URBAN VILLAIN SYSTEM-Chapter 42: A beautiful wife is like an enemy!

Nine Lotus Academy...

On top of the SWORD Mountain...

The cold wind swept across the snow peaks as clouds drifted beneath the towering cliffs, giving the place an almost divine presence. At the edge of one such peak, a heavy stone door slowly opened.

The first prince of the imperial British family, Mark Smith, finally came out of his room after a deep seclusion.

His aura was calm, restrained, but suffocatingly dense, like a blade hidden within silk.

Thinking about taking the monthly mission from the academy administration hall, he opened the door and stepped out in combat clothes.

But just as he stepped out, he saw a soldier in the imperial uniform.

Young master, the servant directly bowed his head while holding the sword like a soldier’s salute.

Mark frowned slightly. He did not like interruptions, especially not from outside forces.

"What is it? Any urgent news?" Mark asked with a serious look.

Young Master, your father, the majesty, sent me to hand over this letter to you. The servant said as he took out the letter from the bamboo bag and offered it with both hands.

Mark took the letter slowly... His eyes scanned through it.

The letter contained detailed news about the marriage bond of the Frost and the Clark family and the humiliation of the ninth Prince Edward in the hands of Tony at the Octopus House.

Every word was precise... Every instruction is clear.

The contents were very much clear. The majesty clearly wrote to deal with Tony and humiliate him, making him a laughing stock inside the Nine Lotus Academy.

Mark’s fingers tightened... The paper crumpled.

"So that black suitcase of the Clack family is finally coming to the nine lotus academy. I really wonder who approved his recruitment," Mark muttered as he crumbled the letter.

There was no anger in his tone... Only disdain.

"Yes Master... Our imperial family experienced severe humiliation because of that fight. Not only that, today is the engagement day of Tony Clark and Lily Frost. Here, take a look."

The soldier extended his hand as the projection came out of the mobile projector.

The hovering screen displayed the ceremony of engagement happening live.

Mark’s eyes lifted. And for the first time— There was a reaction.

Mark was shocked to see the visuals of jade Beauty Lily holding the hand of Tony as the priest read the mantras.

"I thought of taking Lily Frost as my concubine. Seems like she chose a useless suitcase at the end." Mark muttered as he scoffed at the visuals of engagement. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

His voice was calm. But his eyes were cold.

"I will take my leave, Master. According to our news, Tony Clark might enter the Nine Lotus Academy by tomorrow evening. The Majesty specifically asked to not make any mistakes this time. We must stop the marriage between these two families." The servant Soldier said again.

Mark waved his hand dismissively.

"Don’t worry, tell father that it’s just a small thing. He will crush Tony like a fly. My reputation and influence are not questionable inside the Nine Lotus Academy so tell father to forget this matter," Mark said confidently.

But as the projection continued— His eyes did not leave the screen.

***

Mumbai port area...

On the shore of the Arabian Sea, The engagement of Tony Clark and Lily Frost was happening with grand celebrations.

The night sky was lit with endless fireworks, bursting in colors that reflected across the vast ocean. Golden lanterns floated above, while massive holographic displays ensured that even those far away could witness every moment.

Many of the small families, spectators, and crowd were stopped at the beach area as big screens displayed the ceremony.

Only some of the influential family members were allowed to watch the ceremony directly as they arranged a grand feast by covering the Arabian Sea with anti-gravity plates.

The scale was overwhelming.

"Look at that..."

"This is beyond royal..."

"No... this is a display of power..."

The fireworks continue to blow and all the news channels around the world are covering the engagement ceremony without any breaks.

Let’s proceed with Final Rituals of Engagement: The priest called both family elders and parents.

All the eyes turned towards the stage.

In the guest area everyone was discussing the fight that happened between 9th Prince Edward and Tony Clark.

"If not for the recording, I would have called it fake..."

"He defeated a Grandmaster..."

"Still... he’s only at the 12th class disciple stage..."

"If that’s true... then what is he really...?"

If not for the recording many could have easily dismissed this as a false rumor.

Even though many still think Tony is useless, the fight really caused many to doubt their opinion. But still many of them belittled Tony as his martial body is still stuck at 12th class disciple stage in their opinion.

Suddenly the ceremony reached the peak...

Golden lanterns lit up, casting a warm glow over the Arabian Sea. Both the Indian and Chinese customs were being gilded together in the decorations.

Jade pillars lined the stage bearing the Clark family and Frost family symbols.

The beautiful flower rears once, releasing an intoxicating flowery smell.

Then— They appeared.

Finally Tony Stark stepped forward while holding the hand of Lily Frost. He was completely unfazed by the staring crowd who were watching him with different kinds of opinions.

On the other hand Lily Frost was shining like a star. The beautiful decorative clothes were giving her more opportunity to display her beauty.

As the two stood side by side, the priest asked them to offer respect to their parents.

As Tony and Lily bowed to family heads and ancestors, the priest increased his tone.

’Today before the heavens and earth and in the presence of the God and the esteemed guests we all witness the union of Frost and Clark family heirs.

From now on these pairs will be recognized as married in the presence of God. This engagement marks the bond of two great-clans, forging an alliance of prosperity and strength.’

The words echoed all over the speakers.

As the priest continued to chant both "Lily" and "Tony", no doubt to their parents and to the god, three times.

Just as the priest finished, both the patriarchs announced betrothal gifts.

And the world watched in stunned silence. Many already began speculating over the value of each gift,

Several businesses changed their names on the spot. Tony became owner of more than 10% of the business in the Chinese region.

The people’s mouths twitched as they saw the gifts.

"Even the Shanghai Corporate...?!"

"That’s not a gift... that’s control..."

"This is madness..."

"Are the Frost family submitting themselves...?!"

The whispers turned sharper... More curious... More cautious.

***

Standing beside him, Lily slightly leaned closer, her voice low enough that only he could hear.

"Why are you not even a little excited?" she asked quietly. "Most men would lose their minds in a moment like this."

Tony didn’t look at her... His gaze remained forward.

The crowd... The lights... The expectations.

"A beautiful wife is like an enemy," Tony muttered in a weak-tone.

A faint smile appeared on Lily’s face. "Don’t worry I won’t ditch you," Lily said casually in a playful tone.

Tony finally turned slightly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

There was something strange in his expression... a bit of cautiousness.

"I hope I won’t die while protecting you, Jade Beauty." Tony said as he bowed down towards his parents.

The words sounded light... Almost joking... But Lily did not laugh.

Because for a brief moment she felt the hidden edge beneath his tone.

"This fellow is not easy to handle... Did I make a wrong judgement...?!"

Around them, applause erupted... Loud... Grand... Celebratory as two family elders greeted each other.