Chapter 96- Meeting The Parents

Chapter 96: Chapter 96- Meeting The Parents

Chapter 96- Meeting The Parents

The two left Venera’s quarter a few moments after. Rize was still stunned by what Venera did, but as they walked out of the palace and headed to the secondary mansion, he finally focused on the main event.

In the distance, he could see many cars parked in the parking lot while people were walking into the mansion, all clad in beautiful clothes. Everyone looked dazzling to the point of absurdity.

As he walked into the interior area of the mansion, they were led through the corridors until they finally reached a lounge area where they were supposed to wait before appearing in public. That was the same lounge room where Venera’s parents were, and it was naturally heavily guarded with two men standing on each side of the door.

As Venera walked in, one of the guards suddenly stepped forward and stopped Rize in his tracks.

"Hm?" Rize looked at him coldly.

"Only the king and his family are allowed in this room." The man said.

"Well, that’s new, I’m Her Highness’s bodyguard."

"These are clear orders, sir. Feel free to wait for her."

Rize frowned before he nodded his head as he turned around to walk away. It wasn’t really that big of a deal as this room was heavily guarded and pretty safe so his presence wasn’t really that necessary so he would rather not cause trouble for Venera on her special day. However, as he started walking, he suddenly heard Venera speak.

"He’s with me," Venera said as she grabbed his arm.

"But, Your Highness." The man tried to speak, only for one glare from Venera to make him go silent.

"He isn’t a problem. He will be with me, understood?" She said.

"Y-Yes, Your Highness." The man cleared his throat as he stepped out of the way.

"Come," Venera said as she walked in, and Rize followed her. As he passed the guard, he pursed his lips. The man looked at him as if he had killed his entire family. ’Hey, it’s her, not me, man.’

Walking into the room, Rize was impressed by how cozy and yet luxurious it was. The lounge had a bar and leather sofas and a view of the rest of the property with a nice fireplace in the corner.

However, what caught Rize’s attention almost immediately was the two individuals in the room. The first one was a beautiful lady who was sitting on the sofa, drinking a cup of tea. She had a striking resemblance to Venera in almost every way. The queen of Sagardia and one of the most influential women in the world... Queen Elisa.

Meanwhile, standing near the window watching the world outside was Theodore himself, his arms behind his back, his posture straight and exuding authority and power. When he heard the two of them walk in, the King and Queen turned to look at them.

Rize felt naturally intimidated in their presence, but he didn’t let it show on his face as he bowed before them. The two gave him a curious glance before they looked at Venera.

"My sweet girl." Elisa smiled faintly. "You’re finally here."

"Yes... mother." Venera said.

"Come, come, let me see my beautiful daughter." The woman said as she stood up and approached her daughter. "You look absolutely gorgeous, honey."

"Thank you..." Venera replied awkwardly as she let her mother inspect her dress. She looked beyond gorgeous, and her otherworldly beauty was only increasing by the day.

"Sigh, my sweet girl is growing so fast. When you were first born, I was carrying you in my arms and thinking, ’There will be many years before I see this moment,’ and yet... Here we are." Elisa said as she wiped her eyes.

"Why are you crying, Mother?" Venera asked.

"Because seeing my children grow is so hard. Isn’t that right, Theo?" Elisa asked the man standing on the other side. He gave Venera a glance and nodded.

"This moment is important to Venera." He said. "I expect great things of her after today, and I am sure we will see her shine brightly."

"..." Venera looked away, not moved whatsoever by his words. In her eyes they were completely empty and simply said as formalities.

’Her relationship with her mother is a bit better than her father, but she still doesn’t even treat them like her parents. More like acquaintances.’ Rize thought to himself as he stood next to the door and waited patiently.

"Come, sit next to your mother," Elisa said as she pulled her daughter to the sofa. "I remember when I first awakened all those years ago, I was so nervous and scared. I thought I might not be able to achieve what I wanted to achieve. It’s a very delicate moment. But I believe that if there is one person in this entire world who can handle the pressure, it’s you, Venera."

"Hm, she definitely took from you, Elisa."

"Oh my, I am not as smart as this girl." Elisa chuckled. "She is mature beyond her years. I can only imagine what she will achieve in the future."

"Thank you," Venera replied.

"So, how are you feeling? Are you ready?" Elisa asked.

"Yeah. I don’t give this ceremony more than it deserves. What matters is what happens after, not the awakening itself."

"You are right. But to celebrate my beautiful girl and see her shine brightly before our entire nation, I couldn’t ask for a better thing to see."

"We will see," Venera replied as she looked away.

"Oh, now that I remember, I haven’t gotten the opportunity to meet the new boy," Elisa said as she turned to look at Rize. "What is your name, my boy?"

"It is Rize, Your Highness," Rize replied.

"Come closer, Rize. Don’t be shy." She said. The boy looked at Venera before he nodded and approached the family.

"I have heard great things about you and how talented you are. How is your new job treating you?"

"It’s my greatest honor to serve Her Highness," Rize replied. "I could’ve not asked for anything better to do."

"Oh my, what a sweet boy you are." Elisa smiled at him. "You are also so handsome. Your parents must’ve been quite the beautiful people."

"..." Rize didn’t say a word.

"Mother..." Venera sighed. "Rize is an orphan."

"Oh..." Elisa seemed shocked as she put her hand on her face. "Oh my, I’m truly sorry. I have forgotten that. It must be quite hard on you, Rize."

"It is not a problem, Your Highness. I believe I have lived a good life. There are way more unfortunate people out there."

"You are quite mature. Venera is quite the shy person. She never got along with any of her peers. You’re the very first person she would bear being around, fufufufu..."

"Mother."

"I’m sorry, it is just too exciting for me to see you talking to people your age and making friends."

"He is not her friend, Elisa," Theodore said. "He knows what is expected of him and what he must do. Isn’t that right?"

"Absolutely, Your Majesty."

’What a grumpy old man. No wonder Venera doesn’t like him.’ Rize thought to himself dryly.

"He is what he wants to be, not what you tell him to do," Venera replied. "Don’t put any unnecessary pressure on him, father."

Suddenly, the warm room turned ice cold with those words.