Chapter 336: The King Wants Luke as His Son-in-Law!

Even Lucan’s expression changed after hearing Roderan’s report, because the implications were far more concerning than simply losing several B-Rank warriors inside the ruins. If the Infernal Choir had managed to infiltrate a group of specially selected B-Rank members trusted enough to participate in a secret royal expedition, then there was no telling how deeply their influence had already spread throughout the Sunborn Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, we cannot ignore this," Lucan said as he looked toward Demerak.

Demerak gave a slow nod, because he had already reached the same conclusion, then leaned back against his throne and rested his chin against one hand while considering how many problems this revelation could create.

’We’re already going through a difficult period, and now this happens as well.’

A tired sigh escaped him after several moments, because one of the reasons he had approved such a dangerous expedition was the possibility that the academy representatives might recover an ancient relic capable of helping the kingdom through its current problems. Unfortunately, after listening to the survivors, he learned that the deeper section of the Twilight Ruins had turned out to be an ancient arena, where the victorious side would normally receive rewards, yet this time everyone had returned empty-handed.

What Demerak didn’t know was that the interference of gods had disrupted the normal conclusion of Heaven’s Crucible, which was why Peiro hadn’t distributed any artifacts or rewards to the surviving participants.

While considering the losses, Demerak’s attention eventually shifted toward Luke, who was standing among the others while Selene remained pressed closely against his side, clearly unwilling to let him disappear from her sight again after what had happened earlier.

’Hmm... perhaps there is still something useful I can gain from this situation.’

His thoughts moved quickly before his attention shifted toward Estelle, who was occasionally glancing at Luke from the side whenever she thought no one was paying attention.

’Perfect. It seems she already has some feelings for him.’

That realization immediately improved Demerak’s mood, and after considering the matter for a few more moments, he raised one hand and addressed everyone gathered inside the hall.

"You have all experienced enough for one day, so go and rest for now, and please make sure to attend the royal dinner later this evening."

No one objected, and Demerak didn’t bother mentioning the treasures from the ruins, because if no one had obtained anything, then there was nothing that needed to be divided or discussed.

The representatives gradually began leaving the hall, yet before Luke could follow Selene toward the exit, Demerak called after him.

"Sir Hero, would you remain for a moment? There is something I would like to discuss with you privately."

Luke stopped and looked back, while several of the nearby representatives became curious about what the king wanted from him. However, once it became obvious that Demerak intended to speak with Luke separately, everyone continued toward the exit, including Selene, although she was clearly reluctant to leave him alone after what had just happened.

"I’ll be waiting in the room, so don’t take too long," Selene told him before finally following the others.

Luke gave her a small nod, then turned back toward Demerak.

Lucan remained beside the king, while Estelle had also stayed behind, and both of them were curious about why Demerak had specifically asked the Hero of Light to remain.

Demerak stepped forward and formally introduced himself. "Although we have already met indirectly through everything that happened today, allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Demerak Sunborn, current king of the Eldric Sunborn Kingdom."

Luke responded calmly, "Luke Voidheart, Hero of Light and Baron of the Blackstone Highlands."

He didn’t bow when introducing himself, something Demerak immediately noticed, but the king showed no offense because Luke’s status as a recognized Hero placed him on a level comparable to emperors in the eyes of many powers, while Demerak himself ruled only a kingdom.

"Sir Luke, there is something rather important I would like to discuss with you, although this hall isn’t the best place for such a conversation," Demerak said with a polite smile before gesturing toward one of the adjoining corridors. "Please come with me."

Lucan and Estelle’s curiosity only increased, and both followed as Demerak led Luke toward a private reception room reserved for distinguished guests.

The room was lavishly furnished without being excessively large, with comfortable seats arranged around a low table and several royal decorations placed along the walls. Demerak took a seat on one side while Luke sat opposite him, after which Lucan and Estelle settled into the remaining seats.

Demerak remained silent for a few seconds before deciding there was no reason to drag the conversation out.

"Sir Luke, I don’t particularly enjoy beating around the bush, so I will simply ask you directly. Would you be willing to marry my daughter, Estelle?"

"..."

For several seconds, neither Luke, Lucan, nor Estelle responded.

Then a System screen appeared in front of Luke.

[YES! LUKE, SAY YES! EVEN IF ESTELLE ISN’T A QUEEN, A PRINCESS IS MORE THAN GOOD ENOUGH!!!]

Luke’s mouth twitched.

’Do you seriously like collecting princesses this much?’

The System offered no shame whatsoever, while Sevaroth remained silent because he was still sleeping inside Luke, having explained earlier that his spirit required time to properly adjust to Valtharion.

Estelle, meanwhile, had frozen after hearing her father’s question, and a faint redness quickly spread across her face as she lowered her head.

’What is Father thinking? How can he suddenly ask Luke to marry me like this?’

She wasn’t opposed to marrying Luke, especially after everything that had happened between them, and she had already considered the possibility herself, yet she had expected to spend more time together and gradually make Luke develop feelings for her instead of having her father suddenly throw a marriage proposal directly at him.

Lucan was equally stunned, although his attention quickly shifted toward his sister when he noticed her reaction.

’She’s actually interested in the Hero of Light?’

Concern appeared across his face because he had spent years protecting Estelle from political marriages, and although Luke possessed an extraordinary status, Lucan also knew that the Hero of Light already had several women around him, including princesses from different races.

’Heroes rarely live ordinary lives, and someone surrounded by that many women may never be able to give one person his complete attention.’

Lucan wasn’t going to interfere immediately, especially after seeing that Estelle herself seemed interested, but the protective older brother within him couldn’t help worrying about what might happen if she became deeply attached to Luke and later ended up hurt.

’I just hope she hasn’t already fallen too deeply for him.’

While Lucan remained silent, Luke finally answered.

"King Demerak, I appreciate the offer, but I’m not planning to marry anyone right now."

He deliberately added the final two words so the refusal wouldn’t sound unnecessarily absolute or disrespectful.

Estelle’s earlier embarrassment immediately faded as she raised her head and looked toward Luke, disappointment clearly appearing across her face as though silently asking why he had rejected the proposal.

Luke noticed her reaction but didn’t address it directly, because he already understood why Demerak had suddenly proposed the marriage.