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Was Chen the type to let things go once he had the upper hand?
He really wasn't. He puffed out his chest, held his head high, and stood in front of Sebastian:
"Oh, so the words of the Demacia royal family don't hold sway with you?"
"..."
Sebastian was momentarily speechless, feeling like he couldn't argue his way out of it. Even if he was right, the other person was a Demacian Prince. Whatever Jarvan said, went. His Laurent Family was nothing in Jarvan's eyes.
However, Sebastian had never expected Chen to have a connection with Jarvan IV.
Now he was both furious and regretful. He only felt that he shouldn't have provoked this yellow-skinned young man in the first place.
For the honor of his family, Sebastian thought of a plan. He suddenly kicked his butler in the back of the knee, and the Laurent butler fell to his knees with a thud.
Sebastian, with a gloomy expression, forced a smile and explained to Prince Jarvan IV:
"Prince, I was unaware, but this matter is indeed my fault. The butler was not properly disciplined and made such a foolish mistake. I am truly sorry."
Then he kicked the butler hard in the backside again:
"Did you hear that? Apologize to Mr. Chen and Prince Jarvan IV!"
Chen glanced over, looking at the poor butler with pity. In an instant, the butler took all the blame.
It seemed the Sebastian Family was very good at internal struggles, perfectly clean of any blame and never getting stuck with it.
The butler, frightened, hurriedly apologized to Jarvan and Chen:
"I'm sorry! I was blind and foolish. I apologize to both sirs, I'm sorry!"
Chen decided to let it go. The butler was just an employee, and taking this blame would make his future difficult.
But unexpectedly, Sebastian was unrelenting, kicking the butler in the backside again:
"Is just saying sorry a few times enough for such a mistake? Kowtow and admit your fault to the Prince!"
Chen recoiled. Isn't this medieval Western culture? How can they also do the kneeling and kowtowing thing?
Sebastian was calculating. The Demacian kowtowing ritual was only for commoners to the royal family. He was still showing goodwill to Jarvan IV, and there was a hidden meaning: the Laurent Family supported Prince Jarvan IV.
After all, Demacia's previous emperor had died, leaving only this one Prince, but after a long delay, Jarvan IV still hadn't ascended the throne and was still a Prince.
Sebastian was not just taking a stance; he was openly choosing a side.
The butler gritted his teeth. His personal honor was no longer important at this moment. He bowed his back, only able to obey Sebastian's orders.
Chen didn't even want to watch anymore. This feudal ignorance was sickening.
Just then, Jarvan strode forward. He placed his hand on the butler's shoulder and helped him up:
"That won't be necessary. Today is the wedding of the Laurent Family and the Crownguard Family."
Then he turned to Chen and said:
"Shall we go in together?"
Chen's impression of Jarvan changed slightly in that instant. A butler of the Laurent Family was not a significant person, merely a replaceable substitute.
He hadn't expected Jarvan to lower himself and personally help the butler up.
Combined with how he had no royal airs during dinner earlier, Chen didn't dislike such a Prince.
"Alright."
Chen followed with Powder.
Jarvan didn't bring guards because this was the safe capital of Demacia, and with Jarvan's combat prowess, not many could defeat him.
The three walked through the Crownguard Family's tens of thousands of square meters courtyard, and others didn't dare to approach them for conversation.
Jarvan first complimented Powder like a gentleman:
"Ms. Powder, this outfit suits you very well today."
Powder, a commoner born in Zaun, didn't understand etiquette and blurted out:
"Of course! I look good in anything!"
"Indeed..."
Chen had nothing to say but "indeed," because it was true.
Jarvan, however, merely smiled slightly, unconcerned:
"To be honest, it's better without so many formalities. It's much more relaxed this way."
Chen returned the smile:
"Thank you for helping just now. I didn't expect that even though I refused to help you a few days ago, you still helped me."
"It was nothing, and I think we can be friends."
Jarvan spoke with great poise. He extended his right hand to Chen.
Chen shook Jarvan's hand without hesitation. He was very willing to be friends with Jarvan, whether or not he was the Prince of Demacia.
But Jarvan was indeed the Prince of Demacia, and there was another layer of meaning: to win over Chen's heart, which Chen didn't realize.
As they walked and chatted, Jarvan steered the conversation back to the day he invited Chen for help:
"You were right, Demacian affairs are indeed not suitable for outsiders to participate in. However, what you said to me was very interesting. I'd like to talk to you about constitutional monarchy."
This was unexpected for Chen. Jarvan IV was the only direct royal bloodline of Demacia. Although some people were currently obstructing his ascension to the throne, he was highly likely to become emperor.
And now Jarvan IV was actually taking the initiative to discuss constitutional monarchy with him!
How absurd was this? It was like Emperor Kangxi died, and before Emperor Qianlong ascended the throne, he suddenly ran over and said to you:
"How about we implement a constitutional monarchy?"
Even historical transmigration novels on Qidian wouldn't dare to write something like this!
Chen frowned slightly, looking at Jarvan as if he were an idiot:
"No, you're going to be this emperor sooner or later. Constitutional monarchy is about restricting imperial power; it's weakening your own rights! Why would you want to talk to me about this?"
