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Death’s Daughter Chapter 160

Author: “FoodLovingPanda”

CHAPTER 160: A CASE OF REACTIONS AROUND THE WORLD

***ERIK’S POV***

I read the letter my son had brought. Then I read it once again. Finally! It took way too long even with all the hurrying from the Archduke, I even made sure that everything will be prepared for the traditional royal wedding. But first, I must make an announcement. Vitou already sent out invitations to all the nobles present in the capital to arrive in the castle for this announcement.

“My dear fellow citizens, you must all be wondering why is it that I called you here today. I am glad so many of you have come because I have some excellent news to share with you all. Before my father passes on the responsibility for each and every life in this kingdom to me, I have decided to take a wife. I am certain all of you have heard the news about my father, His Majesty telling me to take a wife and many of you sent profiles of your lovely and nobles daughters to me. And I have finally made my choice. You have all heard about her, I am sure of it, but sadly today she is not here with us since she is on her way from finishing her request. But I simply could not wait any longer without sharing such news. The one I am taking as my wife is Duchess of House Tenryuu, also known as Elemental Empress, Naoko Maeda.”

I watched as nobles applauded. There was no point in having Naoko-chan present here because she would most likely ruin the atmosphere. I am more than aware she is against this arrangement and is being forced to marry my son, but the deal is a deal and even though she is unwilling I am sure that man will make it so that she sees it to the end.

With the word from Vitou, it was now my turn to say a few words. Among the nobles that were protesting I knew some would shut up if I said my words and that will make things easier to deal with later on.

“I hereby give my blessings to my son, and welcome Naoko-chan to our family. She is of noble heritage and outstanding person. Let us pray that their love lasts forever and inspires countless other couples.”

There was no need to keep things long. As long as I give permission, few will dare to oppose. The line of people waiting to congratulate Vitou was a long one so I decided to take this chance and send a notice through communication crystals, which were only used in urgent times, about this engagement to each and every province in the kingdom. I plan on making this wedding the grandest of all. It will be unlike anything seen before.

***EARL ORZAK’S POV***

Ever since that dungeon popped up out of nowhere in my territory, this place had become so busy every day. This meant there was more paperwork to deal with and less time for being lazy. I tried taking on the dungeon, but the mana drain which occurs inside it is a real problem for someone like me who doesn’t have a large mana pool at disposal.

I was going through finances when the king’s communication crystal glowed bright and presented the message it held. Actually it would be better to call it a notice instead of a message; it was an announcement of engagement between Vitou and Naoko-chan.

How the heck did he get her to agree? I was glad for my friend, but also concerned about Naoko-chan. I mean she didn’t bother hiding her dislike of royal family every time I mentioned them. I don’t know how she will fit in, but since it was announced publicly it means that they have come to an agreement. Either way, it was a piece of good news and I am sure others will also celebrate this announcement. After all, she is more than suitable to stand by Vitou’s side.

I immediately wrote the announcement and had it posted just outside the town hall and to make sure Naoko-chan doesn’t destroy it, two guards were sent there to guard it and read it out to anyone not knowing how to read. This way everyone will know about it soon enough, and I wouldn’t have to inform every single lower ranked noble person about it. Now, I just need to write and congratulatory message to Vitou.

***HIIRO’S POV***

“Hii-kun did you see this? I can’t believe it, she is our age and is already engaged? Isn’t this kind of romantic, especially since her partner is the Crown Prince?”

I was strolling through the city with Mai-chan on our date. It’s been quite some time that we were all alone, just the two of us and this really seemed like a good idea to spend some time together. I went to see the notice that she was reading and immediately froze up. Is this for real? My Nao-chan and the Crown Prince? Is that why he was asking about her past? By really, why Nao-chan out of all the people?

“Who would have thought? I am completely shocked. Back on earth I thought she would never find herself a guy. I mean she always said marrying is one thing that she would never do and that love is only but a lie. I guess she couldn’t resist once it hit her so she changed her view. This is a good thing.”

