After Kevin's decisive words fell, the air in the hall turned icy. Silence reigned as everyone stared at him in stunned disbelief.
Fergal's daughters exchanged uncertain glances, while the Red Branch Knights, including Bruel, looked at Kevin with newfound admiration.
Look at him, thought Bruel. Such loyalty! Such resistance to temptation! What a noble character!
Meanwhile, Connor and Cu Chulainn, who knew Kevin best, wore expressions of disbelief mingled with amusement.
Keep making it up, Connor thought. One or two more lines like that, and even I might start believing it.
"...Alas." Fergal finally broke the silence, his voice heavy with resignation. His lips twitched as if he wanted to say more, but all he could do was sigh.
By all rights, he should have been furious. Kevin had refused his offer not once, but twice—and both times, Fergal had made concessions!
But somehow, looking at Kevin standing there with his steadfast gaze and unyielding demeanor, Fergal found that he simply couldn't bring himself to get angry.
"You are indeed the Son of Light, the Man of Miracles," Fergal said, nodding slowly. "You may go."
With that, he gestured for his daughters to leave and ordered the servants to escort Kevin and his group to their rooms. He leaned back on his throne, closed his eyes, and refused to entertain any further discussion.
As Emer walked out of the hall, Cu Chulainn's eyes followed her every step, filled with reluctant longing. He started to speak, but Connor grabbed his arm and shook his head firmly.
Under the watchful eyes of the guards, Kevin, Cu Chulainn, and the rest of the party were led to the guest quarters.
Once the doors were shut and they were finally alone, Kevin felt the weight of everyone's stares.
"Kevin, you—" Connor began, but he hesitated, unsure of how to phrase his question.
"Please don't mention it!" Kevin interrupted, shuddering dramatically as he hugged himself. "I still feel gross all over!"
"So, you were pretending?" Connor asked, his curiosity piqued.
"What do you think?" Kevin rolled his eyes. "Come on, you know me better than that."
Then Kevin turned to Cu Chulainn, who still looked dazed. "And you! Snap out of it! Emer's gone already!"
Cu Chulainn blinked as if waking from a dream, his face still tinged with melancholy. His infatuation with Emer was painfully obvious, and Kevin couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy.
Connor, meanwhile, let out a relieved sigh. The familiar banter between Kevin and Cu Chulainn reassured him that Kevin hadn't suddenly transformed into the overly righteous man he'd pretended to be in the hall.
After a moment, Connor's expression grew serious. "But this is going to be a problem," he said, furrowing his brow. "It's clear that Fergal has no intention of marrying his daughter to Cu Chulainn."
Hearing this, Cu Chulainn let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "If I'd known it would come to this, I would've asked Father for the divine fruit every day... maybe I'd look as innocent as Kevin by now."
Kevin shot him an exasperated glare. "You were making fun of my figure just a few days ago!"
Of course, as the stronger of the two now, Kevin had taken every opportunity to exact revenge. Cu Chulainn had been on the receiving end of countless playful beatings during their journey—an outcome Kevin thoroughly enjoyed after years of being on the losing side.
"So, what's the plan?" Connor asked, his gaze shifting between Kevin and Cu Chulainn.
Kevin thought for a moment, then spread his hands. "It's a dark and windy night. I say we get to work."
"Work?" Cu Chulainn tilted his head, confused.
"Knock her out and take her home," Kevin said bluntly.
Cu Chulainn's face lit up, then quickly darkened as he hesitated. "But... wouldn't that make me a criminal?"
"You're already planning to elope with her, you idiot," Kevin said, exasperated. "How is this any different?"
With Kevin's plan agreed upon, the group bribed a few servants to find out Emer's location and waited for nightfall.
When the time came, Cu Chulainn climbed through Emer's window while Kevin and Connor stood watch outside.
"Do you think he'll knock her out or just carry her out?" Connor asked, smirking.
Kevin chuckled. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she walks out holding his hand."
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Cu Chulainn emerged with Emer by his side. She was blushing furiously but showed no signs of resistance.
"You... you're done already?!" Kevin exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief.
"Huh?" Cu Chulainn looked puzzled. "We just talked."
Connor shook his head with a laugh and gestured for the group to move. "Come on. Let's get out of here before Fergal finds out."
Unfortunately, their escape was cut short. When they reached the meeting point, they found Fergal and a squad of guards waiting for them.
Bruel and the other knights, beaten and subdued, stood off to the side, their faces filled with shame.
"I'm sorry..." Bruel muttered, unable to meet Kevin's eyes.
Fergal, towering and imposing, fixed his gaze on Kevin. "The Man of Miracles," he said, his voice calm but edged with steel. "What is the meaning of this?"
Before Kevin could answer, Cu Chulainn stepped forward. "This is my doing!" he declared boldly.
"I wasn't talking to you," Fergal snapped, his glare silencing Cu Chulainn instantly.
Kevin stepped forward, raising a hand to calm Cu Chulainn. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady. "I take full responsibility for this. But this is our choice."
Then, in a calculated move, Kevin added, "As for the betrothal gifts, we've left them in the guest quarters. Among them are rare treasures... and even several divine fruits."
Fergal's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "My daughter cannot be replaced by treasures," he said.
"Of course not," Kevin replied. "But is it not natural for a man to love a woman and for a woman to love a hero? My brother and your daughter have found true love. Can we not celebrate that?"
Fergal frowned, clearly conflicted. He glanced at Cu Chulainn, then at Emer, who stood silently by his side.
Finally, he turned back to Kevin. "If you choose Emer, I will let this matter rest."
Kevin froze, his frustration mounting. What do you see in me? he thought.
Taking a deep breath, Kevin forced a polite smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty, but—"
"Are you sure?" Fergal interrupted, lifting his massive blade and placing it against Bruel's neck. His voice grew colder. "Are you truly going to refuse?"
Kevin sighed internally. Here we go again.
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