Florain flashed Arthur one last teasing smile before turning toward Ian.
"Come on, Father."
"We shouldn’t keep Mother waiting."
Ian momentarily glanced at Celestia intently but quickly averted his gaze before giving a smile.
"I suppose you are right."
Father and daughter soon disappeared into the bustling crowd, leaving Arthur standing before his two guests.
Arthur’s attention returned to the elegant silver-haired young woman before him.
A courteous smile appeared on his face.
"Lady Celestia."
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Celestia’s violet eyes met his own.
For a brief moment...
She found herself appreciating his appearance even more than before.
The rumors and pictures online hadn’t done him justice.
His features were almost unfairly perfect.
Sharp obsidian eyes.
Smooth, flawless skin.
Delicately sculpted lips.
Broad shoulders.
Combined with the elegance expected of House Ashbourne’s bloodline...
He looked less like a young noble...
...and more like a masterpiece carefully crafted by the heavens themselves.
No wonder he’s called the First Prince...
Celestia unconsciously traced the rim of her wine glass with a finger.
How troublesome...
The more I look at him...
...the more I want him.
A graceful smile spread across her lips.
"I simply wished to congratulate you personally on your coming of age ceremony, Young Master Arthur."
"It would have been quite discourteous of me to attend such an important occasion without introducing myself."
Beside her, Miranda smiled knowingly, quietly observing the exchange without interrupting.
Arthur smiled politely.
"Well..."
"I’m grateful you felt it necessary to do so."
Celestia’s lips curved into a faint smile.
Without warning...
She took a graceful step forward.
Closing the distance between them.
Arthur raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.
Celestia gently lifted a hand.
With a single slender finger beneath his chin...
She tilted his head downward just enough for their eyes to meet.
The corners of her lips curled upward.
"Tell me, Young Master..."
"Have you already decided whose hand in marriage you intend to accept?"
Arthur remained perfectly composed.
A quiet chuckle escaped him as he gently took hold of her wrist and carefully lowered her hand from his chin.
"I must admit..."
"I’m not the sort of man who enjoys rushing such matters, my lady."
"I believe I would much rather get to know my future partner before making promises that will shape the rest of my life."
He smiled warmly.
"Perhaps..."
"During my time at the Imperial Academy..."
"I’ll arrive at such a conclusion."
Celestia looked down as her hand slowly slipped free from his grasp.
"...Oh?"
"So you would rather get to know someone first."
She gave a thoughtful hum.
"While I wouldn’t call such an approach uncommon..."
"...it does strike me as rather inefficient."
Arthur smiled politely.
"I’m glad you understand..."
Before he could finish...
Celestia’s smile deepened ever so slightly.
"...But..."
"I don’t believe your family can afford to wait much longer..."
"...can it?"
The warmth in the air seemed to cool ever so slightly.
Her words were delivered with elegance.
Yet beneath that refined smile...
The implication was unmistakable.
House Ashbourne’s current weakness had become the first card she intended to play.
Arthur’s smile remained unchanged.
"I’m not sure I understand..."
Celestia let out a soft, amused laugh.
"Oh, come now."
"There’s no need to feign ignorance."
"It is hardly a secret that House Ashbourne has fallen into a rather difficult situation following the Hollow Brood invasion of your family’s star system."
Arthur’s expression gradually became more serious.
Though outwardly...
He remained perfectly calm.
Celestia continued as though discussing the weather.
"Everyone attending your ceremony today may appear eager to win your hand in marriage..."
"But in truth..."
"They’re also hoping your family recovers."
"Should House Ashbourne overcome this crisis, those fortunate enough to secure an alliance with you would undoubtedly reap tremendous benefits in the future."
She glanced around the banquet hall.
"But let us be honest."
Her lips curled into a faint smile.
"None of these... small fry..."
"...possess the means to truly help your family."
Behind Arthur...
Seraphina remained perfectly still.
Yet Arthur could almost feel the effort she was putting into maintaining her composure.
He had no doubt she was only remaining silent out of respect for the occasion.
Arthur calmly met Celestia’s gaze.
"...So."
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Celestia giggled softly.
Without answering immediately, she raised a single elegant finger.
A nearby maid immediately approached, carrying a golden tray.
Celestia gracefully placed her wine glass upon it.
"Thank you."
The maid bowed before quietly excusing herself.
Only then did Celestia fold her arms beneath her generous chest, subtly lifting it as she regarded Arthur with a confident smile.
"It’s quite simple, really."
"I’m willing to save you."
"...And House Ashbourne."
Her violet eyes locked onto his.
"Become mine."
"And I’ll ensure your family receives the support it needs."
She smiled reassuringly.
"I’ll even respect your wishes."
"We don’t have to marry immediately."
"We can simply become engaged."
Her smile widened ever so slightly.
"Then..."
"Perhaps we can make it official before we begin our mandatory military service together."
The confidence in her voice made one thing abundantly clear.
She wasn’t presenting Arthur with what she considered a proposal.
She was presenting him with what she believed was his best, and perhaps only, option.
As arrogant and infuriating as Celestia’s attitude had become...
Arthur knew he couldn’t afford to respond carelessly.
Outright rejecting her here...
In front of so many distinguished guests...
Could very easily be interpreted as an insult toward House Valerius itself.
And insulting the heir to one of the ruling Galactic Lord families was not something one simply walked away from.
At best...
Relations between their houses would deteriorate even further.
At worst...
It could ignite a conflict.
Under normal circumstances, House Ashbourne would never fear such a thing.
Their military might had once rivaled even House Valerius.
But that was before the Hollow Brood invasion.
Now...
With their fleets stretched thin and countless worlds still rebuilding...
The last thing his family needed was another powerful enemy.
Perhaps...
That was exactly what Celestia was counting on.
Perhaps she fully expected him to believe he had no choice but to accept.
Arthur inwardly smiled.
Unless hell itself freezes over...
There’s no way I’m letting this entitled woman think she can simply have her way.
Even so...
He had to play this carefully.
A warm smile appeared on his face.
He even gave a few soft applauds.
"I must say..."
"I’m truly flattered by your proposal, Lady Celestia."
"It is far more generous than I ever could have expected."
He gave a slight, apologetic bow.
"However..."
"If I may ask one small favor..."
"Please allow me a little time to gather my thoughts."
He smiled sincerely.
"I’m certain that after I’ve had the opportunity to carefully consider your proposal..."
"...and after I’ve seen the gift you’ve so thoughtfully prepared for me..."
"I’ll be in a much better position to give you the answer you deserve."
His words were polite.
Respectful.
And impossible to fault.
Yet they committed him to absolutely nothing.