Danrique looked at the children with mixed emotions before collecting himself. Smiling slightly, he replied, “Welcome!”
After that, he gestured for everyone to enter.
As Robert walked along with Danrique, both of them conversed in Ferropenian.
Charlotte, who followed behind them with the children, could sense that Danrique was out of sorts. His face was pale while his strides were not as energetic as they used to be.
Louis leaned over and whispered, “Has Danrique not recovered from his wounds?”
“What?” Charlotte was shocked. “Is he injured?”
“Erm…” Louis’ face turned awkward. “You didn’t know? Gosh, I committed a slip of tongue.”
Charlotte furrowed her eyebrows and wondered who it was that was capable of hurting Danrique.
Moreover, he had not brought it up after so long.
There’s definitely something suspicious about it.
“Since Danrique doesn’t want you to know, it’s better that you don’t ask.” Louis was anxious. “At least don’t ask him in front of us. Or else, he will skin me alive.”
Until now, Louis was terrified of Danrique after the lesson he was taught the last time.
“I know.” Charlotte rolled her eyes at him.
When they arrived in the grand hall, the dining table was filled with scrumptious food.
Danrique invited everyone to take their seats while Charlotte brought the children to the changing to remove their jackets and wash their hands before joining the rest.
Danrique raised his glass to a toast and clinked it with Robert. After that, both of them finished their wine in one gulp.
Then, Robert got Louis and Charlotte to toast Danrique together.
While Louis toasted obediently, Charlotte was reluctant to do so as she understood what Robert was trying to imply. Nevertheless, she complied respectfully.
While Ellie ate obediently, Robbie was quietly observing what was going on.
After a few glasses of wine, Robert got straight to the point. “Given how busy everyone is, we seldom get an opportunity to gather. Therefore, why don’t we decide on Louis and Charlotte’s engagement earlier? Based on Chanaean traditions, I, as the father of the groom, am here to ask for the bride’s hand in marriage on his behalf.”
Although the Lindbergs had emigrated to Erihal decades ago, they still considered themselves Chanaean. Hence, all their customs and practices followed Chanaean customs.
“As her elder brother, I have tested Louis on behalf of Charlotte.” Swirling his wineglass, Danrique glanced at Louis. “Although Louis is easily contented, he has a kind heart and is sincere toward Charlotte. Therefore, I have no objections to the engagement.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lindberg,” Louis replied in delight.
Robert furrowed his eyebrows in displeasure. However, he quickly broke into a smile. “Louis was appointed as a duke at a very young age which is rare within the royal family. It’s undeniable that his ambition couldn’t be compared to yours, but he still has a lot of opportunities ahead of him.”
Smiling slightly, Danrique turned to Charlotte instead. “I’ll leave the decision to Charlotte. Although I support it, I won’t force her.”
“Of course.” Robert turned toward Charlotte. “Charlotte, have you given it due consideration?”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss this in front of the children.” Charlotte was considerate of their feelings. “Sir Robert, let’s talk about it in the study later.”
“We’re speaking Ferropenian. They won’t understand.” Robert chuckled.
“Mommy, this steak is delicious,” Robbie blurted in Ferropenian and even cut Charlotte a piece.
Robert was utterly stunned.
“Uncle Dan, is your chef a Chanaean? He has managed to blend Chanaean flavors with the local food,” Robbie remarked to Danrique in Erihalean.
Further shocked, Robert asked in disbelief, “This child knows Ferropenian and Erihalean? Is he truly just six years old?”
