The entire grand hall fell dead silent. Even Princess Victoria and Commander Adam watched in utter disbelief as the Monarch of the British Empire warmly accepted Jake's handshake.
"Thanks," King Edgar said, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
"My best wishes to you and your future generations," Jake replied calmly.
The King let out a hearty laugh, clapping a hand onto Jake's shoulder. "It's been far too long since I last saw you. You haven't changed a bit."
Jake offered a subtle tilt of his head. "The same could be said for you, Your Majesty."
As the casual exchange continued, whispers rippled through the surrounding crowds of diplomats and billionaires, everyone desperately trying to deduce who Jake was and how he commanded such effortless respect from the King.
Even Princess Victoria blinked in shock, leaning toward her fiancé. "Do you know who that man is?"
Adam stared at Jake, his brow furrowing as memories stirred. "He... looks familiar."
"Jake, the offer is still on the table," King Edgar noted, his tone shifting slightly. "Your word decides the rest."
"I refuse, with all due respect," Jake answered without a second of hesitation.
King Edgar shook his head with a dramatic sigh. "A tragic pity. I truly thought we could become family."
The King's sharp eyes then shifted toward Ethan and Madison sitting nearby. "And who might these young people be?"
"That's my younger sister, Madison. And beside her is Ethan," Jake introduced smoothly.
"Is that so? I had no idea you had a sister," the King remarked, stepping closer and offering his hand to Madison. "My sincere apologies for not greeting you properly earlier."
Madison quickly shook his hand, keeping her composure. "Not at all, Your Majesty. We should have been the ones to greet you."
King Edgar then turned and extended his hand toward Ethan. Ethan stood and accepted the firm, regal handshake.
The King glanced at Madison, then back to Jake with a chuckle. "Well, good looks clearly run in your family's genetics. Though it certainly surprises me to learn you're an older brother, Jake."
Jake glanced sideways at Ethan and Madison. "You two can go explore the venue if you like."
Madison caught the subtle directive instantly. She nodded, gently nudging Ethan's arm to follow her away from the table.
Once they stepped out of earshot, King Edgar pulled out a chair and sat down at the table across from Jake. "So, 'big brother'... who is that Ethan kid really?"
"Just a classmate of Madison's," Jake replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair.
King Edgar nodded, accepting the answer as the surrounding guests stared in absolute awe—astounded that the British Monarch had casually taken a seat at a side table with a seemingly ordinary guest.
Meanwhile, near the main floor, Ethan turned to Madison. "Madison, why did you pull me away so quickly?"
"That was a hint," Madison whispered, shaking her head at his density. "He clearly wanted privacy to talk with the King."
Ethan gave an understanding nod.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Madison spoke up suddenly, bowing her head respectfully.
Ethan turned to see Princess Victoria and Commander Adam approaching them.
"Ethan, how have you been?" Adam greeted with a smile.
"Greetings, Commander Adam. I'm doing great, and congratulations," Ethan replied.
"I definitely didn't expect to run into you here. You know the man sitting with the King?"
Ethan nodded.
"Who is he?" Princess Victoria asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Her older brother," Ethan explained, gesturing toward Madison.
Victoria looked at Madison, who appeared slightly stiff under the royal scrutiny. "My name is Madison," she offered politely.
"Relax, Madison, there's no need to be formal with me," Victoria said warmly, extending her hand.
While the two women began talking, Ethan turned back to Adam. "Commander, are Liam and Asher around tonight?"
"Something urgent came up at the last minute, so they had to attend to duties back at base," Adam explained. "They sent their regrets."
"I see. Well, congratulations again on your engagement, Commander."
"Thank you, Ethan," Adam said, nodding as a group of foreign diplomats approached to shower the couple with praise. "Enjoy the rest of the evening."
Ethan turned back toward Madison, only to freeze in place. Within seconds, Madison and Princess Victoria were standing side-by-side, laughing and chatting like lifelong best friends.
Ethan blinked, staring at them in absolute disbelief.
Wait... really? Already? Am I the only one left out here?
On the other side of the grand hall, Hayato walked a few paces behind Commander Sasaki, scanning the endless rows of high-society guests.
"Commander, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading to the banquet area," Hayato muttered, eyeing the catering tables.
"No," Sasaki reprimanded sharply without turning around. "Do not embarrass our nation. This is a British Royal gathering—show proper decorum."
Hayato gave a weak nod.
"Wait here, Hayato. I'm going to pay my respects to the King," Sasaki instructed, stepping into the crowd. "I'll be right back."
Receiving no verbal response, Sasaki turned around—only to find the space behind him completely vacant. Hayato was already gone.
Sasaki shook his head, a subtle, amused smile touching his lips. Rebellious as ever...
Sasaki made his way toward the table where King Edgar and Jake were seated. As he approached, King Edgar and Jake recognized the Japanese commander immediately and stood up to greet him. Jake rose as well.
Sasaki extended his hand, bowing slightly. "Your Majesty, congratulations on your daughter's engagement."
"Haha, thank you, Commander Sasaki! How have you been?" the King asked warmly.
Sasaki give him a thumbs up and then turned to Jake, extending his hand.
"Good evening, Mr. Sasaki," Jake said, shaking it.
"It has been a long time," Sasaki observed, his eyes sharp. "I did not expect to find you here tonight."
"Neither did I," the King laughed, gesturing to the empty chairs. "Please, take a seat."
Sasaki sat down with them, adjusting his jacket. "I heard a rumor that a few families under the Yamamoto clan staged a rebellion recently?" the King asked, leaning in.
Sasaki nodded gravely. "Indeed."
"How is the situation now?"
"It has been entirely resolved," Sasaki reported smoothly. "In fact, it proved quite useful. It allowed us to test our inner ranks. In the end, Takashi Yamamoto himself stepped in and eradicated the insurgents."
King nodded, "That's good."
Sasaki then turned his gaze directly toward Jake. "And what is the situation on your end? I heard a certain..."
Jake's eyes remained steady, his tone entirely even. "I will handle it, personally."
King Edgar and Sasaki exchanged a brief, knowing look before nodding in complete agreement.