In the sky, Duke Lyon waved his hand, administering two bottles of golden potions to Finn.
Finn’s injuries began to heal at a visible rate.
Once his condition stabilized, Finn pointed at Luca and said hatefully, “Father, that thing is with him…”
Before he could finish, Lyon waved his hand dismissively and replied calmly, “You go back first. Leave this to me.”
Finn wanted to say more, but Lyon cast him a glance that was both indifferent and slightly disdainful. “What, are you not embarrassed enough?”
Finn’s face flushed with anger, his chest heaving.
“Wait for me!” He shot a fierce glare at Luca before flying off towards the airship above.
After Finn left, Lyon looked down at Luca and said lightly, “Kid, you’ve got guts to kill my son.”
“Is it allowed for him to kill me but not for me to kill him?” Luca wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze icy.
The man was just a step away from Transcendent. Although that last strike hadn’t hit him, the residual force had still inflicted significant injury.
This damn bastard, attacking from the shadows while being at the peak of Superclass! I’ll remember this grudge; I’ll make sure to settle it with you later!
Lyon sneered at his words, “You’re right. My son can kill you, but you killing my son is unacceptable!”
Such a statement was incredibly domineering!
Orf couldn’t help but laugh in anger, rebuking, “You old dog, at your age, you should be ashamed! Is this the tradition of the Phillips family?”
Lyon replied coldly, “Orf, if you want to fight here, I’m more than willing!”
“Do you think I’m afraid of you?!” Orf immediately rolled up his sleeves.
Fortunately, Medel nearby stopped him; otherwise, he might have really rushed in to trade blows with the duke for hundreds of rounds.
The two had longstanding grievances dating back to their earlier days in Dawn City. Decades had passed, yet they still couldn’t stand each other.
However, with the distance between them previously, they hadn’t had many chances to clash; now that they were face to face, neither was willing to show any courtesy.
A fierce battle had just concluded; this was not the time to stir up more chaos.
Bronte interrupted them, asking in a solemn tone, “Might I inquire why Duke Lyon has traveled such a long distance? Is there something you wish to instruct us on?”
“With the engagement approaching, the king has sent Finn to escort Princess Six back for the wedding. I felt a bit uneasy, so I came along,” Lyon said, aware that now was not the time for conflict.
He then turned his gaze to Fratis, who looked pale, and slightly bowed. “Your Highness, Princess Six, the king has arranged the wedding for you.”
“Southwind City and Red Maple Academy have been destroyed and need to be rebuilt. If the princess wishes to continue her studies afterward, she may return. For now, we kindly ask Your Highness to accompany us back to Dawn City to fulfill the marriage contract set by His Majesty between you and Finn.”
At these words, all eyes turned to Fratis at the back of the group.
Luna’s eyes were filled with pity.
Fratis, the sixth princess of the empire, had traveled a long way to attend Red Maple Academy in the Southern Territory instead of staying at the prestigious Clinton Academy in Dawn City, known as the “Star Academy.” This was to delay her wedding to Finn, which was no secret.
The royal family and the Phillips family had a longstanding tradition of marriage alliances, and the engagement between Fratis and Finn had been arranged by the king himself, with little chance of being revoked.
Previously, the king had not rushed this matter, allowing the Phillips family to overlook Fratis’s extended stay in Southwind City while she enjoyed a few years of a peaceful school life.
However, in recent years, disasters had plagued the Clinton Empire, making it necessary to solidify the royal family’s ties with the major factions through marriage. In this environment, Fratis could no longer afford to act recklessly.
Fratis bit her lip, her body trembling slightly as her gaze instinctively sought Luca.
She wanted to say something, but ultimately opened her mouth and said nothing.
“I understand. I will return with you,” Fratis said, lowering her head.
Many noticed the glimmer of tears in her eyes, feeling a pang of sympathy.
But what could they say?
In the Clinton Empire, neither the Phillips family nor the royal family could be easily defied by ordinary people.
In the sky, the luxurious Cloudwing Airship slowly descended.
Finn stood on the deck, first glaring at Luca before turning to Fratis, a smile spreading across his face. “Your Highness, I apologize for the wait. I know you enjoy good food, so I had chefs brought in from other countries to prepare a variety of dishes for you…”
Normally, Fratis had little resistance to delicious food, but this time she showed no excitement whatsoever.
Keeping her head down, she walked toward the Cloudwing Airship.
