Chapter 542: Next Topic
"After thinking it over, Irene and I have decided that we will still marry, but we won’t marry into each other’s families. We’ll keep our own names. Also, we will hold the wedding in neutral territory, and after that, we’ll live in a neutral territory as well," Aldrey said.
Hearing this, his father and Grand Duke Rivas both frowned, clearly displeased with Aldrey and Irene’s decision.
"Son—"
"Father, this is the best way to avoid making either side feel disadvantaged. I can still be the successor of Flamecrest, and Irene can still be the successor of Rivas. I know that as noble families, you and Father-in-law have your own interests, and we believe this is the middle ground that best serves our cause. No one is harmed. No one is at a disadvantage," Aldrey cut off his father’s words, causing Grand Duke Flamecrest to fall silent.
As for Grand Duke Rivas, a vein bulged on his forehead the moment he heard Aldrey already calling him Father-in-law. He badly wanted to beat this man who had touched his daughter without permission and shout—
"Who are you calling Father-in-law?!"
However, he had to admit that this was the most just decision to resolve the issue. Since neither he nor his daughter would be involved in matters concerning their marriage or their life afterward within their respective family territories, it would not provoke a negative reaction from either family—at least on the surface.
Still, in normal circumstances, this decision would have drawn opposition from those who saw it as a sign of weakness, especially the old-fashioned elders. In this case, however, all those voices had vanished from the surface—because of Aldrian.
He was the deterrent force that made those voices fall silent. The last thing they wanted was to turn Aldrian into an enemy, and the same went for him. As far as he was concerned, Aldrey and Irene’s decision brought no harm to the family. And if he were not stubborn, he might earn a better image in his grandson’s eyes.
He smiled, then opened his mouth.
"If this is what Irene wants, then I have no objections. I also believe it’s the best course of action in this situation," he said, drawing raised eyebrows from the other leaders in the room.