Chapter 14
The Engagement Ceremony
Cold mist drifted endlessly throughout the mountain pathways surrounding the Ashvaris Clan.
The enormous waterfall behind them continued crashing against the black cliffs while freezing winds moved through the ancient stone paths below.
Eryx calmly walked beside Sylthara and Nyesra after leaving the waterfall area.
Several clan disciples could already be seen moving throughout the territory with unusually serious expressions.
Clearly—
something important was happening within the clan today.
Nyesra curiously looked toward Eryx while lightly holding his sleeve.
"Are you nervous?"
Eryx calmly shook his head.
"No."
Sylthara softly smiled after hearing his answer.
The three continued walking quietly for several moments before the enormous structure of the Ancient Chamber gradually became visible through the mountain fog far ahead.
Orange flames burned steadily beside the massive entrance.
The atmosphere surrounding the chamber felt ancient and heavy.
Eryx's gaze rested upon it briefly before he finally spoke.
"You both go ahead."
Nyesra blinked.
"Hm?"
Eryx calmly looked down at the wet training clothes still covering his body.
"I'll come after changing."
Sylthara gently nodded.
"That is fine."
Even Nyesra quickly understood after seeing his current appearance.
After all—
today was not ordinary training.
It was an official gathering between the four clans.
Soon—
Sylthara and Nyesra continued toward the Ancient Chamber while Eryx quietly walked toward his residence.
Cold winds moved through the mountain territory while numerous disciples respectfully lowered their heads after seeing him pass.
The atmosphere across the clan remained unusually tense.
Because word regarding the gathering inside the Ancient Chamber had already spread throughout the Ashvaris Clan.
The future heir of the clan—
and the daughters of the three great clans—
would officially meet today.
After some time—
Eryx finally emerged once again wearing clean black robes embroidered with faint silver patterns near the sleeves.
His wet hair had already dried beneath the cold mountain winds.
Without wasting time—
he calmly walked toward the Ancient Chamber.
Far ahead—
the massive stone doors stood partially open while orange flames illuminated the surrounding walls.
Two guards standing outside immediately lowered their heads deeply.
"Young Master."
Eryx silently entered the chamber.
The enormous hall remained filled with heavy silence.
Massive stone pillars stretched toward the dark ceiling while orange flames burned steadily along the circular walls, casting flickering light throughout the ancient chamber.
Numerous elders stood throughout the hall.
Representatives from the three great clans remained seated near the center.
And beside them—
three young girls quietly sat upon elegant stone chairs prepared specifically for the gathering.
The moment Eryx entered—
multiple gazes immediately turned toward him.
Some calm.
Some curious.
Some observant.
Yet Eryx's expression remained steady beneath the pressure filling the chamber.
His footsteps echoed softly against the black stone floor as he calmly walked forward.
At the center of the chamber sat Azrath upon the elevated stone seat of the Clan Head.
Beside him sat Sylthara.
The atmosphere remained completely silent for several moments.
Then finally—
one of the Ashvaris elders stepped forward before respectfully lowering his head toward Azrath.
"Clan Head."
His voice echoed through the chamber.
"Young Master Eryx has arrived."
The elder slowly raised his head again.
"Shall we begin the engagement signing ceremony?"
The entire chamber quietly waited for Azrath's response.
Orange flames flickered softly against the ancient stone walls.
Then—
Azrath calmly spoke.
"Begin."
The moment those words echoed throughout the Ancient Chamber—
the atmosphere inside the Ancient Chamber subtly changed.
The moment Azrath's voice echoed throughout the Ancient Chamber—
the three young girls slowly rose from their seats.
Orange flames flickered softly across the enormous hall while numerous elders silently observed the scene unfolding before them.
The atmosphere remained heavy yet ceremonial.
Eryx calmly stood at the center of the chamber while the three girls quietly moved forward before stopping several steps behind him.
One remained calm and elegant.
One carried visible pride within her posture.
And the last quietly observed everything with curious eyes.
Soon—
an elderly man wearing dark ceremonial robes stepped forward from among the Ashvaris elders.
Long silver hair rested behind his shoulders while ancient clan symbols were embroidered across his sleeves.
In his hands—
he carried several folded crimson papers.
Elder Fin.
The old man slowly approached Eryx before respectfully lowering his head slightly.
"Young Master Eryx."
He carefully opened the first crimson paper.
"This is the engagement agreement between the Ashvaris Clan and the Jyorath Clan."
The ancient paper emitted a faint spiritual aura beneath the orange flames.