Jarvan was not foolish; on the contrary, he was very intelligent. He had learned everything he needed to from childhood, excelling in both civil and military arts, and proficient in politics, history, and diplomacy:
"Demacia has been stagnant for hundreds of years. What Demacia was like over a hundred years ago, it is still like now..."
At this point, Jarvan slightly raised his head, gazing at the sun in the sky:
"For hundreds of years, we have been stuck in our ways. Technological development has been almost non-existent. It's always been commoners farming, and the big families at the top constantly fighting amongst themselves.
For example, your Twin Cities, the short-lived Piltover. A decade ago, we in Demacia didn't even care for this city-state, but in just the past few years, it has become the commercial heart of the world, developing to the forefront globally.
Looking back at the history of these years, we have only won against the barbarians of Freljord to the north. Against Noxus, we are increasingly powerless, and we don't know how much territory we've lost."
This was not much of a secret. Anyone who truly understood politics and Demacia's national conditions could analyze this. Jarvan was lamenting, and also wanted to hear what Chen would say to him.
Chen thought of the Great Qing dynasty; it was exactly the same. For hundreds of years, they were stuck in their ways, closed off from the world. Except for winning against some northern minorities and Tsarist Russia, they couldn't defeat anyone later!
People were building airplanes while you were still using cold weapons like swords, spears, and staffs. Once cannons were aimed at your city gates, you wouldn't know how to fight that war.
Demacia was also like this now. Chen was confident that if he led Piltover's Hextech forces to attack, Demacia would face its downfall.
Of course, Chen would never be an aggressor!
Chen felt a little pity for Jarvan and thought of the Great Qing dynasty back then. If the Great Qing had such an enlightened emperor, it wouldn't have been so tragic. Chen still chose to offer some advice:
"Being closed off and having outdated systems and ideologies, neighboring Noxus has mages and has long entered the Steam Age. And now Noxus is already learning Hextech from Piltover, while you have nothing but Petricite..."
At this, Jarvan sighed deeply:
"This is also why I sought your help before. This country is sick and needs a strong medicine to be cured. Perhaps the constitutional monarchy you mentioned is feasible."
Chen understood Jarvan's meaning:
"So, you are willing to sacrifice the rights of the royal family for the future of Demacia?"
Jarvan clenched his fists and replied with great determination:
"For the future of Demacia, I am willing to make any sacrifice, even if I don't become emperor, even if I am just a soldier of Demacia, I am still willing to give my all for Demacia!"
Instantly, he felt a sense of awe for Jarvan. He was moved by Jarvan and decided to offer him some guidance. Then he said to Jarvan:
"How about this, let's find another opportunity later to talk. We're almost at the wedding venue, and there are too many people, so some things aren't convenient to discuss."
Jarvan smiled slightly:
"I knew you were a friend worth having."
Less than half a minute later, the three arrived at the wedding venue. It was a noble wedding, with a grand display and luxurious decorations. Colorful flowers were everywhere.
The wedding was held on a large lawn, capable of accommodating many guests.
Before them was a giant floral arch, predominantly made of lilies, adorned with baby's breath, symbolizing a harmonious union for a hundred years.
A red carpet was laid out, flanked by pure white calla lilies, whose floral meaning is pure and unblemished love, symbolizing the unwavering love and eternal devotion of the bride and groom.
Many guests chatted around, but they weren't left entirely idle; a buffet was naturally present for such an occasion, with drinks and snacks laid out.
Powder looked at the grand display with immense envy, nudging Chen beside her:
"When it's my turn, I want something even cooler than this!"
"Alright, I'll get you a sedan chair with eight bearers then, much cooler than this," Chen replied dotingly.
"Jarvan! Come here, I want to talk to you."
Garen, as a direct descendant of the Crownguard Family, had naturally arrived early. He waved to Jarvan...
Chen turned his head and realized he was alone. Jarvan had gone to Garen, and Powder had run off to eat at the buffet; she definitely wanted to eat a lot since it was free.
Chen walked around the wedding venue alone, feeling helpless, as he barely knew anyone. So, he decided to look for Fiora and ask her about the invitation.
Chen searched around but couldn't find her. He had even seen the man Fiora was supposed to marry, who was chatting with guests.
Western etiquette was different; the bride didn't have to hide in a room but should be out greeting guests. But where had Fiora gone?
Then, Chen had a flash of inspiration and opened his favorite Teamfight Tactics system:
"Let me see, there are no Nobles, Blademasters, Challengers, Duelists..."
He turned his head and saw a pile of synergies above Jarvan and Garen, and Powder's synergies, then turned again:
"Damn, why is there a pile of synergies on the roof!"
Chen didn't need to think; it seemed Fiora was hiding on the rooftop.
Chen pulled out his hoverboard from somewhere and flew up to the roof from an unoccupied side of the house.
Fiora lay on the rooftop with her eyes closed, basking in the sunlight, her white wedding dress symbolizing that today was her big day.
Chen quietly sat beside her. Fiora knew it was Chen without opening her eyes:
"I didn't expect you to find your way up here."
