The more they oppose, the more it shows that I am doing the right thing

"Thank you for the correction, Your Highness Annand."

John, the old butler, had served the Sun Family for many years and was deeply trusted by the Archduke. He had long since adopted an unruffled demeanor. He pursed his lips, offered no argument, and simply said, "I have a question for Your Highness. Do you happen to know what our family's motto is?"

"The Dari Family? What about it?" Archduke Annand said as if it were a matter of course. "Could there be a mistake with an outstanding graduate from the Border College?"

Every time he spoke of this glorious accomplishment, His Highness Annand was particularly proud, even prouder than of his feats of slaying a Demigod of the Empire.

You got the name of the family wrong!

"May I ask what your title is?" continued John, the butler.

"I am Dari," replied Archduke Annand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"..." John, the old butler, had served the Archduke for many years and was by now unfazed by anything unusual.

He did not hold out much hope about the family name.

"Grand Master Dari," said John, the butler, deferentially presenting the letter from the imperial capital, "This is a letter from the capital."

Seeing that it was from a worthy daughter-in-law, Annand did not fuss over his subordinate's lack of cultural knowledge.

Archduke Annand was usually stern and authoritative with others, but at this moment, happiness was evident in his expression. He immediately took the letter, tore open the envelope, then remembered he could not read, and tossed it back to the butler to have him read it out loud.

[Respected Grand Master Dari] Discover stories with empire

[I offer you my warmest greetings.]

[I have received your letter.]

[I, unworthy as I am, happen to be the father of Ri Zi.]

To avoid Archduke Annand's dissatisfaction with Miss Yangzi's level of education, John, the butler, thoughtfully chose a different term, which won Annand's nod of approval.

So it was Ri Zi's father, which meant he was his own in-law.

The family education of this worthy daughter-in-law is indeed cultured, he thought to himself.

This was the first time Annand had encountered someone who got it right.

His own judgment was indeed not mistaken!

He couldn't help but feel a surge of joy and burst with happiness, urging the butler to continue reading.

"I, unworthy as I am, happen to be the father of Ri Zi."

"You can address me as An Bei," said the Grand Master.

An Bei, huh...

Archduke Annand nodded. Just hearing this name felt cultured and imposing. It was remarkably similar to his own, suggesting that this An Bei in-law was also a military man. The border was in the south, the imperial capital in the north; this was about setting the capital at ease.

He felt a thrill of excitement. After all, this An Bei in-law was so cultured and had raised a daughter with the spirit of the Sun.

Undoubtedly the man himself must be a lofty knight, and if given the chance, Annand really wanted to share a drink and merry converse with this brother An Bei.

"Although I'm unworthy, I have long heard of your great name, Grand Master. They say you excel in both literature and martial arts, which I deeply admire. How I wish to meet you soon and enjoy a hearty talk."

Look at that, such flattering speech, such discerning taste, even complimenting my high level of culture.

Even the nobility who come to fawn over Annand wouldn't have the cheek to boast about his high level of culture.

The more Archduke Annand listened, the more he felt that this An Bei in-law was to his taste.

"It is both terrifying and an honor that Ri Zi has caught your eye and will be united with your son."

"To be frank, Ri Zi has already met with Arthur, and they get along like siblings, harmoniously and lovingly, as if they have fallen in love."

An Su was indeed not lying.

Arthur had known Miss Yangzi since birth; one could say they had met long ago.

Arthur and Miss Yangzi shared one set of limbs, so to speak, making them as close as siblings.

Arthur and Yangzi always agreed on everything, mirroring the harmonious relationship of a couple.

Arthur was extremely vain, admiring himself in the mirror daily; one might say he was overcome with love, having fallen into a love affair.

An Su continued in the letter:

"But Ri Zi is after all my own flesh and blood, raised by my hand. She has been pampered from a young age, and with the border being so far, it is hard to bear the thought of parting with my daughter, as it is hard to accept such kindness from the Grand Master."

At this moment, far away in the capital, Arthur had no idea he had become An Su's own flesh and blood, still basking in joyous obliviousness.

And An Su's message was simple: he desired a favor in return for his willingness, suggesting that there was more to his intentions than appeared.

The border is too far!

If you want my daughter to marry and move there, a dowry is in order!

The moment Annand heard this, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly; indeed, the affection between father and daughter is universal.

Parents worry when their children travel far, just like Annand himself hesitated when Arthur traveled to the capital, constantly concerned that Arthur would embarrass himself, without being close enough to discipline him.

"I have indeed received your gift, my brother, but marriage is not a business transaction, and Ri Zi marrying far away to the border is merely seeking a reassurance."

"Ri Zi has been fragile since she was young, with her magic power pathways collapsing. She couldn't withstand the journey's bumps. If you could find a 'Canglin Dragon Heart' to protect her veins, as parents, we could rest easy."

Old John found his face turning odd as he read this part, for it sounded suspiciously like a scam.

The Cang Lin Demon Dragon lived north of the border forest, was powerful, and nearly extinct with its heart used to create an epic magic talisman, which stabilizes magic power pathways, protects the soul, ensures peace for new gods, and aids with powerful magic crafting.

It was exceedingly precious.

But Annand was utterly unconcerned and took it for granted.

With so many suitors for Miss Ri Zi, how could his son compete without an adequate bridal gift?

He even thought that Brother An Bei was straightforward and magnanimous, openly demanding a bridal gift, far more honorable than those other sneaky noblemen who came to curry favor with his house!

This was very much to the liking of His Highness Annand.

As for him, the Cang Lin Demon Dragon wasn't even that rare a thing.