"You must sign here."
Eryx silently looked toward the agreement paper.
Inside his mind—
he could not help but feel slightly troubled.
'...This really became troublesome.'
Until recently—
his daily life consisted only of training beneath waterfalls, running through mountain cliffs, and surviving Azrath's brutal physical exercises.
Yet now—
multiple clans had gathered together because of him.
'There are probably going to be many troublesome situations later.'
Eryx inwardly sighed.
But after a brief moment—
his expression returned to normal.
'Still...'
'It's probably nothing to worry about right now.'
'I only need to sign these papers and return to training.'
The orange flames quietly reflected within his dark eyes.
Soon—
Elder Fin respectfully stepped aside slightly before speaking once more.
"Lady Myrsasha."
"Please come forward."
A young girl with calm silver-blue eyes slowly stepped forward from among the three daughters.
Her movements remained elegant and composed beneath the countless gazes focused upon her.
She stopped beside Eryx.
Elder Fin calmly pointed toward the marked locations upon the crimson agreement paper.
"Young Master Eryx will sign here."
"And Lady Myrsasha here."
The chamber remained silent.
Eryx calmly took the ceremonial brush before writing his name across the agreement paper.
Moments later—
Myrsasha quietly signed beside him.
The instant both signatures were completed—
soft applause echoed throughout the Ancient Chamber.
Several clan elders nodded with satisfied expressions.
The first alliance had officially been established.
Without delay—
Elder Fin picked up the second crimson paper.
"This agreement represents the alliance between the Ashvaris Clan and the Veyrath Clan."
His aged voice echoed steadily throughout the hall.
"Lady Nythera."
"Please come forward."
The proud-looking girl immediately stepped forward with confident movements before stopping beside Eryx.
Unlike Myrsasha's calm demeanor—
Nythera's sharp eyes briefly glanced toward Eryx before looking toward the agreement paper.
Once again—
Elder Fin indicated the signing locations.
Eryx calmly signed first.
Nythera followed shortly afterward.
The second agreement was completed.
Applause once again spread across the chamber.
Then—
Elder Fin unfolded the final crimson agreement paper.
"The alliance between the Ashvaris Clan and the Dhairvans Clan."
Orange flames flickered softly against the ancient stone walls.
"Lady Aleria."
The final girl quietly stepped forward.
Compared to the others—
her expression remained especially calm beneath the ceremonial atmosphere surrounding the chamber.
Soon—
both signatures were placed upon the final agreement paper.
The third applause echoed throughout the hall.
At the center of the chamber—
Eryx quietly stared at the completed agreements within Elder Fin's hands.
Inside his thoughts—
confusion and frustration quietly appeared.
'...I suddenly got three fiancées just by signing papers.'
Even now—
he barely knew anything about them.
Their personalities.
Their thoughts.
Their clans.
And somehow—
they had already become officially connected to his future.
'...How am I supposed to handle all of this?'
For the first time since entering the chamber—
Eryx genuinely felt mentally exhausted.
Meanwhile—
Elder Fin slowly stepped toward the center of the chamber before raising the three completed agreements high enough for everyone present to see.
The entire Ancient Chamber gradually fell silent.
Then—
his voice echoed powerfully throughout the enormous hall.
"From this day onward—"
"The alliance between the Ashvaris Clan, the Jyorath Clan, the Veyrath Clan, and the Dhairvans Clan has officially been established!"
Numerous elders immediately straightened their expressions.
Orange flames danced across the ancient walls.
Elder Fin continued loudly.
"Lady Nythera."
"Lady Aleria."
"And Lady Myshara."
"Are now officially engaged to Young Master Eryx of the Ashvaris Clan!"
The powerful voice of Elder Fin slowly faded throughout the Ancient Chamber.
For several moments—
the enormous hall remained filled with applause and quiet discussions between the gathered clan representatives.
The official alliance between the four clans had finally been completed.
At the center of the chamber—
Azrath slowly rose from his stone seat.
The moment he stood—
the chamber gradually became silent once again.
Orange flames burned steadily across the ancient walls while cold mountain winds drifted faintly through the upper arches of the hall.
Azrath's deep gaze moved across everyone present before he calmly spoke.
"Since the engagement ceremony has officially concluded—"
"Prepare for the celebration."
Numerous elders immediately lowered their heads respectfully.
"Understood, Clan Head."
Soft discussions quickly spread throughout the chamber as several servants began preparing to leave.
---
Then—
a calm young voice suddenly echoed through the hall.
"Father."
