Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

Because they stood alongside the Buvelle couple and Kahina, they didn't notice the change in Sona's expression.

However, Jarvan IV, standing opposite them, did. "Are you feeling unwell, Sona?"

He reined in his playful smile and slightly bowed in a nobleman's gesture of apology. "If it's because of my earlier inappropriate remarks… I sincerely apologize."

Jarvan IV hadn't spent much time with Sona. She had only been adopted by the Buvelle family during Noxus' invasion of Ionia.

By then, the prince had already inherited the royal family's legendary Dragon Spear and had begun training under Xin Zhao, leaving little room for interaction with her.

Thus, Jarvan IV didn't treat Sona with the same familiarity as he did Kahina.

Seizing the moment when the Buvelle couple and Kahina turned away, Sona quickly composed herself, masking her initial shock and putting on an indifferent facade.

"Are you okay?" Lestara gently stroked Sona's cheek with concern. "If you're feeling unwell, I can take you to rest."

[No, Mother, I'm fine. Please don't worry about me.]

Sona clutched the wooden box with her arm and signed with her hands.

This was the unique sign language the Buvelle family had invented when they first adopted Sona, due to the language barrier and their desire to communicate with her.

[I'm just…]

She glanced at Li Lin, her hand movements briefly pausing, and her already flushed cheeks, as red as ripe apples, couldn't turn any redder.

[Just thinking that Li Lin is... quite impressive.]

Li Lin immediately realized that Sona was using this excuse to cover up their secret telepathic communication.

Yet, this explanation led to further misunderstandings among the others, who exchanged glances filled with meaning.

"It seems everyone has misunderstood… I apologize, this is my fault." Li Lin quickly apologized to Sona in his mind.

But Sona didn't mind any of it. Her heart was filled with pure joy that someone could finally hear her voice.

"No need to apologize. After all these years, you're the only one who can hear me… I'm just so happy!" 

Sona's eyes glistened with excitement.

However, to avoid alerting her parents, sister, and the prince, she did her best to suppress her emotions.

Behind Jarvan IV, Shyvana, who had remained mostly silent and out of place in the grand setting, had a flicker of recognition in her eyes. Her gaze lingered briefly on both Li Lin and Sona, as if sensing something.

At the same time, Zoe, who wielded powerful celestial magic, snapped out of her thoughts. She also became aware of the magical dialogue between Li Lin and Sona, her mesmerizing eyes fixed intently on Sona.

Another cow vying for my man!

Though Zoe held a certain disdain for Sona in her heart, she couldn't help but feel a sudden wave of unease and insecurity.

As Li Lin and Sona's eyes met again, their extended gaze, along with Sona's earlier sign language, caused further misunderstandings among the onlookers—except for Zoe and Shyvana.

Kahina shot a surprised glance at her sister, watching Sona's delighted expression.

My little sister... in love?

Immediately, her gaze returned to Li Lin, sizing him up carefully.

Kahina's knowledge of Li Lin came entirely from her father. She didn't know him well.

If Sona truly had feelings for this man, she'd have to ensure he was worthy of her sister's affections.

Barrett, too, was smiling cheerfully, reflecting inwardly: Sona has reached that age, hasn't she?

Lestara, however, rolled her eyes at her husband's silly grin, stifling a chuckle with a light cough. "Ahem… We should go greet the others."

With that, she nodded to Jarvan IV and Li Lin, giving a subtle signal to Kahina and Sona. Then, picking up a glass of champagne from a passing servant's tray, she turned and headed toward the other guests.

"I have to go with Mother now," Sona said softly to Li Lin, a trace of reluctance in her voice. "Later… will you come find me?"

Li Lin smiled and nodded at her. "I will. I promise."

Barrett stroked his chin, watching his wife walk away, unsure of what had just transpired.

Nonetheless, he excused himself from Jarvan IV and Li Lin, picking up a glass of champagne as he followed his wife and daughters.

Now, only Li Lin, Zoe, Jarvan IV, and Shyvana remained.

"Who would've thought you'd fall in love at first sight with Sona, the Buvelle's adopted daughter?" Jarvan IV elbowed Li Lin playfully. "You've got good taste."

"Your Highness, you've misunderstood..."

We're simply amazed that we can hear each other's thoughts, nothing more.

Li Lin mentally added this clarification.

Of course, the Buvelle family had never told anyone about Sona's magical abilities, and Li Lin had no intention of exposing that secret.

Especially in this dazzling hall filled with guests, where spies—possibly sent by Eldred—could be lurking, listening in on conversations to gather leverage.

"I'm already seeing Miss Kiramman…"

But before Li Lin could finish, Jarvan IV laughed and patted his shoulder. "So what? My father may have only married my mother, but we Demacians don't have a strict one-wife policy."

He raised his eyebrows at Li Lin. "If you two truly care for each other, it's not impossible that your godfather might betroth her to you.

"Besides, you're such an outstanding man. You two are quite the match... you wouldn't reject Sona just because she's mute, would you?"

"Of course not."

"Doesn't this work?" Jarvan IV's lips curved into a smile. "There are plenty of outstanding young men among your peers who are interested in Sona. You'd better seize the opportunity."

"..."

Why did I come up with that excuse just now?

Li Lin silently sighed, feeling helpless at Jarvan IV's obvious attempt at matchmaking.

Just as he was about to steer the conversation further, a new group of people entered the dazzling hall, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

The crest of the Crownguard family—a pair of wings and a sturdy shield—was embroidered on their formal attire, which was also adorned with sapphire embellishments.

Leading the group was a graceful middle-aged man, followed by a muscular young man, close in age to Jarvan IV, sporting a short dark-gold crew cut, giving off the air of a reckless youth.

Jarvan III, who had been deep in conversation with Morgana at the far end of the hall, quickly strode over, his hearty laughter echoing through the room.

"Pieter! Pieter! You're late today, you owe us three drinks to make up for it!"

Meanwhile, a delighted Jarvan IV waved Li Lin over, signaling for him to follow. "Haha, Garen's here! Come on, I have to introduce you!"

Li Lin glanced at Xin Zhao, who was following the king closely, then at Jarvan IV hurrying toward them, along with the beaming Garen. He couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

At last, he thought, I've witnessed the reunion of Demacia's "Three Musketeers from the Bush."

(End of Chapter)

=========================================================

DROP THEM POWER STONES PLEASE

SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS

PAT REON . COM / TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).