Chapter 861: Reunions
The tournament's second day officially began, and Princess Rebecca even announced the contestants' names. The event still had preliminaries, so multiple descendants entered the battlefield, occupying specific areas marked on the metal floor.
The fighters' arrival had captured the audience's attention the previous day, but many kept eyeing the main tower now. The guests were still curious about Khan, especially those who truly knew him.
The situation was no better in the main tower. Monica could understand much from Khan's short explanation, but the Thilku Lords, Tlexicpalli, and noble representatives couldn't be satisfied with that. They also felt compelled to say something about that personal tragedy. It was almost mandatory due to their status and relationship with Khan.
The representatives seemed ready to go first, but Lord Rsi took the lead. During the wait, he had seized some booze and stretched his massive arm toward the throne to offer his cup.
"Condolences, [Blue Shaman]," Lord Rsi announced. "Know that the news saddened many Thilku."
Lord Rsi had gotten friendlier during the tournament, but the announcement still surprised Khan. Basic condolences were fine, but the Lord had involved his soldiers, too. He didn't mention the whole Empire for political reasons, but Khan could read between the lines.
"It was his time," Khan responded, accepting the drink and gulping it down in a single sip before lifting his arm. "My father died exactly how he wanted."
Waiters promptly arrived to refill Khan's cup and deliver more drinks to the guests. The Thilku also requested food, and the Scalqa imitated him.
"Was he a warrior?" Lord Rsi asked.
"Scientist," Khan explained. "The best there was."
"[Ah]!" Lord Exr cried. "That explains how you learned our runes so quickly."
Khan glanced at Monica, wearing an "I told you so" face, but she responded with a deadpan expression. His proclivity for alien languages and cultures had nothing to do with technology. Still, seeing him able to joke after Bret's death made her giggle.
"Will you honor his death?" Lord Rsi questioned, referring to [Festivals] and similar events. "I already had a private funeral," Khan explained. "Though I appreciate the interest." Lord Rsi glanced to his right, and Lord Exr understood the silent message.
"We could host a [Feast]," Lord Exr suggested. "The Empire has long since settled here, and this is a suitable occurrence."
The offer had a deeper meaning. Khan had already hosted [Feasts], which made sense since Baoway was his domain. Having the Thilku organize a similar event would apply the same theory. They would basically state that they considered the planet their home as well.
A group of soldiers advanced in Khan's vision, but his eyes looked past the troops, recognizing the people they hid. Luke, Bruce, Lucian, Mark, John, Lucy, George, and Anita were heading his way, accompanied by their parents and family representatives. Truth be told, Khan could ignore most of those descendants. He had built part of his authority over Baoway through them, but they would understand his desire to remain alone now. However, the others deserved a fraction of his attention, at least to reassure them that he was
okay.
The two groups met, and the soldiers broke their lines, heading for the corridor's walls and exposing the descendants. Luke and the others promptly bowed in respect, echoing words like "Condolences" and "Prince Khan", but George didn't bother with those empty pleasantries. "I'm sorry," George exclaimed, reaching Khan and slamming his hand on his shoulder. "Do you want to get wasted like old times?"
Anita would usually shoot a glare at George but held back. She and Monica exchanged a look, which transformed into a sad smile, before focusing on their respective men.
"One of these nights," Khan promised. "Not today."
"Alright," George nodded, looking at Monica. "Take good care of him. You know how he is."
"He won't leave my sight at all," Monica declared before looking at the bowing descendants. They could force Khan to stay with them for hours, and she knew he only wanted to leave. His duties prevented him from pushing everyone away, so Monica decided to step up. "Friends," Monica called. "Thank you for your concern, but could we postpone this reunion? I feel rather unwell, and there's still much to plan."
No one believed Monica's claim, but everyone understood her motives. Khan wanted to avoid that impolite gesture, so Monica took it upon herself to justify their need to leave. She even blamed herself, preventing eventual complaints about Khan's availability.
The justification worked perfectly, and no additional questions flew toward Monica. The descendants had already accepted her reasons, so they didn't want to prolong the couple's stay in the corridor. Yet, Khan didn't let that protective gesture fly.
"Forgive my protective fiancée," Khan announced. "I'll find the time to celebrate with all of
you, but I'd rather retreat early today."
"It's understandable," Luke promptly responded, reassuring Khan and forcing the other descendants to follow suit.
"Contact us whenever you need," Lucian continued, and more polite words followed.
The same went for the descendants' parents and family representatives. They echoed the younger generation's words, quickly offering their respects and vouching for their availability. That feeling was also genuine, which made sense given the wealth and influence obtained through the alliance with Khan.
Monica didn't fully understand why Khan didn't let her protect him but left that question for later. Now, she only thought about taking care of him, which meant leaving as soon as
possible.
Khan shared Monica's idea and prepared himself to resume his departure, but more familiar auras touched his senses, halting his steps again. Martha was among them, but Khan had no problems with her. The same went for Princess Felicia. His issues were with the other two. Amber and Cora were heading his way.