Azrath's gaze slowly moved toward Eryx.
"Mmm?"
"What is it?"
The entire chamber quietly looked toward the young heir standing near the center of the hall.
Eryx remained silent briefly before speaking calmly.
"I want permission to go outside."
A few elders blinked slightly.
Eryx continued.
"I want to visit the clan city."
For a brief moment—
Azrath simply looked at him silently.
Then—
a faint smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Hm."
A low laugh escaped him shortly afterward.
"So that is what you want."
Eryx quietly waited for his answer.
After training endlessly within the mountain territory for so long—
he genuinely wanted to see the outside environment of the Ashvaris Clan.
The markets.
The people.
The atmosphere beyond the isolated mountain grounds.
Most importantly—
he wanted to quietly observe the outside world himself.
Azrath finally nodded calmly.
"You can go."
The moment those words entered his ears—
a faint excitement instantly appeared within Eryx's eyes.
Even a small calm smile formed upon his face.
However—
Azrath continued speaking immediately afterward.
"But—"
Eryx suddenly felt an unpleasant feeling appear inside his mind.
"You will take Nyesra and your fiancées with you."
The chamber became briefly quiet.
Azrath calmly crossed his arms.
"You are all around the same age."
"It is a good opportunity to become familiar with one another."
"You may all explore the city of the Ashvaris Clan together."
The moment those words finished—
Eryx's expression subtly froze.
Inside his thoughts—
he immediately felt troubled once again.
'...I wanted to observe the city alone.'
How was he supposed to properly understand the outside world while traveling together with four girls?
Especially three fiancées he barely knew.
'If they come with me...'
'It'll become troublesome.'
Yet after a brief moment—
Eryx inwardly sighed.
Because he already understood something clearly.
'...If I refuse now—'
'Father might completely cancel my permission to leave.'
Orange flames flickered quietly across the chamber walls.
Then finally—
Eryx forced a calm smile onto his face before nodding.
"I understand, Father."
Meanwhile—
not far behind him—
the expressions of Nythera, Aleria, and Myshara subtly changed after hearing Azrath's decision.
---
Soon—
a large carriage steadily moved through the mountain roads leading away from the Ashvaris Clan territory.
Dark crimson patterns were engraved across the black exterior of the carriage while the ancient symbol of the Ashvaris Clan fluttered proudly upon the flag fixed above it.
Cold winds occasionally brushed against the moving carriage as its wheels rolled across the stone pathways.
Outside—
two Ashvaris guards accompanied them.
One calmly drove the carriage from the front while the other silently remained seated nearby, carefully observing the surroundings.
Inside the carriage—
the atmosphere remained unusually quiet.
Eryx sat near one side while the four girls occupied the remaining seats around him.
For several moments—
nobody spoke.
Only the soft sounds of the moving carriage echoed throughout the interior.
Nythera Veyrath calmly looked outside the window with her usual composed expression.
Aleria Jyorath quietly observed the passing mountain scenery without speaking much.
Meanwhile—
Myrsasha Dhairvans calmly sat beside the opposite side of the carriage while curiously watching the outside roads.
Nyesra herself appeared completely relaxed despite the awkward silence surrounding everyone.
Meanwhile—
Eryx quietly stared outside the moving carriage.
Inside his thoughts—
the current situation still felt strange to him.
Just recently—
his daily life consisted only of training beneath waterfalls and surviving Azrath's brutal exercises.
Yet now—
he was somehow traveling together with his three official fiancées.
'...This still feels strange.'
---
The carriage continued moving for some time before distant sounds gradually entered everyone's ears.
Voices.
Crowds.
Merchants shouting throughout the streets.
The atmosphere completely changed.
Soon—
the carriage slowly entered the market city belonging to the Ashvaris Clan.
Eryx's eyes quietly observed the surroundings.
Numerous small shops lined both sides of the wide streets while larger buildings stood proudly deeper within the city.
Jewelry stores decorated with glowing spiritual crystals.
Elegant clothing halls displaying expensive fabrics.
Massive medicine halls filled with rare herbs and spiritual ingredients.
Countless people moved throughout the busy streets beneath the cold mountain atmosphere.
For the first time in a long while—
Eryx quietly felt genuine interest toward the outside world beyond the isolated clan mountains.
Then suddenly—
Nyesra leaned slightly closer toward him before whispering softly.
"You should buy something for your fiancées."
The moment those words entered his ears—
Eryx's expression slightly changed.
He slowly turned toward her.
"…Buy something?"
Nyesra nodded confidently.
"Of course."
