Reiss manor.
A few minutes after Alice left Sasha's room.
A young man who looked to be around his mid-twenties could be seen walking through the hallway, with Donald walking beside him. He was dressed in white long sleeves and trousers that were designed drawings of flowers with golden silk. His long black hair and beady black eyes complimented his handsome face.
"She's here," Donald pointed at the door on their left.
"Thank you, uncle," The young man replied with a smile.
"It's okay, Prince Casper," Donald said before turning around.
He took a glance at Sasha's door a little longer, and a hint of sadness could be seen in his eyes. But he closed his eyes resolutely before walking away. To him, this was the best option for Sasha given their current situation.
If he were to say no and Sasha decided to run away, she would most likely be caught by the people watching them and might be punished. He might put up a tough front in her presence and make it seem like he liked Alice more, but the truth was that he loved his daughters equally.
Knock! Knock!
Casper knocked on the door twice, and without even waiting for Sasha to invite him in, he opened the door and walked in with a big smile.
Sasha was sitting on the chair, in the same position as when Alice came in, only this time, there was a slight spark in her eyes. It hadn't been long since Alice left the room, so she was still stunned but thrilled by what she said.
Casper noticed the difference in her countenance and couldn't help but smile, "I guess you've already seen that I'll take good care of you. Do you like the dress I sent you?"
He sat down a few meters away from Sasha.
"It's not bad," Sasha replied blandly.
"I know you don't approve of this marriage, but I'm not like the other Princes, I'm a nice person. I can assure you that you'll come to love me later on," Casper said softly.
"If you're such a nice person like you claim, why are you forcing me into marrying you then?" Sasha asked, her words oozing with sarcasm.
"Your family's situation is not the best right now," Casper replied after a while.
"So you decided to take advantage of it. Wow, just wow! I'm amazed by your nice way of thinking," Sasha mocked.
Since Alice left, it was like she had finally regained her old self. For some reason, she was certain that the wedding wouldn't take place just like her sister promised her.
"It's… you will not understand. I came to check on you, I'll be leaving now. The ceremony has already started and the stars are here talking. I'll be waiting for you," Casper stood up and walked towards the bed.
Sasha snorted after Casper left the room.
….
The Mayor's manor.
The Lenz organization soon came in, with old man Gerald at the forefront of his group. He wore a somewhat wary but expectant look. Diluc was by his side as usual, likewise his wife and children.
His appearance attracted the attention of everyone in the arena given the status of the Lenz organization.
After he made his appearance, a few more people arrived as well. Presently, every notable family in Frost City was already present here.
The arrival of the Fifth Prince was soon announced, adorned in his white and golden dress, he walked in elegantly with a bright smile on his face.
He walked into the hall, heading towards the two seats that were facing the audience. He stood in front of his seat, seemingly waiting for something.
A few seconds after his arrival, the arrival of Donald and Sasha Reiss was announced.
With Sasha walking hand in hand with Donald, it was just like a regular wedding ceremony.
Everyone stared at the duo, with a few ladies looking at her enviously. Some of them were wishing they were the ones getting married to the Fifth Prince, and a few came here well dressed in hopes of catching the eyes of some of the princes that would attend the ceremony.
The Mayor of Frost City would be the one taking charge of the ceremony. And with Sasha present, he started the ceremony the moment she walked close to where Casper was standing.
Donald walked to the side, his expression one of shock and worry. Alice came to him a few minutes before he left the manor giving him an ultimatum, either he took the family into hiding for a while until all this was over, or he would be captured by the Emperor. She vowed to stop the wedding, and knowing full well how stubborn she was, he was one hundred and fifty percent certain that she would definitely stop it.
The only thing that gave him a sense of relief was that when he tried to stop her, she disappeared without a trace. Since even he couldn't hold her back, then it meant she shouldn't have any issues with escaping if she came.
But once the wedding was stopped, he would be stuck in a dilemma, fight or flight. The Emperor would not take this lying and would most likely see it as a sign of revolt and will use the opportunity to take down the Reiss family.
In the crowd, the Earl family could be seen watching the ceremony. Since the Smith family got into trouble with the Emperor, things had been going smoothly for them, they even received help from the Lenz organization, something they never thought would happen.
They were gradually growing, and have mostly recovered all they lost during their friction with the Smith family.
The Mayor soon got to the main part of the ceremony.
….
Outside the Mayor's manor.
Two figures could be seen strolling into the compound. Due to the ceremony, no one was stopped from going into the manor, especially if the people were well dressed.
It was none other than Grey and Reynolds, Alice was already inside the hall, hiding in plain sight thanks to Void.
….
Just as the Mayor was about to join Casper and Sasha, the door of the hall which was previously opened suddenly closed shut before it was kicked open again.
"I object!" Reynolds yelled after kicking the door open.
Grey and everyone else in the hall was at a loss for words.
The door was literally wide open, and Reynolds found a way to close them just so he could kick them open again.
