the hall with a smile. "Rosward, let's not stand here. Come in and sit."
Rosward quickly nodded, stepping aside to let Carl go first—he would never dare to walk ahead of him.
The three entered the hall and took their seats. Shalria, her face flushed, sat beside Carl. Rosward, sitting across from them, was momentarily stunned by the sight before him, but soon his heart was filled with overwhelming joy.
Carl glanced at Rosward with a faint smile.
"Rosward, we're already quite familiar with each other. There's no need for such formality next time."
Rosward sat upright, respectfully replying, "Saint Carl..."
"There's no need to address me so formally. Just call me by my name."
Rosward swallowed nervously. "Given your status, it's only proper that I address you with respect. Those outside would give anything just for the chance to see you."
Carl leaned back into the sofa and said casually, "You are Shalria's father. You're not like them."
The meaning behind these words was obvious. Even if Rosward were a fool, he would understand. He suppressed his excitement and said in a trembling voice,
"Saint Carl, I truly appreciate your recognition of Shalria! It is the highest honor for our family!"
Rosward's exaggerated reaction made Shalria feel embarrassed, causing her to lower her head shyly.
Noticing this, Carl's smile gradually faded, and his tone cooled. "Rosward, if you continue with such excessive pleasantries, we might as well end our conversation here."
Rosward shuddered and quickly responded, "My apologies, Saint Ca—Saint Carl!"
Technically, Rosward would be Carl's future father-in-law, but Carl had already lost interest in exchanging pleasantries. He directly stated,
"Rosward, I intend to arrange a marriage with Shalria. As her father, I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Rosward didn't hesitate for a second. "I agree! I fully support this marriage! Thank you..."
"Hmm?"
Carl's sharp gaze silenced Rosward instantly. He forced a sheepish smile and once again wiped the sweat from his forehead.
A bright smile spread across Shalria's face as she summoned the courage to embrace Carl's arm, resting her forehead against it.
Carl gently patted her thigh and shot Rosward a glance.
Initially, Carl had considered making it clear that Shalria wouldn't be his primary wife, but he found himself completely uninterested in discussing such matters with Rosward. He didn't care enough to explain anything to him.
With an indifferent expression, Carl stated, "It's getting late. Uncle Garling should be returning soon. Rosward, if you have nothing else to say, I'll have to ask you to step out. The Figarland family has important matters to attend to tonight."
This was a clear dismissal. Rosward wouldn't dare overstay his welcome. He immediately stood up, bowed, and said,
"Of course, of course! I'll take my leave now. Please continue with your affairs!"
Carl nodded and snapped his fingers. Two armored guards entered at once, escorting Rosward out.
After Rosward had left, Shalria bit her lip and whispered, "I'm sorry, Carl. My father must have displeased you..."
Carl was taken aback for a moment before he chuckled, shaking his head.
"What are you apologizing for? I just noticed that you seemed uncomfortable. I suppose you didn't want your father lingering here either."
Shalria nodded, then gently leaned against Carl's chest and murmured, "My father is timid... Please don't hold it against him."
Carl softly stroked her back. "Do you know that your father and I have had our disagreements in the past?"
"Yes, I know. It was because of Monet and Sugar. Back then, my father offended you and even said something inappropriate."
"Did he tell you about it?"
"Yes. I was still young at the time, but I remember he was so stressed that he barely ate for days."
Shalria rubbed her face against Carl's chest and suddenly changed the topic.
"Carl, do you remember what happened at Sabaody Archipelago? I was terrified back then... But thankfully, you arrived just in time. You not only saved my father and me but also executed the pirate who killed my brother! That was the first time I saw you, and it was because of that moment that I..."
Mid-sentence, Shalria's voice faltered. Carl looked down at her with amusement. "What is it?"
Shalria fidgeted, then slowly pushed herself up from Carl's chest, using her hands to grip the fabric of his robe tightly.
Her face was as red as a boiling kettle, steam practically rising from her skin.
With increasing determination, she clutched his robe even tighter and finally declared,
"That was when I decided—I want to be your wife!"
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+180 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg