The Indomitable War God

Chapter 4

Amelia froze, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“Fiancé?”

She stared at Sebastian as if he were the world’s cruelest joke.

“Him?”

"Yes", Henry replied firmly, “This marriage was arranged by me and Sebastian’s father many years ago.”

“No.” Amelia’s voice was resolute. “I will never marry him. This engagement must be called off.”

Henry’s expression hardened. 

“This is not open for discussion.”

“Why not?!” Amelia snapped, her chest rising with barely contained fury. 

“I am the CEO of Rose Corporation. I built everything I have with my own hands. And now you want me to marry some random soldier I’ve never even met?”

Henry slammed his cane against the floor.

Bang!

“Nonsense! You will marry Sebastian!”

Amelia clenched her fists tightly.

“Grandpa, there are countless outstanding men in Cloud City. Why him?!”

“Because he is more capable than all the so-called outstanding young men in Cloud City combined.”

Amelia almost laughed out loud. A mere soldier was more capable than what all the wealthy families' and corporations' young heirs had to offer?

What a ridiculous claim.

Amelia turned toward Sebastian, her cold blue eyes sweeping over his plain military uniform with contempt. 

The man sat there calmly enjoying a cup of tea as if this entire thing had nothing to do with him.

“What rank did you achieve in the military?” she asked sharply. “Or did you leave with nothing to show for your service?”

"Rank doesn't define a soldier's worth." Sebastian retorted haughtily. “Each soldier is just as important in the military.”

“That's not an answer," Amelia replied angrily. 

“Well, if you must know… I did what was necessary. Nothing more, nothing less.” 

"Hmph. Is that the excuse you have?" Amelia sneered.

“You appear out of nowhere, with no reputation, no achievements, and no background. Yet you stand here as if you’re above everyone else.”

“Do you know how many outstanding men would kill for the chance to marry someone like me?” Amelia continued, her tone growing colder.

“I built Rose Corporation from nothing. I won’t get married to someone who contributes nothing and expects to live off my family’s name.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow slightly. For the first time, there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

“You think I want to leech off your family?”

“What else am I supposed to think?” Amelia retorted, her face red from anger. 

“I think you’re the one who’s going to leech off me instead.” Sebastian scoffed.

“What did you say?” Amelia snarled. She felt her chest would explode from anger. 

“If it weren’t for my father’s wishes, I wouldn’t want to marry you either. I have better options anyways.” 

Amelia’s face turned crimson with rage. 

“You scoundrel—!”

The arrogance in his tone enraged her even more. Did he think they were on the same level?

“Enough.” Henry banged his cane on the marble floor and said in a cold voice.

“You will get married to Sebastian," Henry declared firmly. “End of discussion.”

Amelia took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with anger. Finally, she laughed coldly.

“Fine.”

She turned toward Sebastian, her eyes burning with cold fury.

"But know this—I will never acknowledge this marriage."

With that, she stormed out of the hall, heels clicking sharply against the marble. Lisa shot Sebastian one final venomous glare before hurrying after her.

Silence returned to the Great Hall.

Henry sighed and looked at Sebastian apologetically. "That brat has been spoiled since she was young. I hope you will not take it to heart."

Sebastian calmly sipped his tea. The warmth of the Snowheart Ginseng still lingered in his chest, easing the ache in his side.

“I won’t,” he said warmly.

“Thank you.” Henry nodded slowly. “Give her some time. I’m sure she’ll come around.”

Sebastian nodded. He finished his tea and stood up slowly.

“I should get going now, Patriarch Lockwood.” He smiled politely.

“Patriarch this, Patriarch that. You make me sound like a monument.” Henry grumbled. 

“Call me Henry, please.”

Sebastian chuckled. “Alright, Henry.” 

“That’s much better," Henry smiled. “Come, let me walk you out.”

“There’s no need, Henry," Sebastian quickly declined. “I’ll show myself out.”

Henry nodded. “Very well. We’ll talk another time.”

Sebastian nodded once and turned toward the door.

*

Outside the manor, snow continued falling lightly from the dark sky.

Sebastian walked quietly down the stone pathway, his breath misting in the cold air. His expression was calm, but his mind wasn’t.

Amelia Lockwood. The woman who broke the last keepsake from his mother and called him a conman was the woman he was supposed to marry.

Why did his father even arrange this marriage? He didn’t want to deal with someone so short-sighted.

How infuriating.

He exhaled slowly.

Just as he reached the gates, his phone suddenly vibrated.

Sebastian glanced at the unfamiliar number, then answered.

“Who is this?”

A respectful voice immediately sounded from the other end.

“Mr. Helios? This is Isaac Rutherford.”

Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly. If Amelia and Lisa were here, they would have frozen in shock.

This was because Isaac Rutherford was none other than the owner of the Rutherford Group, one of the most powerful corporations in the city.