The Curse of the Beast Emperor’s Seal

“A marriage proposal!?” Du Chen, who had been courteously escorting Betty to the door, felt his heart seize the moment her parting words reached his ears.

“Another marriage proposal!? By the heavens, who have I offended this time!? Ever since my reincarnation, I've *never* proactively pursued a woman! They always seem to come to me! And with that accursed Precious Lotus Scripture looming over my head, how could I possibly dare to court any woman? The mere thought is terrifying! First, Avril’s grandfather from Saint John City unleashed a relentless barrage of coercive marriage schemes. Now, upon returning to Battle God Isle, Annie's formidable aunt has arrived to press the issue. Are you all… are you truly conspiring to force me into a life of celibacy!?”

“This simply won't do. I managed to resolve the situation with Antoine, Avril's grandfather, by leveraging the Holy Church's influence. But Annie's family is clearly a powerful, reclusive clan. I must make my intentions absolutely clear to Betty right here, right now. To refuse them later would be a grave insult to their familial honor and would undoubtedly incur the wrath of an unnecessary, formidable foe!”

With this realization, Du Chen swiftly strode to Betty's side, inclining his head slightly as he gently halted her departure. With a forced smile, he began, “Auntie, there might be a slight misunderstanding. I am not quite... what you believe me to be...”

Betty, however, waved a dismissive hand, cutting off Du Chen's protest. Her gaze, that of a mother-in-law eyeing a prospective son-in-law, remained fixed on him as she chuckled merrily. “I haven't misunderstood anything. I trust the evidence of my own eyes. Worry not, I am exceedingly pleased with every facet of your being! Especially your... gambling prowess! Haha, you are truly after my own heart!”

“No, no, I assure you, I am not...” Du Chen stammered, then paused to rub his nose, adopting a more circuitous tone — a subtle attempt to preserve Betty’s dignity. “Look, I am merely a Rank 4 Battle-Warrior. How could someone of my meager standing possibly be worthy...”

“Among your contemporaries, is there truly anyone stronger, anyone more gifted? I am well aware of your prodigious talent, so there is no need to further display it. I have observed it all, and as I’ve stated, I am thoroughly satisfied! Excessive modesty, young man, verges on insincerity!”

“But... but my point is, I am merely a minor Earl at present! My dominion extends to a mere eight hundred *li*, and much of it consists of barren lands, ravaged by a recent catastrophe!”

“Enough of that! Rest assured, our family would never belittle you for such trivialities. Consider your Battle God Retainer; with a powerhouse such as he by your side, do you honestly believe your future accomplishments will be minor?” Betty had firmly decided on this son-in-law and would not be swayed. Inwardly, she mused, *Perhaps I should pen a letter to the Elder, to speak a good word for Francis!*

Du Chen clicked his tongue, casting a reproachful glance back at Deboning. *I haven't even had a chance to settle scores with you yet,* he grumbled internally, *and you’ve already exposed your true strength before outsiders!?*

Deboning, understanding Du Chen's unspoken rebuke, felt deeply wronged. *Young Master,* he thought, *you must have skipped your Battle God aura lessons once more. The art of concealing one's aura is only truly effective when there's a significant disparity in power! Keane's battle qi is likely on par with my own, and his discerning eye is even keener than mine. Did you truly expect me to conceal my presence from him? Haven't you observed that Flaying and I dare not even show our faces before Zigurd, precisely because he is a Great Master of our caliber!?*

Du Chen glanced left and right, then pursed his lips. “Auntie,” he declared, “I shall be frank with you. I am merely a nobleman born out of wedlock. By status alone, I am truly unworthy of Miss Annie!”

“Are you not a Divine Scion acknowledged by the Family Head!?” Betty grew slightly displeased with Du Chen's evasiveness. Yet, she instinctively assumed he was merely concerned about her family's numerous strictures, fearing parental obstruction to his budding romance with Annie. Thus, she patiently elaborated: “While our family indeed possesses many traditions, we are remarkably progressive concerning our children's unions. As long as you and Annie share a genuine affection, and your character and origins are beyond reproach, Auntie herself will vouch for you. The marriage will be all but sealed!”