“They are so perfect for each other. Kyaa~~! Do you think we will be invited to the wedding? Oh my god, I need to find a dress, and shoes, and a bag to go with it. Aaah, we don’t have enough time, Hii-kun hurry up we need to go!

I let Mai-chan drag me away. Those two really do seem to fit together once you think about it. Both of them are strong and have overbearing attitude. They seem like a good power couple. Nao-chan I am glad you finally found someone, you have my full support.

***CERBERUS PARTY***

“Naoko…sister-in-law…”

“Whatdya say Blink? I didn’t hear ya. We’re not stayin’ here only passin’ by. There is no need to enter this town.”

“No…Naoko…Vitou… engaged.”

“WHAT?!”

“Excuse me?”

“Naoko…soon…sister-in-law…”

“Hou, now that is some real good news that you bring. I really want to congratulate her personally.  It seems she is all grown up now. And she ended up with such a fine man. I am moved.”

“Lassie, this ol’ man will give you one heck of a weddin’ present. Come let’s get a move on and finish this quest.”

***DRAGON’S DESCENT HQ***

“I am sure you have all seen the announcement by now. I have called you here today regarding the engagement announcement between our Honorably Boss and Leader, Lady Maeda. Allow me to say something first. I am deeply moved she immediately began working for the ultimate goal of world domination and she started so strong by seducing the future king of this kingdom. Let’s all raise our glasses and toast to our Honorable Boss and the future of our clan. CHEERS!”

“Cheers!” “Cheers!”

***NINO’S POV***

“Uncle! Uncle! Big news! I… I… She… Naoko-san and Vitou-sama are engaged! How come I didn’t hear anything about this before? Heck there weren’t even any rumors about them at all.”

I ran into the guild master’s office and almost puked from the stench before I recalled that the guild master was not using this room right now. I ran to the old archives room where his temporary office was and found him with a glass of liquor already in his hands.

“Let us celebrate their engagement. When crowds learn she came from Orzak branch of guild we will gain more adventurers and everything will be fine in the future. Our branch will prosper.”

I thought about it for a second and became certain of it. This was definitely not a happy occasion, at least not for Naoko-chan. She became an A-ranked adventurer and immediately a day after an announcement was made about her engagement. I could finally connect all the dots and all puzzle pieces suddenly started to fit. She was definitely aware of this outcome and that is why she was so adamant against moving up the ranks. If this was something she wanted, she would not have looked so devastated yesterday.

“Uncle, I am going to decline the toast. I don’t think it is the most appropriate thing considering Naoko-san.”

I returned to work, but it was a slow day. I couldn’t help but think about what Naoko-san had to do to evade this and then being forced to rank up as well as getting married to the Crown Prince. Thinking about how I helped in making her face all this I really felt bad. She must hate all of us so much. Just what she did to the guild master’s room is proof she blames us. I should go and apologize and beg for forgiveness first thing tomorrow.

That night a huge thunderstorm hit the town making everyone feel scared since they were recalled the dragon that was the new dungeon master. The next morning as I was on my way to see Naoko-san at her inn I noticed many people have dark circles under the eyes from not being able to sleep last night. Luckily nobody was hurt in the storm. The only damage done was to the notice board in front of the town hall which was hit by lightning and burned down. A new one was put up immediately, but every time for the next two days it would be found destroyed by another lightning the next day since the thunderstorms continued every night. The place was soon branded cursed and no new notice board was put up.

Sadly I was not able to see Naoko-san when I came to see her and none of her students knew where she went. I asked her staff, but they only gave me harsh looks which made me back away. I didn’t want to mess with them any longer, because I could tell from a single glance that none of them were human. One was a demon and the other was a transformed monster. I had no idea which ones, but to be able to move among humans without alarming them both of them were extremely powerfully and highly ranked. In the end I just left a notice and hoped she would be able to forgive me.