Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 150: Discussing Marriage?
This was precisely the dilemma for Elder Stern. He was well aware that a marriage alliance with the Budah Family was impossible, especially now that the Budah Family had fallen; it was even more unlikely.
In this situation, he didn't want to show any goodwill towards the Budah Family, but Galen was a level eight powerhouse. Offending such a strong figure would bring no benefits.
As an elder of the Versailles Family, Stern understood that the family had not yet dissolved the marriage contract with the Budah Family for two reasons: face and the fact that the Budah Family had two level eight powerhouses.
A level eight powerhouse could protect a small family on the continent, but the Budah Family had initially gotten involved in matters too significant for even level eight powerhouses to shield them.
After a considerable internal struggle, Stern ultimately decided to bring this matter up at the council of elders for further discussion. He turned to the doorman and said, "Please invite Mr. Galen in, and remember to be polite."
The doorman acknowledged and hurried out.
Before long, Galen entered the courtyard accompanied by the doorman. Stern didn't dare act overly familiar and quickly approached, saying, "Mr. Galen, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
Stern was the elder of external affairs for the Versailles Family, responsible for dealings with others, thus he knew Galen well, and they had interacted quite a bit in the past.
Galen nodded and replied, "Ah, Elder Stern, my visit today is rather presumptuous, and I apologize for the intrusion."
Stern quickly said, "You’re too polite, Mr. Galen. Please come inside." Once inside, they both took their seats, and a servant soon brought in Kaya.
Galen looked at Stern and asked, "May I ask what brings you here today, Mr. Galen?"
Galen smiled slightly and said, "It’s nothing significant. A few days ago, some pests accidentally flew into the Black Earth Wilderness. I couldn't help but swat them away. Afterward, I remembered that our young master had a marriage engagement, so I came here. Our young master feels that with the Budah Family in dire straits, he doesn't want your lady to suffer alongside us, so he asked me to withdraw the engagement. I wonder how the Versailles Family feels about this?"
Stern stood there stunned, fully understanding what Galen meant. The mention of pests, the sudden recollection—it was clearly a sarcastic jab at them. However, Galen was quite clear about his intentions: he was here to call off the engagement.
To withdraw the engagement! This was something the Versailles Family could only dream of, but now, with Galen’s actions, it seemed as if the initiative was no longer in their hands, which made Stern feel immensely uncomfortable.
Stern's expression darkened, and he said, "Is what Mr. Galen said true? The Budah Family really intends to withdraw the engagement?"
Galen looked at Stern with a touch of sarcasm and replied coldly, "We have no choice but to withdraw. If we don't, pests will keep coming into our house, and I'm afraid I won't be able to handle them."
Stern glared at Galen in anger and snorted, "This is a serious matter. I have no authority to decide. I ask that you rest for now while I report this to the family head. Someone, take Mr. Galen to rest."
Galen wasn't angry; he merely smiled slightly at Stern and said, "There's no need for Elder Stern to trouble himself. I can afford the lodging costs. Farewell." With that, he turned and left.
Stern, watching Galen's retreating figure, slammed his fist on the table in frustration.
Galen naturally heard the noise behind him, but he simply sneered and quickly left the Duke's Manor and found a hotel to stay in outside.
However, finding a hotel was merely a cover. Once in his room, Galen immediately entered the space. Zhao Hai and Grandma Merlin were waiting for him. When they saw him arrive, Zhao Hai couldn't help but smile and said, "Grandpa Galen, that was quite satisfying just now! Hahaha, I bet that guy's face turned green with anger."