Everyone in the Grand Holy Hall was surprised by what Rocky had said. They all then contested for a
closer look at Shirley. What happened next amused all of them.
"I will kill you..." Feeling that all eyes were glued to her, Shirley immediately flushed with anger. All she
could think about after was how she would kill Rocky. The reason why she wore her loose clothes was
because she didn't like being girly. But now, she dressed more like an ordinary girl.
"Basil, you don't have to be so rude," The emperor of the Holy Dragon Empire signaled Rocky to stop.
"Behave yourself, Shirley. His Royal Highness was only playing a joke with you," Bryant reproached
Shirley. In the Grand Holy Hall, everyone must always show respect to the emperor.
Shirley rolled her eyes at Rocky while in response, Rocky shrugged his shoulders and deliberately
surveyed her for a while. Shirley's insides were boiling with rage but she knew she couldn't do anything
about it.
"General Bryant should already know about the matter of arranged marriage, right?" The emperor was
certain that Bryant had already been informed about it. He was asking to remind Bryant.
"Yes, I have been told about this matter. The Ximen Clan is deeply indebted to the royalty for all those
years." Bryant responded quickly and submissively.
"So it means that…" The emperor stared at Bryant as he awaited his confirmation.
"I totally agree. Being handsome and fused with the Holy Dragon Bead, His Royal Highness will
definitely become the new foundation of the royal family. It's truly fortunate for Shirley to have such a
royal marriage," Bryant replied in an unusually sedate tone.
"I will dump him the moment we get married." Although Bryant had already agreed on the arranged
royal marriage, Shirley still couldn't suppress her anger and talked back without thinking.
At that exact moment, everyone was astounded by Shirley's words. This was an arranged royal
marriage and should never be the same as a common one. Even if the female gets relieved from the
marriage appointment at her own request, she would have to vow never to remarry. A royal marriage
was a big thing.
Shirley immediately realized that she created a dilemma for herself as she tried to humiliate Rocky in
front of the public.
"Of course you can do that. I don't like you as well, you silly girl." Rocky was happy about what she
said and he would be the happiest man on earth if she wanted to dump him because he would no
longer be a puppet used in an attempt to control the Ximen Clan.
"Shirley!" Bryant flared up in anger. He couldn't stay calm knowing this could end up a disaster to the
whole clan if she wasn't careful.
Shirley realized that what she said was wrong and began to regret. She also knew what she said could
place the entire Ximen Clan in a dangerous situation.
All of a sudden, the energy in the Hall grew a bit awkward because of Shirley's dispute with Rocky.
"I'm sure Basil and Shirley would be a perfect match and I am sure the couple will eventually build up
their intimacy through this special fight." Lena cut to broke the terrifying silence. The weird energy then
become much softer. But her eyes showed a little implicit sorrow.
"That's correct, Your Royal Highness. My granddaughter has been pampered since she was born
which means she never learns how to express herself properly. The truth is she was very excited about
meeting His Majesty on her way here. She was just too nervous to speak appropriately. Please forgive
her, Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness." Bryant followed Lena and nodded at her gratefully. It was
because of her interruption that he was able to avoid conflict. Otherwise, it would've been a huge
trouble if they irritated the emperor.
"Shirley is still a little girl. Marriage is certainly stressful for her to think about. So it's natural that she's
having trouble handling all this pressure. I can relate to it. And I totally understand the General's
sentiments." The emperor peacefully echoed Bryant and had no intentions of blaming Shirley. Even
though the emperor perceived that Shirley truly despised Basil, he didn't care about it that much
because the most important thing was to settle the marriage with the Ximen Clan. Only by doing this
could he constrain their power logically and all his worries would be gone.
Rocky kept himself seated as he listened to what his father was saying. If it wasn't for what Lena told
him, he would have already burst out in anger.
"We greatly appreciate Your Majesty's kindness. Shirley, do not waste His Majesty's time and
apologize." Bryant swiftly looked at Shirley, hinting her to apologize to the emperor.
"I am still young and what I said was purely arrogant nonsense. I hope you could forgive me, Your
Majesty." Reluctant as she was, Shirley still had to offer her apologies to the emperor.
"Since General Bryant has already agreed to the marriage deal, I will order my people to prepare the
marriage as soon as possible. Today was a good day, so let Basil and Shirley sign the royal marriage
deal now." Bryant's oral agreement was not enough to guarantee the deal so the emperor started to
carry out his backup plan. If he got Bryant to sign the deal, both sides would be closely tied together
and their relationship would be strengthened even more. Another good day would be picked for the
wedding to take place, and then it will all be settled.
Bryant was not surprised at all because he knew exactly what kind of person the emperor was. The
emperor would never hesitate to go for what he wants especially regarding royal matters.
"This is the best arrangement, Your Majesty." Bryant delivered a tactful response.
The emperor nodded with satisfaction on his face as an acknowledgement of Bryant's stance. Soon,
two maids came in with the royal marriage deal and a red pen. They went towards Basil and Shirley.
Seeing the deal was approaching him, Rocky turned to face Lena who had been gazing at him. They
kept their silence for a while until Lena nodded in agreement. Rocky sighed quietly and then turned to
face Shirley. Helplessly, he grabbed the pen and wrote his name on the deal without any
hesitation.
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