Return of the Legendary Runesmith

It wasn't a crime to have a polygamous relationship in society. In fact, many noblemen preferred to take more than one wife.

But as far as Adam knew, his son, Adrian, wasn't that kind of man. For him to suddenly decide on another woman—right after declaring his love for Ariana and becoming engaged to her—didn't feel right.

Adam refused to believe this had happened naturally. Two possibilities came to mind.

First, perhaps his son had made a mistake, and now he was forced to take responsibility for Lady Vermillion. Or second, something else had pushed him into this decision. A more valid reason that might have forced the decision on the two.

As far as Adam knows, these two don't share a connection for too long, so naturally falling in love never crossed his mind.

He chose not to judge too quickly and instead resolved to sit down and hear the full story.

Sensing the weight in the air, Melissa stepped in. "Shall we discuss this somewhere more private?"

Adrian gave a small nod. "Yes, that would be better."

Adam heaved a long sigh before rising to his feet, leading the way toward his office.

Ruby, however, could hardly breathe. Her eyes stayed fixed on the floor, her fingers twisting together. She had been anxious the entire time, her mind circling the same dreadful question—how would Adrian's father react once he learned the real reason behind their engagement?

What if he refused?

Ruby believed Adrian would find some way, some middle path—he had promised her that much. But still… there was always a chance. A chance he could back out. A chance that everything would collapse.

She tried not to think about it, yet the thought clung to her like a shadow.

Just as they were about to step inside the office, Melissa stepped forward, blocking the children. "Why don't you two rest in your rooms?"

Ryan was already heartbroken to hear his crush was already getting engaged, so he simply left. Violla, however, lingered, hesitation burning in her eyes.

"Can I just sit in a corner?" she asked softly, almost pleading. "I won't say a word… Pretty please?"

Melissa's heart softened immediately. She knew the girl only wanted to cling to her idol a little longer. But still—"Sorry, dear."

When she saw Violla's shoulders slump, Melissa quickly added, "I promise, you'll see her again soon. They're not leaving right away."

Violla forced a nod. "I understand, Mother."

Once the children withdrew, Melissa slipped inside the office and shut the door behind her.

Adam was already seated on one of the couches, Adrian directly across from him. On the larger sofa sat the three ladies, their presence filling the room with a weight of its own.

Melissa quietly took her seat opposite them just as her husband fixed his sharp gaze on the silver-haired girl.

"Aria… did you agree to this?" Adam asked.

Ariana inclined her head faintly. "Adrian consulted me more than once about this. I agreed."

Melissa blinked in surprise. The last she knew, the elder Lockwood had been fiercely possessive of her fiancé. Then… what had shifted so suddenly?

Was it a mutual agreement because of some past promises?

Adam's attention returned to his son. His voice was calm, but the weight behind it made the air heavy.

"Son… what exactly is happening?"

Adam was expecting the news of Adrian's child, not his son bringing another fiancée a few weeks just after his engagement to Ariana.

Adrian didn't want to hide the truth. "Dad… the Tower knows about my other side," he said.

Adam frowned—he had a hunch what Adrian meant—but stayed quiet to let his son finish.

"They know I can use independent magic," Adrian continued. "Now they'll come after me: to ask questions, to point fingers, to blame me for things I didn't do and never would."

Adam already knew Adrian could use independent magic—his son had revealed it not long ago—so the news didn't shock him.

If anything, it confirmed what he had feared: the Tower would now have every reason to focus on someone who could be called a living anomaly.

The Tower had always watched Adrian for one reason or another. Now they had a solid cause to bring him in.

"So this engagement is only to give you the Vermillion family's protection?" Melissa pieced things together quicker than her husband and looked straight at Adrian.

Adam's gaze followed, meeting his son's—and saw him nod.

For a moment, Adam couldn't believe it.

There was no chance for Adrian to be joking about something like this. His expression was firm. And since he'd spoken so openly in Ruby's presence, it meant she, too, was in agreement.

Adam's brows drew tight. "Adrian. Come with me."

As his father rose, Adrian let out a quiet sigh and followed. He had known this was coming.

But before they could leave, Ruby suddenly stood, blurting out, "Please don't blame Adrian for this. It was my father's and my idea. He never approached me for it."

Her voice trembled with both anxiety and sincerity. She didn't want Adrian misunderstood—didn't want a wedge driven between him and his father.

Adam's eyes flicked to her. For an instant, a complicated emotion stirred across his face, before he gave a brief nod and walked out.

Adrian glanced at Ruby, offering her an assuring nod of his own before following his father.

The room fell quieter, leaving only the four women behind. Ruby sank back into her seat, only to feel Annabelle's gentle hand resting on her shoulder.

Meeting her eyes, Ruby heard her murmur, "It will be fine. Trust darling."

Melissa couldn't help but find the sight quite baffling.

The headmistress of one of the best academies.

A renowned Runesmith and heiress of the Vermillion clan.

And the strongest Warden in existence.

All three of them were in love with the man who was once declared as a failed Runesmith and was abandoned by his fiancée.

Melissa couldn't help but sigh as she mumbled under her breath, 'Your son exceeded your expectations, sis.'

At some point, Melissa also believed that Adrian would fail the expectations of his mother and father. She thought if not for Ariana, Adrian might never find a place for himself in this cruel world.

He has always been like that. Timid, indecisive and average.

But things changed one day. And now, not only does he have everything a man could ever dream of, his path ahead would only bring him more glory.

….

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the story so far, then let me know.