“Daddy…”
Trevor forced the words out through clenched teeth, swallowing down every bit of shame just to finish the sentence.
Cassian burst into laughter, smug as ever.
He clapped Trevor on the shoulder like they were old pals and said, “Good boy.
From now on, I’ll call you Faraday Snapshell, yeah?
Got a nice ring to it.”
Trevor’s stiff smile barely hid his collapsing pride.
“Real nice.
I…
really like it.”
“Glad you do.
Off you go now, Snapshel.
Daddy’s got a tournament to finish.” Cassian waved him off like shooing a fly.
Below the stage, one of Trevor’s servants instinctively covered his face and looked like he was one second away from yelling, “I don’t know that guy!”
The crowd exploded with laughter.
Even Hannah, seated up at the fishing pavilion, couldn’t hold back her chuckle.
She seemed to be growing more intrigued by Cassian.
Down at the dueling platform, the steward turned to the two remaining contestants, Derek of Azuredrake City and Spencer from Eastwatch City.
“Well, how about one of you steps up now?”
Derek scratched his head with a sheepish smile.
“Honestly, I just came for the show.
Little too young for marriage, I think.
Plus, I heard the Arcanum of the Divine Flame is about to recruit.
Might try my luck there instead.”
Spencer stood up right after.
“No kidding?
You too?
I was planning to apply as well.
How about we go together?”
“Sounds great to me!” Derek replied jovially.
Everyone could see it-they were bailing.
No intention of stepping onstage after what happened to Trevor.
They just didn’t want to get embarrassed like that poor bastard.
“I now officially declare Cassian the victor!” the steward shouted.
“No way…
Cassian actually won?”
“What on earth did he even use?
That looked way too easy.”
“Doesn’t matter.
Win’s a win.
Doesn’t matter how he did it.
Looks like the Faraday Clan might really be on the rise…”
Whispers darted through the crowd as people finally realized how well-hidden the Faradays’ power had been in Lunaris.
Emily was already racing off, grinning ear to ear.
“Young Master!
I have to go break the good news!”
The Faradays had only sent Emily along to accompany Cassian, not expecting much out of this bride contest.
Clearly, no one saw this coming.
Cassian nodded slightly at her as he grinned to himself.
Turns out, this whole thing was easier than it looked.
“Excellent!
Fantastic!
Who would’ve thought the Faradays had such a genius among them-marvelous!”
Landon’s loud laugh rang out as he brought his daughter up onto the stage, clearly pleased with his soon-to-be son-in-law.
Cassian cupped his fists respectfully and said, “Lord Elwood.”
Landon nodded with satisfaction, then turned to the veiled figure beside him.
“This is my daughter, Hannah.
You two have a chat first.
Later, come to my residence – we’ll talk further.”
With that, he turned and left the dueling platform with the steward, clearly intending to give the young pair some space.
Now, only Cassian, Hannah, and her maid remained atop the stage.
“Greetings, Miss Elwood,” Cassian said, polite and steady.
Hannah gave a small nod, voice soft and a little shy.
“Since you’ve won today’s match, you should just call me Hannah from now on.
No need for formalities – calling me ‘Miss’ sounds distant, doesn’t it?”
Well, this famed noble lady was more open than expected.
Cassian smiled.
“Alright then, Hannah it is.”
“Hey, young master Cassian, shouldn’t you lift the veil now?”
“Yeah, let’s see the face of the Elwood heiress!”
A commotion erupted below the stage – hoots, cheers, even whistles.
The crowd couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of her, each face eager with curiosity.
“Wait,” Hannah said, stopping him.
“You’ll only get to see my face if you answer two questions.
And you have to say your answers loud and clear – for everyone to hear.”
“Ask away,” Cassian replied.
He had no reason to refuse.
“Do you promise to care for me all your life?” Her tone was soft, but the question carried weight.
Cassian frowned a bit.
That was a heavy ask for a moment like this.
He hadn’t really thought about marriage – if not for the Faraday family, he wouldn’t even be here.
He paused, then said, “If we end up married, then yes – I’ll look after you forever.
But before that happens, I need time.
At least until I turn twenty – that’s four years from now.”
Hannah hesitated, then nodded.
“Fine, I can agree to that.
But I have one more question.
After four years…
would you be willing to join the Elwood household?”
Join her family?
A live-in husband?
Cassian’s expression darkened.
A man with his future – how could he stoop to that?
That’d be throwing his pride into the mud.
“No.
I can’t agree.”
His reply was sharp, unwavering.
He’d rather stay single his whole life than be anyone’s live-in husband.
A man like him?
Finding a wife was no trouble.
Even without this alliance, he had every confidence he’d restore the Faraday name.
“My lady was just asking casually.
Who do you think you are, really?” the maid snapped, clearly annoyed by his attitude.
“Do you know how many noble heirs would kill for a chance to join the Elwood family – and still not qualify?”
Cassian cast her a glance.
“If you’ve got nothing useful to say, best keep your mouth shut.
Do you even have a say in something like this?”
What the hell – he wasn’t married yet and already being mouthed off by a handmaid?
Imagine if he actually did join them – not a chance.
A real man had to have some damn spine.
“Hmm…” Hannah smiled faintly, her voice laced with approval.
“Not bad.
I like that kind of backbone in a man.
You’ve earned it – go ahead, unveil me.”