Chapter 17: Returning
Shin and Valeri moved through the crowd, exchanging polite greetings with the assembled nobles. He forced a smile; the slight slump of his shoulders betrayed his true feelings. His thoughts were far from positive.
'This feels so... hollow,' Shin thought, his tired gaze sweeping over the nobles fawning around them. The strain of maintaining his composure was evident in the yawn he fought to keep at bay. 'I may not have my life figured out yet, but I know one thing for certain: I never want to become like them.'
Valeri's keen eyes did not miss the shift in Shin's demeanor. The subtle change in posture and the dark circles under his eyes said it all.
'Shin seems very out of it,' speculated Valeri. 'Even though we barely know each other, he did not look this exhausted yesterday.'
Shin glanced sideways at Valeri, who was navigating the social minefield with practiced grace. While Valeri seemed at ease, Shin felt out of place and overwhelmed.
"Shin," Valeri began, her voice soft but laced with concern, "you seem a bit out of sorts tonight. Is everything alright?"
"No, I'm not a fan of social gatherings, even though this is my first one," he replied, his shoulders drooping.
Valeri nodded. "I understand how you feel. I've had to attend these events ever since I was little, and I don't particularly enjoy them either." She paused, considering her next words. "Sometimes these gatherings can be overwhelming, but they often serve a purpose." Valeri continued, "But it's still important to attend them. That's how life is sometimes—you must do things you don't want to do."
Shin looked at Valeri with a newfound respect for her. He assumed she was a spoiled princess, like in the novels he read back on earth. But she also has her own obstacles and issues to navigate.
"Yes, you're right." Shin declared, correcting his posture.
Valeri, seeing this, sighed in relief.
***
A couple hours later, they were in separate carriages on their way back to Lupp.
Shin leaned into the seats in the carriage, the strain in his expression vanished, replaced by a gentle, relieved smile "It's finally over!" He shouted.
Hearing Shin's outburst, all the guards smiled wryly. Valeri also heard him in her carriage. She turned, with a curious expression, toward Laura.
"Is he always like that?" Valeri asked, her eyes twinkling with interest.
Laura fidgeted nervously, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She averted her gaze and replied softly, "No, he's usually quite composed. He clearly finds evening parties quite unpleasant."
Valeri couldn't help but giggle at Laura's response, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Laura's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink as she glanced at Valeri. "Please, Valeri, no teasing," she murmured. Immediately after speaking, Laura paled as she realized her disrespectful tone towards her master's fiancée.
Valeri's expression softened. "It's alright, Laura. Don't worry about such small things," she said reassuringly.
Relieved, Laura bowed. "Thank you, my lady," she responded, gratitude evident in her voice.
"How long will the journey take to reach Lupp?" Valeri asked.
"In a week, we will arrive at the Luppiter mansion, my lady."
***
After a week of traveling through the great forest of Mahashvarae, they arrived at the Luppiter estate. As they disembarked from their carriages, a puzzling sight greeted them.
Many carriages stood in front of the estate, each bearing the sun symbol of the largest and most powerful church on its doors.
'Why are members of the church here?' Shin wondered. 'Could this be related to why I needed to return so urgently?
'As he stepped out of the carriage, Shin spotted his parents waving at him.
"Shin! How was your trip?" Deborah called out, her eyes brimming with concern. "I missed you. Did you remember to eat properly?
"Shin gave a weary eye roll but couldn't suppress the small smile that spread across his face. "Yes, Mom, I ate properly. I missed you too." He embraced his mother before voicing his thoughts, "Why are members of the church here? Are they the reason I needed to rush back?"
"Yes, however, there are other reasons contributing to the situation," Zoran confirmed. "Let's quickly go inside. An important discussion awaits you and Valeri.
"Hearing her name, Valeri inquired, "Me as well? How come?"
Zoran led them to the mansion's entrance, his expression serious. "The situation is... delicate," he said gravely. "Everything will be explained inside." He turned to Valeri with concern. "Valeri, this may be especially difficult for you. Please listen carefully and think before you respond. You keeping your composure is important."
They hurried through the mansion towards the meeting room. Inside, they found two women seated side by side. Both had black hair, but one appeared more mature, while the other seemed close to Shin and Valeri's age. The younger woman bore a striking resemblance to her older companion.
After everyone was seated, the younger of the two women stood up."Hello, I am Luna Von Leclera, and next to me is my mother, Sharuna Von Leclera," she calmly stated with a slight bow.
Valeri immediately tensed upon hearing those names and pondered their true motives.
"We've come here today for one purpose," Luna announced, taking a deep breath. "The church wishes to propose an engagement between myself, the future saintess, and Shin Luppiter."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Shin and Valeri.
Valeri's face flushed red with anger. "What?" she exclaimed, glaring daggers at Luna. "Why would I ever agree to this?"
Luna's expression hardened, her voice cold as she retorted, "I wasn't addressing you, Valeri. This matter concerns only Shin and his parents."
Shin, squirmed in his seat before clearing his throat. "Um, Luna," he began hesitantly, "Valeri is already my fiancée."
Unfazed, Luna replied smoothly, "I'm well aware. But, it's common practice for men of Shin's status to have multiple wives. I'm content being the second wife."
Valeri, now seething with rage, shot to her feet. Her hands trembled as she exclaimed, "I absolutely do not agree to this!"
Tension crackled in the air as the two women faced off, with Shin caught uncomfortably in the middle. Sharuna observed the scene with a small smile. Meanwhile, Shin's parents remained silent, believing this was something for Shin and Valeri to work out together. They knew this challenge would not only strengthen the couple's bond but also help them grow.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Yatenwhaleji
Yatenwhaleji Hello, Yatenwhaleji here sorry for not updating for some time was sick with a nasty fever and couldn't write anything. But now it's getting better. As for the upload schedule when I'm better will be at least 7 chaps a week up to 14.
I'm still sick so if u find any errors do let me know :)
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Hope u enjoy the chapter :)
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