40: Family approval

(I've noticed many people saying that forcing these two marriages is toxic.

But actually, my idea is that the protagonist isn't the one who wants the marriage alliance. He doesn't want his sister to fall out with her best friend, or his father to have a rift with his former comrades because of him, which is why he's trying to continue the marriage alliance.

He himself doesn't care.)

Seeing his elder brother and second sister personally come to greet him, Arthur didn't dare to be slow. He immediately spurred his horse, quickly covering the last stretch of road between them.

Then he dismounted and greeted them first:

"Big Brother, Second Sister, why did you personally come to pick me up? You could have just waited in the castle, this is too much trouble!"

Seeing Arthur's spirited appearance now, his elder brother Art and second sister Arina both felt a sense of unreality, as if a lifetime had passed.

After all, a month ago, Arthur was still a younger brother they needed to look after. Now, the reputation Arthur had forged far surpassed theirs!

Such a huge change naturally created a strong sense of disconnect upon their reunion!

But this was a good change for everyone, so Art and Arina merely paused for a moment before immediately smiling and speaking.

"It's because the things you've been stirring up lately are getting bigger and bigger! How can we be at ease if we don't come out to meet you!

By the way, you fought a battle with the Gnolls two days ago, you weren't injured, were you!"

"No, don't worry! How could I be so easily harmed by beastmen?"

Since Arina had seen the Mountain Giant before, the focus of their attention upon seeing Arthur was different.

After a few pleasantries, Art's gaze immediately shifted to the twenty-meter-tall Mountain Giant not far behind Arthur!

Mountain Giants are, to some extent, legendary creatures. Now that he could see one, Art was naturally quite interested.

He asked with a hint of excitement:

"That must be the Mountain Giant who rendered great service in the war against the Gnolls, right!

Is it Zog or Zoffy?"

Seeing Art's excited expression, Arthur knew that bringing Zog back was indeed not in vain. A smile welled up in his heart, but he replied calmly on the surface:

"Big Brother, Zog returned with me this time. Zoffy is still in the territory."

"I see!"

Knowing that the giant before him was Zog, Art also greeted him:

"Hello, Zog, welcome to Fierce Lion Territory. If you have any requests, please tell us, and we will do our best to fulfill them!"

Art didn't know the true relationship between the Mountain Giant and Arthur, so he treated the Mountain Giant as a strong individual, speaking with relative respect.

Art could think that way, but Zog couldn't just accept it directly. He quickly waved his giant hand, several meters in size, and said:

"No need to be so polite. Arthur and I are friends; just treat me normally!"

"Is that so? That's even better!"

One must know that a Mountain Giant is an existence even more powerful than Abergh. Such an existence would be amiable to people like them, who only possess the strength of a Silver Knight, simply because of Arthur.

It's clear that the relationship between Arthur and Zog is far from ordinary friendship.

And how did Arthur, with only Bronze-level strength, manage to form such an extraordinary relationship with such a powerful being?

Is it really just as the rumors say, that Arthur promised to help the Mountain Giant find a way home, and they are grateful for that?

Few would believe that!

To be honest, Art was quite curious about the truth, but if Arthur didn't speak of it, they couldn't ask too much, so they could only suppress their questions in their hearts.

It was precisely because of this curiosity that Art admired Arthur even more in his heart.

Unlike Art, who first focused on the Mountain Giant, Arina, who had already stood on a giant's shoulder, immediately turned her gaze to Karona beside Arthur.

She wanted to see if the two were really together, as the rumors claimed!

To be honest, Arina was a bit angry when she first heard the news.

It wasn't that she looked down on Karona, but Olivia was her best friend after all. If this was true, how could she explain it to Olivia!

The guilt towards Olivia made Arina a bit angry at first.

Facing Arina's scrutinizing gaze, Karona couldn't bear it and immediately lowered her head guiltily. Seeing this, Arthur also stepped forward:

"Second Sister, no need to look. Karona and I have already confirmed our relationship, and I announced her status as Lady of the Territory this morning. It shouldn't be long before the news spreads!"

"What!"

Hearing this, Arina also exclaimed in surprise.

But with the deed done, Arina couldn't say much more, and said somewhat helplessly:

"I don't actually oppose your relationship with Karona, but you could have postponed this matter! Couldn't you have shown it after the marriage!

Now, how am I supposed to tell Olivia?"

Arthur knew about Karona's relationship with Olivia, and this matter indeed made it difficult for her to handle; it might even cause Karona to lose a good friend.

He could only say with a slight apology:

"Second Sister, don't worry, I will try to handle this matter peacefully with the Marquiss Mansion, and it won't affect your relationship!"

Hearing this, Arina also showed a 'I believe you' expression, then said regretfully:

"Olivia always outperformed me in the academy. I originally thought I could get the upper hand by having her become my sister-in-law!

Now it seems unlikely. What a pity!"

As the Marquis's legitimate daughter, Olivia marrying Arthur, the Earl's son, was already a marriage below her status.

Now that Arthur had caused such a stir, Arina already believed they were impossible!

Arthur, on the other hand, hadn't expected Arina and Olivia to have such a history, and could only say awkwardly:

"Then your idea is indeed going to fall through!"

Hearing this, Arina couldn't help but roll her eyes at Arthur, then, thinking of something, she said with a hint of worry:

"You should already know that the Marquis's people are still in our castle. How do you plan to tell them?"

To this, Arthur calmly replied:

"I'll tell them the truth. Whether the marriage alliance continues or not will be up to the Marquiss Mansion to decide."

"That's the only way!"

Arina couldn't think of any better solution.

This topic temporarily ended.

Then Arina looked at Karona again, but now with kindness in her eyes:

"Karona, since Arthur has recognized you as his wife, then I am also your second sister from now on.

If Arthur ever bullies you, just tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson for you!"

"You can tell me too; I'll teach him a lesson as well," Art echoed.

Art and Arina's words were an acknowledgment of her. Karona, understanding, was very happy, but regarding Arthur bullying her, she immediately explained:

"Thank you, Big Brother, Second Sister. Arthur has always been very good to me and wouldn't bully me, so please rest assured!"

"Haha, that's for the best then!"

...After a few more exchanges, everyone entered the city.

The Mountain Giant, with another leap, crushed several square meters of paving stones.

Upon arriving at the castle, Earl Abergh and his mother Charlotte asked similar questions to Art and Arina.

Arthur gave the same answers.