Betty once more scrutinized Du Chen from head to toe, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “However, do not celebrate prematurely. For Annie's marriage, I possess only partial authority in the decision-making process. Annie's father likewise holds only a portion of the power. The ultimate arbiter, the one who delivers the final decree, is our family's venerable Elder – Annie's grandfather!”

“Is that so? Then I am greatly relieved. I presume the Elder's discerning eye must possess exceptionally high standards; how could someone like me ever be deemed worthy?” Du Chen finally exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Yet, Betty's very next words nearly sent him spiraling into despair!

“Auntie will not hesitate to tell you, my dear, that my visit was specifically to assess your character and capabilities. And indeed, you have passed with flying colors! Do not rejoice too soon, but neither should you overly fret. From my understanding of the Elder, I believe he will also take a great liking to you and will readily sanction this union!”

Du Chen gritted his teeth, a fierce resolve hardening his gaze. *Fine, then! I care not for your family's 'face'! I'll simply state plainly that I do not fancy Annie. Will you still be able to force your niece upon me!?*

Just as he prepared to speak, a figure materialized from beyond the doorway. It was a woman of modest stature, her delicate frame struggling to fill the expanse of a teacher's white robe. Her unremarkable face bore an unsettling pallor, and her long hair appeared quite thin. Before even crossing the threshold, she chimed with a smile, “What's this about a marriage proposal!? Francis, have you become engaged? Why didn't you inform your Auntie!?”

It was Sherine, the librarian of the Battle God Isle!

Du Chen harbored immense respect for this Auntie, who was like a sister to his mother, Phil, and whose knowledge was truly boundless. He quickly stepped forward to greet her. “Auntie Sherine, what brings you here?”

“I just encountered Harry by the Water River; otherwise, I wouldn't have known you'd returned. Quick, tell Auntie Sherine all about your engagement!” Sherine beamed, her joy for Du Chen unmistakably genuine. She offered a brief nod to Betty, her eyes settling on the purple, trident-shaped brooch pinned to Betty’s chest.

Betty's expression had remained impassive at first sight of Sherine. However, after Du Chen's mutual introduction, she paused in contemplation before nodding. “Ah, so you are Sherine, the legendary lifelong librarian of the Battle God Library!”

Sherine offered a faint, amiable smile. “Indeed, that would be me. Lady Betty, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!” With that, she gently took Du Chen's hand, her voice filled with contentment. “Are you to be engaged to Lady Betty's daughter? What splendid news!”

“Auntie, you've misunderstood; I was just about to explain...” Du Chen trailed off, suddenly realizing Sherine was subtly winking at him, a silent signal that something of great importance needed to be conveyed.

Sherine interjected, “Francis, Auntie has something exceptionally vital to discuss with you, concerning little Beibei. Could you please go and retrieve our precious little one?”

How could Auntie Sherine possibly know that little Beibei wasn't in the courtyard, but rather outside? Her mind is remarkably astute; for her to speak thus, it must signify a matter of profound urgency!

Du Chen's thoughts quickly shifted. Beibei was with Annie. If he were to decline the proposal, it would be far better to speak directly to Annie herself. This approach would, at least, spare the dignity of Betty and her ancient lineage.

Betty and Sherine watched Du Chen depart, a shared, knowing smile passing between them.

Sherine continued deeper into the house, while Betty moved towards the grand entrance. As they brushed past each other, Sherine halted, her voice dropping to a low whisper: “The Thunder Halberd has remained in seclusion for over a millennium, and Francis does not recognize it. Should any offense be given, I beg your indulgence!”

Betty, in turn, murmured, “My Elder has spoken of you, claiming you are a peerless genius, a rarity even after the Age of Fallen Gods!”

Sherine offered a faint smile. “The Elder is too generous with his praise. I am merely a rather ordinary librarian now.”

Their brief exchange concluded, they parted ways, neither looking back. Keane, who had followed Betty out, then stepped forward briskly, a hesitant look on his face, as if he wished to speak but dared not.

