Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 76: Pissing Contest or Gift Giving?

A week had passed since they arrived in Steadfast, and it had been filled with laughter, exploration, and fun moments between Lilith and Ren.

They had wandered the streets of the capital, tasting food from vendors, watching street performers, and sneaking away to hidden corners of the city where they could talk freely. Of course, Thorn and Elias always found them before too long.

Lilith had dragged him to a bookstore famous among the nobles, forcing him to listen as she debated with the store owner about the finest written works in Albion.

He had, of course, left without buying anything. Books were expensive for poor nobles like him. Even though he had enough money to stock the Ross library, it was an unnecessary expense.

Instead, he’d taken Lilith to a weaponsmith known for crafting some of the best throwing knives, watching as she gleefully tested their balance before picking out a few.

They had even visited a quiet garden behind an old city hall, where they had sat in companionable silence, enjoying a few moments of peace in the bustling city.

Follow current novels on ƒreewebηoveℓ.com.

They’d also taken time to spar in private, training together in the small Underwood training yard. Most of the matches ended in a draw but Ren already knew who would win if they really fought with everything they had.

He knew he was not yet in a position where he could stand on even ground against Soul Dominion. Even with Unfettered Enhancement, he still had ways to go, and the first step was bridging the huge gulf between Rank 3 and 4.

All in all, it had been a week of discovery and relaxation. But today was different. Today was an official occasion.

It was the day of the King’s gifting ceremony, where nobles from all over Albion would present their gifts or as Thorn had once put it, tributes, for the king’s birthday.

Later that night, the official ball would mark the beginning of the grand festivities leading up to the King’s Tournament.

Lilith and Ren sat inside their carriage, dressed formally for the occasion.

Lilith wore a deep red dress embroidered with golden threads, her hair pinned in an elegant style.

Ren wore a tailored dark coat with silver embellishments, his Ross insignia stitched onto his collar. He adjusted his cuffs as the carriage rattled through the main road leading to the palace.

As they approached, the sight of the palace came into view.

The Royal Palace of Steadfast was an architectural wonder, sprawling across the upper levels of the capital like a crown atop a mountain.

Its white stone walls gleamed under the sun, decorated with carvings of Albion’s history. Spires rose into the sky, banners bearing the royal insignia fluttering in the wind.

Golden gates marked the entrance, guarded by elite knights in polished silver armor, their presence alone commanding respect.

Lilith turned to Ren, a small smirk on her lips. "Impressed?"

Ren smiled, glancing up at the massive structure. "It’s nice. A bit excessive, though."

Lilith chuckled. "You and your simple tastes."

Their carriage came to a halt, and their servants stepped out first, carrying the gift they had prepared. Ren and Lilith followed, stepping onto the wide marble courtyard leading to the entrance.

A grand staircase guided the nobles toward the official chamber where the gifts would be presented. A line had already formed, with lords, ladies, and representatives of noble houses, all bearing tributes meant to display their loyalty and wealth.

Ren’s gaze swept over the nobles gathered. Some were chatting amongst themselves, others watching their competitors with unreadable expressions.

Their own servants joined the line, carrying their gifts. Ren knew his father had prepared a finely crafted ceremonial sword, and a few other things, but he also knew those gifts would probably not even reach the king himself.

As they waited, Ren and Lilith spoke quietly among themselves.

"I’m not the only one who thinks this is a bit of a power play, am I?" Ren murmured. "Bringing gifts like this?"

Lilith nodded. "It’s more about display than true tribute. The richer the family, the grander the offering. And the King doesn’t actually need these gifts."

Ren smirked. "Good. That means he won’t mind that ours isn’t flashy."

Lilith rolled her eyes. "It’s not about the size of the gift, Ren. It’s about its meaning. I’m sure your sword is a fine tribute."

"Oh, you sweet summer child." Ren chuckled.

They moved forward as the line progressed, watching noble after noble step up to present their gifts to the king’s representative. The king himself was probably drinking himself away somewhere in the inner palace.

Finally, it was their turn. Ren and Lilith stepped forward, standing before the palace officials who recorded each offering.

Their servant placed their gifts before them, bowing as the official inspected it. A scribe wrote their names into the record, and they were about to step back when an interruption shattered the flow of the ceremony.

A procession of servants entered from the side, carrying numerous crates, gilded chests, and silk-wrapped parcels. Leading them was none other than Vesper Rosefield.

The murmurs in the chamber grew as Vesper strode forward, skipping the line entirely.

Some nobles grumbled under their breath at the blatant disregard for order, but no one openly challenged him. The Rosefield family was powerful, and from what Ren knew of him, Vesper had never been one to respect etiquette when he could simply ignore it.

Ren and Lilith, still standing near the front, caught his attention immediately.

Vesper smirked, his sharp gaze sweeping over them before landing on the ceremonial sword they had just offered.

"Oh? That’s your gift?" He chuckled, his voice carrying just enough condescension to be heard by those nearby. "I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. The Ross family has never been known for wealth. Is this the best you could muster? A single sword?"

Ren’s expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "And yet, it’s more valuable than a hundred empty gestures."

Vesper’s smirk twitched slightly. "You always did have a sharp tongue, Ross. Careful where you aim it."

Lilith folded her arms, unimpressed. "Maybe you should take your own advice, Vesper."

A few nobles nearby stifled chuckles. Vesper’s jaw tightened, but he quickly masked it with a laugh. "How entertaining. But I don’t have time to trade barbs. Unlike some, I have a place in the inner palace."

A palace attendant approached then, confirming what Vesper had just boasted about. "Lord Rosefield, you have been invited inside."

Vesper’s smirk widened, and he turned back to Lilith. "Why don’t you come with me? I’m sure the inner halls would be far more entertaining than waiting out here."

Lilith didn’t hesitate. "No, thank you."

The chamber went silent for a brief moment. Vesper’s confident expression wavered slightly, only to return seconds later as an amused chuckle escaped him. "I see. Well, enjoy your little ceremony. I’ll be seeing you both soon."

With that, he turned sharply, motioning for his servants to follow as he strode toward the entrance to the inner palace.

Ren exhaled, shaking his head. "That guy really can’t stand losing, can he?"

Lilith smirked. "He’ll have to get used to it."

Ren chuckled, but his gaze lingered toward the doors where Vesper had disappeared.

There was no doubt in his mind that this wasn’t the last time they would cross paths.

And next time, it might not just be words that would be exchanged.