So that's Romeo Flameheart…
As the infamous red-haired Draconian came stumbling into the scene, he truly gave off the mien of a besotted figure, either through alcohol or through infatuation, Michael didn't know.
"This guy is an important figure?" Michael muttered to himself. He knew that Romeo held the second Antique, hence why he was 'important' to Michael. But it seemed that there was another reason why he was popular within everyone's circle.
It definitely wasn't because he could walk straight, that's for sure. The guy was crossing his legs with every step!
But just as he came closer to Michael, Romeo suddenly stopped in his tracks. Then, he raised his head, sniffing something in the air.
And immediately, his face turned serious. The drunken stupor in his countenance was washed away, making him sober in an instant.
Then, his head quickly swiveled towards Michael. No, not him. Towards the one next to him. Towards Lady Farren.
Then, his figure suddenly disappeared, blurring in Michael's eyes, a feat that only those in the Nascent Spirit realm could achieve.
Then, with a gust on Michael's face, Romeo reappeared beside him, his body bowing in a perfect 90 degree structure. He had his hands outstretched, begging, yearning for Lady Farren to finally take it in turn.
"Ah… I knew I smelled perfection," he muttered, his words no longer slurring. "Lady Farren, my shy flower, the girl of my dreams. It is my lifelong pleasure to finally see you in front of my eyes."
Michael was completely shocked. For someone who looked like a completely besotted and intoxicated fool, the guy could really make an eloquent and impassioned plea like no other! He was living up to his namesake, that's for sure.
"You don't know the joy and glee that you have bestowed upon me when you wrote that letter. Finally, all of my unrequited courting has borne fruit! Lady Farren! Can I finally take your hand in marriage?"
Lady Farren, the subject to all of this fervent adoration, was completely unsure of what to do.
She looked towards Michael, mouthing the words, "I thought you told me he only wanted my bloodline!"
Michael could only chuckle awkwardly. It seemed that Lyra was right from the very beginning! Romeo was after Lady Farren romantically!
"Ahem… sir Romeo, this is Keo. He is part of the reason why I wanted to speak with you," Lady Farren said, redirecting the conversation to steer away from the awkwardness.
Romeo turned towards Michael. "Ah…yes, the man I owe everything in my life to."
Then, with extreme speed, Romeo lunged at Michael and took him into a big hug, making him stagger backwards with a few steps.
"ANOTHER ONE?!" Jot'un couldn't help but shout. His visceral reaction was mirrored by the other people watching from a near distance. Now, it seemed that Keo was acquainted with all five Beastfolks!
And if they heard it correctly, Romeo just said that he owed everything in his life to Keo!
This wasn't just a simple alliance! This was far more than that!
Michael was a bit burdened by Romeo's heavy-handed hug, but he didn't hate it.
"Uhhh… thanks?"
"Of course! You are the reason why I am given a chance to make my beloved realize that we are meant to be together!"
Lady Farren opened her mouth, about to say something, but chose not to in the end.
"Sir Keo is also a friend of ours," she said. "And he would like to take a look at your Antique."
"I know that you are trying to solve its mystery, and the professor said something about a bloodline that will help with its discovery," Michael said carefully, trying not to offend him. "Is that not why you are trying to meet with Lady Farren? "
"You have me mistaken, my dear friend. I do not want to woo Lady Farren because her bloodline as an Elf will help me with the Antique.
I fancied her first, and then I found out about the connection between her lineage and the Antique. It is a serendipitous discovery, one that made me assured that Lady Farren is the woman of my dreams!"
Michael could sense no deception from Romeo, only blinded passion. His eyes practically turned into hearts the moment it landed on Lady Farren.
"At least, that was my plan right before I saw you in person," said Romeo, kneeling towards Lady Farren. "Now that I've seen you in all your wonder, I realize that I do not need the Antique at all. Our offspring will be wonderful no matter if they inherit the secret of the Antique or not!"
Michael was glad that Romeo wasn't having any nefarious thoughts about Lady Farren's blood. He truly was just a lovesick fool.
"Ahem, if you have no need for the Antique now, then may we obtain it from you? The professor wants me to study its contents," Michael said, taking the opportunity presented to him.
Romeo immediately gave an enthusiastic nod. "Of course, of course! Not only do I owe you a tremendous amount, but I also want to contribute to the reconstruction of history!
I have followed Professor Lichtenstein's work for quite a while now and admire his tenacity to his life's goal. His fortitude is nothing to scoff at. That's why I was glad when Lady Farren's letter mentioned that he finally took on a protege like you!"
The Draconian may not seem drunk anymore, but his words sure were boisterous. Soon, everyone gasped as Keo's 'true' identity was finally revealed.
"Professor Lichtenstein's protege?!"
"That professor?! I thought he was a hermit who didn't even speak to anyone?!"
"I heard that he even refused to tutor kids from conglomerates! But now he has a protege?!"
Those words were authenticated by the similar shock and surprise that were painted on the conglomerates' faces. They knew Professor Lichtenstein, having heard of his achievements and his lauded reputation from their seniors all their life. They'd all heard of his aversion to teaching, with his standards so impossibly high that not even the Yze Vanderbilt could convince him!