Leo was about to help Arthur Watts when two elders from the Watts family rushed to Isla Morgan.
“Miss He, our young master is weak and cannot endure such strain. The wedding night should wait until after the marriage,” Elder Steve said, his face full of embarrassment.
If their young master were to be taken to the bridal chamber by Miss Morgan in front of everyone, the Watts family would lose face.
Isla Morgan, however, was not having it. She held onto Arthur Watts and said in a strong voice, “You came to propose, and since I agreed, marriage is inevitable. Entering the bridal chamber before the wedding is just the same.”
Isla Morgan was eager for the bridal chamber because she had caused a commotion in one years ago. In her mind, entering the bridal chamber with a man she liked should be a fun experience.
“Miss Morgan, marriage is a serious matter. Although you agreed, your father’s approval is still required,” Elder Jaycob interjected urgently.
Isla Morgan glared at the elder who mentioned her father and said gruffly, “As long as I choose someone, my father will have no objections.”
Elder Steve quickly coughed twice and said, “Miss Morgan, marriage should be proper and dignified. It would be more appropriate to wait until you are married into the Watts family before entering the bridal chamber.”
“Proper and dignified?” Isla Morgan thought for a moment and found the elder’s words reasonable.
“Alright then, bring the betrothal gifts in three days. My father will be present.”
After speaking, Isla Morgan pulled Arthur Watts’ face close and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.
Arthur Watts felt goosebumps all over and, once released, scrambled behind Elder Steve and Elder Jaycob.
Seeing this, Isla Morgan was somewhat dissatisfied. Was she really that scary?
“Miss Morgan, we take our leave!” Elder Steve and Elder Jaycob quickly bowed to Isla Morgan.
They hurriedly left with Arthur Watts in tow.
Leo saw this and followed them out.
After walking a considerable distance and confirming that Isla Morgan was not following, Arthur Watts leaned against a tree, panting heavily.
“Oh my god, how did I catch the eye of Miss Morgan? I’ve kept myself pure for over twenty years; am I really going to be ruined by that woman!?” Arthur Watts exclaimed in fear.
He looked pleadingly at Elder Steve and Elder Jaycob. “What do we do now?”
“What else can we do? For the sake of the family, Mr. Watts, you’ll have to endure this…” Elder Steve said sympathetically.
Before coming to propose, Elder Steve and Elder Jaycob had done some research and knew that Miss Morgan had rejected many prominent families.
They hadn’t expected much success today but were surprised that Mr. Watts caught Miss Morgan’s eye!
Seeing Arthur Watts looking like a child whose favorite toy had been taken away, Elder Jaycob consoled him. “Mr. Watts, we came all this way to propose in hopes of success. The head of our family will be pleased to hear we’ve succeeded.”
The Watts family was under pressure from two major families and was not doing well. If they could form an alliance with the Everlasting Trade Association through marriage, their situation and business would improve.
Arthur Watts understood the stakes. He had agreed to come to Clearwind Town for the family’s sake but couldn’t accept marrying a woman stronger than himself.
“I absolutely won’t marry that woman!” Arthur Watts declared fiercely.
“Young master, we’ve already proposed; it’s too late to back out now…” Elder Steve said discontentedly.
“Elder Steve, Elder Jaycob, if our family needs a marriage alliance to survive, don’t you think that’s disgraceful and hopeless?” Arthur Watts retorted angrily.
Hearing this, both elders fell silent for a moment.
After a pause, Elder Steve sighed. “Mr. Watts, marriage alliances may be distasteful but sometimes necessary.”
“Once, the Watts family was the top family in Zratol. Now we’ve been pushed to the edge of first-class families. If we don’t find a way, we might decline further. As an elder of the Watts family, I cannot allow that.”
“The decision for you to come to Clearwind Town for a match was made by the elders and the head of the family. So your marriage to Miss Morgan is practically settled since she agreed.”
Arthur Watts knew arguing with the stubborn Elder Steve was pointless. He waved dismissively. “Do whatever you want. Leo, let’s go!”
“Mr. Watts, you aren’t planning to run away, are you?” Elder Steve’s voice turned stern. “As a member of the Watts family, you should consider its well-being. You know the consequences of running away and its impact on the family.”
Arthur Watts replied impatiently, “I know; I won’t run away.”
“Elder Steve, should we have someone follow Mr. Watts?” Elder Jaycob asked as he watched Arthur Watts and Leo leave.
“No need. Mr. Watts may be frivolous at times but understands reason. He knows what to do for the family’s sake,” Elder Steve shook his head.
Elder Jaycob sighed deeply. “If only our family were still prosperous, we wouldn’t need such alliances.”
“Face reality. Let’s return and prepare for the betrothal gifts in three days,” Elder Steve said as a fleeting look of decline crossed his eyes.
On the street, Leo and Arthur Watts walked aimlessly. Arthur looked dejected without his usual spirit.
“No way, I can’t marry that woman or my life will be ruined!” Arthur suddenly lifted his head with determination.
Leo looked at him sympathetically and asked, “What do you plan to do next?”
The image of Isla Morgan was too imposing; Leo doubted he could ever forget her.
“Leo, I want to visit Lord’s Manor,” Arthur said after some thought.
“Why go there?” Leo asked puzzled.
“You might not know this, but recently Lord Lucas Collins discovered a valley in Azure Dragon Mountains. He named it Thunder Valley because it contains a Thunderfruit Tree.”
“Lord’s Manor announced that there are over a hundred Thunderfruits on that tree.”