Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start? - Chapter 296

Chapter 296: Chapter293-The Gains of Various Factions
Madelyn heard this and smiled with a hint of complexity.

The martial contest to win a spouse had been her idea. At the time, she believed she was unbeatable among her peers.

In fact, her combat prowess was indeed terrifying, but she had been bested by Owen.

If she had honored the bet, perhaps Owen would have become her husband.

But she quickly smiled again, realizing that someone as exceptional as Owen could never be bound by a simple wager.

Even if she had agreed, Owen would likely have been drawn to someone as outstanding as Leslie.

Perhaps everything was already written in the stars, beyond anyone’s control.

“That’s why, you two coming together—I’m the most important matchmaker!”

Madelyn laughed at herself, brushing aside the topic.

Soon after, more people came over to offer brief congratulations to Owen and Leslie.

Afterward, Leslie returned to her room, while Owen remained to toast the guests with a glass of wine.

“Thank you both for your help today,” Owen said, raising his glass to the Lord of Stars and the War Goddess.

These two legends, who had no personal ties to him, had sincerely helped protect the imperial capital, defended against the Forbidden Zone lords, and even officiated the wedding, contributing significantly.

They were the true pillars of humanity.

“It was a mere trifle, really. We didn’t help all that much. In the end, it was your own actions that stabilized the situation. Before today, both War Goddess and I underestimated you.”

The Lord of Stars spoke casually, though he hadn’t known Owen for long, he already regarded him as a trusted companion.

The War Goddess, bold as ever, slapped Owen on the shoulder and laughed,

“It’s us who should be thanking you! After years of battling the Forbidden Zones, we’ve had more losses than wins. Today, we finally got some sweet revenge!”

Owen humbly smiled, knowing full well that his recent surge of power was only temporary, while these two were genuine powerhouses.

After a bit of relaxed conversation and mutual compliments, the three shared a laugh.

The Lord of Stars and the War Goddess didn’t stay long, leaving Owen to attend to Davis and the others who were waiting nearby, looking at him with eyes full of respect.

They couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe.

The Lord of Stars and the War Goddess were legendary figures, ancestors they had only heard stories about.

Simply gazing upon them filled their hearts with reverence, making it impossible for them to act normally, let alone speak.

Yet here was Owen, laughing and chatting with these legends as if they were old friends.

This only deepened their admiration for Owen, erasing any playful thoughts they had of lightening the mood.

Unconsciously, the former genius, the unprecedented leader of the Domination Leaderboard, had far surpassed them.

Though they were peers and even friends, the gap in power between them and Owen was now terrifying.

“Why are you all looking at me like that?”

Owen approached them with a wine glass, smiling casually.

“You’re just giving us too much pressure! Now I understand what they mean by ‘kingly aura.'”

Davis chuckled, shaking off some of the earlier tension.

The others, including Henry and the Middle Earth prodigies who had once been captured by Owen, relaxed a bit and joked,

“Back home, people thought we’d lost our minds for coming to support you. But just now, they’ve been singing our praises, saying we’re wise and valiant—and even talking about giving us our own pages in the family records!”

They all laughed together.

Although they had high status in their families, they were not the heirs.

Especially when the nine great factions of Middle Earth descended upon Azure Kingdom, many of their families had cut ties with them, fearing they would be implicated.

But now that the nine factions had been defeated, and even the three Lords of the Forbidden Zones had been extorted and agreed to seal themselves for 200 years, their families had gone mad with joy, eagerly reestablishing contact.

They were urged to stay close to Owen, who had displayed such incredible power during the conflict, and had close ties with the Lord of Stars and the War Goddess.

People like Owen were living legends, and any connection with him would be immensely beneficial.

Because of this, those in their families with strong ties to Owen had quickly replaced the previous heirs as the new successors.

Even if they weren’t as talented as their predecessors, their connection to Owen was an unbeatable advantage.

They were deeply grateful to Owen, not just for his strength, but for elevating their status in their respective factions.

“If it weren’t for your great power, we wouldn’t be standing here as the new heirs of our families. Everything is thanks to you. Congratulations on your wedding, Owen!”

With heartfelt gratitude, they raised their glasses and downed their wine in one go.

Owen smiled at them, genuinely happy to see their newfound success. These friends had stood by him when it mattered most, proving their loyalty.

After a bit more lighthearted banter, Edward and the Academy City group approached, all smiles.

Although Edward wasn’t the most powerful among the Academy City professors, he led the group, walking at the front.

As he looked at Owen, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

He remembered how, not long ago, he had helped Owen, hoping to gain support to take control of the continent’s Academy City and bring glory to his family.

Now, he found himself a respected honorary professor in Middle Earth’s Academy City, something he had never even dreamed of.

He knew it was all thanks to Owen.

“Mr. Owen, congratulations on your wedding! If you ever need my help in the future, just say the word. If I, Edward, so much as frown, you can have my name written backward!”

His gratitude overflowing, Edward downed three glasses of wine in quick succession.

Owen glanced at Edward and then at the group from Academy City. He understood their excitement.

He had no ill will toward Academy City, so he smiled and said,

“We’re all friends here, no need for such formality. I appreciate Academy City’s support during this ordeal, and I won’t forget it.”

The Academy City group was thrilled.

To them, Owen was already a living legend, and to receive such praise from him was a tremendous honor.

Many at Academy City even regarded Owen as their lifelong idol, and some dedicated their careers to studying him.

“Mr. Owen, congratulations on your wedding!”

“We may not be able to help much in other areas, but if you ever need information, just let us know. We’ll do everything we can!”

Even the oldest professors from Middle Earth Academy City, with their hair white as snow, offered their congratulations, their gazes full of reverence.

There was no trace of arrogance in their demeanor.

Even the most critical among them couldn’t find a single flaw in Owen.

After speaking with the Academy City group, Owen turned to the dragon-kin to express his thanks for their substantial contribution in defending the capital.

“We’ve always been friends, haven’t we?”

The Dragon Princess grinned.

“You’re someone the entire dragon-kin family recognizes as a friend. You’re our friend now and forever!”

The other dragons nodded resolutely.

Owen had always been loyal and generous, and after letting them choose from his treasures earlier, they were all immensely fond of him.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Owen raised his voice and said,

“We’ve been through two battles together as old friends. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves! If you need anything, just ask. Today, no one leaves until we’re all drunk!”

With Owen’s declaration, the dragons cheered, and the atmosphere grew even more festive.

Otto from the Fallen Angel clan also arrived. Though their clan was small and weak, they had stood by Owen during the critical moments, guarding the palace.

Owen was grateful to this old friend and warmly welcomed him and his clan, knowing how much they had helped both him and Azure Kingdom.

The entire wedding became even more lively.

Everyone was toasting and celebrating, using the event to expand their social circles.

At this grand wedding, almost every notable faction from Middle Earth and the continent had come to attend.