Chapter 349 Aftermath
Pressure.
That was the word.
It wasn't about fairness. It wasn't even about marriage anymore. It was about making it impossible to say no. If the Duke rejected this sudden surge of interest, if he tried to block these entrants, the backlash would be immense.
Accusations of discrimination.
Disrespect.
Disregard.
The kind of stain no kingdom could afford in front of the Empire.
He would be forced to open the gates.
And once that happened, there was no telling what else might flood through.
Still… all was probably not lost yet.
Duke Evermoon's eyes flicked briefly to the man beside him.
Mage Lian stood calmly, gaze locked on the arena below, where dust still lingered in the wake of Michael's display. There was a glimmer in his