The Grand Hall had been transformed into something that exceeded mere opulence, entering territory where wealth became an almost abstract concept. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, each one containing enough enchanted gemstones to fund a town's annual budget. Silk banners bearing the Royal crest alternated with those displaying the Dragonheart sigil, the blue and silver threading catching light in ways that made the fabric seem alive.

Raze stood in a preparation chamber adjacent to the main hall, his formal attire feeling simultaneously perfect and utterly foreign. The deep blue coat fit like it had been grown rather than tailored, silver embroidery tracing patterns along the shoulders and cuffs that marked his house's colors. White shirt beneath, black pants, boots polished to mirror finish. He looked like nobility despite knowing the truth.

He'd been a commoner. The original Raze Dragonheart had been born to parents with nothing, raised in circumstances where daily survival consumed all energy. The transmigration had placed him in that body mere months ago.

Everything since then had been improvisation built on game knowledge that grew less reliable with each deviation from the storyline he remembered.

Logan appeared in the doorway, his steward's attire immaculate as always. Brown eyes tracked across Raze's appearance with approval before he spoke.

"The guests have assembled, Count Dragonheart. King Harold requests your presence for the procession entrance in five minutes."

Raze nodded, throat suddenly dry despite having rehearsed this dozens of times. Public speaking to town citizens was one thing. Walking into a hall containing every major noble in the kingdom plus foreign dignitaries was something else entirely.

Bephe sat at his feet, the small apex predator's visible heart pulsing steadily. The creature had refused to be left behind, and arguing with something that would eventually grow to demigod rank seemed pointless. At least its current adorable appearance wouldn't cause excessive disruption.

"Ready?" Logan asked, though his tone suggested the question was rhetorical.

"No," Raze replied honestly. "But that hasn't stopped anything else."

They moved through corridors toward the Grand Hall's entrance, footsteps echoing on marble floors. Guards stood at intervals, their attention focused outward with vigilance that suggested security had been enhanced beyond normal ceremony requirements. The Astorian delegation's unexpected arrival had clearly elevated threat assessment.

King Harold waited at the entrance alongside Queen Eleanor, both wearing formal attire that marked their royal status without crossing into excessive display. Harold's deep blue coat complemented his wife's elegant gown, the two of them presenting united front that decades of marriage had refined into practiced coordination.

"Count Dragonheart," Harold greeted, his expression carrying warmth that seemed genuine despite the political nature of this alliance. "Are you prepared?"

"As much as circumstances permit," Raze replied.

Eleanor smiled, the expression carrying maternal quality that made Raze understand why Fedora had grown into someone capable of compassion despite her royal upbringing. "You'll do wonderfully. Just remember to breathe and let protocol carry you through the moments where uncertainty strikes."

Trumpets sounded from within the hall, their clear notes announcing the ceremony's imminent beginning. The massive doors swung open, revealing the assembled crowd beyond.

Hundreds of people filled the Grand Hall, nobles arranged by rank and importance in configuration that spoke to careful planning. Duke families occupied the front rows, their elaborate attire and obvious cultivation strength marking them as kingdom's most powerful houses. Counts and Barons filled subsequent rows, each trying to project importance while recognizing their place in the hierarchy.

Foreign delegations occupied designated sections, their distinctive attire marking them as representatives from neighboring kingdoms. The Valorian Empire's contingent wore military dress uniforms, the Merchant Confederacy's diplomats displayed wealth through jewelry that bordered on excessive, and the Astorian delegation...

The Prince sat in the front row of Astoria's section, his golden hair catching light as his blue eyes tracked toward the entrance with intensity that made Raze's instincts scream warnings. His sister sat beside him, her expression carefully neutral though calculation was evident in how she observed everything.

The procession began with King Harold and Queen Eleanor entering first, walking the center aisle with grace that came from decades of public appearances. The crowd rose as one, bowing in respect for their monarchs. The King and Queen took their positions on the raised platform at the hall's far end, turning to face the assembled guests.

Raze entered next, Bephe trotting at his heels despite the absurdity of bringing a dungeon creature to formal ceremony. The small apex predator's presence drew immediate attention, murmurs rippling through the crowd as nobles processed what they were seeing.

