CH373 Phoenix – Dragon Convergence I

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Alex and his new wives moved through the guests, thanking them for attending.

Being people who regularly interacted with others, this came naturally to Alex, Eleanor and Zora. Udara, however, found the experience far more challenging; she had always preferred the shadows.

Noticing this, her big sis Zora stayed close, guiding her gently and showing her the ropes.

Now that Udara was Alex's wife, her role had shifted in subtle yet meaningful ways. She could no longer remain hidden all the time; she would need to step into the light whenever duty to the household required it.

Fortunately, tonight's gathering was small and intimate, with only a modest list of guests to greet and converse with—an ideal, low-pressure environment for Udara to start learning from Zora.

Meanwhile, after completing a round of greetings, Alex was abruptly pulled aside by Prince Caesar Ludevicus, who—as usual—stood with Archilles Maximillian looming at his side.

"I didn't expect that you'd manage to snag not two kingdom-toppling women, but three. I must admit, even I'm jealous enough to curse your ridiculous luck," Prince Caesar teased, elbowing him lightly.

"It's like you said—I'm really lucky," Alex replied with a smile.

The prince slung an arm over Alex's shoulder, then dragged the unwilling Archilles in as well. With the three of them huddled in a corner, backs half-turned to the hall, it looked suspiciously like they were plotting something.

"Come on, Alex. You've got to give our big guy here a few tips on how to capture a woman's heart," Prince Caesar said.

A vein nearly bulged on Archilles' forehead, though he managed to restrain himself—if only to avoid accidentally crushing his so-called friend.

Alex, however, mistook the silence as agreement. Realising he wouldn't escape the situation as easily as the last time Caesar roped him into nonsense, he decided to spout something equally nonsensical.

"Although individual women differ, there is a straightforward method that should work… most of the time," Alex said.

"First, you have to figure out what they like, then use that to draw their interest. Ideally, it should be something you can do together regularly. And for the love of everything sacred, make sure it isn't something strange or creepy that makes your constant meetings suspicious."

He continued, "So, learn what she enjoys, combine that with frequent—but natural—contact, and use both to build familiarity. Once she's comfortable enough to lower her guard around you, you'll be able to worm your way in and win her heart."

"You honestly can't go wrong with interest and familiarity," he added.

"Hmm…" Prince Caesar rubbed his chin as if he'd just uncovered some ancient wisdom.

Archilles maintained his usual stoic expression.

But Caesar, being Caesar, wasn't done stirring the pot.

"Didn't she invite you to spar the other day? Use that. There's always a bit of… intimate contact when sparring. Schedule multiple sessions, get her used to your touches and—before you know it—you'll win her heart."

He grinned proudly. "That's a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself."

Archilles didn't comment, but something in his eyes suggested he was actually considering it.

'He is not going to follow the prince's ridiculous plan… is he?' Alex's lips twitched.

Still, he said nothing. He wasn't going to stay trapped in this nonsense any longer than necessary.

Thankfully, Prince Caesar had enjoyed enough mischief at Archilles' expense and finally let both men go.

Then his expression shifted, turning serious. "Sorry, Alex. I'll have to borrow your wife for the day. We need to report her marriage to the Imperial Chamberlain of Rites. He'll be furious to learn about this after everything's already done, but I should be able to smooth it over."

"Is there something I can do to help?" Alex asked.

"Don't worry about it. The Imperial Clan has already acknowledged your union quietly. So getting pissed is all the Chamberlain can realistically do," Prince Caesar said with a dismissive wave. "That said, a lowkey celebration for the main ceremony won't fly. You'll need to inform the Imperial Clan formally through the Chamberlain of Rites beforehand, and you must present a general outline for the ceremony's arrangements."

"Can't have the wedding of an Imperial Clan member be subpar?" Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly." Caesar nodded with solemn finality.

"Understood. I'll keep it in mind," Alex replied.

Caesar smiled, patting Alex's shoulder. "Don't be a stranger. We're essentially brothers now."

Archilles Maximillian gave Alex his usual short nod.

The two princes departed early, taking Eleanor with them. Prince Caesar's Pegasi Carriage soared beyond the Enclave city, disappearing swiftly into the horizon.

With the princes gone, Alex used the opportunity to introduce his followers and core party members to each other, firmly emphasising the new roles and positions his wives now held within the household.

The small gathering drew to a quiet close later in the evening. At some point, both Drake and Merlin had slipped away without drawing the slightest attention.

Alex's party members gradually returned to their own quarters for the night.

Alex himself returned to his accommodation with only Zora beside him, as Udara had likewise vanished shortly before the event ended.

He held onto Zora firmly—only for her to try the same disappearing act.

Once inside the dorm, Zora turned toward the kitchen. She intended to prepare something for the two of them since they hadn't eaten much during the ceremony. But Alex stepped behind her, blocking the way.

"That's enough. I've been patient for five years. Five years! No more." He wrapped his arms around her and guided her toward the bedroom.

"Oh? Five years? So you've been looking at me with lustful eyes since back then. What a terribly naughty boy you are," Zora teased as she tapped his cheek.

[Dragon Kumite: Burst]!

The moment they entered the bedroom, she released a soft but potent burst of mana. The force separated them neatly, slipping her from Alex's hold.

"A bad boy deserves punishment. And I don't feel like giving you your way tonight," Zora smirked, her eyes gleaming.

"You wouldn't," Alex frowned.

"I will." Zora's gaze turned imperious, a queen addressing her subject.

**(23/70)**

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