Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"Lord Hagelberry, aren’t you a relative of Sir Malin? Say something," someone whispered in the crowd.

Old Hagelberry pretended not to hear—what a joke, this scene was clearly a grand occasion Malin set up for the Sanders and Ailan families to reunite. I’m just an old sod with no quarrel in the world; let me live out the rest of my life in peace, for heaven’s sake. I’m already eighty-two, not many years left, my old friends.

"Lord Hagelberry, aren’t you an elder to Malin? Say something," half-human friend Thomas muttered.

Old Hagelberry glared at the half-human, thinking that he should end such a lethal friendship, can you even be considered a friend? I’d feel safer with a flower vase instead!

"Lord Hagelberry, don’t stand in the crowd, come out and smooth things over," His Majesty Manheim on the throne spoke up.

This time, Lord Hagelberry, feeling coerced, stood out with a limp hand, a twisted mouth, and innocent eyes full of doubt. Glancing at Malin and about to pretend to stutter, the young man could no longer hide the smile in his eyes. He laughed and tossed over a bottle of potion, "Lord Hagelberry, my elder, what’s the matter with you? If you’re feeling unwell, drink this potion made from the World Tree acorn. It’ll surely cure you."

Spiritual Medicine! Lord Hagelberry pocketed the potion, his hand no longer limped, his back no longer bent, and no more hesitation in his eyes. Standing upright like a veteran soldier, he addressed his sovereign, "Your Majesty, since the evidence against Sir Malin is conclusive, why not let us all have a clear view of it in the presence of the lords in the hall?"

In any case, in Lord Hagelberry’s eyes, both were as good as dead. As for offending people, Lord Hagelberry thought it mattered little, and as for the families of these houses... ha, the children of the Hagelberry household would never dream alongside such trash. If you’re going to regret, it’s too late now.

"This..." someone in the crowd began, but then hesitated, and Lord Hagelberry turned his head, making all the lords immediately lower theirs.

This what? If you’re gutsy enough to speak, be gutsy enough to stand out! Really, preferring dignity over life, what nonsense.

Cursing in his heart and shrugging his shoulders, Lord Hagelberry turned to look back at Malin—this son-in-law looked better and better the more he saw him. It was the right decision to go against popular opinion and marry Lulu to him.

With this thought in mind, Lord Hagelberry looked at his son-in-law with a smile beaming on his face, "Malin, my child, can you list for us the sins of the Sanders and Ailan families?"