He walked the aisle with measured steps, maintaining the posture Logan had drilled into him during preparation. Head up, shoulders back, movement conveying confidence he didn't entirely feel. The nobles' gazes tracked his progress with expressions ranging from curiosity to barely concealed disdain.

A commoner elevated to Count. Future crown prince through marriage rather than birth. The scandal of it was evident in how certain nobles whispered behind raised hands, their disapproval transmitted through body language that transcended words.

Raze reached the platform and took his designated position to Harold's right, turning to face the crowd. Bephe settled at his feet, visible heart pulsing steadily as amber eyes surveyed the assembly with predatory awareness.

The trumpets sounded again, their notes shifting to announce the ceremony's true focus.

Princess Fedora entered.

The crowd's whispers ceased completely, attention riveted on the young woman walking the center aisle with grace that made her seem to float rather than walk. Her gown was masterwork of design, white silk with gold threading that caught light in ways creating subtle halo effect. Her cinnamon brown hair had been arranged in elaborate style incorporating small crystals that glittered with each movement. But it was her expression that captured attention, the combination of regal bearing and genuine happiness that transformed formal occasion into something approaching authentic joy.

She walked alone, tradition dictating the bride's independence during this portion of the ceremony. Her blue eyes found Raze immediately, the connection between them evident to everyone observing. Whatever political calculation had initiated this betrothal, the affection was real.

Fedora reached the platform and ascended the steps with practiced ease, taking her position facing Raze. They stood perhaps three feet apart, close enough for quiet conversation but distant enough to maintain ceremony's formality.

The officiant stepped forward, an elderly man whose white robes marked him as High Priest of the kingdom's primary religious order. His face carried lines suggesting he'd officiated hundreds of ceremonies, though his expression showed satisfaction at presiding over one this significant.

"We gather today," the High Priest began, voice carrying through the hall with projection that suggested either cultivation enhancement or divine blessing, "to witness the formal betrothal of Princess Fedora Westia and Count Raze Dragonheart. This union joins two houses in alliance that will shape our kingdom's future for generations to come."

The words followed script that hadn't changed in centuries, traditional phrases connecting this moment to countless ceremonies that had preceded it. Raze listened with half his attention, the other half focused on maintaining proper posture while resisting the urge to fidget.

"Marriage represents more than simple joining of individuals," the High Priest continued. "It creates bonds between families, between houses, between futures that were separate becoming unified. The responsibilities are significant, the commitment absolute."

He turned to address Raze directly. "Count Dragonheart, do you pledge to honor Princess Fedora as your betrothed, to protect her interests as your own, to uphold the dignity of this alliance through your actions and decisions?"

"I do," Raze replied, voice steady despite the hundreds of eyes focused on him.

The High Priest turned to Fedora. "Princess Fedora, do you pledge to honor Count Dragonheart as your betrothed, to support his endeavors as extension of your own, to maintain this alliance with grace befitting your station?"

"I do," Fedora answered, her voice carrying warmth that the formal words couldn't quite contain.

"Then by the authority vested in me through divine blessing and royal appointment, I declare this betrothal formally recognized. The alliance between House Westia and House Dragonheart is established, binding until such time as the marriage ceremony completes the union."

The High Priest produced two rings from his robes, the bands gleaming with enchantments that marked them as far more than simple jewelry. He handed one to Raze, the other to Fedora.

"Exchange these symbols of your commitment," the High Priest instructed.

Raze took Fedora's left hand, his fingers finding hers with touch that felt natural despite the ceremony's formality. He slid the ring onto her finger, the band resizing automatically to fit perfectly. The enchantments woven through it activated, subtle glow indicating the protective magics were now bound to her.

Fedora took his hand next, her touch gentle as she placed the ring on his finger. Similar enchantments activated, the band warm against his skin. The magic would provide minor protection, though the true purpose was symbolic rather than practical.

"The rings are exchanged, the pledge is made," the High Priest announced. "Let all present bear witness to this union's formal establishment."

Applause erupted from the assembled nobles, the sound echoing through the Grand Hall with force that made the crystal chandeliers chime softly. Raze caught the Astorian Prince's expression in his peripheral vision, saw the tightness around his eyes that betrayed emotions the royal's training mostly concealed.

"One element remains," the High Priest said, raising his hand to quiet the applause. "The tradition of the engagement gift, where the groom demonstrates his commitment through offering something of value to his betrothed."

This was the moment Raze had been preparing for, the reason he'd risked his life in Titan Heart's depths. He reached into his Inventory, fingers closing around the Bephemoth Heartstring. The necklace emerged, crystallized essence catching light in ways that made the entire hall seem to dim by comparison.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, nobles recognizing craftsmanship that exceeded anything human artificers could produce. The necklace was perhaps eighteen inches long, each crystallized link perfect in proportion and flawless in construction. At its center hung a larger crystal that pulsed with contained power, the visible core of Bephemoth's essence preserved through dungeon magic.

"The Bephemoth Heartstring," Raze said, his voice carrying through the sudden silence. "Retrieved from the fifth floor of Titan Heart dungeon, formed from the essence of an apex predator that ruled its domain for centuries. The enchantments woven through it provide protection, enhancement, and life preservation should you ever face mortal threat."

He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Fedora turned slightly, allowing him to place the necklace around her neck. His fingers worked the clasp with care, the crystallized essence warm against his hands. When secured, the necklace settled against her skin, the enchantments activating immediately.

Golden light spread across Fedora's body, subtle aura that marked the protective magic integrating with her cultivation base. Her blue eyes widened slightly, surprise evident as she felt the enhancement taking effect. The necklace wasn't just beautiful, it was functionally transformative.

"It's magnificent," Fedora said quietly, hand rising to touch the central crystal. "Thank you."

The moment stretched between them, ceremony temporarily forgotten as they simply looked at each other. Then Fedora leaned forward, her lips brushing his cheek in a gesture that was both chaste and deeply intimate.

The crowd's reaction was mixed. Many nobles applauded the display, recognizing genuine affection when they witnessed it. Others showed disapproval through subtle body language, their expressions suggesting this commoner turned Count was receiving far more than his birth warranted.

The Astorian Prince's face had gone carefully blank, the kind of neutrality that required significant effort to maintain.

The High Priest cleared his throat gently, reclaiming attention. "The gift is presented, the commitment demonstrated. Let this betrothal be celebrated throughout our kingdom and beyond, announcement to all that House Westia and House Dragonheart stand united."

More applause, though this time it felt almost obligatory. The formal ceremony portion was concluding, preparations for the evening's reception already underway as servants moved through side corridors organizing the transition.

King Harold stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate silence. "Today we celebrate not just a betrothal, but the promise of our kingdom's future. Count Dragonheart has proven himself worthy through actions that speak louder than words. He eliminated corruption that plagued our nobility, defended those who could not defend themselves, and demonstrated capability that transcends his birth circumstances."

The King's gaze swept across the assembled nobles, challenge evident in his expression. "Any who question this alliance's wisdom need only examine his accomplishments. From commoner to Count to future crown prince through merit rather than mere inheritance. That is the kind of achievement we should celebrate, not dismiss through prejudice that values birth over capability."

The statement landed with force that made several nobles shift uncomfortably. Harold wasn't just defending the betrothal, he was making a broader point about the kingdom's values. Merit over birth, capability over inherited status.

"The reception will commence at sunset," Harold continued, tone lightening slightly. "Until then, please enjoy the palace grounds and refresh yourselves. Tonight we celebrate properly."

The formal dismissal allowed nobles to begin dispersing, conversations erupting immediately as people processed what they'd witnessed. Raze remained on the platform beside Fedora, recognizing they'd need to endure countless congratulations and thinly veiled assessments before escape became possible.

Duke families approached first, their status granting them priority access. Each offered formal congratulations while studying Raze with intensity that suggested they were recalculating political strategies based on this new alliance.

The Merchant Confederacy's representatives came next, their interest clearly focused on potential trade opportunities this betrothal might create. They spoke in terms of commerce and mutual benefit, barely bothering to conceal their transactional perspective.

The Valorian Empire's delegation offered congratulations with military precision, their representatives recognizing strength when they encountered it despite Raze's unconventional rise. The Empire valued capability above all else, making them perhaps the most genuine in their approval.

