If I Am to Marry, It Will Be No Other!

Hearing Du Chen's slightly odd question, Godfather Ferdinand paused, then mused, "Currently, the infighting is confined to the noble officials, and His Majesty would never allow this struggle to cause significant harm. So, not too many people should die!"

Du Chen mused internally, 'This current political infighting is essentially a "dog-eat-dog" battle among politicians vying for power and profit. Aiding them certainly doesn't count as a good deed. The crucial point is the innocent common folk!'

He rephrased his question, "Let's put it this way: if I hadn't appeared, or simply vanished, how much harm would this struggle inflict upon the commoners?"

"Your questions are growing stranger! Even a bit outrageous!" Ferdinand pondered, then said, "Commoners generally won't suffer any losses, because in this kind of political struggle, once one faction falls, their positions are immediately filled. Commoners will continue their lives as usual, unaffected significantly!"

Ferdinand continued, "Furthermore, political strife affecting commoners goes against the interests of the Holy Church and His Majesty Bargnar. If the situation truly escalated beyond redemption, the Holy Church and His Majesty would join forces to suppress it with an iron fist, absolutely preventing harm to the common folk! Even if commoners were somewhat affected, it wouldn't be severe!"

Du Chen felt a mix of delight and disappointment. He was delighted that commoners wouldn't be implicated, but disappointed that he'd lost many opportunities to perform good deeds!

However, Ferdinand immediately added, "Yet, among the commoners who came to the Imperial Capital for you, most have dispersed. But hundreds remain, detained by the City Watch, and they are highly likely to become sacrifices in this struggle!"

*Smack!*

Du Chen slammed the table, a surge of righteous fury erupting within him. 'I might not be a good man, but damn it, for my fellow villagers to stick their necks out for me only to end up as sacrifices—this is utterly intolerable!'

'When you're out in the world, you live by loyalty,' this was the simplest truth Du Chen had learned from the streets in his previous life!

Du Chen's eyes flickered erratically, even appearing grim and terrifying. Under the brightly lit cathedral, a chill unconsciously crept into Ferdinand's heart. 'Is this Francis's true self, in this moment?'

After a long pause, Du Chen asked calmly, "Godfather, how are my Charitable Foundation and old servant Foye doing now?"

"They are quite safe. The Charitable Foundation currently holds high esteem among the common folk of the Imperial Capital. Regardless of His Majesty's considerations, for the stability of the Imperial Capital, he wouldn't easily allow anything to happen to the Charitable Foundation. Ultimately, this entire affair stems from your burgeoning reputation displeasing His Majesty, while Wedno seized the opportunity for revenge. In truth, you don't yet possess the power to truly threaten the Empire, and with so many protecting you, His Majesty didn't push things to an extreme, leaving room for maneuver."

"Then, how does the Holy Church intend to handle this matter?"

Ferdinand shrugged with a smile, "The current situation is a state of equilibrium. There are only two ways to break this balance: one is your actions, and the second is the choice that old fox, who has remained silent since the chaos began, will make!"

...

Meanwhile, Jamis and his companions had arrived at the Xino Duchy's embassy in Saint John City. As a prince of Sinos, Sem easily learned of the Lanning Empire's delicate situation from the ambassador.

"Heavens, will Francis be in danger!?" Annie gasped, covering her mouth, her mind racing. Should she immediately contact her family, ask her grandfather and father to aid Francis? While her family's power might not sway the fate of a great empire, surely they could protect one person amidst the chaos?

Porter shook his head. "Classmate Annie, I don't believe Classmate Francis is in any true danger. While he enjoys immense popular support in Southern Lanning, in reality, he doesn't possess the... *intent*, nor the... *power* to genuinely threaten His Majesty Bargnar!"

"Classmate Porter, what do you mean by that?" Sem paced anxiously.

Porter chuckled, "The situation certainly *appears* chaotic right now, but once you discern the interests and objectives of Lanning's major factions... hah, I personally feel Francis won't be in danger this time. On the contrary, if he plays his cards right, he stands to gain significant advantages!"

"Let's hope so!" Jason, lost in thought, mumbled a perfunctory reply before startling. "Oh? Classmate Porter, how can you see through the turmoil of Lanning's political arena so clearly!?"

Porter paused, then chuckled awkwardly, "I've read a lot of history books. This kind of situation has happened many times throughout history..."

He smiled outwardly, but inwardly, he felt bitter. 'Political strife again... sigh!'

Still uneasy, Annie walked up to Jamis, urging, "Professor, you're older, after all, and have seen many things. What do you say about this time..."

Jamis was guzzling the red wine on the table. Hearing her, he indifferently raised his head, his eyes glazed with intoxication. "Didn't the Old Charlatan say you'd all be fine within Saint John City?"

"But..."

"Oh, it's nothing! Even if Francis tears a hole in Lanning's sky, someone will clean up his mess! Because old Bovin said Francis is definitely safe!"

As Jamis spoke these words, deep within the Misty Forest, a certain individual was staring up at the dim sky, wailing inwardly, 'Heavens, just drop an iron disk and put me out of my misery already!'

