Chapter 260: Tea Party Alliances and Family Ties

The Rocks Family will also step in and offer some military support.

Second, they’re using this tea party to gather all their old allies and hold a more comprehensive conference.

Third, of course, is the arranged marriage between Carven Hendy and the Rocks Family.

This also sends a clear message: any suitable sons and daughters among the gathered factions are welcome to form marriage ties with the Rocks Family.

That’s why, in the original story, Charlotte Linlin could rule both the underworld and the surface. Her children’s marriages created an invisible web, covering the world itself. Both sides gave her respect.

Karl had no problem with this arrangement, though he differed from Charlotte Linlin—he would never force his children to marry someone they didn’t like.

“Mom, Mom!”

“That’s Carven Ariel over there.”

After stepping down from the stage, Perospero walked up to Charlotte Linlin’s long table and pointed toward Carven Hendy’s group not far away.

All around, people chatted amongst themselves, discussing the upcoming engagement ceremony. Meanwhile, all kinds of performances played out onstage—singing, dancing—giving everyone something to talk about.

Charlotte Linlin and Karl followed his gaze. The girl in the red dress was tall and slender. No matter how she tried to hide it, her delicate features made her instantly likeable.

“She really is a beautiful girl.”

“Ma ma ma ma!”

“Perospero, you’ve got a sharp eye. Go on, bring her over.”

Getting such praise from his parents felt like a kid getting candy. Overjoyed, Perospero lifted his giant lollipop and headed off to invite Carven Hendy and his group over.

Carven Hendy led the way. As they arrived, he saluted before speaking. “I assume you’re Lord Karl and Lady Linlin of the Rocks Family.”

“To have the chance to marry into your family—it’s been my lifelong dream.”

“And this is my beloved daughter, Ariel.”

With all eyes on her, Ariel gave a graceful curtsy, not the least bit flustered. She held her head high and greeted everyone. “Hello, everyone!”

“My name is Ariel. Please take care of me.”

“Come on, quickly, don’t be shy!”

Seeing how delicate and bashful Ariel looked, Charlotte Linlin quickly ushered her into Perospero’s seat. Karl joined in, chatting with Carven Hendy about everyday life.

This was the first time either Karl or Charlotte Linlin had discussed their children’s marriages. Both felt a little awkward. Their words lacked the careful finesse of Carven Hendy and Lex.

They all sat together, talking about how to handle the marriage and what came after. To be honest, the match was for the families’ interests, but the biggest factor was that Perospero actually liked Ariel.

Their main focus was hashing out the details, not discussing the engagement or what would happen after the wedding.

Perospero, watching someone else take his seat, gave a pitiful look, earning laughter from his younger siblings. Some couldn’t stand sitting still any longer, finishing their meals quickly and dashing off to play around the hall.

Meanwhile, Ariel, sitting on the bench, kept stealing glances back at Perospero. Her cheeks flushed pink, a little shy.

On the way here, her mother had already explained everything. For a child of the Carven Family, this was always the end game—an arranged marriage. But if you found a good match, the rest of your life wouldn’t be so hard.

Besides, ever since Perospero started practicing the Five Elements Fist, his features grew even sharper. He was definitely handsome—she wasn’t getting the short end of the stick.

“Big brother Perospero, looks like your engagement’s a done deal.” Perospero, lost in thought, snapped back at the familiar voice.

A tall, lean man with a trident strolled over. He stood more than six meters high, his muscles taut. Long legs in black jeans, boots with gleaming spurs.

It was Katakuri, just back from handling the World Government’s lapdogs—CP0—and returned to the hall.

“Yeah, I think my business here is just about wrapped up.”

“Don’t get impatient. You’re next on the list. Got your eye on someone? I’ll set you up myself!”

Katakuri hurriedly waved him off. “Forget it! Let’s pretend I was never here.” And with that, he bolted.

Katakuri thought to himself, I’m still young—no way I’m stepping into the grave that is marriage. I’ll let big brother enjoy it instead.

As it happened, he remembered Krell had something to discuss with him and dashed off to find him on the other side of the hall.

Once Katakuri was gone, Perospero looked toward Daifuku, Oven, and the others.

He couldn’t help but smile at their solemn faces. Walking over, he patted their shoulders. “If any of you see someone you like, just tell me. I’ll help you out.”

His brothers and sisters shook their heads at once. “Big brother, we’re already finished eating.”

“Yeah, that’s right. We’ve already finished.”

“Goodbye, big brother!”

Just like Katakuri, they hurriedly shoveled down a few bites then made a break for it.

“Tch, look at the lot of you.”

“If you ever actually fall in love someday, don’t come crying to me for help!”

Watching the group wave him off, Perospero muttered, “One day you’re all going to regret this.”

“Perospero, come here a minute.”

When his mother called out, he quickly snapped back to his senses and walked over to Charlotte Linlin, sneaking a glance at Ariel sitting nearby.

“Mom, I’m here.”

After replying, he looked at Ariel’s turned-away face—her cheeks glowing red. Adorable.

“The wedding date is set. Go spend some time together, and we’ll hold the ceremony this afternoon.”

Still staring at Ariel, Perospero blurted out, “Wait, mom, isn’t this too rushed?”

“We haven’t had any time to build a relationship yet.”

Perospero never expected things to move so fast. He thought this would just be the engagement, not the actual marriage.

Charlotte Linlin replied coolly, “What, you’re not willing?”

“No, no, that’s not it at all.”

He waved his hands, not wanting to give the wrong impression. “Whatever you say, Mom.”

Seeing his attitude, Charlotte Linlin finally nodded in satisfaction, turning to Carven Hendy. “Well, from now on, we’re in-laws. Let the two of them spend some time together.”

Carven Hendy had no reason to argue—he was eager to finalize things so he could rely on the Rocks Family’s strength. “No problem at all. Young folks should decide their own affairs.”

“Ariel!”

At her father’s call, Ariel looked up shyly, then stood. Perospero reached out his right hand and Ariel, almost without thinking, took it.

“Mom, Dad, if you’ll excuse us.”

“Go on, then. Take some time to get to know each other.”