Ryan took a deep breath as he approached the door, feeling his heart pound a little faster. Whatever Duke Robert wanted must have been important, considering the way the banquet had suddenly changed course. As he stepped into the room, he was greeted by the sight of his parents and the Duke laughing and talking comfortably. The warm atmosphere took him a bit by surprise, and it felt almost like he'd walked in on an intimate family gathering.
"Ah, Ryan, come in!" his father, Roger, said, waving him over with a smile. Ryan couldn't help but notice the ease in his father's demeanor, and he tried to relax as he stepped further into the room.
"Seraphina, too," Duke Robert said, his deep voice carrying a tone of affection as he looked at his daughter. Seraphina, standing beside Ryan, nodded with a calm smile as she entered.
Ryan walked forward, trying to understand what this meeting could be about. He gave a respectful bow to Duke Robert, but before he could address him formally, the Duke smiled at him warmly.
"No need to be so stiff, Ryan," Duke Robert said, waving a hand in dismissal. "From now on, don't hesitate to call me 'Uncle.' I insist."
Ryan blinked, feeling momentarily taken aback. "Uncle...?" he repeated, a bit unsure.
"Yes, Uncle," Duke Robert repeated with a grin. "We're practically family, after all."
Ryan glanced at his parents, who were smiling as if they knew something he didn't. He had a feeling this meeting was going to be more complicated than he had initially imagined. But, keeping up his polite manners, Ryan smiled and said, "Alright then, Uncle."
"That's the spirit!" Duke Robert laughed, clapping his hands together. Then he looked at Ryan, his expression turning slightly serious. "I've called you here for a reason, Ryan. You see, there's something important that needs to be discussed."
Ryan's curiosity only grew, and he watched as Duke Robert turned to his parents, as if getting their silent approval. Roger nodded slightly, and Helena gave an encouraging smile. Ryan felt a sense of unease settling in—whatever this was, it involved more than just pleasantries.
"A long time ago, there was an agreement made between our families," Duke Robert began, his voice calm and steady. "A marriage contract, to be precise."
Ryan's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he wasn't sure he'd heard correctly. "Marriage contract?" he repeated, feeling a sense of disbelief wash over him.
The Duke nodded, his gaze softening. "Yes, between you and my daughter, Seraphina. It was decided years ago, to bring our families closer together." He smiled. "So, Ryan, that makes Seraphina your fiancée."
Ryan couldn't hide his surprise. He turned to look at his father, Roger, who was giving him a look that could only be described as proud amusement, as if saying, Well, what do you think, my son?
Ryan's face twitched at his father's expression, and he thought inwardly, How's this my a*?* He tried to keep his expression neutral, though he could feel his shock almost bursting out of him.
Seraphina, meanwhile, seemed entirely calm. She was standing beside her father, her posture elegant as always. But then, Ryan noticed something—there was a faint blush on her cheeks, a soft pink that made her seem a little more human, a little less like the composed noble she always appeared to be.
Ryan cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I… wasn't expecting this," he admitted, glancing between Duke Robert and his parents.
"Of course not," Roger said with a laugh. "But it's a good match, don't you think?"
Ryan gave his father a blank look, unsure how to respond to that. A fiancée popping out of nowhere? He wasn't sure if he was supposed to feel happy, confused, or both. He turned his gaze to Seraphina, who met his eyes with a soft, reassuring smile.
"Don't worry," she said, her voice gentle. "This doesn't mean we have to rush into anything. I understand this is sudden for you."
Ryan blinked, taken a bit off guard by her straightforwardness. Despite everything, there was something comforting in her calm demeanor. He couldn't help but feel a little reassured by her words.
Duke Robert nodded in agreement. "There's no need to rush, of course. We want you two to get to know each other better, to build a bond in your own time."
Ryan's mother, Helena, stepped forward, her eyes kind. "Seraphina is a wonderful young lady, Ryan. I think you'll find that this arrangement is a blessing, not a burden."
Ryan nodded slowly, still trying to take it all in. He looked back at Seraphina, who still had that faint blush on her cheeks, and realized that maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be as bad as he thought.
The room filled with laughter—his father, Duke Robert, even Seraphina chuckled softly. The tension that had gripped Ryan began to ease a little. Maybe this wasn't what he'd planned, but he could see that everyone meant well. And Seraphina, despite everything, seemed like someone he could grow to care about.
"Alright then," Duke Robert said with a satisfied smile. "Let's consider it settled. From now on, you two can start getting to know each other as future partners."
Ryan gave a small smile, looking at Seraphina once more. She met his gaze with a gentle nod, and he found himself nodding back. Maybe this unexpected turn of events wasn't so bad after all.