Then the Astorian delegation approached.

The Prince had schooled his expression into something approaching pleasant neutrality, though the effort was visible in subtle tension around his eyes. His sister accompanied him, her smile sharp enough to draw blood.

"Princess Fedora, Count Dragonheart," the Prince said, bowing with precise depth that somehow managed to convey condescension. "Congratulations on your betrothal. Quite the unexpected development."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Fedora replied smoothly. "We're honored by Astoria's presence at our ceremony."

"The honor is ours," he said, attention shifting to Raze. "I must admit curiosity about your engagement gift, Count Dragonheart. The Bephemoth Heartstring is a legendary item, one my own kingdom's greatest warriors have attempted to retrieve unsuccessfully. How did someone of your... recent advancement manage such a feat?"

The question carried edges that transformed curiosity into challenge. How could a commoner turned Count accomplish what Astorian warriors couldn't?

"Capable companions and considerable luck," Raze replied, refusing to rise to the provocation. "The dungeon was challenging, but we survived through coordination rather than individual glory."

"Modest," the Princess observed, her tone suggesting she found modesty suspicious. "Though I wonder if luck truly explains advancement from commoner to Count to future crown prince in mere months. That seems beyond what fortune alone provides."

Fedora's hand found Raze's arm, the touch gentle but possessive. "Count Dragonheart's accomplishments speak for themselves. He eliminated Master Peak cultivator who'd corrupted our nobility, survived Grandmaster rank dungeon encounters, and demonstrated judgment that transcends birth circumstances. That's capability, not luck."

The Prince's smile tightened fractionally. "Of course. I meant no offense. Simply expressing admiration for such a remarkable trajectory."

The exchange concluded with additional hollow pleasantries before the Astorian delegation moved on, their departure leaving tension that lingered like smoke.

"That went about as expected," Fedora said quietly once they were out of earshot.

"He's going to be a problem," Raze replied.

"Yes," Fedora agreed. "But problems for later. Tonight we celebrate."

The afternoon blurred into an endless cycle of congratulations and careful political navigation. Every noble house wanted their moment with the newly betrothed couple, each conversation carrying undercurrents that transformed simple well wishes into strategic positioning.

Raze endured it with patience he didn't know he possessed, the transmigrator in him finding the whole affair surreal. Months ago he'd been dying in a teenager's body, now he was accepting congratulations from Dukes whose family lines extended back centuries.

Sophie appeared at some point, bringing Mittens along despite the hybrid creature's presence being mildly inappropriate for formal reception. She hugged both Raze and Fedora with enthusiasm that temporarily displaced the political atmosphere, her genuine happiness providing momentary relief from calculated interactions.

"You look beautiful," Sophie told Fedora, examining the Bephemoth Heartstring with fascination. "That necklace is amazing. Does it really preserve your life?"

"It does," Fedora confirmed, kneeling to Sophie's level. "Your brother risked his life to retrieve it for me. That makes it more valuable than all the enchantments combined."

Sophie beamed, clearly proud despite not fully understanding the implications. Mittens chose that moment to climb onto Fedora's shoulder, the hybrid creature's multiple tail whips wrapping gently around her arm as if claiming territory.

"Mittens approves," Sophie announced. "That means it's official."

The afternoon eventually transitioned into evening, sunset painting the sky in colors that seemed calculated to enhance the celebration's grandeur. The Grand Hall underwent transformation as servants converted the space for the reception ball, chairs removed and floor cleared to create dance area while tables laden with refreshments appeared along the walls.

Raze retreated to his preparation chamber briefly, using the transition time to collect himself before the evening's obligations. Bephe had remained with him throughout the afternoon, the small apex predator's presence somehow grounding despite the creature's prehistoric origins.

"You're handling this better than I am," Raze told the creature quietly.

Bephe's response was to press against his leg slightly, visible heart pulsing with a steady rhythm that suggested agreement or possibly just contentment at being near his bonded human.

Logan appeared to escort him back, the steward's expression showing satisfaction with how the day had proceeded. "The reception begins in ten minutes. You'll need to open the dancing with Princess Fedora, then circulate among the guests for at least an hour before taking your leave becomes acceptable."