"Brockman, did you not hear Lord Andy's command? Damn it, I want a pie made from Level Seven Sabretooth Tiger meat! Go fetch one for me, immediately!" The "mighty" Lord Andy had recently become obsessed with the Divine Grant Earl's pie-making skills, and his palate had naturally grown more discerning. Constantly evolving, ordinary Aberrant Beasts no longer satisfied him.

"Lord Andy, mighty Lord Andy, in Sinos's and my current physical state, it would be difficult to defeat a Sabretooth Tiger!" Brockman pleaded.

Andy bared its fangs abruptly and roared, "Either go hunt a Sabretooth Tiger, or be eaten by me immediately! I am starving!"

"No, no! Sinos and I will go together right away!" Brockman muttered inwardly, 'If your power is so immense, why don't you go yourself instead of sending us to our deaths!?'

This time, Brockman and Sinos miraculously returned alive. Afterward, they continued to carry Lord Andy through the boundless jungle. Compared to the elusive Aberrant Beasts lurking in the Misty Forest, they found Lord Andy's sudden whims and insatiable appetite far more terrifying...

...

At Saint John Cathedral, Du Chen looked at Ferdinand with surprise. "Oh? The Lanning Empire still harbors such an old fox?"

Before Ferdinand could answer, a knock sounded from outside. "Godfather, Prime Minister Antoine has arrived to visit Lord Francis!"

Ferdinand smiled, "This old fox has been Prime Minister for decades; his resources are immense. In this great chaos, he's the only one who hasn't joined the fray! Now that you've returned, even this old fox can't hold back anymore..."

*Buzz!* Du Chen felt as if his head had been struck by a muffled hammer. 'Heavens, why is Antoine here? Should I find somewhere to hide? This old man is truly terrifying!'

Du Chen was truly terrified, not of Antoine himself, but of Antoine's granddaughter...

Avril!

This beauty, crowned in the Imperial Capital and pure as water, had once sworn an oath: she would marry no one but Du Chen!

Counting the women he'd encountered since his reincarnation... 'Forget it,' he decided. 'In short, if Du Chen ever lost control and made a mistake with a woman, the prime suspect would undoubtedly be Avril!'

Ferdinand found it peculiar. Just moments ago, Du Chen had been composed and shrewd, like a seasoned politician; now, he'd suddenly wilted like a frost-bitten eggplant!

"In the current climate, this old fox is capable of influencing the balance of power within Saint John City. His role will be infinitely magnified, Francis, you had best meet with him!" Seeing that Du Chen offered no objection—he was actually still preoccupied with Avril—Ferdinand opened the door, welcoming Lanning's Prime Minister, Antoine!

"Godfather, I hope your blessing ceremony hasn't begun yet; I've come to witness it! I hope I have that honor!" The burly, bearded old man Antoine seemed unchanged from half a year ago, showing no signs of age; instead, he appeared even more vibrant. His words, as foxy as ever, subtly indicated that he wasn't here as an adversary!

Ferdinand smiled knowingly. "Lord Francis, I have some matters to attend to. Please keep the Prime Minister company for a chat!"

Antoine watched the Godfather depart, then sat opposite Du Chen, smiling kindly and benignly. "Today, I've come to speak with you as a grandfather. Let's dispense with all formalities!"

'A grandfather's identity... sure enough, he's here for Avril!'

Du Chen adjusted his expression, chuckling. "Prime Minister, you certainly have a good sense of leisure! The waters of Saint John City are so murky right now that one can't see the bottom, yet you, elder, sit calmly with your rod... What, preparing to cast your line and fish?"

He stood up to pour Antoine a glass of mead. "You're here for Avril, aren't you, old sir?"

"Heh heh, rest assured, what I've promised, I will uphold. I absolutely will not become intimate with your granddaughter, and I can also guarantee that I will deliberately avoid meeting her! Please believe me, this guarantee requires no return from you; please, you must believe me!" Du Chen's words were absolutely sincere, and it had been a long time since anyone had heard such a heartfelt confession from him...

'This little fox is sharp enough to use my own words against me—brilliant! I never expected my granddaughter's infatuation with him to be so utterly insane!'

Antoine thought to himself, 'My precious granddaughter Avril has already unequivocally declared she'll marry no one but him. And somehow, she learned that I once "threatened" and "ordered" Francis. The result is that day after day, she neither cries nor throws a tantrum; she simply stares at me with those pitiful, wide eyes... it's truly heartbreaking. I had no choice but to finally compromise. I'd hoped today I could use this opportunity to retract my previous words—I was prepared to be shameless and try. But this current chance is even better; I can maintain my prime ministerial dignity!'

'I'm here to help you, Francis!!'

Antoine smiled gently. "Fishing? Heh heh, your analogy is quite amusing! However, I've actually come to continue the conversation we had before you left the Imperial Capital!" His fingers tapped the table, and he spoke with an air of superiority, "Back then, you couldn't cultivate battle qi and weren't favored by your family; it was truly difficult for me to marry Avril to you! But now, it's different. You possess the Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Body and a fortune of millions, more than enough to match Avril's status! So, when do you plan to propose?"

