Chapter 938: Engagement

Chapter 938: Engagement

Once they settled down not far from the palace to avoid the rotten smell, Selena began to recount every single thing that had happened in the last 12 years.

Count Ashton was oozing with killing intent once he learned about the isolation that Selena had suffered. He couldn’t forgive himself for allowing such a thing to happen.

He was quite surprised to find out that Nathan was a unique summoner, and he was even smart enough to create a lot of major breakthroughs in academics.

The moment Flora’s condition was mentioned, Count Ashton became even more astonished. After all, for a crown princess to suddenly drop out of the succession battle required a huge power.

Let alone to make that crown princess be reduced to one of the wives instead of the main wife. He never thought his own daughter would be the main wife.

However, the most pleasing thing he had ever heard was how talented his daughter was, especially when Nathan mentioned the principal saying Selena could surpass him.

Last but not least, the volcanic eruption. He finally understood what was happening with the world, which made him respect Nathan even more.

Nathan truly had done so much for Selena, even though they hadn’t married. Both of them seemed to love each other as well, and there was no problem with each other’s background.

No. Count Ashton even wondered if Selena was worthy to be the main wife.

After listening to everything that happened, Count Ashton couldn’t help but smile. “I see. I truly didn’t make the wrong decision. Please take this.”

Nathan smiled wryly. “I understand. I will gratefully accept it. I will also—!”

“No. There’s no need to do that. Summoning a powerful vampire progenitor is the best thing you can give to the family.” Count Ashton shook his head. “Our family has become a laughingstock for all these years because of such an outdated tradition.

“I was trying to change it from the inside, but I wasn’t convincing enough. However, it’s time for the Ashton family to change.

“It’s time for me to deal with the Ashton family and all the grievances between us.” Count Ashton’s expression turned cold.

It was clear he was going to deal with the problem with an iron fist, but it wasn’t their place to tell him what to do with his family.

Count Ashton, instead, added, “As for you, you don’t have any obligation to the Ashton family. In fact, it will be a waste if you end up marrying into our family and get the name of Ashton.

“However, to make sure that your family won’t be looked down upon, I do suggest that you get a family name sooner or later.

“While becoming a noble is the easiest thing for you to get the family name, there are two other methods you can choose. The first one is to take on your teacher’s family name or gain enough power to etch the name yourself.”

“Won’t the Ashton family face a problem with the succession?”

“Not at all. I have a plan in mind. But I will have to borrow my daughter for a few days.”

Nathan nodded. “I understand. I’ll be working hard for it.”

Satisfied, Count Ashton continued with the next problem, which was the obvious one. “How are you planning to return from here?”

“!!!” Nathan raised his head. He didn’t expect Count Ashton to ask this question. This was indirectly implying that Count Ashton planned to follow Nathan’s plan instead of taking the lead himself. In other words, Nathan was free to order Count Ashton as he pleased.

“…” Nathan took a deep breath before explaining, “The return trip is fairly simple. While it’s true that we’re able to do it ourselves, I believe going home faster will be better, especially since the unexpected situation causes us to save you here instead of bringing you back and releasing you there.

“Hence, I would like to ask you to take the lead. The rest of us will be supporting you. We’ll take the plain route and try to avoid anything related to another elite class alien. What do you think, sir?”

“Fair enough.” Count Ashton nodded in approval. “I don’t have any problem with the arrangement. It’s just… if there’s one thing I don’t like…”

Nathan furrowed his eyebrows, wondering if he was missing something.

To his surprise, Count Ashton pointed at Nathan, saying, “That is… you haven’t called me ‘Uncle.’ There’s no need to be polite with me, and just call me Uncle. Once the engagement has been arranged, you can call me Father.”

“!!!” Nathan was taken aback.

Count Ashton raised one finger. “The marriage itself can wait. However, there is one hidden reason nobles love to have an arranged marriage, and they usually arrange it when they are still young.

“That is because it’s practically saying you are a couple, one that is not bound by just a mere word, but a physical vow.

“By finishing the engagement, it means you can progress the relationship with other people as well.

“Without the formal engagement, it will be unfair for Saintess Sera and Her Highness Flora, since it puts them in an awkward situation. Once we return, I will finish it in a few days. Do you have any problems?”

Sera and Flora had never mentioned it before, but it could indeed be seen that way. The order of the engagement mattered in the long run.

Normally, Flora would be the second one, but Sera was a Saintess, so her status wasn’t that different from Flora’s.

And with this engagement, it meant their relationship had been approved by both sides, including their parents, and reflected in that physical vow, which was their engagement ring.

Nathan realized he hadn’t put enough thought into it because he came from a modern world. Although he disliked nobles, the common senses between the two worlds were different. So, he should still follow common sense, such as having an engagement.

Nathan shook his head before politely bowing his head. “No. I don’t have any problem. And thank you for reminding me, Uncle.”

“That’s settled then. You’re welcome.” Count Ashton smiled.