The main engagement hall fell into an immediate hush as Former King Brylon made his entrance. In everyone's eyes, it was evident that the former king was not in good health, judging from how he moved forward.
Observing this, a voice murmured from one of the tables.
"It appears that the rumours about the former king meeting an untimely demise after the royal engagement were true," a guest remarked, a sigh escaping his lips.
"Yes, it seems to be the case. In the blink of an eye, one of the former Major Clans has now been reduced to ruins," another guest added, nodding in agreement.
A servant guided him forward, and he followed steadily until he finally reached his seat. Under their scrutinizing gazes, they observed the Clan Head of the now-ruined Crystalforge Clan and the Former King of the Prismerian Kingdom taking his place, pretending to appear absentminded as though he wasn't aware that he had become the object of everyone's attention.
"King of the Prismerian Kingdom and Clan Head of the Gemheart Clan, Garnet Gemheart; Queen of the Prismerian Kingdom and Clan Mistress of the Gemheart Clan, Elara Gemheart; Prince of the Prismerian Kingdom and Gemheart Clan's young heir, Zephyrion Gemheart, have arrived!"
The Master of Ceremonies spoke loudly once more, announcing the arrival of the royal family and the current leading clan of the Four Major Clans.
As the royal family made their way through the entrance, the Master of Ceremonies exhaled in relief before quickly wiping off his sweat and discreetly moving towards the corner of the main engagement hall.
He only revealed himself when necessary, ensuring he avoided attracting too much attention by remaining discreet. With tension palpable in the main engagement hall, standing out in a room filled with many influential individuals would be foolish.
Meanwhile, the guests stood up in respect, welcoming the royal family.
The king was adorned in a splendid regal attire, featuring a dazzling blue shirt embellished with carefully crafted gems and diamonds.
He paired it with black pants and a thick, wide red coat with black edges that hung near and over his shoulders. Prince Zephyrion, on the other hand, wore a pair of black pants with a red shirt adorned with various dazzling crimson gems and crystals.
Meanwhile, the Queen of the current Prismerian kingdom wore an extremely short gown that showcased her dazzling green panties, tightly secured around her plump buttocks.
Her gown was as short as those of every woman present, reflecting their status and standing in the current Prismerian kingdom.
The royal family soon arrived at their seats. As they took their positions, King Garnet picked up a wine glass from his table and turned around to address everyone in the room.
"I'd like to express my gratitude to every one of you for joining us today to celebrate the engagement of the crowned Prince of the Prismerian Kingdom," King Garnet declared, raising his glass high. "Before the bride's entrance, let's commemorate the new era that has dawned upon us. Above all, I lift this cup to the Luminaris Clan, the Quartzwraith Clan, the Prismaflow Clan, and my Gemheart Clan, now collectively known as the Four Major Clans. Here's to all the other clans and families within the Prismerian Kingdom. May Naka guide and protect us until the day we depart this world to meet him," he concluded.
Owen Luminous, the head of the Luminaris Clan, and the rest of the Luminaris members raised their glasses in agreement, nodding as Owen spoke loudly, "A toast to the new changes that have come upon the Prismerian Kingdom!"
The Quartzwraith Clan readily joined the gesture.
In sync with the rest, the Prismaflow Clan raised their glasses high, contributing to the collective cheer that echoed through the air.
Former King Brylon, on the other hand, maintained his composure, casually sipping his drink as he gazed into the distance, seemingly oblivious to the festivities unfolding around him.
Observant eyes couldn't help but notice his detached demeanour, prompting sighs and headshakes from onlookers.
After all, if their fate was also sealed, they shared a similar indifference towards the thoughts and intentions of others.
King Garnet, however, couldn't suppress an inward snicker of annoyance.
He quickly shifted his focus back to the lively crowd, determined not to let his mood be tarnished.
After a few moments, King Garnet responded with an agreeable nod, a wide grin spreading across his face as he enthusiastically downed the fruit wine in a single gulp. Setting the empty glass back on the table, he turned his attention back to the crowd.
Abruptly, a servant hurried toward King Garnet, delivering a hushed message. Once the information was conveyed, she promptly retreated.
"Hahah!! Excellent!! It appears the bride has finally made her entrance," King Garnet boomed with laughter, the sound echoing through the hall. Sensing an intense gaze, he glanced briefly at Former King Brylon before snorting softly and redirecting his focus forward to address the guests.
"Now, without further ado, we shall commence the engagement banquet," As King Garnet spoke, he openly gestured for Zephyrion to stand up from his seat.
Zephyrion joyfully rose from his seat and joined King Garnet at his side. Clearing his throat, King Garnet addressed the crowd, "Everyone, if you would, kindly stand and join me in welcoming the wife-to-be, the Crystalforge Clan's heir, and the future crowned Princess of the Prismerian Kingdom, Crystalia Crystalforge."
As King Garnet's voice faded, each guest slowly rose to their feet, welcoming the former Princess of the Prismerian Kingdom, who would be reclaiming her previous position, this time as the wife of the Crowned Prince.
While most were aware that this engagement served to tether the Crystalforge Clan under the control of the Gemheart Clan, as the Gemheart Clan hadn't yet exterminated the Crystalforge bloodline, the guests, especially those from the Four Major Clans, acknowledged the former Princess with a nod of respect. Despite her now being a mere chess piece, she still held the title of Princess of the Prismerian Kingdom.
