Technomancer: Genesis Chapter 39: Betrothal

During the banquet, Reitz and Aerwyna were greeted here and there with congratulatory comments at the success of the Day of Introduction and the talent of Ezra. Everyone had seen the magic capacity of Ezra, they only saw half of Ezra's true potential though, because Ezra was repressing his magic aura. If someone actually probed him they would actually find out that he was forcefully repressing it but no one did this because they did not think that a baby could actually have such excellent magic control and the intelligence to do so. Ezra was bewildered at this because a few months ago he could fully conceal his magic but now it seemed to be really hard to do so. Ezra presumed that this was because his body was growing and was not fully developed yet. This also made AMP's magic consumption very erratic as well, he hoped that in the future he would be able to do more things with his body and would not suffer these setbacks, for now, it seemed that magic control and magic depletion did not have any correlation. Currently, his body underwent less sleeping periods and he began to be more awake. From six hours of consciousness, now it was six and a half to seven hours. He was left to his room during the banquet with a few guards but only Evan was the one who entered his room.

Meanwhile, the banquet hall's guests were chatting and the Rex personally came to Reitz to talk with him.

"Looks like Ezra will be a Primarch someday, Eh Reitz?" the emperor said.

"Your majesty, surely you jest," replied Reitz awkwardly.

"That magic capacity of his is truly monstrous. Maybe he'll even break Regaladeus' streak and become Rex in the future, Hahaha" the Rex bellowed as he laughed powerfully.

Reitz's forehead began sweating. Although the tone of the Rex was merry and the statement bore no ill intent, it gave many problems for Reitz. Firstly he said it so loud that everyone in the Grand Hall heard it, it would attract attention and possibly of an assassination attempt on Ezra. Second, it would strengthen the rumours that Ezra was special, which both had good and bad effects.

"Surely, your majesty, there are many more factors in gaining a Primarch seat, for example, magic control or purity," Reitz answered.

"True, but you do know that Ezra takes after you? A pyromancer with a huge mana capacity is always formidable. Look at our house," the Rex Imperia replied with a hint of boasting.

"Well, Your Majesty, your progeny does have two elements at an early age, The Great Omnipotence has surely blessed your house and your descendants, it is your divine right to keep the throne," Reitz immediately responded. He did not want Ezra to be in the spotlight. He already dealt with two grave incidents he did to deal with another one. Nobles all around him would rather nip a bud than let it blossom into a threat.

"I've been thinking Reitz, I have a daughter from my fourth wife around your son's age, I think we should join houses should we not?"

"Your majesty I am but a humble vassal of yours I would not dare mix blood with you," Reitz said in a humble tone. Truthfully he was just cautious, he still did not understand why the sudden visit and friendliness of the Rex when he was indifferent when he was undergoing his trial. Also, the matters of betrothal in Rex Imperium were intricate, they required many things such as the placement of soldiers from both parties in each other's territories.

"Are you saying you don't want me as an in-law to your son?" the emperor said in a gentle tone.

"No, your majesty, that it isn't what I meant-"

The Rex cut him off

"It's settled then my daughter is betrothed to your son"

"But your majesty don't you think that our children are too young? And what about Ezra's feelings?"

"Nonsense It is common to betroth children to each other at their age. As for Ezra, you know that they can break the engagement off if in the future they do not find each other suitable. I am just proposing that our children get to know each other a little better. Besides, I heard you had a little trouble here in your domain not so long ago. I could provide my elite troops. This would benefit you. If I did n't know better it would seem that you do not like me as an in-law, Reitz, haha" The Rex kept on boisterously laughing as if to boast that he was betrothing his daughter to Lord Blackfyre's son.

Reitz could not do anything but oblige. The nobles were very envious of Reitz as they begrudgingly offered their congratulations with their fake smiles. The rest of the details were to be discussed during the Rex's stay.

He went to his friend Aaron in a gloomy state they talked privately in Reitz's study.

"Why the bloody hell are you gloomy you bastard?" Aaron inquired.

"Well Ezra is betrothed and I don't know if he'd like it,"Reitz hadn't told Aaron about his son's intelligence even though they were close he did not divulge the information because it might be taken from Aaron.

"If it were me I'd betroth even my self to a daughter of his. His daughters are beauties and powerful to boot. Have you seen them? Oh, there was one lass I saw from his second wife she was ripe and tender, sixteen she was" Aaron licked his lips and continued," I don't believe your son would complain in the future. Come on Reitz that won't do. I can only think of all the benefits like the elite troops that the Rex would give you plus it's great weren't you gloomy before because you fell from his graces? Well here is the opportunity. I can't understand how utterly common of an idiot you are," Aaron told him with a bewildered look.

Reitz did not reply. It was actually precisely of the soldiers that he did not want the betrothal to happen. These people could be spies for all he knew. They were loyal to the Rex not to him. But to some extent, it did solve the mine dispute so no one would dare act rashly upon him. It was just that he still felt that there was something really odd. Who was Catalyna exactly working for? This was still an enemy that was lingering and a powerful one at that, how many people as powerful as Catalyna did this enemy have? This was still a question.

The day ended with the banquet as some parting words were sent to Aerwyna and Reitz. Some of the nobles who were low ranked decided to stay at the inns inside Bren, while the more high ranking ones stayed in the castle.

The day of introduction gave headaches to the Blackfyre household. The tradition did have its setbacks but at least everyone knew who each house would look out for. The tradition was both a sort of showing the Houses' might and also keeping tabs on everyone. Since everyone would know the talents of Ezra to some extent, Reitz and Aerwyna already looked into this and prepared for it in advance, they would heavily filter new servants and guards coming into the castle and also try as much to abstain from recruiting people from outside Bren the only unknown factor was the betrothal. For them even if they suffered the loss of their domain Ezra's future was the most important thing in the world. They went to sleep ending the day in anticipation of Ezra's reaction that he was going to be engaged.

Chapter end