Capítulo 29: Chapter 29: Strange Surprise
[Third Person's PoV]
Everyone stared at Stephen with a mixture of confusion and amusement. Aurelia tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowed. "Out of all the last names you could have chosen, you picked... Strange?" she asked, her voice filled with bewilderment. "Why, may I ask?"
The others in the room exchanged curious glances, equally perplexed by Stephen's unusual choice. His decision certainly stood out as bizarre, and they were all eager to hear his reasoning.
"It suits me," Stephen said with a nod, his tone confident. "And it sounds nice."
A moment of silence passed before Julius chuckled softly. "Stephen Strange… You know, I can actually see the appeal. I like it!" He nodded approvingly as he rolled the scroll in front of him.
As soon as the scroll was fully closed, a red ribbon appeared from nowhere, wrapping around it tightly. With a faint shimmer, the scroll split into two. Julius handed one to Stephen. "Here you go, your official healer's certification. If anyone doubts your credibility, just show them this. We'll keep the other half for safekeeping," Julius explained as he tucked the second copy into the inner pocket of his robe.
Stephen examined the scroll briefly before sliding it into his own pocket. "Thanks," he said with a polite nod.
"Now, about my daughter..." Aurelia's lips curled into a smile, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Stephen quickly glanced at his wrist, even though he wasn't wearing a watch. "Oh, would you look at the time! I can't believe how late it's gotten. If you'll excuse me, I have some prior commitments," he said, his voice laced with urgency, taking a small step toward the exit.
"Actually, wait a moment before you go." Julius's voice stopped him mid-step.
"Hm?" Stephen turned, eyebrow raised.
Julius reached into the opposite side of his robe and produced a small envelope, holding it out for Stephen. "Please deliver this to your captain. It's imperative that he receives it."
Stephen took the envelope, examining it for a second before nodding. "Sure, I'll hand it to him," he said, slipping it into his own pocket for safekeeping.
Aurelia, however, wasn't about to let him escape so easily. She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You know, Stephen... I'm getting you engaged to my daughter."
Stephen stopped in his tracks, letting out a heavy sigh. He turned back to face her, clearly annoyed. "Look, I tried to be polite, but it seems you're not getting the hint. So forgive me for being blunt, but… Why are you so obsessed with me marrying your daughter? Leave me alone. I don't want anything to do with this," he said, his voice growing firm.
The room went silent, everyone taken aback by Stephen's candid response. Aurelia, however, remained unfazed, a smile still lingering on her lips.
"I understand why you're frustrated," Aurelia began, her tone surprisingly calm. "But I'm just trying to secure a bright future for my daughter. And I believe that future is with you. You're incredibly smart, talented, strong, handsome, and there's an air of mystery about you. It adds a certain... spice to any relationship. As her mother, it's my duty to look out for her."
Stephen shook his head in exasperation, pulling out his sling ring. "I can respect that you want the best for her, but you need to respect my choices as well. And my choice is that I don't want to be part of an arranged marriage." With a swift motion, he opened a portal and stepped through it, his final words hanging in the air as the portal closed behind him, leaving an awkward silence in the room.
Aurelia stood there, still smiling to herself, seemingly unfazed by his departure. 'He's the perfect son-in-law,' she thought. 'He wasn't intimidated by my status or my persistence. He just keeps getting better.'
Julius was gathering his things when Aurelia turned to him, her smile now a bit more serious. "Julius, I need a favor."
Julius sighed deeply, already anticipating what she was about to ask. "You know, if you go through with this, he's going to hate you, right?" he warned, his tone grave.
Aurelia's smile turned awkward as she scratched her cheek. "Yeah... I'm prepared for that. He can hate me all he wants."
Her expression then shifted, becoming resolute. "But I've already lost my sister. I won't lose my daughter too. They can resent me, but if Mimosa is safe in the end, all the anger will be worth it."
Julius met her serious gaze with one of his own. "And you really believe Stephen will be able to keep your daughter safe?"
"You saw it yourself, Julius," Aurelia replied, her voice filled with conviction. "That boy is exceptionally powerful. He cast spells of unimaginable strength without even opening his grimoire. And let's not forget, he possesses the mysterious six-leaf clover grimoire."
Julius closed his eyes, contemplating her words before giving a small nod. "Very well. If this is what you truly believe... then it shall be done."
Aurelia beamed, her mood instantly lifting. "Thank you, Julius!" She almost skipped out of the room, descending the stairs with a lightness in her step. As she reached the bottom, she pulled out a small communication magic tool from her pocket. The image of a young woman with beautiful orange hair appeared on the screen.
"Mother? Is something the matter?" the girl asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Aurelia smiled brightly. "Mimosa, my dear. You're officially engaged to a wonderful boy I found for you. You're going to love him, trust me!" she announced proudly.
"Eh?!" Mimosa exclaimed, her face turning red with shock.
---
Meanwhile, Stephen stepped out of the portal, arriving at the front of the Black Bulls' base. As the portal closed behind him, Nero tapped his cheek curiously, tilting her head.
Stephen chuckled, noticing her inquisitive gaze. "You're wondering why I kept my last name a secret if I was going to reveal it anyway, aren't you?" he asked with a smile.
Nero nodded, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Well," Stephen began, "if anyone's looking to exterminate me for possessing the name Strange, they'll find, after a bit of research, that I wasn't 'born' with it—it was given to me by the Wizard King. That way, they won't get suspicious. And if anyone from my past is searching for me, hearing the name 'Strange' might actually draw them out. They could have the information I need."
As he finished explaining, Stephen reached the front door of the base. Just as he opened it, fireworks made of Magna's fireball magic exploded in the sky.
"CONGRATULATIONS, STEPHEN!!!" the Black Bulls shouted in unison. Banners hung from the ceiling, and a large cake with Stephen's face, made by Charmy, sat proudly in the center of the room.
Stephen upon seeing them stood wide-eyed with shock, before he looked down at the ground in sadness, "I'm I disappointed you guys…" He said with a voice filled with heartbreak.
Everyone stood frozen as they looked at each other wondering what to do.
"Phttt, I'm just messing with you guys!" Stephen said, pulling out the certificate and throwing a peace sign with his tongue out.
"STEPHEN!" They exclaimed in astonishment as they couldn't believe he got them with that.
Stephen snapped his fingers, "Strange, it's Stephen Strange to you guys~" He smirked.
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