As Dariush, Eira, Kian, and Cobra walked deeper into the banquet, the people parted the way for them. Their composure was unyieldingly strong and unbreakable.
Kian walked at Dariush's right side. He received dirty and lustful looks directed at his body—his curvy form with well-defined thighs. His hands, clasped behind him, tightened together, and he instinctively pressed closer to Dariush, yet subtly.
Cobra walked at Eira's left side. Wherever she looked, people averted their gaze. Cobra also pressed herself subtly against Eira.
Dariush and Eira still held each other. Dariush occasionally caught other men gazing at Eira and glared at them, yet subtly, in an elegant way. Eira also caught other women gazing at Dariush and did the same.
Kian whispered to Dariush: "Their gaze... is so disgusting... the way they look..." He tightened his jaw visibly as he pressed harder against Dariush, who seemed not to even notice.
Dariush let out a low snarl under his breath, as if agreeing subtly.
After what felt like an eternity, they reached the emperor. The last of the crowd cleared the way, revealing him.
The emperor sat on his throne, elevated on a high platform with five steps. The same elf servant from earlier, who had introduced them to the banquet, stood beside him.
The emperor was an elf. He had long, emerald-green hair. His eyes had purple pupils, like a flower. His face was attractive and handsome, with subtle effeminate features. His body was clearly muscular, yet not bulky—it was elegant. His skin looked flawless.
He wore a long black robe with nine golden dragons—not ordinary dragons, but lung—each with five claws: four on his sleeves and one on his back. His chest was slightly exposed. He also wore a red belt with purple, vein-like lines. He didn't wear his crown, and his hair was tied up.
His name was Iraj Emerald Wood.
The same elf servant announced in a booming yet gentle voice: "The great Emperor Iraj of Enoy stands before you. Greet him."
Eira began to bend slightly to bow, but Dariush kept her in place. He also held Kian from bowing by wrapping an arm around his waist. This made Cobra go rigid before she could even move.
Others behind them watched in silence, holding their breath.
The servant seemed irritated, but the emperor appeared amused and simply smirked.
One bold, fat elf in a black coat—with short black hair and green eyes—called out from behind: "Why don't you bow? The emperor is before you."
Dariush grinned, revealing his teeth and fangs, while still looking at the emperor: "Because he is an emperor. When he becomes my father-in-law, I will bow—and even kiss his hand."
The room erupted in collective gasps. Even the servant beside the emperor gasped. Everyone except the emperor, Dariush, and his companions reacted.
Eira smirked. Kian smirked. Cobra smirked. They all smirked with amusement.
The room fell into silence, waiting for Iraj's word. The space seemed to bend to his will: it grew darker for a moment, the fabrics on walls and windows moved despite no wind, and long shadows fell across the pillars.
Dariush's grin didn't falter; it turned into an amused smirk. His grip on Eira and Kian tightened slightly, and Cobra clenched and unclenched her hands, ready.
Then suddenly, something unusual happened.
Iraj burst out laughing, catching everyone off guard—except Dariush and his companions.
The room returned to its normal state, even brighter now.
Iraj stood and said with a warm expression: "I like that attitude, Dariush. You've made me like you already."
Dariush's arm slid from Kian's waist, letting go gradually. He also let go of Eira. He took a step closer, his smirk never fading, and crossed his arms: "Thanks, future father-in-law."
Iraj stepped down from the platform with purposeful steps and stopped in front of Dariush. Dariush, at 210 cm, towered over Iraj's 180 cm.
Iraj placed his hands on Dariush's shoulders, his expression fatherly and warm: "You're already such a great son-in-law. And I bet you're a great husband already. I can see it in your wife's eyes."
Dariush glanced back for a moment and saw the love in Eira's eyes. His smirk turned into a genuine smile. He turned his gaze back to Iraj.
Iraj continued: "I had planned to make your life worse if you were that type of asshole husband. But you're already proving yourself. I can see that." He withdrew his hands slowly and crossed them over his chest.
Dariush chuckled, his laughter beautiful to everyone's ears—except for the fat elf, who looked slightly disgusted.
Dariush said with the same smile: "I'm just being myself. I'm not trying to impress you, Sir Iraj. I'm just showing that I am who I am, no matter where."
Cobra, Eira, and Kian finally stepped closer. Kian smirked softly. Eira was excited but controlled herself with a smile. Cobra still held her helmet, grinning softly.
Iraj chuckled heartily, then stood beside Dariush, wrapped an arm around his neck, and pulled him down slightly. Dariush smiled and let himself be pulled. Iraj said: "That's the spirit, boy! Keep it up!" His expression was bright and lively.
Dariush chuckled briefly: "Sure, sure."
Iraj released Dariush's neck and stepped back, still standing at the foot of the platform. He crossed his arms and said: "Well then, no need to introduce your companions. Instead, I want to introduce you to one of my wives—and the mother of my son, Arvin." He smirked.
From the crowd, a woman emerged from the left side of the throne. People bowed as she appeared.
She was a bunny girl—a human body with pink bunny ears and a tail. She had long pink hair, knotted beautifully. Her eyes had navy-blue pupils. Her face was cute and beautiful, and her skin was flawless and naturally pale.
She wore a long jade robe with a large, mesmerizing phoenix in royal red. Her body was curvy, with well-defined curves on her hips, thighs, and chest.
Iraj gestured to her and said: "This is my seventh wife—out of my twenty-five. Her name is Lila. Lila Emerald Wood."
Lila chuckled softly: "Oh please, my dear. I can introduce myself. You know that."
Iraj stepped closer, stood beside her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and gripped her hip. Lila smirked softly while her tail twitched. Iraj said: "I know you can. But I can't help introducing my adorable wife." He grinned, looking at her lovingly.
Everyone in the room erupted into soft laughter.
Lila said with a teasing tone: "You're always so bold. And you know I love it."
Iraj chuckled softly: "Yes, I know you do. That's why I'm always like this." He squeezed her hip gently, making her blush and gasp softly. Then he turned to Dariush: "Hey, son-in-law... show me if you can be bold or not. I love bold people, if you want to know."
Dariush smirked and wrapped his arm around Eira. His hand gripped her ass; she blushed and whimpered but didn't resist. Instead, she arched into his hand and pressed herself against his side. Dariush said: "I am bold, dear father-in-law. I will always show it to you."
Before anyone could react, Dariush cupped Eira's face with his free hand, tilted it up, leaned in, and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Eira didn't resist—she melted into it.