Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Left alone, Melissa was unsure what she should say.

She generally doesn't run out of words during a conversation, regardless of who she is facing.

However, today was different.

Why? Well, the people she is facing all held animosity against her.

Two of the three could actually hide it but a certain raven-haired wasn't even trying.

"I don't like you much." And…she even said it.

Melissa heaved a sigh, "I am aware of that. And I don't expect any of you to get along with me."

Lowering her gaze, she added, "I would request you to just…don't bring the past around my husband."

Ariana chuckled, "It's staggering to see how much you value your husband compared to the boy whom your sister left in your care."

Adrian knew everything that had happened in the house, including Melissa's behavior around Adrian.

Sarah might be the one who sowed the seed, but Melissa was the one who further pushed Adrian to become like how he was a few months ago.

Fearful, underconfident, and self-doubting.

Melissa shook her head, "His mother never left him in my hands. He never accepted me."

Ariana frowned…either she was lying or Adrian didn't tell her about this.

Melissa heaved a sigh, and said, "Well, let's forget about that. Miss Vermillion, did you already have a ring exchange ceremony?"

Ruby shook her head, her expression mild, "Not yet."

Melissa nodded before asking, "I suppose your parents would prefer it happening in Grimvale?"

Ruby didn't think much, "We haven't thought about it yet, but whatever Adrian decides."

Melissa nodded.

Reading the room, she realized she wasn't needed here.

She didn't mind.

Getting up, she said, "I will send some refreshment."

As she walked out, Annabelle turned toward Ariana, "She acts so high and mighty."

Ariana chuckled, "Well, she is one of the women I always refrain from talking with." Exhaling a sigh, she added, "She has quite a way with her words."

Ruby asked, "Do you think Adrian's father is going to scold him?" Her mind was still at that door from where the two men left.

Adrian hummed, "He might…but he always listens before forming a judgement. And he trusts Adrian."

Adam was very different from her father who always jumps to conclusions and says things which hurts the other person.

That's why, in the past, whenever Ariana had to make a decision which she knew her father would probably disagree with, she used to bring her uncle into the conversation for support.

Adam is a very understanding person who always sees things from every angle before making a judgement.

Ruby slumped in her seat and muttered, "I hope everything turns out fine."

….

Adrian was brought to the back garden by his father.

Naturally, he was nervous. This wasn't anything like what he had faced before.

The experience of battle doesn't come in handy when facing your father.

As they reached a secluded spot, Adam finally paused, still facing away.

Thankfully, there weren't any servants around here.

Adrian broke the silence, "Dad…are you upset?"

Adam finally turned to look at his son before relaying, "I was, until Miss Vermillion told me that." He was furious, truth be told upon learning the reason behind his son's sudden decision to get engaged to her.

However, in that moment of fury, he had forgotten that Adrian wasn't like that. He would never play with someone's emotions for his own benefit. Adam hasn't raised him to be such a person.

And thanks to Ruby, he was reminded of that.

Adrian crossed his hands behind his back and uttered, "Nothing happened in secrecy. When Lord Vermillion offered Ruby's hand, Ariana was also there. At that moment, I was reluctant."

Adam frowned, "Lord Vermillion himself came to propose this idea?" From his knowledge, Lord Vermillion was a rational man who valued his family above any wealth.

And for him to offer his daughter's hand to a man who never intended to marry her just for the sake of Adrian's safety?

Adrian nodded, "Yes…he made that decision after Ruby told him everything and asked him for help."

Adam heaved a sigh, "That girl…I can see that she cares about you a lot. When did you even meet?"

Adrian told him, "Didn't I tell you about the allegation I faced when I took my students to the Tower for the contest?"

Adam nodded before he heard Adrian saying, "Ruby was the one who saved me by bringing the real culprit into the light."

Adam's brows elevated, "That long."

Adrian nodded, "Yes…and since then, we have seldom met since we both have a common interest."

Adam didn't need to be told. He knows Miss Vermillion was a renowned Runesmith.

Crossing his arms on his chest, the older Lockwood asked, "And so? Are you already engaged to her?"

Adrian shook his head, "Not officially. We have yet to do the ring ceremony."

Adam narrowed his eyes, "Did you introduce yourself to her family?"

"Oh, yes. I did. And since I didn't want to make Ruby feel I am hiding things on my side …I brought her here today."

Adam hummed, now understanding what Adrian meant by 'special guest' in the letter he sent.

After a brief pause, Adam asked, "What is Ariana's take on this?"

Adrian shrugged, "She is fine with it, actually."

Adam's brows elevated, "Is she being honest?"

Adam wasn't just Adrian's father but Ariana was his precious one as well. He surely would have a talk with her later alone as well.

Adrian, to that question, subtly nodded, "Truth be told, Dad, I think she meant it."

Adam remained silent after a brief nod, his gaze drifting away.

After a few moments, he spoke up, "I won't pry too much into your life. You are now a grown-up man who knows what he must do to ensure everyone's happiness and safety."

Approaching the younger one, Adam rested his hand on Adrian's shoulder and spoke in a slightly heavier voice, "But remember son, you are going to hurt Ruby once this is over. Unlike you, she is taking this seriously. She has forgotten, or has chosen to neglect the reason why you are getting engaged. She has chosen to believe that this happening naturally. And that's what would hurt her later."

Even though Ad rian knew about Ruby's feelings. Even though he knew how she saw this engagement…yet hearing it from his father made him feel tense.

Adam patted his shoulder and said, "Tread carefully, son. My blessings are always with you."

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