"You became officially engaged today."
"You should naturally give them gifts."
Eryx remained silent briefly before calmly answering.
"But I don't have money."
After all—
he had spent nearly all his time training inside the clan territory.
Nyesra immediately waved her hand casually.
"Don't worry about money."
"Father and Mother gave me money before leaving."
A playful smile appeared on her face.
"So just go buy something properly."
Meanwhile—
Aleria Jyorath quietly observed the bustling city streets outside the carriage.
Myrsasha Dhairvans curiously watched the numerous market stalls with calm interest.
And Nythera Veyrath silently crossed her arms while looking outside with her usual composed expression.
None of them noticed—
Eryx was already beginning to feel another headache slowly forming inside his mind.
---
Eryx quietly slipped away from the group without drawing attention.
The bustling Ashvaris Clan city stretched endlessly before him—wide stone streets carved between towering buildings built from dark mountain rock. The air was filled with the sound of merchants calling out prices, armored guards moving between crowds, and the constant hum of life within a powerful clan territory.
Jewelry shops shimmered with soft golden light.
Clothing stores displayed elegant silk robes.
Medicine halls released faint herbal scents into the cold mountain air.
Yet—
Eryx paid attention to none of it at first.
He walked slowly through the crowd, his expression tightening.
"…What the hell."
He scratched his head slightly.
"How am I supposed to buy gifts for girls?"
His voice was low, almost lost in the crowd noise.
In his past life—
he had never been in situations like this.
No social expectations.
No noble engagements.
No girls waiting for gifts.
Just screens.
Editing videos.
Watching content.
Exploring things alone.
"…That was much simpler."
He sighed.
But then—
his expression slowly changed.
His eyes sharpened.
"No."
"I don't have that life anymore."
He looked forward at a glowing shop ahead.
A jewelry store.
Warm golden light spilled out from its glass windows, reflecting rings, necklaces, and gemstones placed neatly inside.
"…I need three gifts."
Without hesitation—
he stepped inside.
A small bell rang softly.
Inside the shop, glass counters stretched across the room, filled with carefully arranged jewelry. The walls were decorated with engraved patterns of silver and gold, while glowing crystals illuminated the entire space in a soft elegant glow.
A woman stood behind the counter.
She appeared middle-aged, wearing a formal shopkeeper's outfit with a calm but professional expression. Her sharp eyes immediately landed on Eryx.
"Welcome, young sir."
"Are you looking for rings?"
Eryx nodded.
"Yes."
He glanced around at the dozens of shining designs.
"…But there are too many. I can't understand which one to choose."
The woman smiled slightly.
"Oh?"
Her gaze carefully studied him for a moment.
"Are you buying for a girl?"
Eryx's steps paused.
His expression stiffened slightly.
"…Yes."
A faint blush quietly appeared on his face without he noticing.
The shopkeeper noticed immediately but only smiled knowingly.
"I see."
"If that's the case, I can help you."
"Just tell me their personalities and style. I'll choose the perfect ones for you."
Eryx's eyes widened slightly.
"…That would be helpful."
He exhaled softly.
"This is better than guessing randomly."
He began thinking.
The first face that came to his mind—
Nythera Veyrath.
"…She is beautiful."
"She rarely shows expression."
"Her hair is black with a reddish tone…"
"And her eyes are black mixed with crimson."
The shopkeeper listened carefully before nodding.
"Hmm…"
She walked toward a glass display and picked up a ring.
A crimson diamond emerald ring, designed with sharp noble patterns that gave off a proud, commanding aura.
"This suits her."
"A strong personality hidden behind elegance."
Eryx observed it quietly.
"…Yeah."
"That matches her."
"Pack this one."
The shopkeeper gently placed it aside.
"Understood."
Then she looked at him again.
"You said you need two more?"
Eryx nodded.
"…Yes. Two more rings."
The woman raised her eyebrows slightly.
"Oh? Not just one?"
Eryx hesitated.
"…Yes. For the other two girls."
The shopkeeper gave a small amused smile.
"Alright. Then tell me about them."
Eryx took a small breath.
The second face came into his mind.
"…The second one has greenish eyes."
"Black-brown hair."
"She is also very beautiful."
The shopkeeper immediately understood.
She moved to another section and selected a ring.
A light green emerald ring, soft glowing design with elegant flowing patterns.
"This one."
"It suits calmness and observation."
Eryx nodded.
"…That works."
He pointed toward it.
"Take it."
Then—
he hesitated again.
"…And I still need one more."
The shopkeeper paused.
