NOVPUBThey were given a fairly spacious room to rest in until the meeting began in the evening.
Inside, there was a small tea table, two beds for anyone who wanted to lie down, and a few other essentials to make their stay comfortable.
The attendant who guided them explained that a server would remain stationed outside their door at all times. If they needed anything, they just had to ask.
Thomas stood by the door, back straight, eyes alert—on guard as always.
Cedric glanced at him and said gently, "You can relax a little, Thomas. We've got time."
But the man shook his head and replied, "Once you join the meeting, I'll have nothing left to do. I'll rest then."
It was a fair argument. No one other than the selected guests could enter the conference hall, so Thomas wouldn't have any duties once it started.
Cedric nodded and didn't press further.
Austin hadn't returned yet.
With some time on his hands, Cedric sat down with the document the Prime Minister had handed him earlier and began to read through it.
Valerie, meanwhile, scanned the room and spotted a kettle and a few supplies neatly arranged on a side table. Tea leaves, coffee, sugar, and milk.
Deciding to prepare something warm for her father-in-law—and for Austin when he returned—she picked up the kettle, rinsed it, and filled it with milk. Then, she began mixing coffee and sugar into two cups while keeping an eye on the boiling milk.
The quiet clinking of the spoon against the porcelain filled the room… until Cedric's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Valerie."
Cedric didn't look up from the file in his hand as he asked, "Did you talk to Austin about marriage?"
Her heart skipped a beat.
The spoon in her hand paused for a second, trembling slightly.
He asked it so casually—but to her, it was anything but casual.
She drew in a slow breath and answered honestly, "We… never had a serious conversation about it."
Cedric let out a thoughtful hum. "Alright. I'll speak to him when he gets back."
Valerie panicked…talk? Talk?! About the wedding? So suddenly?
Will her Lord think she told his father to talk about it? No, he won't…think she would go that far. Right?
Like she was desperate…but-but she won't force him to get married. She wants to start a family, but not by forcing her will on him.
She could have told her father-in-law that he doesn't need to worry about it since they would talk things out and decide on their own…but she remained silent.
'Bad Valerie…' She scolded herself but showed no sign of saying anything. She was pretending she didn't hear anything from the King and resumed brewing coffee.
After a few minutes, the door parted and revealed the face she expected.
Austin smiled as he approached her, "You are making something?" He hugged her waist, much to her panic.
"Y-Your father…is here." She softly said, but made no move to remove herself from his hold.
Austin glanced at his father, and as expected of his Dad, he turned towards the wall with his head bowed and eyes focused on the file.
Thomas was standing at an angle where he could not see them because of the partition wall.
Austin took advantage of her ignorance and softly bit her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine as she bit her lip to prevent the sound she was about to let out.
She turned her eyes toward him, glaring.
But with that flushed face, she appeared like a hamster whose food had been snatched after being forced to run for hours.
God…he wanted to kiss her.
"Austin," His father called out, and Valerie instantly stepped forward, freeing herself.
If this continues, she won't be able to face her father-in-law!
Why must her Lord be so cruel?
She…she will bite him once they are alone. A strong bite.
Blood and all…
…no, blood would be too much.
Teeth marks work.
While Valerie was deciding the punishment for her lover, Austin advanced towards his father and asked him, "What happened?"
"Sit here." He gestured towards the seat beside him.
Austin's brows elevated as he nodded and sat down.
Cedric closed the file and turned towards his son before he asked, "Have you thought about marriage?"
"..." Austin was taken aback.
His father suddenly talked about the wedding.
He glanced at Valerie, but she was facing the other side, intentionally ignoring him.
Austin turned towards his father, "Why…are you suddenly interested in the wedding?"
"Because I don't want you to delay things anymore and make my daughter-in-law wait. You both are already at that age, and you will graduate in a few months, too."
Cedric's perspective was clear—if you have a girl you love and if you both are committed to each other, there shouldn't be any delay in tying the knot.
"Look, son-"
"I will marry her." He declared, and Valerie flinched.
She turned to look at him, her cheeks flushed and eyes wide.
Austin didn't waver from continuing, "I will marry her as soon as we graduate. I had it in mind already but wanted to ask Valerie first before making the announcement."
Sighing, he added, "But since you have already brought it up…"
Cedric grinned, "That's like my boy. I respect your determination."
He patted his shoulder proudly.
Meanwhile, Valerie rested her hands on the kitchen shelf, her hair covering her face and behind the curtain she was hiding a face that showed a single emotion.
Happiness.
°°°°°°°
Around five in the evening, they heard a knock on the door.
Thomas opened it, and the same officer who guided them informed them, "The meeting is about to start."
Cedric nodded before he got up, followed by the other two.
Austin walked close to Valerie as he asked her, "You really didn't know about it?"
Valerie looked away, her ears red, "I have no clue what you are talking about."
He grinned, softly colliding his shoulder to her, "You don't need to hide it. I will understand and don't tell anyone that Val took the initiative of asking me for marriage."
Valerie's eyes widened as she looked at him.
"I-I…"
Austin chuckled, "I am joking, Val." Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed it gently and told her, "Although you already agreed, I will make a formal proposal."
Valerie's shoulders relaxed, "You don't need to…" but she wanted one so she didn't show reluctance much.
Soon, they came to a pause before two huge wooden doors.
The man pushed open the door, and the three of them stepped inside.
The meeting with the world rulers begins now.
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading.
