The Supreme Forsaken

Chapter 3: He Lacks the Courage

The moment these words echoed in the air, a wave of disbelief washed over every face present.

Adelaide Seraphine, her heart pounding with fear, clung to Theodore's sleeve, pleading, "Don't utter such reckless words. The War Deity Aether isn't someone you can afford to provoke!"

Marcus Valeriano nodded fervently, his voice firm, "Very well, your audacious words will be relayed verbatim to the War Deity Aether."

"You are the first person I've ever known to show such blatant disrespect towards him!"

In the face of Marcus's veiled threats, Theodore merely responded with a cold, dismissive laugh, "I hardly consider him a threat."

"Respect him? He hasn't earned it!"

As Theodore's words grew increasingly defiant, Adelaide Seraphine shook her head in desperate anxiety.

Eleanor Seraphine, standing by Marcus, fanned the flames, "My dear, this young man's arrogance knows no bounds. He must be taught a lesson."

Marcus Valeriano fixed Theodore with a stern glare, "Do you think I'm oblivious to your thoughts? Do you believe that not being invited to the banquet gives you the right to spout such insolence?"

"Do you imagine that the War Deity Aether is incapable of dealing with you?"

"I assure you, come the banquet the day after tomorrow, I will find a way to drag you there."

Theodore Triumph shook his head lightly, an air of defiance about him, "I have no intention of attending the banquet. Even if the War Deity Aether were to kneel and beg me personally, I would refuse!"

With those final words, he took Adelaide's hand and turned to leave.

"Expecting the War Deity Aether to kneel before you? Just wait, your doom is sealed the day after tomorrow!" Marcus Valeriano's voice echoed behind them, his gaze fixed on Theodore Triumph's figure.

Walking beside Theodore, Adelaide voiced her disbelief, "Was it necessary to make such grandiose claims? Have you considered the repercussions of your words?"

"I assure you, I wasn't boasting."

Adelaide shook her head in disappointment, "Do you comprehend the might of the War Deity Aether? I won't tolerate any slander or insult towards my idol."

Hearing this, Theodore Triumph was taken aback.

He hadn't anticipated that Adelaide's idol would be the War Deity Aether.

"War Deity Aether is formidable? I beg to differ!"

"He has graced Timberwood City with his presence this time solely to offer an apology."

"Impossible! How could the lofty War Deity Aether stoop to apologize to someone?"

At this point, Adelaide released Theodore’s hand, her face a complex mix of emotions, "Never mind, even if I explain, you wouldn't understand. The charade is over, may I return home now?"

"Adelaide, I assure you, I wasn't putting on an act. Every word I uttered earlier was heartfelt."

Adelaide could sense his sincerity.

But the more sincere he appeared, the deeper her worry etched itself onto her face, "But... my parents are pressuring me to marry Alexander Sterling, the boss of Sterling Company!"

"He wields wealth and power in Timberwood City, I fear getting entangled..."

Before Adelaide could finish, Theodore took her hand and led her towards the church.

"We'll get married right now. I promise you a lifetime of splendor and eternal happiness!"

In truth, Adelaide's impression of Theodore wasn't particularly favorable, not because he had been incarcerated, but because he seemed too impractical and prone to grandiose claims.

But when compared to Alexander Sterling, she would undoubtedly choose Theodore Triumph.

They successfully got married.

Stepping out of the church, Eleanor felt as if she were in a dream.

Although she harbored no feelings for Theodore Triumph, it was certainly preferable to marrying an old scoundrel like Alexander.

She took out her phone, intending to call her parents.

But as soon as she unlocked her phone, she saw the news that War Deity Aether was coming to Timberwood City.

And according to online reports, War Deity Aether himself stated that his visit to Timberwood City was to apologize to someone.

Upon seeing this, Adelaide looked at Theodore in utter disbelief.

"How did you discern, even before the interview concluded, that War Deity Aether was here with an apology in his heart?" Adelaide Seraphine's question hung in the air, her eyes filled with curiosity and disbelief.

Theodore Triumph, meeting her gaze with a solemn expression, responded, "What if I told you he came to apologize to me? Would you believe such a tale?"

Adelaide didn't hesitate. She shook her head vehemently, her voice laced with incredulity, "You jest! The esteemed War Deity, stooping to apologize to you? It's impossible!"

"Your worlds don't intersect, not even remotely."

She wanted to remind him of his past, of his status as a recently released convict. But the words died on her lips. It felt too harsh, too cruel to voice out loud.

With a dismissive wave of her hand, she chose to let the matter rest. It was then she noticed the array of gifts Theodore was carrying.

"What's all this for?"

"To meet our parents, of course! One cannot possibly arrive empty-handed at a first meeting," Theodore Triumph replied, his voice light and jovial.

Hearing this, worry etched itself onto Adelaide's face, "Could we perhaps postpone it?"

"I fear my parents might not take it well. Moreover, Alexander Sterling is dining with us today. I'm concerned about his intentions towards you..."

"In that case, I must certainly go. I need to make it clear to him that you are my wife and he should maintain his distance."

"Have you lost your mind? You underestimate Alexander Sterling. If he learns about our relationship, he will undoubtedly seek revenge."

"He wouldn't dare!"