At the same time, the nobles watching the scene were stunned. The Fourth Prince had actually received affirmation from the duke himself.
A minor viscount murmured in a low voice, "Well, the dynamics of the chessboard are about to change."
A count beside him chimed in, "That prince will soar through the heavens now. He's extremely lucky to gain the duke's protection."
These murmurs were clearly heard by Kristina, and she felt an indescribable sense of pride. Her man was finally receiving recognition.
But Liser had no mind to pay attention to their discussions. He was currently being led forward by his grandfather. Soon, they reached the center of the ballroom, and both knelt down.
"Greetings to Your Majesty," the duke said in a deep voice.
King Lorian VI looked surprised, though it was hidden beneath his scrutinizing gaze.
"Rise. What does the duke wish to report?"
Beside him, Queen Helena's expression stiffened for a brief moment before her usual smile returned.
"This duke has reunited with his grandson," Duke Grayrock declared. "And this duke wishes to ask Your Majesty for a favor."
The ballroom instantly fell silent.
A favor.
The Southern Duke was asking for a favor.
Everyone knew the south had always been in turmoil, and Duke Grayrock was the pillar holding it together. If not for his loyalty to the imperial family, he had more than enough power to establish an independent nation. A favor owed to such a man carried terrifying weight.
Liser suddenly had a bad premonition.
How could this cheap old man ask the king for a favor the moment they met? And for him, no less. If someone claimed it was because of familial love, Liser wouldn't believe it even after ten thousand years.
But the arrow had already been released.
His sister had set him up.
Liser gritted his teeth and endured it. Besides, for Kristina, he was willing to do almost anything.
"This duke asks Your Majesty to reconsider the engagement between my eldest grandson and the Tarestia family," Duke Grayrock continued before anyone else could interrupt. "Our families are close allies and long-time partners. It would be unfortunate if this relationship harmed the kingdom's stability."
He paused before calmly adding,
"Therefore, I propose that my second grandson be engaged to Miss Kristina."
Boom.
The entire ballroom was stunned.
What the hell was this development?
The Crown Prince's body had barely been buried, yet they were already discussing transferring his fiancée to another prince. On the very day of mourning, no less. It was absurd.
"Duke, although I appreciate your intentions, engagements involving the royal family are not so simple," the Second Prince said with restrained displeasure. "My elder brother is not even cold in his grave, yet his fiancée is already being taken away. What would he think?"
Duke Grayrock merely smiled.
"We have all heard of the virtuous Lady Kristina. She is a rare woman. Alas, fate has made her a widow at such a young age. Surely she should not spend the rest of her life isolated in grief. Remaining within the same family would preserve both honor and stability."
The king still looked dissatisfied, but the thought of obtaining a favor from the Southern Duke made him reconsider.
After all, Kristina had originally been engaged to the First Prince. If his younger brother inherited that responsibility, it could still preserve the relationship between both families. Letting such a valuable connection go to waste would be foolish.
Queen Helena attempted to interject, but the king raised his hand, silencing her.
"Summon the Tarestia family."
At the edge of the ballroom, Kristina's parents froze upon hearing their name. Since they had been standing far away, they had no idea what the discussion was about. Confused, they quickly approached the center.
Then the king announced,
"Hear my decree. From this day forward, the former fiancée of the Crown Prince shall be engaged to the Fourth Prince of the Kingdom. Let this decree be carried out immediately."
The crowd fell numb.
Because honestly, this entire event sounded like the plot of a drunken court drama written by a sleep-deprived playwright. Nobles truly had a talent for turning mourning ceremonies into political auctions.
Kristina looked at Liser in bewilderment.
Liser could only return a helpless glance.
Afterward, Duke Grayrock strode toward the Tarestia family. Kristina's parents immediately put on flattering smiles and began conversing with him.
The duke then turned toward Liser.
"Remember this," he said calmly. "Your grandfather will always stand behind you."
His sister looked at him apologetically.
"I'm sorry. I didn't expect Grandpa to take action so directly."
Looking into her sincere eyes, Liser found himself unable to muster resentment.
At that moment, Kristina gently tugged on his sleeve.
He turned toward her.
Within her eyes, he saw relief, affection, and warmth he had longed for.
"Ryan… thank you. I'll always love you."
On the carriage ride back from the mourning ball, Liser silently reflected on everything that had happened.
His grandfather now held him firmly in his grasp.
By using such a massive favor for his sake, Duke Grayrock had essentially announced to the entire kingdom that he had chosen a replacement for the late Crown Prince.
And that replacement was Liser.
From this day onward, everyone would associate him with the Grayrock faction.
Liser disliked being used as a political piece, but he had little choice.
Kristina was too important to him.
Even the Second Prince had shown interest in her before. Without power, he would never be able to protect her.
This alliance was a double-edged sword. If wielded properly, it could elevate him to unimaginable heights. If mishandled, it could destroy him entirely.
Liser sighed.
For now, all he could do was build connections and slowly establish power of his own.
The next day, Liser sat quietly in his room reading a magic book.
He could now use beginner-level magic, and unlike most transmigrators from stories, his aptitude was merely above average. No heaven-defying talent. No ancient bloodline. Just effort and gradual progress. Tragic, really. The universe refuses to hand out cheat codes for free.
Still, if he worked hard enough, results would eventually come.
Knock. Knock.
A crisp sound echoed through the room.
"Enter," Liser said.
Silia stepped inside and bowed lightly.
"Your Highness, Lady Kristina requests your presence. She wishes to go out with you."
A smile slowly spread across Liser's face.
It had been too long.
Finally, he had time to spend with her peacefully.
He gently placed the book aside before leaving the room.
Inside the reception room, Kristina was already waiting.
The moment she saw him, she rose gracefully and performed a formal curtsy.
Liser waved his hand, dismissing the maids nearby. The atmosphere instantly relaxed.
Then the two quietly began talking.