Chapter 4: Runaway Bride

Inside the imperial chamber, a long table draped in a pristine white tablecloth was set in the center. Lined along the table were golden candelabras with white candles. Crystal glass ware and expensive plates were arranged around it, adding to the elegance.

The table was surrounded by the biggest names in the empire. On the near end was Emperor Vedis Venilon and his consort beside him, Yuhan Venilon.

Then on the right side, Theocheirós, Wixorn, and Uthalonica clans sat. And on the left side of the emperor were the Luxier and Hemmethe clans.

Zarria’s eyes meticulously scanned all that were present in the chamber. It seemed that each clan had only brought two to three members with them. As for the Theocheirós, it was only Zarria and Dhein, and a few butlers, waiting outside.

Her gaze ended up on the far end of the long table where the princess herself sat. She had long, silvery white hair that flowed to her back like fine silk. Her blue, almond-shaped eyes, enveloped in majestic, white lashes, gazed downward into nothingness. Her face was small and fragile-looking, yet her skin was supple and had a radiant glow. Zarria had to admit, her beauty was ethereal.

She wore an expression that couldn’t be described. Whether she was sad, bored or just straight up didn’t care, Zarria was sure about one thing: The princess would rather be anywhere than here.

Cutting through the formal chatter, the emperor’s loud voice got their attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for honoring my personal request. I am grateful for your presence here today.”

Everyone turned their heads and listened. Dhein was unbothered, cross-armed and gazing on the surface of the table.

“The imperial tournament between the clans is the first of its kind in the history of our continent. I am well aware that some of you are very eager to win. And I respect that. I believe that my beloved daughter, Shina, deserves a man who can proudly stand at the top as the champion. Victory will belong to those who persevere.”

“However, I must remind you that we are one empire. Our hearts and souls are linked together to strive for the prosperity of our people. Please don’t forget that purpose. Though you may face each other tomorrow as competitors, remember that we are century-long allies—a family.”

“That’s why tonight, we feast as friends. A festival will be held in the city where we drink and celebrate for this joyous reunion!”

As applause filled the chamber, outside of the window, cheers and fireworks erupted. The people of the empire began dancing, singing, and celebrating.

“Very well, my friends,” Vedis raised a glass of wine. “I wish you all the best of luck.”

’I wanna go home!!!’ Dhein cried internally.

Shina stole a glance at the silent scion of Divinity—The God Tamer, Dheinyrus Theocheirós. She’d heard a lot of things about him, but this was the first time they sat at the same table in the same room.

Unlike others who were chatting amidst eating the luxurious meal, Dheinyrus was silent on his seat, unbothered by the noises around him. Perhaps, for someone as powerful as himself, the humans around him didn’t strike as more than irrelevant pests, pathetic creatures unworthy of his presence. As the princess, Shina witnessed first-hand how powerful people mistreated the less fortunate. They decide someone’s value based on their abilities and physical strength.

She hated those kinds of people more than anything.

If Dheinyrus really was as strong as she thought, then winning this whole competition will be a breeze for him. She was going to become his wife! For as long as she lives, she will be stuck with a cold, heartless tyrant like him!

That thought alone sent waves of pain in her head.

***

Loud music and lively dancing filled the whole city. In the dark, starlit night sky, colorful explosions of fireworks scattered. The festival spirit was unbreakable.

Inside the palace, a royal ball took place. The emperor’s guests and acquaintances, those who held high positions in the council, dined and danced.

“Foolish wretches…” Zarria muttered under her breath, glaring at the women standing beside of her and Dhein’s table.

“Please, Lord Dheinyrus! Just one dance!”

“I’m from the neighboring kingdom and I travelled all the way here just for you!”

“Choose me, Lord Dheinyrus! I’m not like other girls!”

Those were some of the louder voices among the sea of annoying pleas. A crowd of rich, extravagant women formed around their table, making them the talk of the palace.

’I bet the other scions are cursing me right now… I’m sorry!’ Dhein cried internally.

He was bathed in praise and glory. But as a matter of fact, his real self couldn’t be further from what they thought. He was weak and spent his whole life pretending he was not.

But now, unfortunately, he was going to compete against the scions of the other clans. He was sure that unlike him, these guys possessed real strength. The tournament will begin tomorrow, but his mind had already begun visualizing his shameful uncovering. He was going to lose spectacularly.

’This lie ends here…’

He felt the rising acid from his stomach and the awful feeling in his throat. Nauseated, Dhein stood up and sliced through the crowd without saying anything. He went outside of the palace.

When the ladies tried to follow him, Zarria blocked them with a threatening aura. Immediately, the crowd dispersed.

’Shit… I’m about to throw up!’

Dhein blended with the crowd successfully, but he needed to find a desolate place to vomit.

After walking for a while, his feet took him to a dark alley where the noises sounded nothing more than muffled echoes. He quickly walked into the alleyway where there was minimal light. There shouldn’t be anyone there.

There shouldn’t be. But upon entering the alleyway, a hooded person was already walking further in. It seemed that they heard his hurried footsteps, because they suddenly stopped.

’What now?! Just let me vomit in peace!’

At the end of the alley, a tall wall blocked the exit. This person walked in here just a couple of seconds earlier than he did. Why? What was such a person doing in a desolate place like this? There was clearly a dead end in front of them, they couldn’t possibly be taking a leisure stroll.

Then, after a few seconds of pause, the person suddenly bolted towards the wall. Dhein was startled but couldn’t move. He felt like moving a muscle would push out the vomit from his stomach.

The hooded stranger started skillfully climbing the wall until they reached the top. They glanced back towards him, but it was too dark to see the face inside the hood.

As the stranger was about to jump to the other side, a strong gust of wind blew against them.

At that height, the wind was strong enough to push a person aback. The cloak’s fabric got caught in the wind, causing the hooded stranger to take a misstep backwards on the narrow surface of the wall. Thrown out of balance, they started falling several meters before hitting the ground.

The person let out a high-pitched grunt as they hit the solid ground then rolled helplessly towards Dhein’s feet.

“Uuughhh… ouch…”

Dhein’s eyes widened.

The hood folded open, revealing a shiny silver hair and fair, white skin. The princess opened her blue eyes, tears welling up in them.

“D-Damn it!” she cried, trying to get up from the ground.

’Princess Shina?!!!!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep