Sage Han's eyes twitched hearing Viktor's response since who in the right mind would go and ask terrifying societies like the Hellborn Dynasty and the Icemoon Kingdom about their missing scions?
Wouldn't they be asking for a beating or something even worse? It was not a secret that these mission scions were always a sore spot and the only black mark on their otherwise pristine reputation.
Even after thousands of years, this mark had only slightly faded.
Still, Sage Han felt that what Viktor said made sense since he just made an outrageous claim, and he was doomed, either way, no matter if it was true or false. All he had to do was wait and see for the truth to reveal itself.
But till then, he can only sit still and watch since he can't dare to offend such an important character who has a terrifying background. Sage Han had no idea how Viktor would be treated by his own people after all these centuries.
So he just couldn't take risks and bring about trouble for his own clan. Even though his pride wouldn't allow him to make way to someone else, he was mature and experienced enough to know when to make the right decisions.
And so Sage Han waved his hand, "Fine! We will soon know whether you are telling the truth or a lie. But till then, you shall refrain from engaging in such ceremonies with the young mistress of our clan. Since you are an outsider, you don't understand how our ways work, and the most important fact is that she must remain pure." Sage Han said in a stern tone while making sure Nyissa remembered this very well.
"As if! We are already halfway through the ceremony, and it will be up to Nyissa whether she wants to complete it or not. Not you or even the patriarch of your clan. As for her purity, are you sure the other clan you are trying to make an alliance with won't feel offended if they knew what just happened here?" Viktor was hinting at the kiss he shared with Nyissa, and for a clan that followed conservative values, he was sure even a kiss between an unmarried couple would be a big deal for these guys.
Sage Han clenched his fists as he gritted his teeth, wanting to smash this guy out of existence but at the same time couldn't just act out because of his emotions.
If he lays a hand on Viktor, he might risk invoking the wrath of two monstrous civilizations. But at the same time, can he just sit still and keep watching as they perform this engagement ceremony? What was he going to tell the Head Elders of his clan or even the patriarch?
Wouldn't he lose face as a Sage if he let this unscrupulous fellow have his way? But then he remembered Viktor's words and looked at Nyissa as he said, "Nyissa, this is your choice to make. Tell me, are you going to go ahead with this ludicrous ceremony with a man of foreign origins and a background we can't verify? Are you really going to put your trust and faith in such a man whom you don't even know much about? Are you sure he can take care of you if he gets in trouble because of what he said today? You and your clan might have to suffer the consequences and think about what your mother would think about this? Do you want her to be disappointed in you just like she is with your father? Don't you want to see her again while standing proudly before her? So, if you know what is better, put down that ring right away and cancel this ceremony. Don't ruin your future and potential like this. There is still time to fix things."
Sage Han, like a senior, patiently explained things when usually he wouldn't bother to use so many words. But since this was an important matter he couldn't be negligent about, he wanted to try his best and convince Nyissa to listen to him. He was confident she would obey him after hearing all this. Since, after all, Nyissa was someone who followed and practiced their ways for centuries. She knows how to differentiate right from wrong.
Nyissa's gaze flickered hearing Sage Han's words since it only made her think of a lot of things in her head.
Viktor looked at Nyissa and said with a smile, "Nyissa, you heard him, right? The part where he said only you have the power to make a choice is right. You can choose whether you want to be with me or not."
Sage Han was surprised that Viktor was supporting his words and felt that at least Viktor wasn't dumb enough to offend his clan as well.
"But all I can guarantee from my side is that I would never break your trust and faith and take care of you even if the world was going to end tomorrow. Even if your clan gets in trouble, I will be there to support your people, and as for the consequences of facing backlash from those big names, don't worry about it. I can handle them and make sure they don't bother your clan. Whatever choice you make now is going to be a turning point for our lives. So ignore this ignorant Sage and listen to your heart," Viktor said in a sincere tone, wanting her to make the best choice for herself or what she thought was best. From a bystander's perspective, it seemed like Viktor was saying his marriage vows.
'Who are you calling ignorant, brat!' Sage Han wanted to immediately shout out but suppressed the urge as he didn't feel like wasting his energy and also losing his cool before others.
He just had to pretend he didn't hear it at all. Still, he didn't expect Viktor to say all these words, and for a moment, he got worried if Nyissa would change her mind or not.
Nyissa looked at Viktor with complicated emotions in her eyes and then looked at the white ring on her finger and decided to tell Sage Han the decision she had already made.. There didn't seem to be a need for her to think any longer.