The World Is Mine For The Taking

Chapter 71 - Let The Party Begins, Part 1 (5)

"Father," I addressed him. He was surrounded by aristocrats, nobles, and several court officials from the castle—people with a lot of influence and power. "I need to talk to you for a bit. Is that okay?"

"And what does the ungrateful woman want now?" he shot back, bitterness lacing his voice. It was because of our earlier argument—I'd told them all they were scum. And now, here I was, approaching him again like none of that had happened.

I was honestly pissed that Leon had even suggested I do this, especially after he'd witnessed up close the mess that went down between me and my family earlier.

"I just want to discuss something," I continued. "Figured you should hear it, since, you know, you're still my father."

He let out a harsh snort, turning his back to me again. "I don't remember my wife giving birth to you, and I definitely don't recall ever creating you." He dismissed me like I was nothing, his focus shifting back to the faces around him.

Acting like he didn't know who I was now. I'd really misjudged just how deep his stubbornness ran.

I let out a slow, frustrated sigh. "Well, whatever. I'm saying it anyway. I'm getting married," I said .

He spun around, finally paying attention, his gaze sharp. "Married, you say?"

"Rose," Leon's voice cut through the tension behind me, smooth but deliberate. "Did you finish talking with your father already?"

The air shifted. Suddenly, all eyes were on us. My father's gaze locked onto Leon like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. His eyes widened, looking as if they might burst from his skull.

"Ah, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier." Leon took a graceful bow, his movements fluid, yet there was an underlying sharpness. "I didn't realize you were Rose's father. Now that I think about it, it should have been obvious with your shared hair color. My mistake for not recognizing it sooner."

"M-Mr. Faust, what... what is the meaning of this?" My father's voice stumbled, his usual haughty demeanor momentarily shaken. "You wanted to introduce yourself... to me?"

Leon's lips curled into a slight, calculated smile. "Well, yes. Rose mentioned there was a bit of... tension between her and the family. But still, you are her father, and as her future husband, it's only proper I introduce myself and formally ask for your blessing in taking her hand."

Leon was weaving his web expertly, each word a thread pulling tighter around my father. The air grew heavier, the room practically buzzing with anticipation. Sesillian, who had been pretending not to care, was now openly watching, his eyes glued to us.

Leon's smirk deepened, his expression unreadable, yet there was something devilish in his eyes. He had planned all of this perfectly, and the night was playing out exactly as he wanted. His control over the situation was absolute.

He looked every bit the devil he was.