“Keane, what is it you wish to say!?” Betty inquired with a smile. “Are you implying that Francis is certain to win the Elder's favor?”

Keane opened his mouth to speak, then merely shook his head with a sigh.

“No? Then perhaps you mean to suggest that Francis and Annie are a match made in the heavens!? Ha, of course they are! Just look at them standing side-by-side: the same hair color, the same captivating eyes... a perfect pairing, wouldn't you agree!”

“Hmm? Still not it? Then... you mean to imply that Francis is a young man of exceptional talent, and for our family to acquire such a son-in-law is an immensely auspicious event?”

Keane finally spoke, a note of resignation in his voice. “Lady, I truly believe Francis seems to have a distinct aversion to Miss Annie, and an even greater reluctance to marry her. Just moments ago... he was, in fact, subtly rejecting the marriage proposal! Did you not sense it at all!?”

“Rejecting the marriage? How could that possibly be true!” Betty shook her head vehemently, jabbing a finger at Keane's forehead. “My Annie is truly exceptional! I dare say any man with a functioning heart would be captivated by her. I refuse to believe Francis could possibly dislike my Annie!” Her utterly confident demeanor was precisely that of a doting parent, blindly convinced of their child's unparalleled virtues!

Keane considered her words, then simply closed his mouth. *Fine,* he mused, *you are the Lady, and I am too weary to dispute you. Whatever you declare, so it shall be. But... any reasonably astute noble would have discerned it! Francis was clearly attempting a polite refusal of the marriage just now, yet you...*

*Sigh!*

Betty suddenly fixed her gaze on the sighing Keane, tapping his forehead with a finger before letting out a sigh herself. “You, you old fool! You truly grow more muddled with each passing year!”

“Lady Betty, your...”

“What 'your'!? Come, let us away to the gaming halls! These casinos here are all Pied's establishments, are they not? I wonder if his prowess has waned with time? Hahaha, it has been many years since we last met; this time, I shall gamble to my heart's content with him!”

“Lady Betty, you are a noblewoman; please, do mind your decorum...”

“To the Hells with decorum! I am finally unbound!”

Du Chen arrived at the Water River and swiftly located little Beibei, who was riding Andy and playfully brandishing a toy resembling a Seal. Annie, standing close by, watched over the child with such tender care that Du Chen couldn't help but imagine her as a truly remarkable mother in the years to come.

From a distance, Annie spotted Du Chen approaching. Without granting him a single opportunity to speak, she bowed her head, her face flushing crimson, and swiftly fled.

Du Chen watched Annie's retreat with a heavy heart, *Classmate, would it kill you to give me a chance to speak!?* he mused inwardly.

With a sigh of resignation, Du Chen scooped up his daughter and returned to his dormitory.

“Auntie Sherine, I've brought Beibei back, and you...” Du Chen began, only to suddenly notice Sherine pacing anxiously and fretfully within the room. Deboning was nowhere to be seen, likely having discreetly vanished after his unexpected encounter with Keane, unwilling to be perceived by any other outsider. The moment Sherine saw Du Chen enter, she abruptly cut him off, her voice urgent: “Francis, where did your daughter acquire this... toy!?”

Du Chen gently placed little Beibei onto a nearby chair, then asked with a bewildered expression, “Toy? What is wrong with it?”

Sherine pointed accusingly at the 'toy' in little Beibei's grasp, her voice rising in urgency. “Where did you obtain this item!? Heavens above, you actually gave it to your daughter as a plaything! *Sigh!*” She sighed repeatedly, her concern palpable. “Do you not realize that this artifact will bring about your utter destruction!?”

Du Chen, curiosity piqued, picked up the Seal-like object, turning it over in his hands for examination. “This is merely an ordinary trinket, isn't it? There are no Elemental Primal Force fluctuations, no distinctive markings. It's just a simple lion statue...”

“A lion statue? And 'merely' that!?” Sherine exclaimed, impatiently tapping her own forehead. “First, tell me, where did you acquire this object!? Are you aware that this thing carries a curse...”

Sherine shook her head emphatically, “Francis, anyone who covets or possesses the Beast Emperor’s Seal is doomed to perish within six months!”