Though guests weren't invited from other Kingdoms unless they were relatives, the celebration party of Emperor Kalos's 44th birthday was still a crowded one. However, it was a blissful event.
Despite being a formal party, it was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest.
Dancers performed in the middle of the huge hall while musicians played music for them. While many watched the performance, some gathered and chat. Luxurious foods and wines were served by the servants in abundance.
Arin and Iria were also sitting on the left of the Emperor and Empress while Crown Prince Andres and Orius sat on the right.
"Aunty, you say that the daughter of Duke Manea is interested in Orius, right?" Iria asked the Empress who was very delighted to hear the topic.
Bewilderment was more seen on Orius's face than an annoyance. He didn't expect his sister to remember that!
Well, her memory was always so good to the point where it was a problem.
She didn't easily forget things; be it good or bad.
Empress Amina quickly nodded. "That's right. I also see her before. She attends this party."
"The daughter of Duke Manea?" the Emperor inquired, raising a brow. Then he turned to Orius and asked, "Why don't I hear about this?"
"Father," Andres called out and sighed. "It's not just the daughter of Duke Manea but many ladies like Orius. That's not important. It's not like he is the one who likes someone."
Emperor Kalos repeatedly nodded in approval. "That's right." Once again, he looked at his nephew and asked, "You don't have anyone you like?"
"I'm too busy to care about that," was Orius simple yet frank response.
"If you're busy, just skip one part and get married right away," the Emperor suggested. "I think the daughter of Duke Manea is not a bad choice." He turned away and his gaze trailed to the lady in question who was sitting with other ladies. "You will be a good match," he remarked with a subtle smile.
"What about Andres then?" Orius asked, looking at his cousin who frowned at him.
After sticking together for a year, the two men had formed a close bond. Though they loved to tease one another, they were always the biggest supporter of each other whenever they encountered outside forces.
"I have some arrangement for him," the Emperor simply said.
"Father!"
"I told you many times that you can choose your wife and marry someone you like," Kalos Francia calmly pointed out. "But you're 23 now. If you don't marry soon, then I will choose someone for you." With a sigh, he added, "Andres, while I was your age, you were already 2 years old."
Arin Helev chuckled when he saw his friend's defeated expression. "You still have time. Why did you make that face?" he jokingly asked.
Andres Francia thought of one thing and forced a smile. "It's fine. I will deal with it later," he bluntly said.
Just as Andres said in the afternoon, Emperor Kalos took some time to announce the new title he grant to Orius.
Duke of Larica.
Though Orius wasn't that interested in administration, he had no choice but to accept it. Iria was already granted the title of a Princess before she married the King of Qalagon.
Many officials and others approached Orius to congratulate him while some wished the King and some talked to Arin.
Once he was finally free, Orius Alewine walked to Iria and took a seat beside her.
"You'll be busier from now on," Iria calmly pointed out. "Larica is a vast province but I know you're intelligent. You will administer it well."
"I'm not that sure," Orius said. "I think I still lack experience. It's only been a year."
"But a year was enough to change our lives," Iria muttered. "We already start anew, Orius. Don't hesitate anymore."
"But you still live in the past, Iria," Orius argued. "You still live in that day. That Serene Valley."
Iria narrowed her eyes as the scenes resurfaced in her mind. "How am I supposed to forget those sacrifices? That will be so shameless of me."
Orius Alewine quietly stared at his twin sister for a few seconds. Then he said, "I look after the army but you're still the one who has the control. That won't change, Iria. If needed, the soldiers won't hesitate to fight for you."
The Qalagon Queen shook her head. "Not again. I don't want the same massacre to happen again. It's been a year, Orius. However, that day is still vivid in my memory. Those sacrifices and Rion... why must more people die for me? I can find another way."
That's almost impossible and Orius knew it. However, he chose to believe in her like he always did. Then the conversation before crossed his mind. "About what uncle said... I don't think it's a bad idea," he muttered.
"Which one?"
"Skipping one part and married right away," Orius said. "I don't think I will ever think about falling for someone. I spent all my time with the soldiers."
"Are you sure?" Iria asked with confusion. Though she wanted him to find someone and start a family, she had no plan to pressure him. She was only playing around and everyone understood that.
Orius nodded. "At first, I thought that I should just stay alone. I was so used to that kind of life but... after moving here and witness how happy Andres is with his parents, I started to dream of that kind of warm family too." He paused and continued, "Besides, I don't want the name of our Alewine family to end on us. Someone must continue the legacy, right?"
Iria nodded. However, she still couldn't hide her amazement. She never knew that her brother had such thoughts!
"So... you're okay with an arrange marriage?" she asked, still finds it hard to believe it.
"Yeah. I don't think I'm capable of courting someone." He briefly turned to the Empress and said, "Besides, Her Majesty will finally stop pestering me. It will only be Andres from now on."
Iria laughed at his last sentence. "Andres won't be happy to hear that."
"Whatever," Orius shrugged. His expression was a bit more serious than usual when he said, "But I have one condition."
"What is it?"
"If I'm to get married, you should choose the lady for me," Orius stated. "If the Empress do the work, she will be all for beauty and I don't want that. I want you to find someone who will be capable of understanding me and... the lady shouldn't be forced.. She should be willing to marry me."
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