CHAPTER 617: THE KING’S ARRANGED MARRIAGE 8

TL: Rui88

In the splendidly decorated Golden Hall, the royal musicians played with all their might, and melodious music echoed within.

“Count Price Parker…arrives!”

…

“Count Pearson Abbott…arrives!”

…

The master of ceremonies at the entrance continuously announced the names.

One by one, the nobles of the Kingdom of Ordo walked into the Golden Hall.

Even though they were all great figures who ruled this country, most of them could not suppress the excitement in their hearts upon entering this sacred hall.

Some had solemn faces, some were extremely reserved, some looked around, and some even had tears in their eyes.

The Kingdom of Ordo had a vast territory with many enfeoffed lords scattered throughout, so opportunities for all the lords of the country to gather together were not many.

Not all lords had seen such a grand scene; some had never even been to the royal capital in their entire lives.

Most of the lords automatically divided themselves into groups based on their region.

But some also seized this rare opportunity to expand their social networks.

On the Northwest Bay side, Duke Henry Ferdinand looked at the mysterious smiles on the faces of Price Parker and the others with a puzzled expression.

Poor Henry. When he set off with everyone by ship, he had to return to the port due to severe seasickness and then travel to Crystal Shine by land.

Therefore, he had only just arrived here.

The Duke asked strangely, “I feel like you are all hiding something important from me. Also, where did Paul go? Why don’t I see him?”

Derrick Heller couldn’t hold it in any longer. He leaned close to the Duke’s ear and whispered, “Actually, it’s like this…”

“Father in Heaven!”

After hearing Derrick’s words, Henry Ferdinand’s eyes widened larger than a bull’s, his face a picture of disbelief.

…

In the side hall next to the main hall.

The main character of this gathering…King Rodney XVIII of Ordo…was making his final adjustments to his attire.

Several court servants surrounded him, their eyes fixed on the king, checking for any remaining imperfections.

Of course, the king was not the only one here.

There were several other core members of the royal family who were to attend with Rodney XVIII.

The king’s wife, Queen Emily Rodney.

The king’s father, Prince Jassim Rodney.

The king’s two younger brothers…Yuriko Rodney and August Rodney, who were now also princes.

The king’s sister…his uncle’s daughter…Princess Catherine Rodney.

And another person who was about to become the king’s brother-in-law, Count Paul Grayman.

The former Queen Phyllis and the other princess, Eileen Rodney, were not present, because according to Ordo’s tradition, women other than the queen did not attend such occasions. ṙΑƝ𝘰ВЁŠ

Catherine was here, on the one hand, because she was a figure with important political influence in the kingdom, and on the other hand, because the king was preparing to announce her marriage to all the lords of the country here.

As for Paul, he had been invited to the palace yesterday afternoon and had met Catherine and Eileen’s mother, Phyllis. His future mother-in-law was quite satisfied with him and had kept Paul for dinner and a night’s stay in the palace.

This morning, Rodney XVIII had requested that he attend the audience with the lords together with him.

It was just that after Paul arrived in the side hall, besides King Rodney XVIII, with whom he was somewhat familiar, he was not familiar with anyone else, including Catherine, who was about to become his fiancée.

He felt a little uncomfortable here.

“Your Majesty!” he asked softly beside Rodney XVIII, “Shouldn’t I be in the main hall with the other Northwest lords?”

After all, his marriage to Catherine had not been announced yet.

“Oh! No, no! Paul,” Rodney XVIII said with a smile. “You are about to become my brother-in-law. How can you be with the others? Of course, you should be with me… with us.”

His eyes turned to Catherine. “We are a family, right?”

Catherine turned her face away without any expression, leaving Rodney XVIII rebuffed.

“Young man!”

A voice sounded from behind, and at the same time, Paul felt a pat on his shoulder.

He turned around and found it was the king’s father, Prince Jassim Rodney.

“Oh, Your Highness the Prince!”

The prince had a smile on his face, looking kind and benevolent. “Just call me Uncle Jassim, just like Catherine does.”

“I have learned a lot about you from His Majesty. You are an outstanding child, and I believe you will take good care of Catherine.”

Paul nodded firmly. “Please rest assured, I will do my best.”

“Sniff!” Prince Jassim actually choked up. Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes, and he had to take out a handkerchief to wipe them.

Prince Jassim said sorrowfully, “If only my poor brother were still alive, how wonderful it would be. He would have cried tears of joy upon seeing you.”

His other two sons…Yuriko and August…came up to comfort him.

“Father, don’t be sad. He will be happy in the arms of the Lord of Light.”

“Yes, I believe uncle would also be gratified in heaven upon hearing this news.”

Yuriko looked at Paul. “Paul!”

He must be a very outgoing person.

“We are all very happy to have new blood injected into the royal family.”

‘What are you talking about? I’m not marrying into the family!’

Paul complained in his heart, but on the surface, he smiled and replied, “I am also honored to become family with you.”

His gaze secretly glanced towards Catherine, wondering if he should try to say a few words to her.

But Catherine was just staring blankly at a mirror.

At this moment, a court attendant walked into the side hall.

He bowed respectfully to King Rodney XVIII and reported, “Your Majesty, all the lords have gathered in the main hall. Please proceed!”

“Alright! Everyone!”

Rodney XVIII called out, “It’s time for us to go. Everyone is waiting for us.”

At this moment, Catherine walked up to Paul and stood side by side with him, presumably intending to walk out with him.

August smiled at the two of them. “You will be blessed by everyone.”

Paul’s intuition told him that August’s words were very sincere, more sincere than those of his father and brothers.

He smiled and nodded at August, expressing his thanks.

To Paul’s slight surprise, Catherine also smiled at August, although it was a bit stiff.

Rodney XVIII took a step and walked towards the Golden Hall.

The members of the royal family, including Paul and Catherine, followed him one by one.

As soon as the king appeared, the music in the main hall, which had been gentle, suddenly became rapid, more soaring and grand.

Rodney XVIII walked to the side of the throne and slowly sat down.