As she passed by Luca, her footsteps paused for a moment. She slowly lifted her head and forced a smile. “Luca, would you like to come to my wedding? We’ll have plenty of good food…”
Luca looked at her for two seconds before shaking his head slightly. “Sorry, but I don’t think I have the time.”
Fratis’s eyes immediately reddened.
“You, of all people…” Bronte said, exasperated.
It was obvious to anyone with half a brain that the princess had feelings. How could this guy not sense anything?
Fratis quickly turned her head away, waving her hands. “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll make sure to send some over to you later…”
Seeing this, Luna sighed. The reason she worked so hard to improve herself was to break free from the shackles of her family.
Fortunately, her talent was exceptional, and she had put in enough effort. The Bersa family, being a marquis family, wouldn’t force her into an unwanted marriage.
But Fratis was different. Born into royalty, no matter how talented she was, she could never escape her fate.
Fratis left the crowd in disappointment, her lost expression tugging at everyone’s hearts.
Finn watched this unfold, his hands clenching involuntarily.
He felt a flame burning within him.
But soon, that flame vanished.
A cold smile crept onto his lips.
Commoners were ultimately just commoners; no matter what, Fratis would still be his wife!
However, just as Fratis was about to board the airship, a voice Finn found extremely irritating suddenly rang out.
“Your Highness, please wait a moment.” Luca spoke up unexpectedly, leaving many people momentarily stunned.
All eyes turned toward him, puzzled about what he intended to do.
Fratis halted, looking back in confusion.
Unfazed by the attention, Luca’s expression remained unchanged.
He said calmly, “The disaster in Southwind City has left countless people homeless and anxious. Since Her Highness the Sixth Princess is here, why not stay a few days to aid the populace and calm their hearts? It would be better to leave once the situation stabilizes.
“I’m sure even His Majesty would approve of the princess’s actions if he were to hear about this.”
At Luca’s words, the crowd exchanged astonished glances. No one expected him to use this reasoning to persuade Fratis to stay. More importantly, even though everyone knew he was merely buying time for the princess, no one could object.
Southwind City had been ravaged by monsters, with countless casualties. The princess should be focusing on comforting the people and rebuilding Southwind City, rather than rushing back to Dawn City to hold a wedding.
This situation was delicate. If no one paid attention, it might pass unnoticed, but if it were exploited by someone with ulterior motives, it could negatively impact the royal family’s reputation.
Fratis paused for a moment before her expression grew serious. “Luca is right. Southwind City has suffered a calamity, and as a princess of the royal family, I cannot leave at a time like this to return for a wedding.”
She looked up at Duke Lyon in the sky, speaking earnestly, “I hope Master Finn and Duke Lyon can grant me a bit more time. Once Southwind City stabilizes, I will return to Dawn City immediately to fulfill the arranged wedding.”
After Fratis spoke, both Finn and Lyon were left speechless for a moment. Marrying the Sixth Princess as soon as possible was undoubtedly a good thing for the Phillips family.
Yet the princess wanted to stay in Southwind City to soothe the people and enhance the royal family’s prestige. Even if they knew it was just an excuse, could they really force her to return?
Lyon gave Luca a deep, penetrating look, as if trying to see through the young man.
Then he suddenly smiled, casually saying, “It’s a good thing that the Sixth Princess cares about the people of Southwind City. I have no reason to refuse.
“Since that’s the case, Finn, you should also stay. Wait until the situation in Southwind City stabilizes before you take the princess back.”
Finn frowned, wanting to say more, but upon meeting Lyon’s gaze, he immediately understood his father’s intentions.
Though it was framed as being for the princess, the primary concern was actually for Luca—or rather, the Solar Divine Spear he possessed. This artifact was far too important to let fall into the hands of outsiders.
Moreover, the Desire Demon Box belonging to Pandora was now also in Luca’s possession. If they could get their hands on both items, it would be a tremendous boon for Finn and the Phillips family.
With that thought, a smile spread across his face. “Father is right. In that case, I will accompany Her Highness the princess in staying here in Southwind City. We can leave together once things stabilize.”
Though he still hadn’t shaken off Finn, like a stubborn leech.
But Fratis was content with the current situation; at least she wouldn’t have to return with him just yet.
Once everything was settled here, Lyon didn’t linger. After saying a few words to Finn, he left Southwind City. As a duke, his presence was sensitive; it was already inappropriate for him to be here. Staying any longer might draw the attention of enemies or even the king himself.
“Be careful. Their easy agreement definitely means they have ulterior motives; they’re probably eyeing what you have,” Bronte approached, gesturing subtly toward Finn, and whispered a warning to Luca.