"Dancing," Raze said flatly. "Right."

"You were instructed in the basic forms," Logan reminded him. "Simply follow Princess Fedora's lead and you'll manage adequately."

They returned to the Grand Hall to find the transformation complete. The space now resembled a ballroom rather than a ceremony venue, crystal chandeliers providing warm light while musicians prepared their instruments on raised platform at one end. Guests had already begun assembling, their formal attire creating a sea of colors and elaborate designs.

Fedora waited near the center of the floor, her expression showing a mixture of anticipation and amusement at his visible discomfort. She'd changed gowns during the transition, now wearing something that allowed easier movement while maintaining its elegance. The Bephemoth Heartstring remained around her neck, its crystallized essence catching light with each subtle motion.

"Ready?" she asked as he approached.

"No," Raze replied honestly. "But that seems to be my standard state lately."

She laughed, the sound genuine despite the formal setting. Her hand found his as the musicians began their opening notes, melody flowing through the hall with practiced precision.

"Just follow my lead," Fedora said quietly. "And try not to step on my feet."

"No promises."

They began moving as the music swelled, her guidance transforming his uncertain steps into something approaching competent dancing. The assembled nobles watched with varying degrees of interest, their attention focused on the betrothed couple opening the ball as tradition demanded.

Raze was acutely aware of every eye tracking their movement, every whispered conversation likely analyzing his technique or lack thereof. But Fedora's presence somehow made it manageable, her confidence and skill compensating for his limitations.

"You're doing well," she said softly.

"I'm faking it desperately," Raze replied.

"That's called being nobility," Fedora said, smile evident in her voice. "We're all faking something."

The music continued, other couples gradually joining them on the floor as the initial dance concluded and transitioned into general dancing. The Astorian Prince appeared at some point, requesting to dance with Fedora with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Raze released her hand reluctantly, recognizing protocol demanded she accept. Watching them dance was exercise in controlled discomfort, the Prince's movements carrying practiced grace while his expression showed satisfaction at reclaiming her attention even temporarily.

Other nobles approached Raze, daughters and sisters presented for dances that served multiple purposes beyond simple courtesy. Each interaction carried political weight, families positioning themselves for potential alliances or simply wanting association with the future crown prince.

The evening blurred into an endless cycle of dancing, conversation, and careful navigation of social dynamics that made dungeon raids seem straightforward by comparison. At least with monsters, the threats were obvious and could be addressed through violence.

The reception continued late into the night, music and laughter filling the Grand Hall while servants circulated with refreshments and nobles celebrated with enthusiasm that alcohol steadily enhanced. Raze endured it all with patience that surprised him, the transmigrator learning to navigate nobility's peculiar customs through observation and improvisation.

Finally, as the night stretched toward early morning hours, the celebration began winding down. Guests departed gradually, their farewells mixing genuine warmth with calculated final impressions.

The Astorian delegation was among the last to leave, the Prince offering a final bow that carried edges transforming courtesy into promise.

"Until we meet again, Count Dragonheart," he said, smile sharp. "I look forward to our future interactions."

The words lingered after his departure, tension they carried refusing to dissipate despite the celebration's successful conclusion.

Raze stood in the emptying Grand Hall beside Fedora, exhaustion competing with satisfaction as they surveyed the aftermath. The betrothal was official, the alliance established, their future together formally acknowledged before witnesses from across multiple kingdoms.

"We survived," Fedora said quietly, her hand finding his.

"Barely," Raze replied.

"That counts as victory in noble society."

Bephe approached from wherever the small apex predator had been observing, settling at Raze's feet with visible heart pulsing steadily. The creature's amber eyes tracked the departing guests with intensity suggesting it had cataloged every potential threat.

The night was ending, celebration concluding, but the implications were just beginning. This betrothal had created ripples that would spread across the political landscape, reshaping alliances and generating conflicts that formal ceremony couldn't contain.

But those were concerns for tomorrow.

Tonight, they'd survived their engagement announcement, navigated nobility's treacherous waters, and emerged with their alliance intact despite the complications foreign princes represented.

That was enough for now

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