Um... let me pick anyone?
Kevin was slightly stunned by Fergal's words, his gaze naturally drifting to scan the girls again. To be honest, even by modern standards, each of them was breathtakingly beautiful—perfect curves, elegant demeanor, and a refined temperament.
But then Kevin's eyes moved to Fergal himself, a two-meter-tall giant of a man, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. Are they really his biological daughters?
This has to be some kind of genetic anomaly, Kevin thought.
Before Kevin could ponder further, Cu Chulainn, standing next to him, grew visibly anxious. Seeing Kevin lost in thought, Cu Chulainn nudged him, his tone hurried: "Kevin!"
Snapped out of his daze, Kevin glanced at Cu Chulainn's impatient face, immediately realizing what might have been going through his brother's mind. But before Kevin could explain, Fergal's booming voice interrupted them.
"Kevin, the Man of Miracles," Fergal began, his tone confident, his smile as wide as his towering frame. "What do you think of my proposal?"
Fergal was sure of himself. After all, he knew his daughters' allure and had witnessed countless men grovel at their feet. Every year, warriors from across the continent of Erin came to Lask seeking their hands in marriage, only to leave empty-handed.
If it weren't for the grandeur of their entourage and the prestige of the Red Branch Knights, Fergal might not have even allowed Cu Chulainn and Kevin into the palace.
Kevin tore his gaze from Cu Chulainn to Fergal, his expression transitioning from calm to slightly confused. He took a step forward and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, King Fergal," Kevin began, his tone sincere, "thank you for your kindness, but I... don't quite understand."
"You don't understand?"
Fergal's eyes narrowed, his gaze bouncing between Kevin and his daughters. "Do you mean to say that you are not satisfied with them?"
Hearing this, Cu Chulainn stiffened. He glanced nervously at Connor, who gave him a subtle shake of the head, urging him to stay silent. Though Cu Chulainn trusted Kevin implicitly, the tension in the air made him uneasy.
"No, no," Kevin quickly clarified, shaking his head. He turned his attention to the daughters. "The princesses are all stunning, Your Majesty. I'm certain no man could look upon them and remain unmoved. To marry one of them would be an honor beyond measure."
His words rang with heartfelt admiration, earning him approving nods from the Red Branch Knights and even Fergal's daughters, who exchanged modest smiles.
"But," Kevin continued, his tone shifting to one of solemnity, "I love my homeland. I love every citizen, every hill, and every valley of the Kingdom of Ulster. So please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I cannot accept your request."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Connor and Cu Chulainn struggled to keep straight faces, their lips twitching as they fought back laughter. Even Kevin, who had delivered his heartfelt speech with conviction, felt goosebumps rise along his arms.
Meanwhile, the Red Branch Knights, including Bruel, stared at Kevin in admiration. Having witnessed Kevin resist a temptation they themselves would have succumbed to, they couldn't help but feel a mix of respect and shame.
Kevin, however, couldn't fathom what Fergal saw in him. As a man so obsessed with his daughters, why would Fergal offer one to him so easily?
What's so special about me? Kevin wondered.
Fergal, instead of being angered by Kevin's refusal, leaned back in his throne, his expression unreadable. Slowly, a look of approval spread across his face.
"If one is not enough," Fergal mused after a moment of silence, "what if there are more than one?"
The words echoed through the hall like a thunderclap.
Everyone, from Kevin to the princesses and even the servants, was left dumbfounded.
This man is supposed to be a daughter-obsessed father?! Kevin thought in disbelief. Is he serious? What on earth does he see in me?!
Just as Kevin was on the verge of panicking, Connor stepped forward, his brows furrowed with indignation. "Your Majesty—"
"I'm not talking to you!" Fergal barked, cutting Connor off without even sparing him a glance. His eyes remained fixed on Kevin, his tone softening. "Miracle Man, what do you say?"
It was clear that Fergal's fondness for Kevin had only grown. Perhaps it was Kevin's polite demeanor, his eloquence, or his striking appearance, which stood out sharply among the brawny warriors around him.
Kevin, after all, had spent years consuming the divine fruit, which left him with a physique and complexion that bordered on ethereal. In Fergal's eyes, Kevin's unique charm was undeniable.
And then there was Kevin's speech—a perfect balance of respect, eloquence, and national pride. It left Fergal feeling both flattered and impressed.
In this era, warriors tended to lack tact. Cu Chulainn's blunt confidence was the norm, not the exception. Kevin's diplomatic approach was a rare and valued quality.
Fergal, a shrewd ruler, also recognized the strategic advantage of allying with someone like Kevin. Marrying multiple daughters into Kevin's household was, to Fergal, a sure-win deal.
But for Kevin, it was anything but simple.
Everyone's eyes fell on Kevin, awaiting his response. Bruel and the other knights had already resigned themselves to what they thought was an inevitable outcome.
How could anyone refuse such an offer?
Kevin took a deep breath, pretending to weigh the proposal. He let a pained expression cross his face before finally sighing.
"Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your generosity," Kevin said, his tone heavy with regret. "But I'm afraid I cannot accept."
For the second time, the hall plunged into silence.
The Red Branch Knights exchanged incredulous looks, while Cu Chulainn tried—and failed—to suppress a grin.
Bruel muttered under his breath, "This kid is unbelievable..."
Kevin, however, maintained his composure, standing tall despite the weight of so many expectant gazes.
I, Kevin, love to say NO to self-righteous people, he thought with a wry smile.
Fergal stared at Kevin for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to everyone's surprise, he broke into a hearty laugh.
"Well said, Miracle Man. Well said!" Fergal declared, clapping his hands.
For now, it seemed Kevin had successfully defused the situation—though he couldn't shake the feeling that Fergal wasn't done with him yet.
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