The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne's back stiffened, her usually delicate face now as dark as a thundercloud, pitch black and stormy.

Percival barely suppressed a smirk.

When had the so-called "War God" become such a fool?

Arthur: "Hey, kid, watch your mouth. I am your future father-in-law. Be careful, or I might not let her marry you!"

Percival: "Do you really think you hold that much sway in my lady's heart?"

Arthur: ...

Stabbed in the heart!

Jasper, on the other hand, didn't catch the tension between Vivienne and Percival. He was distracted by an almost maniacal voice growing louder outside, approaching rapidly.

"When did Arthur arrive? What's he doing here?" Jasper wondered aloud.

The Perez and the Linklater families were acquaintances, but barely interacted.

Their most significant connection was through Yorick, who had a slight acquaintance with a few of the Perez sons. Arthur, known far and wide for his military exploits as the "War God" of Veridia, was respected by the Perez family, though they rarely saw him, given his duties.

"Why has Arthur come to the Perez household now? And in such a hurry?" Jasper pondered.

As Jasper stood there, puzzled, Arthur approached, hands clasped in apology, "Dad! Sorry I'm late! I'll make it up to the family, I promise!"

Jasper, "?!"

emerged, equally baffled.

"Dad"? Was

A sleepwalking

a 'War God' for a son, I'm not about to steal someone else's, especially not my daughter's mentor's son. That's completely off-limits!" Arthur, dead serious, offered, "Dad, a

The Perez brothers, "?!"

Vivienne remained expressionless.

bridge

atmosphere turned

Jasper finally managed, "This is big news! Think it through,

off, "If you're sure, we can head to

as his son! Jasper wouldn't dream of letting such an opportunity slip through

glanced at

my name and transferring households is just a phone call away," Arthur, now beaming, said, "Since you've accepted me as your

basking in the joy of gaining a "War God" son, was unprepared for

mean, Karen, a wedding for over twenty years. It's time to make it right. She's still unconscious, which isn't ideal for a wedding, but I can't wait any longer. I need to give

against it. Ten days from now is auspicious for marriage. Don't worry about the dowry; I'm offering ten billion dollars, ten houses, ten luxury cars, ten plots in Rivenwood suburb, a hundred sets of jewelry, a hundred outfits, and I'm even willing to take your family name

dowry, we won't need one. Whatever she wants, I'll provide."

Damn!

"War God" was setting the bar high. How could he

God" offered, but his finances were tied up in supporting the nation and the war

turn to Fariana Isle for

with the

Jasper was reeling from

were stunned, having heard something even more shocking than Arthur adopting Jasper as his

Vivienne remained stoic.

back at the Linklater household, Yorick was having