"Another one?"
Eryx nodded again.
"…Yes."
She sighed lightly but still smiled.
"Alright, last one."
Eryx thought for a moment.
"…The third girl has golden-black eyes."
"Black hair."
"A gentle appearance…"
"…And she is extremely beautiful."
The shopkeeper slowly nodded, now more interested than before.
"This one…"
She walked carefully toward a special glass display.
Inside rested a golden emerald diamond ring, glowing with a warm, elegant radiance. Its design was refined yet noble, carrying a soft brilliance that felt both graceful and expensive.
"This suits warmth and elegance."
Eryx stared at all three rings placed together.
For a moment—
he fell silent.
"…They actually match them perfectly."
He nodded once.
"I'll take all three."
The shopkeeper smiled softly.
"Good choice."
Then she calmly stated the price.
"Thirty gold coins."
Eryx froze.
"…Thirty?"
She nodded without hesitation.
"Ten per ring."
Silence.
Eryx's expression tightened slightly.
"…That's expensive."
He slowly reached into his pouch.
"…Nythera gave me only forty gold coins."
A brief pause followed.
Then a sigh escaped him.
"…No choice."
He placed the coins on the counter.
Clink.
Thirty gold coins fell neatly onto the wooden surface.
The shopkeeper collected them and handed him a small bag containing all three rings.
Eryx held it quietly for a moment.
"…This better not become more complicated later."
He turned and walked out of the shop.
The warm golden light faded behind him as he stepped back into the bustling streets of the Ashvaris Clan city.
And somewhere in his mind—
only one thought remained.
"…Buying gifts is harder than training."
Eryx returned to the group where Nythera, Aleria, Myrsasha, and Nyesra were waiting.
All four immediately turned toward him.
Nythera Veyrath stood straight, calm and composed as always. Her black hair with faint crimson undertones moved lightly in the wind, and her black-crimson eyes observed Eryx with a sharp, unreadable gaze.
Aleria Jyorath quietly watched him. Her greenish eyes were soft yet attentive, as if she was carefully reading his intentions without saying a word.
Myrsasha Dhairvans tilted her head slightly. Her golden eyes carried warm curiosity, and compared to the others, her expression was more openly interested.
Nyesra, on the other hand, looked relaxed and slightly amused, as if she already had a rough idea of what had happened.
Eryx stopped in front of them.
For a moment—
he hesitated internally.
Why does this feel more stressful than training…
But his expression remained calm.
Then he spoke.
"I brought a present for you three."
All three girls reacted at once.
"Present?"
Eryx nodded.
"Yes."
Without delay, he took out the three rings and handed them forward.
Nythera received hers first.
Aleria followed.
Myrsasha last.
Each of them looked down at the ring in their hands.
A brief silence followed.
Nythera studied hers quietly, her eyes narrowing slightly—not in displeasure, but in careful evaluation.
Aleria gently turned hers between her fingers. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes softened subtly.
Myrsasha looked at hers more openly, a small spark of surprise and warmth appearing in her golden eyes.
Then—
almost at the same time, all three spoke.
"Thank you."
"These are very beautiful."
Their voices differed in tone, yet all carried sincerity.
The tension in Eryx's shoulders slowly eased.
"…Good."
He exhaled internally.
At least they liked it.
For once, something felt simple.
But then—
his attention shifted.
A group of people was moving in one direction through the street. Many looked excited, talking among themselves while heading deeper into the city.
Eryx narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…Where are they going?"
He turned toward the Ashvaris guard.
The guard bowed slightly.
"Young Master. They are heading toward the Auction Hall."
"A large auction is being held today."
"That is why many people are gathering there."
Eryx paused.
"…Auction hall?"
The guard nodded.
Then carefully added,
"Would you like to go as well?"
For a moment, Eryx did not answer.
His eyes followed the moving crowd.
Then he slowly spoke.
"…Yeah."
"Let's go."
The guard immediately nodded.
"As you wish."
Nyesra smiled lightly.
"Oh? Auction hall sounds interesting."
Myrsasha's eyes brightened slightly with curiosity.
"An auction… I've never seen one before."
Aleria gave a small, quiet nod.
"I don't mind."
Nythera said nothing, but followed without resistance. Her gaze occasionally lowered toward the ring in her hand.
Eryx noticed that—
and felt a faint relief.
"…At least this won't be as stressful as the gifts."
But somewhere deep inside—
he had no idea that the auction hall would soon bring something far more complicated than buying rings.
End of Chapter 14
To be continued…