The Zirroth family was a big conglomerate, primarily focused on the construction and infrastructure industries. Their assets were worth trillions of Tels, not even counting their non-liquid holdings.
And now, Aster found himself visiting the president of such a conglomerate.
"Don't be too nervous, darling! No matter what Father says, I'll follow you from now until forever~!"
Tina smiled, trying to reassure Aster. But instead of helping, her words made him even more anxious.
'If I fail to convince her father, wouldn't this be like we're forcefully taking his daughter away?'
The thought haunted him. Not even Magnus could protect him if things went south.
After a ten-minute ride, the car finally arrived in front of a large building. It wasn't quite on the same scale as the Mayor's Tower, but it stood at nearly half the height. The design was complex, chaotic even, yet somehow still balanced and stable. The building's structure seemed to hold together in perfect harmony.
"What a... unique design," Aster said, unable to hold back his admiration.
"You mean this building?" Tina chuckled softly. "It's based on some random scribbles I made when I was a toddler. It's embarrassing for me, but Father wouldn't hear of tearing it down."
Aster stared blankly.
A building created from a toddler's scribbles. Just that alone told him how much the president treasured his youngest daughter. And here he was, about to ask this man to let his precious daughter accompany them into a dungeon...
"Ugh, my stomach..." Aster groaned quietly.
"Puff your chest, darling! No need to hunch your shoulders," Tina said cheerfully, grabbing Aster's arm and leading him forward. "Father's in his office, let's go!"
Unlike the exterior's chaotic appearance, which reminded Aster of a badly configured Lego set, the interior was completely organized. It was a bustling business building, with employees moving back and forth, attending to their tasks.
"Good morning, Princess Celestinya," someone greeted.
Aster noticed that wherever they went, people stopped in their tracks and bowed respectfully. The level of reverence they showed to Tina was beyond his imagination.
"He's not fit for our family. Dispose of him," the president declared coldly. His words carried the weight of an order, not a suggestion.
Aster barely had time to register what was happening when he saw projectiles—bullets, daggers, and all manner of deadly weapons—materialize around him. They came from everywhere, too fast for him to react.
*CRACKLE!*
But before the weapons could strike, the entire room was encased in ice. Every projectile, every hidden assassin—everything froze in an instant.
"T-This is...!" The president's eyes widened in shock. His body was frozen from the neck down, unable to move.
"Unhand me! Do you have any idea who I am?!" he growled.
Aster glanced around, relieved to see that no one had died, at least not yet. The ice held everything in place, but there was no sign that the attackers were fatally harmed.
'Crysta, thanks for the save,' Aster thought silently. If not for that, he might have really died.
Despite the chaos, Aster kept his face calm and composed. He turned his gaze to Tina's father and, in a soft but firm voice, said, "A father's desire to protect his daughter is admirable. But your approach is pushing her away."
"Brat...! You dare lecture me without knowing anything!" The president seethed, but his body was still frozen in place.
Aster sighed, pulling Tina closer to him as they began retracing their steps toward the elevator. "Cool your head for now. And don't worry. What happened a few days ago won't ever happen again. I'll protect your daughter from all dangers."
Enjoy new tales from мѵʟ
As he spoke, Tina gazed up at him, clearly lovestruck by his calm demeanor and the overwhelming power he had displayed.
Meanwhile, the president remained furious, his voice echoing after them as they left.
"I WON'T GIVE YOU MY DAUGHTER, YOU BASTARD!"
"... Huh?"