CHAPTER 179: VALENTINE AND TEMPEST FAMILY

Gabriel looked around. This time he found himself in a grand banquet hall decorated with silks and chandeliers.

Laughter, applause, and soft classical music filled the air. He realized he was in one of the Valentine family’s estates—a luxurious mansion in the center of Stellar City.

Many nobles, military officers, and powerful Awakened warriors moved about, talking politely to one another. At the head of the hall, Ken stood beside a young woman in a midnight-blue gown.

Naturally, that person was Lilith Valentine. She looked stunning tonight, her expression calm and confident.

Their arms were linked as they stood together, showing a united front for the engagement announcement. Ken could sense the subtle tension in her posture, even though she smiled at everyone.

Earlier that evening, Ken had confronted her, asking why she hadn’t told him about her plans. Now they were acting like a happy couple for the world to see.

At the head of the hall, the Valentine patriarch stood up. He was a short man with red hair and a sharp gaze. Tapping a spoon against his glass to get everyone’s attention, he waited as the conversations quieted and all eyes turned to him.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said proudly, "thank you for joining us on this special occasion. Tonight, we celebrate not just the engagement of my daughter Lilith to the son of General Everett... but the union of two great families. This partnership between the Valentine family and the Edgeburne Kingdom will bring prosperity to us all!"

Everyone clapped and cheered. Ken forced a polite smile, though he felt strangely numb inside. His father stood nearby in full military uniform, next to the Valentine patriarch. His father’s face was hard to read, but he gave Ken a small nod of approval.

Lilith gently pulled her arm away and stepped forward to address the guests.

"This alliance means a brighter future for all of us," she said in a smooth, steady voice. "The Crimson Star Guild and Edgeburne’s finest will work hand in hand. I am honored to stand beside Ken Tempest in this new Chapter." She turned to him and held out her hand.

Ken knew what to do. He pulled a ring box from his coat pocket and opened it, revealing a ruby engagement ring. The hall went silent as he took her hand.

Cameras flashed as reporters captured the moment for tomorrow’s headlines. Some were already calling them the ultimate power couple: a Guild Princess and a future War Hero. Ken tried to keep his smile natural, not too stiff for the photos.

Lilith leaned in and lightly kissed his cheek. The young people around them cheered.

Ken felt his face flush at the public display. He chuckled softly, trying to look pleased, and the crowd clapped even louder.

"Speech! Give us a kiss!" someone shouted. His face burned, but Lilith only smirked and playfully waved the idea away, making everyone laugh.

After the formal part ended and the music resumed, the guests returned to mingling. Ken stepped down from the stage with Lilith, still walking arm in arm. Almost immediately, three well-dressed merchants approached to congratulate her, and an army colonel clapped Ken on the back with his own congratulations. The couple was briefly separated by these well-wishers.

After what felt like forever of nodding and shaking hands, Ken finally found a quiet spot near a large pillar, away from the crowd. He let out a sigh of relief and adjusted the stiff collar of his dress uniform.

This kind of social whirlwind was exhausting.

A cool voice spoke from behind him. "That smile of yours was a little too convincing."

Ken turned to see Lilith holding a glass of champagne. Free of the merchants now, she raised an eyebrow at him. He couldn’t tell if she was impressed or mocking him.

"I could say the same to you, Lady Lilith." He gave a weak smile and looked away.

She clicked her tongue, speaking in a casual tone. "Drop the formal act. We’re going to be married, after all. Just call me Lilith, like you always have."

Ken didn’t answer, and she came to sit close beside him. "You did well today—both at the ceremony and earlier during our little... chat."

He remembered their private talk before the banquet. It had been brief and businesslike. She had laid out the rules: Crimson Star Guild would be under her leadership. Because of the alliance, he could serve as vice-leader, but she expected him to follow her lead. She had been blunt, as if stating the terms of a contract to her future husband.

Ken hadn’t minded; love wasn’t part of this arrangement anyway. What struck him was her sheer assertiveness. He had told her he was there to support her, not to take over. Only then had she seemed relaxed enough to continue with the public engagement.

"It seems we both understand what’s at stake," he said quietly, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "Our families, the kingdom... everyone will be watching how well this partnership works."

Lilith nodded, twirling her champagne glass. "True. And as long as you remember your place in Crimson Star, we won’t have any problems." She smiled sweetly, though her words carried a warning. "My family built this guild from the ground up. I won’t tolerate anyone risking it—friend, ally, or even husband."

Ken met her cold stare calmly. "I don’t plan to undermine you. My goal is the same as yours: to make Crimson Star the number one guild. I’ll follow your lead, Lilith, as long as it aligns with Edgeburne’s interests."

She laughed softly and tapped her glass against his. "Spoken like a true soldier."

Lilith studied him for a moment before looking away.

Following her gaze, Ken saw she was watching a group of Holy Church clergy. They wore white robes embroidered with golden insignia.

Seeing them, Gabriel couldn’t help but think, ’These guys, it feels as if they’re everywhere... is their influence really that deep?’

The clergy stood with forced smiles. The Church was there to watch the growing power of guilds and nobles joining forces.

"Be careful of those guys," Lilith whispered. "They’re powerful and well-respected here. The pope is a close friend of the king himself. Although they present a holy front, they’re as heartless and cruel as any other faction."

"I’ll be on guard," Ken nodded.

This time, Lilith smiled genuinely. It was an icy, predatory smile. She drained her champagne and raised her head. "Now, shall we? The night is still young, and there are more hands to shake."

Ken offered his arm, and she linked hers with his. Together they returned to the crowd, looking every bit the perfect power couple.