Path to Becoming the Greatest Space Mercenary-Chapter 416 Before the Ceremony

When the affable looking older man came over to introduce himself, Avery did not think much of him.

He seemed like the friendly sort and knowing that he was the one to interject and settle the earlier conflict with Bastion and get everyone to agree to a compromise gave a decent impression.

Yet, when he accepted the handshake from the senator, Avery’s instincts started blaring. Warning him that this man was dangerous.

Avery had no idea why he was suddenly reacting this way since Rowan Listig did not seem particularly threatening. But in the back of his mind, something was sending out warning signals even if he did not know why.

’It’s his eyes!’

Suddenly Avery figured out what was setting him off. While the old senator was smiling, the expression did not reach his eyes. Instead, his gaze looked like he was figuring out the best way to amuse himself with an interesting toy he had just found.

It was unsettling to say the least, and Rowan Listig swiftly noticed the change in Avery’s demeanor and fixed the slight crack in his mask that had been giving away his true feelings.

"Well, I should get going now that I’ve introduced myself. While most seem enamored with the arrival of Nianni Taador, there are other guests that wish to pay their respects to you two. So’ ill take my leave now. I’m sure that there’ll be plenty of time to talk later after the ceremony."

With that, Rowan Listing vanished into the crowd, leaving Avery with a linger sense of unease.

Nevertheless, he had no time to dwell on these thoughts as round after round of people came up to introduce themselves.

Most were friendly and had known Jasmine when she was younger, though a few aimed veiled, unpleasant remarks at the two of them for one reason or another.

Some had been involved in businesses with people like the disgraced and former senator Fena who had been working for the Odium Syndicate.

None of them had been proven to be involved in any illegal enterprises, but their reputations had taken a hit and they had lost a lot of money due to the scandal.

Fortunately, there were not too many people like this, and eventually, Avery and Jasmine got through with greeting everyone that they had to.

"It’s time for us to go take our position. I’ll see you on the stage soon." Jasmine said before going her separate way from Avery.

As she left, Kasandra, who had been keeping her distance out of courtesy, came over to Avery.

"That looked exhausting. I’m really glad that I won’t have to deal with that much during our ceremony later. Ah, and I’m letting Jasmine hog you for now, but I do expect you to shower me with attention when it’s my turn later. Also do be ready for us to share you tonight. It’s not likely that you’ll be getting any sleep."

After Kasandra finished whispering this into Avery’s ear, she moved back just a step and flashed him a coquettish grin.

Avery audibly gulped as he watched her scamper away towards the direction that Jasmine had gone.

Kasandra may have also been one of Avery’s lovers, but she was also Jasmine’s best friend. As such, she was going to be part of the party entering with Jasmine.

Feeling a bit flush now, Avery headed off to get some water to cool himself down.

It had been a while since he had been intimate with either Jasmine or Kasandra due to all of the crisis they had been forced into recently.

First it was the pirate hunt that had started off as expected but had ended up with them struggling against corrupt Alliance Police for several days.

Then following that, Avery had learned about the danger his parents were facing. With their lives on the line at the time, he had not had any capacity to think about anything else.

Of course, after that was resolved, they headed straight for Azade and been faced with the news going around that was painting Avery as some sort of villainous schemer.

It had just been one thing after the next.

Now that everything was calmer though, and Kasandra had just brought it up. Well, Avery was a healthy young man, so his mind was now preoccupied with certain thoughts.

’Just about nine more hours. It’s not that long. Todays a special day. I’m getting married to Jasmine first, then Kasandra after. Both at the same time tonight. No! Get it together Avery!’

With a large glass of water, Avery gulped down the contents and washed the lecherous thoughts out of his mind.

The cool liquid was quite refreshing, and he felt himself calming down a bit. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Fortunately, his parents came up to him just a few seconds later so his mind did not slip back as he focused on them.

"You look lovely mom, and you look quite dashing dad." Avery said, complimenting his parents’ appearances.

"Thank you, Regina provided this dress for me, and I’ve never felt such exquisite materials. And you’re looking quite handsome yourself, Avery. As your mother I could not be prouder"

"Yes, you did good son. It was not too long ago that I was worried whether you would ever find a serious relationship. Although that was partially my fault for..."

Avery’s father trailed off as he began talking about his time after the accident.

At that time, Avery had been forced to drop everything to help out. All of his social groups, his schooling, and his apprenticeship were things that he left behind to brave the dangers of space to try and earn enough money to save his father’s life.

"There’s no reason to beat yourself up about it, dad. I wouldn’t be here today if not for heading out of the colony as a scavenger. I can’t say that I’m happy about how it happened, but I’m grateful that it led to the life I have now." Avery said, reassuringly. Making sure that his father knew that there were no hard feelings between them.

When their emotional conversation was over, the three of them headed out of the room to take their positions.

As was tradition on Azade, Avery’s parents and close friends would be escorting him up to the stage. And after that, Jasmine and her party would follow after.