Du Chen pursed his lips. "Prime Minister, was I not clear just now!? I told you the answer to that question over half a year ago: I truly do not wish to marry your granddaughter! Furthermore, I have no intention of marrying in the short term!"

Antoine was stunned. 'Huh?! Does this kid really have no interest in Avril?! He'd assumed that with the Prime Minister offering his granddaughter, Du Chen would surely be overcome with gratitude and immediately agree to acknowledge their kinship, especially at a time when he most needed external support!'

Seeing Du Chen meet his gaze without flinching, not a trace of hesitation in his eyes, Antoine mused, 'It seems this young man truly doesn't want to marry Avril. But is a noble's marriage entirely up to you?! If gentle persuasion won't work, then the Prime Minister will resort to force! In any case, I *must* marry my granddaughter to you! I can't bear to face my beloved Avril's mournful gaze anymore!'

"Hmph!" Antoine's face hardened. "Let's speak plainly. You must understand the situation in the Imperial Capital by now, correct? You have as many enemies as friends, and the only power within the Imperial Capital that hasn't intervened in this factional struggle is mine..." The unspoken implication was: 'Your very survival depends on which side this old man chooses to assist! If you're smart, agree at once, marry Avril! Then treat her well!'

Du Chen suddenly scoffed, saying mysteriously, "Prime Minister, your stance can indeed sway the situation within Saint John City at this moment. However, to clear this muddy water, you are not my only path! Furthermore, don't you think acting this way is far too demeaning to Miss Avril? I believe not just myself, but even Miss Avril, if she were to marry me for this reason alone, do you think she would truly be happy? I genuinely do not wish to marry Avril, especially under these circumstances!"

'Damn it, I intended to play hardball, but this kid is even tougher than me!' Antoine stroked his beard, glaring at Du Chen, thinking, 'Alright then, time to switch to enticement!'

"Heh heh, if you have a way to navigate these murky waters, then this old man would be content to sit back and watch the show! But Francis, you are currently just a Divine Scion outcast from your family, a mere minor Lord, aren't you?" He appraised Du Chen's luxurious attire, his gaze finally resting on the valuable silk belt.

"You are indeed a wealthy man now, with many Gold Coins! But in many situations, Gold Coins do not equate to status, nor to power, do they? I imagine that as the Imperial Prime Minister's grandson-in-law, Avril's husband, you would at the very least hold the title of Earl, and a vast territory!"

Du Chen stood up, propping his hands on the table, and stared at old Antoine. "Elder, are you trying to tempt me? An Earl's title, territory... Truthfully, I quite fancy both of those things, and I don't doubt your ability to bestow them upon me. However, I still have no intention of marrying! Please, don't make things difficult for me, alright!?"

*Smack!*

Antoine also slammed the table and stood up. He was the Imperial Prime Minister, after all; how could he tolerate a mere minor Lord speaking to him with such assertiveness!? Even if this Lord was his secretly chosen grandson-in-law!

"Francis, it seems you're intent on forcing this old man to lose his temper with you!" Antoine threatened in a low voice.

"Alright, alright, elder, getting so worked up isn't good for your health!" Du Chen didn't wish, nor dared, to overly offend the Imperial Prime Minister. He congenially supported Antoine's arm, chuckling, "It's getting late. I think you should return to rest. Godfather Ferdinand is waiting for you downstairs!"

Hearing the Godfather's name, and recalling where they were, Antoine grunted, allowing Du Chen to escort him downstairs.

However, Ferdinand wasn't in the ground-floor hall; who knew where he'd gone. Du Chen had no choice but to personally walk Antoine to the door, bidding him a cheerful farewell.

*Thud!*

The cathedral's ebony doors swung shut. Antoine glanced at the dark, imposing doors, fuming, "Little brat, offending a Prime Minister is a most unwise choice!"

He strode down the steps outside, but after only a few paces, he saw the curtain of his own carriage, not far away, being pulled open. Avril peered out, her beautiful face flushed, looking at Antoine with shyness and anticipation. She was waiting for her grandfather to give her good news!

Seeing his most beloved granddaughter, Antoine sighed inwardly. 'Forget it. For my granddaughter, I'll put aside my old dignity!'

He turned back towards the door, just about to knock, when suddenly, relying on his own power as a Level Seven Metal-element Battle God, he faintly heard Du Chen's majestic, undeniable voice from within, "Archbishop Rogge, immediately summon Godfather Ferdinand to me!"

Archbishop Rogge's voice followed, submissive, even somewhat fawning. "Esteemed Lord, favored of the gods, your command is humbly obeyed!"

Antoine's mouth parted slightly. 'Heavens, was that really Archbishop Rogge, the one who was so arrogant he wouldn't even look at generals from the military department!? Yes, it was his voice, but he called Francis... Lord!'