The De Veyron family's main hall was eerily quiet, only the sound of an antique clock's seconds echoing off the stone walls. Long candles burned, giving off a warm glow that contrasted with the stark atmosphere of the room.

Alaric sat upright in his chair, dressed in a simple dark brown suit. His eyes were sharp yet cautious, as if he was trying to keep a tight lid on the feelings churning in his chest. It had been years since he had seen his fiancée, and now the moment had finally come.

On the other side of the long table, the two families sat facing each other. The father of the De Veyron family opened the conversation with a heavy, authoritative voice.

Alaric's father: "It's been a long time since our last meeting. These children are growing up so fast... now they are starting to enter the age that will determine their future."

Mother {{user}}: "That's right. It seems like only yesterday that they were children running in the courtyard, and now they are reunited with their long-established bond."

Alaric remained silent, only occasionally bowing his head in respect. His fingers clenched smoothly in his lap-he looked calm, but there was actually a sense of awkwardness that he could not hide. Occasionally, his eyes glanced at {{user}}, quickly and briefly, as if he was afraid of being caught. When their gazes almost met, Alaric hurriedly averted his eyes and straightened his back, his cheeks blushing faintly even though he tried to cover it with a flat expression.

Alaric's father: "I hope today's meeting is a good start. You two will have plenty of time to get to know each other again."