Chapter 5: Oath and Engagement
Seeing that the vow had some effect, Franklin's mind began racing. For the sake of a happy future, he had to see this through. Without another thought, he grabbed Lala's hand and ran out of the bathroom.
"Ryōko-nee, Mikan, I have someone I like. Come meet her."
Before he even appeared, his voice reached them first. Sitting together in the living room, Mikado Ryōko and Mikan exchanged a look, both of them utterly confused.
When Franklin pulled Lala in front of them, Ryōko's mouth fell open slightly, her mind going blank for a moment.
Mikan was even more shocked—so much so that the cookie in her mouth dropped to the floor. "Big bro, what the hell are you two doing?!"
"My fiancée, Lala. What do you think?"
Having already recognized Lala's identity, Ryōko was left completely stunned by Franklin's words. She glanced between Franklin and Lala several times before hesitantly asking, "Lala? Your fiancée? Can you explain to me what exactly just happened?"
Franklin was about to explain when Ryōko cut him off again. "Forget explaining for now. Go change—right now, immediately. Lala, come with me. I should have some of my old clothes that will fit you."
Ryōko pulled Lala away without giving her a chance to respond. Thinking about Ryōko's profession as a doctor—and that explosive figure—Franklin suddenly realized her true identity.
He didn't say anything more and went back to his room to change into his regular clothes. When he returned to the living room, Ryōko was already waiting there.
"How did you meet Lala, and why were the two of you coming out of the bathroom naked?"
Ryōko's flustered expression was something Franklin had never expected. Without hiding anything, he simply recounted what had happened in the bathroom.
Then Ryōko handed him a pink gemstone ring.
"This was left by your mother. When Lala comes out, put it on her. That ring is your trump card—and your confidence."
Franklin stared down at the ring in his palm. It looked utterly ordinary, without a trace of power. He frowned in confusion.
"Dad and Mom have been missing for five or six years, and you're telling me this ring they left behind is my trump card? What's that supposed to mean?"
Ryōko smacked the back of his head. "Why do you ask so many questions? Just do what I tell you and stop talking nonsense. Go on."
As the saying goes, "An older sister is like a mother." Though she was only his adoptive sister, Ryōko had taken care of him for years, and Franklin usually listened to her.
When Lala walked out again, Franklin saw her dressed in a tight white uniform with a large white mushroom-like hat on her head.
Instantly, he thought of her transformation robot Peke—and that Zastin was probably coming too.
Without hesitating any longer, Franklin dropped to one knee as she approached.
"Lala, I like you. I swear I'll take good care of you from now on. Will you make an engagement pact with me and marry me in the future?"
This time, Lala didn't hesitate. A smile spread across her face.
"I will."
As she extended her right hand, Franklin gently slipped the pink ring onto her middle finger. In that instant, he felt a subtle connection form between them.
[Ding: Proposal mission complete. Reward: 100 high-grade spirit stones. Confirm to claim.]
[Yes][No]
Just as Franklin was about to choose, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Mikan said reflexively.
She was about to open the door when Lala stopped her with an outstretched hand. "Sorry to trouble you. It's probably Zastin and the others. I should be the one to handle this."
As Lala started toward the door, Franklin quickly stepped in front of her. He didn't want to leave a bad impression on his future father-in-law.
"Leave it to me. I'll convince them."
The door opened, revealing a white-haired man flanked by two men in black. Franklin tensed up. He had expected them to storm in and drag Lala away, just like in the story. Instead, they bowed deeply from the doorway.
"Son-in-law, we ask that you and Lady Lala come aboard the ship to talk."
Hearing that, Franklin felt both nervous and relieved at the same time. He glanced back at Lala, who also showed a hint of relief.
She reached out her right hand, and Franklin laced his fingers through hers, feeling the warmth of her skin. Lala looked at him firmly.
"Lin, this time I want to face my father head-on. Will you stand by my side?"
The look of hope in her eyes burned itself into Franklin's heart. He took a deep breath, his expression serious.
"I won't back down. Convincing Father-in-law is something I must do."
With their hands tightly clasped, the two walked out together.
"Ryōko-nee, Mikan, I'll be back soon."
A white light enveloped them, and in the next moment, Franklin, Lala, and Zastin vanished from sight.
"Lady Lala, son-in-law, this way, please."
Following Zastin's lead, Franklin and Lala walked down the corridor. The whole time, Franklin's mind raced, thinking of how he could persuade the King of Deviluke. The deeper they went, the more nervous he became.
Sensing his anxiety, Lala shifted from simply holding his hand to wrapping her arm around his, hoping to calm him.
Feeling his arm pressed between two soft mounds only made Franklin's heart race faster. Soon, a massive, high-tech-looking gate slid open, revealing what looked like a command room, with countless floating screens suspended in midair.
A video feed activated, and a child dressed like a demon appeared on the main screen.
"Your Majesty, we've located Princess Lala. She's now aboard the ship."
Hearing how Zastin addressed him, Franklin looked from Lala to the demon-like child on the screen. He couldn't see how they could possibly be related by blood.
"Good. Then return immediately. The young generation of the galaxy has been waiting too long—any more delay would be discourteous."
Before Zastin could reply, Lala stepped forward and raised her hand to show the ring.
"Father, I've already found my other half. I'm not going back. I came here today only to inform you."
The moment the ring caught his eye, the childlike King of Deviluke shot to his feet.
"You've found someone you love? Don't tell me it's that disrespectful fool behind you. I do not approve! Zastin, throw him into space."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Franklin panicked and hurried forward. "Father-in-law, I am Lala's fiancé. I know I'm not worthy of her right now, but I can work hard to become so!"
In an instant, Franklin felt a cold gaze sweep over him from head to toe, as if his entire being—body and soul—had been laid bare.
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