226 Meeting (1/2)

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”Goo!”

”Yi~”

*Giggles!*

”Haha! You two are so cute!”

Raven bent down and gave his siblings a kiss on the cheeks. He then resumed playing with by allowing them to pinch his face and pull his hairs while he's holding the two of them.

It's been a whole week since the defense against the Beast Horde and his fight against the invaders.

To welcome the King's return, the Final Haven Kingdom descended into a week long holiday. The whole place was in a merry mood. Not only did they successful in repelling the beast horde, their beloved King also came back.

Banquets were thrown all over the place. Booze and food were offered at a very low price, the whole was lit up with colorful lights and adorned with celebratory banners. No one was allowed to work, which sounds somewhat irresponsible but it is what it is.

Raven fell into a two day rest after the battle. He was just too exhausted, ever since he came out of the Transmission Portal, he was just dragging his body with his sheer will. He didn't expect the beast horde to come that early and thankfully, they came back at the right time. He was also glad that the invasion from the previous timeline still happened. If not, then he might've no time for celebration right now.

He used this merry mood to relax and play with his sisters, Nina and Tori. He practically never left their side as soon as he woke up. He just adores them too much and their existence gave him another reason to protect this place with all he has.

Raven hadn't met Luna since that day. It would be a lie if he said that he isn't nervous. Him chasing after her isn't some secret, everyone who knows them knows this as well. Now, her father, the King of Final Haven Kingdom, is back and is probably already aware of this fact as well. If it's not the Golden Knights, then it would be the Prince who'll let him know about it. So of course, he feels a little jittery.

He purposefully didn't meet with Luna. It wasn't because he was afraid, it's because he wanted to allow their family to catch up with each other. The King had been away for a decade, a mere week won't be enough to talk about all the things they wanted to.

And if his instincts are correct, then he won't have to wait that long before they meet each other.

***

”How do you do, Young Raven?”

A voice suddenly interrupted Raven's training. He turned around and saw Old Lee smiling at him. He performed a salute and replied:

”Professor Lee! I'm doing well. I've recovered fully from the last battle.”

”That's good to hear.” Old Lee nodded, ”I think you know why I'm here right?”

Seeing that knowing smile gave a jolt to Raven's heart. A wry smile appeared in his face as he said: ”I think I have an idea. But just to be sure, I would still ask why.”

”Oh! Seeing you tense up like this is rare.” The old man teased, ”His Majesty, the King. He wants to meet you.”

'Here we go…' Raven took a deep breath in. He then looked at Old Lee and said: ”I'll get ready first.”

Raven excused himself and took a quick bath. His heart was pounding loudly, he lost count on how many times he inwardly screamed to hopefully release his nervousness to no avail. He kept on sighing again and again like an old man. In the end, he could only smile wryly and think to himself:

'Has it always been this stressful? Meeting your in-laws, I mean.'

'We didn't have this chance before due to my stupidity and uselessness. I faced with many strong enemies back then with a resolute mind but I can't even calmly prepare myself to meet my Father-in-law. What is wrong with me.'

Raven finished his inner rituals and met up with Old Lee downstairs, he bid goodbye to his parents and sisters before they rode a carriage towards the Royal Palace. During their way, Old Lee was talking to him with some random topics. Raven thought that the old man must be distracting him to make him forget about his nervousness. Which helped, somewhat…

Eventually, they reached the Palace and went off the carriage. Halfway towards the King's office, Old Lee went his separate ways, saying that he has other matters to attend to. Raven bid him goodbye and moved on alone, he knows where to go anyway.

It was originally the King's office anyway. Because he was absent, it was the Prince who used the same office. He had been here a couple of times so he knows.

If there's any differences now, it would be the fact that no one's guarding the office. It might be due to the King's orders.

Standing in front of the office, Raven took a deep breath in and knocked.