"Of course, you invited me. But honestly, this wedding dress doesn't suit you; you're more suited to be a warrior."
Chen looked at the wedding dress and felt it was a bit awkward, too far removed from the Unmatched Blade. Then, Chen quietly asked:
"Was the invitation you gave me fake? I almost got blocked by your father at the entrance today!"
Fiora still didn't open her eyes, feeling somewhat resigned to her fate:
"My father probably removed you from the guest list. You beat him up, so he definitely wouldn't want you here."
Chen recoiled:
"Damn, aren't you setting me up? Your father blocked me outside today and accused me of forgery! I almost beat him up!"
Fiora, at this moment, heartlessly burst into laughter:
"My fault, it's really my fault, but didn't you still get in?"
"Of course, who am I? I can do anything, go anywhere!"
Then Chen took out a small gift from his pocket and handed it to Fiora:
"This is something I designed, and Powder helped make it."
It was a rapier pendant, modeled after Fiora's own sword.
Chen said faintly:
"After you get married, they won't let you use a sword anymore. This is a keepsake for you."
Fiora opened her eyes, sat up with a swift movement, and took the rapier pendant.
She slowly held the pendant before her eyes, examining it repeatedly. The craftsmanship was excellent, almost identical to her sword, even down to the details.
She looked at the rapier pendant, her gaze becoming distant.
In her mind, she saw her past:
Her mother had sought out Demacia's finest artisans to craft lifelike dolls for her.
But Fiora gave the dolls to her maid, then picked up her elder brother's sword, even coercing him to secretly teach her swordsmanship.
She grew up in silent rebellion, until now, being arranged for this wedding.
Usually strong, she actually started to choke up:
"My sword has been taken away. They've already told me that from now on, I'm not allowed to use a sword, and I should just be a good wife and mother..."
Fiora gently caressed the rapier pendant in her hand, her eyes filled with sorrow.
Then she resolutely wiped away her tears, hung the pendant around her neck, and smiled at Chen:
"Thank you for the gift, my friend. This is absolutely the best gift I've ever received!"
Although many families had sent various congratulatory gifts, some even priceless, for Fiora, this was the best gift she had received.
"I've seen the groom; he looks decent, though still a bit inferior to me."
Chen could see the unwillingness in Fiora's eyes, so he cautiously began to probe.
But he was met with Fiora's eye roll:
"But before today, I didn't even know him. Is it reasonable for me to marry him like this?"
Chen gently shook his head:
"Indeed, it's not reasonable, but what can you do?"
"I..."
Fiora was speechless for a moment and lowered her head.
Just then, a servant's voice rang out from below:
"Miss Fiora, where are you? The wedding ceremony is about to begin."
Fiora reluctantly stood up, preparing to go to the wedding ceremony. She turned to Chen beside her:
"Let's go..."
But Chen called out to her:
"Wait."
Fiora stopped and turned to Chen:
"Do you have any good solutions?"
"I don't."
Chen couldn't interfere with this matter; Fiora had to resolve it herself. The last thing he could do was remind her:
"But Fiora, don't forget, your dream is to become the strongest duelist in the world!"
Fiora's heart skipped a beat at that moment. Her hand unconsciously touched the pendant Chen had just given her. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she kept mumbling:
"Duelist..."
...
As soon as Fiora appeared, a servant pulled her into a room. The ponytail maid frowned at Fiora:
"Miss, the wedding ceremony is about to start. How did you wrinkle your wedding dress, and your eye makeup has smudged a bit. Let me quickly touch it up for you!"
Several maids quickly helped Fiora reapply her makeup and smooth out the wrinkles in her wedding dress.
Fiora, however, was in a daze, tightly clutching the rapier pendant in her hand.
After they finished, the maid handed a bouquet to Fiora, her face beaming with a smile:
"Miss, you must be happy! Hold the bouquet tightly!"
"Ah! Blood!"
The maid suddenly shrieked:
"Miss, your hand..."
Even Fiora herself hadn't realized that she had gripped the rapier pendant so tightly that it pierced her palm.
The maid hurriedly said:
"Miss, how could you be so careless? I'll get a bandage for you right away."
But at that moment, Fiora suddenly snatched the bouquet and then threw it directly to the ground.
The maid panicked:
"Miss, what are you doing?"
Fiora stood up, grabbed a pair of scissors nearby, and with a snip-snip, cut off the long train of her wedding dress, instantly transforming it from a long gown into a short dress!
The maid fainted from fright, and Fiora walked out step by step.
She saw a rapier on an armor stand in the Crownguard Family hall and yanked it down.
...
At the wedding venue, at the end of the red carpet, the groom had been waiting for a long time, but the bride still hadn't arrived.
Sebastian, in the front row, was getting anxious:
"Why isn't she here yet?"
Just then, a figure appeared in everyone's sight. It was Fiora.
However, she was not the Fiora they had imagined. She held no wedding bouquet, and the hem of her dress was cut in half.
And in her right hand, she held a rapier.
A trickle of fresh blood silently slid from her right hand, flowing down the entire rapier.
At the tip of the sword,
A drop of blood,
Fell...
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