Walking behind Jennings, Lennox entered the hall that had not a single ray of sunlight. Even with the curtains tightly shut, countless dazzling light magic stones enlightened every corner of the Temple hall.
' ugh, what a pain in the ass '
Although lights from magic stones doesn't affect him, Lennox still finds the over brightness to be annoying. But what could he do? Switch off the lights of wedding decorations? Not possible.
With nothing in hand to do, Lennox soundlessly followed Jennings to the platform where the imperial family's seats were. Even as he walked like a ghost, people could still feel his presence. It can't be helped, he was very annoyed by the sight of a little girl drooling over his old man's face, that his pheromones just keep flowing.
' WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO ON AND LICK HIM ALL OVER?!!!!! '
Everly has been with Jennings for half a year by now, she has seen him dressed up so nicely a couple of times for official occasions. And every time he did, there would be these firework-like sparks around him with blooming red roses in the background. She just can't get enough of his face.
As the father-son duo got closer to her, Everly who was still overwhelmed by Jennings's handsomeness, shamelessly stepped forward and raised her arms toward him. Naturally, Jennings picked her up. It was so smooth, everyone could tell that they were close enough to do similar things at least once a day.
They were very familiar with each other.
"Ah, little Eve. You look exceptionally adorable today "
" hm! Your majesty looks pretty too "
Lennox stared at the two acting all lovey-dovey with a heart full of pity for Bernard.
' uh, poor general Egerton, these two idiots just ruined his hard work '
The main reason for Bernard to bring Everly along with him, was to make all the rumours about Everly being Jennings's daughter subside, by officially introducing her as his sister. However, if those two kept sticking to each other, then his plan is doomed hopelessly.
' I won't usually interfere, but...I should do something since the one who ignited the fire was none other than me '
About two months ago, Lennox started a rumour between Jennings's concubines, the purpose was to lure them into scaring Everly so she would see Annasophy a little more likeable. Although the girl ended up being way too much attached to her than expected, things were fine and were supposed to have a happy ending.
Then how did this small spark turn into an imperial scandal?!!
'Aaah, if it only wasn't for my lazy ass '
Lennox has predicted this to happen from the beginning but was too lazy to do anything to control the rumours. Well, now that things turned south, he better moves his butt and do some shit about it.
As Lennox sorted his thoughts, they had reached the platform. Jennings faced the crowd, raising his left palm, he said with his usual warm yet firm voice.
"You may all raise your heads "
Jennings gave his permission then sat on the extra fancy seat, and of course, Everly was on his lap. After all the audience stood properly, he spoke again.
" Today is a very special day for the husband and wife to-be. We wish that all the attendees will share their sincere congrats wholeheartedly "
As his voice faded in the hall, Jennings motioned at Bernard to come up.
Meanwhile, Lennox whose seat was next to a golden vase was having a hard time in his mind.
' don't look don't look don't look don't look don't look don't look don't look don't look '
He could see it through his reflection on the golden vase. That very humiliating thing on his head, a crown that symbolizes the next Emperor in line. Something which has the same design as a circlet worn by virgins when searching for a mate.
It is a mutual tradition between many nonhuman races, for virgin females to wear golden leaves circlet with a red gem in the middle. Although what's on Lennox's head was pure gold with highest tier Violette gem, everything else was an exact copy.
Whoever designed this crown, must have had a grudge against the crown prince of that time. Otherwise, how would you explain why his crown and the upper regions' traditional circlet were so much alike. To add on, they both had the same leaves pattern of a tree that doesn't even grow in the human realm.
With Lennox's personality and reputation, no one dared to laugh at him. However, there is Bernard who shamelessly told the Welfmore brothers then all of them laughed to their hearts contents. And at the moment, there is Everly.
Who has been staring at him with an odd gaze....
" General, there is an urgent matter that needs to be done "
" what is it, your majesty? Does it concern the wedding celebration? "
" yes, it does. I hope it's just my imagination, yet I can't help but be concerned "
" I shall make sure nothing of your worries come true "
" thanks. Honestly, I think someone is plotting something. The atmosphere feels off, and there were few suspicious men near the temple's entrance. I had sent sir Montfort to investigate, but it would be better if you go personally"
" rest assured, your majesty. I will do my best to not disappoint you "
' NO!!! Don't leave!! I want to participate in the conversation. I actually know what is happening!!! GENERAL!! At least take your sister with you!! '