175 Chapter 175: VIP Visi (2/2)
Cecilia stiffened as she watched the ramp lower, spilling out a small group of people. She surreptitiously glanced at her welcoming committee, which consisted of over a hundred honor guard, equipped with the finest weapons and pristine armor the Stuart clan could supply them with. Outside the building, surrounding the aerial platform and facing outward was a convoy of armored vehicles, as well as hi-tech mana cannons. In addition to the substantial number of staff employed for this event, the common civilians of Southampton City couldn't help but gravitate toward the main hall to witness such a major event.
Roland Rothwell was escorted by no more than twenty bodyguards. For some reason, he was dressed casually, in his summer-like clothing, not caring for the formality of the ceremony and all that. Sacha raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. Cecilia, on the other hand, knew of Roland's reputation and wasn't surprised.
Instead, she offered a polite smile as she bowed her head in greeting.
”Your excellency, Prince Roland. I am honored that you decide to grace Southampton City with your presence. Please allow me to represent the Stuart Clan in welcoming you to our humble residence. For you to take the trouble to make such a long trip here…I am glad that you continue to think so highly of our friendship.”
”Ha ha. Cut the bullshit, Cecilia. You know I hate all this fake formality.”
Roland instead gave her a roguish smile and a wink before stepping toward her. Before anyone could react, he threw an arm around her lovely shoulders.
”It's been a while since we've met. We have some catching up to do.” He reached up and twirled a few strands of her long, black hair with his fingers. ”You're still as breathtakingly beautiful as ever.”
”And you're still as bold and audacious as ever,” Cecilia replied evenly while sending a stare to the panicking honor guard to back down. Instead, she tilted her head ever so slightly, and the captain of the guard received the hint. Barking out some orders over the coms, there was a pause before the mana cannons fired. The explosive projectiles sailed high into the air before detonating into brilliant fireworks, producing a scene that had all the civilians staring at the evening sky in awe.
”I have to, if I want to capture a strong woman's heart.” Roland grinned as he leaned closer. ”How about it? Have you reconsidered my offer yet? I really wish you can become my queen.”
Cecilia gently pushed the crown prince away and shook her head.
”As tempting as your proposal is, and as flattered as I am, I'm afraid I will have to decline. My place is here, in the Global Federation. I need to stay in Southampton City in order to lead my clan. As the successor to the Stuart Clan, I have the responsibility to maintain the image and prestige of my family and corporation, at the very minimum. I hope you understand my position.”
”Of course, of course.” Roland nodded sincerely. ”I am in a similar position, after all. As the crown prince, I am expected to reign over the Empire one day. I cannot leave my home on a whim and marry whoever I want. And I know firsthand how powerful one's bond to one's homeland is. I cannot leave my people behind and selfishly act on my own desires. But…” he winked mischievously. ”If you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to let me know.”
”I'm afraid I will never change my mind.”
”Never say never.” Roland laughed, and then he smirked. ”Speaking of marriage, if there is any man in the Federation worthy of your hand, I believe I've met him.”
”How surprising.” Cecilia raised an eyebrow, a little taken aback. ”If you're going this far to say that about him, he must be quite the remarkable man.”
”Indeed, he is.” Roland nodded fervently. ”He is quite the interesting fellow. In fact, I would be surprised if you haven't heard of him. From what I understand, he has been making quite the news in your Federation for a while now.”
”Ho…”
Cecilia waited patiently for Roland's revelation. He didn't disappoint. Flipping his smartphone out from his summer shorts, he swiped the screen and called up a holographic screen.
”See? This young man here…he's the same age as you, even, but he has already learned and is capable of using Strategic-scale spells. Tell me, how many people of our generation has the ability to destroy entire hordes of monsters with a single spell? Or defeat a rank A dragon and live to tell the tale? Hmm?”
”That's…” Cecilia trailed off when she recognized my bespectacled face on the holographic screen. She sighed as recognition filled her eyes. ”Richard Huang. Yes, I know him. And he has already rejected me.”
”Oh, really? I see. Well, it's only natural that the daughter and successor to the Stuart clan has extremely high standards, after all. Even if he's capable of casting Strategic-scale spells, he doesn't have any background or bloodline…eh? What?”
Roland blinked for a moment, realizing that something was not right.
”Wait, you didn't reject him? He was the one who rejected you?”
”That is correct.” Cecilia nodded simply. Roland's jaw literally hit the ground as he staggered back from shock.
”EH?!”