Adrian had to stay back after the party due to the Viscount’s request.

The crowd thinned but just as Adrian thought that he’d finally be free, he saw that he wasn’t the only one staying behind.

Baron Kaldwin’s family stayed back too.

What surprised him even more, was Claire who decided to walk towards him all of a sudden as she left her brothers and father behind.

"Baron Adrian Sterling." she said, her expression stoic as she looked at him, making Adrian straighten his posture.

"I have taken my time to think about your offer and I’ve made up my mind. I would like to serve you as your loyal knight. I pledge to serve you until my last breath, my lord."

Baron Kaldwin and his sons immediately turned to look at the two of them and the father hurried over with a look of absolute dismay and betrayal.

"Claire! You... you must marry a young man and settle down, but you’re here trying to serve somebody!?? Do you know what they do to female knights?" he asked before he turned to look at Adrian, "No offence intended."

"I’ve made my decision, father." Claire said politely as she bowed to him, "You’ve provided me with all the basic needs for a human to survive. You’re a great man. But you never gave me the love that a daughter deserves. You weren’t a great father to me. I would like to forge my own path from now and I am not going to follow your directions anymore."

She then watched her father’s lost expression and sighed, "I never liked the fact that you kept pushing for marriage even though I told you that I wasn’t interested. You always praised Sebastian and Bastian for every single thing they did, so I thought that you’d praise me if I became a knight."

Claire shook her head slightly and smiled wryly, "But you yelled at me for not acting like a girl. That night, I realized that even though I started training because I wanted your attention, I ended up liking what I did. Now, I have no intentions of tossing all of my training and hard work aside just to marry some man you choose for me."

She then turned to look at Adrian, "So, is the offer still on the table."

Adrian looked slightly awkward but he shamelessly nodded as he ignored the Baron’s gaze.

"Of course. A capable knight like you is always welcome."

"Good. I’ll follow you to your barony tonight."

"Sure." Adrian said and before Baron Kaldwin could say anything, they heard the door open.

The viscount stood by the door, smiling as he looked at Adrian, "The preparations are done, why don’t you guys join me at the dining table. Felicia specifically requested the chefs to make ice creams of multiple flavors."

Adrian grinned at this and picked Aria up before he rushed towards Alexander and walked past him.

’I feel like if I offer him the food he likes, I’ll be able to bribe him pretty easily’ he thought as he watched Adrian leave as both the father and daughter had greedy grins on their faces.

Soon, everyone was at the table but Baron Kaldwin’s mood was sour.

"Today’s event, wasn’t just my son’s coming of age ceremony but also a selection for my son-in-law. I wanted a man fit for my beloved daughter." he said as he looked at Felicia who acted shy and looked down.

"And the ones I picked... or should I say, she’s interested in, is Bastian Kaldwin and Baron Adrian Sterling."

Claire raised her eyebrow at this but didn’t comment.

"I asked you guys to stay back because I wanted to discuss this with you. If any of you are interested in marrying the daughter of Viscount Alexander, a Rank B Knight of the Crestwall Empire. If you decide to accept, you will receive businesses, territory and if you own a territory and a title, a discount deal on most goods produced by my people. You will also have my full support if anyone wishes to attack your territory." he said, looking at Adrian as he put out the last conditions.

Adrian didn’t need much time to think about it as he had already made his decision.

"I’m sorry but I would like to focus on my daughter and give her most of my time. I do not have the luxury of having a wife at this moment and even if I don’t consider this, my reputation is a mess in this empire and I wouldn’t want anyone to take the insults of others because of me. Especially if it’s family. If I married Felicia, she would be called names and my conscience will not allow that."

Alexander nodded but he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. He had originally thought that if he had someone else as a rival, maybe it would push Adrian to accept.

But it looked like the man had made up his mind long ago.

Unlike Adrian, Baron Kaldwin and his son, Bastian Kaldwin were absolutely delighted and immediately agreed to the offer. Who wouldn’t want the support of a strong viscount?

As for Bastian, he couldn’t even think. He began day dreaming about kids that shared their genes.

"You two will have to get to know each other for the next one or two years before the marriage is finalized. Until then, you’re free to visit us or go out on dates." Alexander said before he turned to look at Adrian, "As for you, why don’t we sign a deal?"

"Sure, do tell me about it." Adrian said casually as he scooped up some ice cream, put it in a small bowl and passed it to Aria who happily began to eat.

Alexander chuckled at the scene and remember the days when Felicia was younger. He had done similar things and couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia.

His cute little angel was all grown up now, and he had to be a responsible father and find her a suitable man who could take good care of her and treat her right.

"The offer..." he began with a charming smile.