Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are Are So Dangerous! [BL]-Chapter 290: The Engagement Announcement

"...Do not worry. If necessary, I will erase the Del Fiore name itself to ensure no stain remains. There is no need to concern ourselves with what happens after the engagement is broken."

Despite the fact that the Del Fiore father and son were right there, their father had just thrown down the gauntlet with no hesitation whatsoever.

It’s indeed like father, like son.

Wasn’t this basically a declaration of war?

Rocco trembled in fear, but the Del Fiore pair only continued their childish grumbling, just like before.

That, in itself, was a little concerning...

"This is a temporary measure. Given the kingdom’s unrest due to the rebel army, it has become increasingly difficult to protect Rocco solely within the Di Malvento family. Right now, we need a powerful deterrent to make our enemies back off."

Their father remained expressionless, but upon closer inspection, Rocco noticed a slight furrow in his brow.

He looked... extremely displeased.

This plan had been initiated under his father’s leadership, yet even he was reluctant about it.

The part of him that was simply a father shone through, and for some reason, that made Rocco’s heart warm just a little.

"If we declare that Rocco is being carefully guarded by two of the great families, it should significantly reduce the number of fools who are willing to recklessly make stupid move."

Makarov, who had been leisurely crossing his legs and sipping tea, added in support of his father’s words.

As if taking his cue, Laxus beamed with a cheerful smile and spoke in an almost singsong voice.

"Besides, the timing couldn’t be better. Right now, rumors are spreading that Rocco and I have already crossed the line. If we announce an engagement at this moment... no one would have any reason to doubt the legitimacy of this move."

Laxus, why would you bring up such an inappropriate topic when tensions were already running high?

How utterly oblivious.

As expected, Sylas started trembling as the memories of Rocco and Laxus’s night together—memories he had been trying hard to suppress—came rushing back.

Oh no, there was even a throbbing vein on his forehead now.

"Well, either way, the Del Fiore family has an obligation to take responsibility. As you said, even if the engagement is ultimately annulled, there must be a formal bond established as a show of accountability."

"...!"

With Mr. Makarov’s final, decisive blow, Sylas had no choice but to sink back onto the sofa, his face twisted in frustration.

Seeing Sylas’s dejected expression, Rocco anxiously reached out his small hand and placed it over Sylas’s much larger one.

In response, Sylas swiftly moved, wrapping Rocco’s hand tightly in his own.

"...Don’t be so disheartened. Ultimately, all decisions rest with Rocco. If Rocco finds the engagement unacceptable, then Laxus will have no choice but to agree to an annulment—no questions asked."

Makarov spoke smoothly, and Laxus nodded his head along in agreement.

It seemed that Rocco’s wishes were being given priority, but considering how the Del Fiore family had pushed forward with the engagement under the guise of "taking responsibility," it felt a little unfair for them to say that now.

Besides, knowing Laxus, he had probably anticipated this outcome from the very beginning and had gone through with everything anyway.

Well... it wasn’t like Rocco had minded, so it was fine, but still...

With Makarov’s final statement, the room fell into silence.

Rocco glanced up, only to find Sylas staring at him with an intense gaze.

Before he could even react, Sylas squeezed his hand tightly, his expression softening into something uncharacteristically vulnerable.

"Rocco, Rocco... if you ever feel even the slightest discomfort, tell me immediately. I will protect you, no matter what. You don’t have to concern yourself with the affairs of the adults. Do you understand?"

Sylas pinched Rocco’s cheek gently as he spoke, and Rocco gave a small nod in response.

When Sylas spoke like an older brother, he became even more reliable—almost dazzlingly so.

Feeling comforted, Rocco snuggled closer and wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug.

Sylas’s usually impassive expression softened as he hugged Rocco back with a firm embrace.

Yes. Sylas really was the best.

With such a dependable older brother by his side, maybe the future wouldn’t be so scary after all.

Caught up in the moment, Rocco completely forgot about his surroundings and burying himself against Sylas with a contented hum.

Because of that, he failed to notice Laxus, who was sitting across from them, puffing out his cheeks in an obvious sulk—only to be lightly laughed at by Makarov.

"Haha. It seems Rocco’s ’number one’ is still his older brother. Doesn’t look like there’s any room for you in there, Laxus. You’d better work hard."

"Mmm... It’s not fair, just because they’re siblings..."

And so, the engagement between Rocco and Laxus was announced in grand fashion.

Every newspaper ran the story as their front-page headline, and before Rocco even realized it, the entire nation’s attention was fixated on him more than ever before.

[ The Angel That Was Desired by the Sun and the Darkness! And the One Chosen Is... the Devil!? ]

[ Has the Devil Already Fallen Head Over Heels for the Angel? ]

[ The Two Great Families Strengthen Their Alliance! Is the Royal Family’s Position in Danger? ]

[ Exclusive Interview with Insider Mr. G: "My master is napping. If you disturb him, I will kill you. ]

Skimming through the newspapers, which, as always, were filled with nothing but ridiculous headlines, Rocco couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.

"What the hell is this?"

Muttering his usual complaint, he threw on the final piece of his outfit—a sleek black jacket.

Shifting his attention away from the newspapers, he trotted over to the full-length mirror and did a quick spin to check his appearance.

Hmm. Hmmm. Yes, perfect. No wrinkles, no stains—absolutely flawless. Looking ultra-cool. Excellent.

Today, he was heading to the royal palace for an important matter.

Since it was a formal occasion requiring the utmost decorum, there was no room for colorful fashion statements.