Everyone left the room until it was only Kylo and Via inside. It was a little awkward and after the song number, Kylo finally felt some embarrassment. However, he knew that this was his chance and based on Via's reaction, it seemed like she didn't hate what he did.

Thus, shyly, he approached her. When he was standing in front of her, he started to say what he has prepared to say. Still, he was nervous and when he first began to speak, he was quite awkward. "Uh… I hope you didn't mind what I did earlier. I know it's a little too showy but… well… uhm…"

Via chortled, she knew how Kylo usually is. She observed that he liked basking in the limelight, usually swags around that people sometimes gets annoyed over his show of overconfidence and arrogance, but to her, it was funny. She knew that he was quite conceited, but his heart was good. "Go on…" she encouraged with a smile.

Kylo took a deep breath, with her words, he found more courage in his self. "Via, I know I'm not really the kind of guy you would be proud to let your parents meet nor am I the kind you can show off to your friends as most of the time, I offend them for some unknown reasons. I know my track record is also not that clean, but if you give me the chance… I will strive to do my best to well, not love only you, but also love everyone you hold dear. I mean… not love as in love them romantically, but like you know… I'm sorry, I'm not good at this. This is the first time for me… and I…"

Via started giggling. It was quite unlike her, for she was more the serious type. However, Kylo has that effect on her. He makes her laugh despite the others finding him annoying. "Don't discredit yourself too much. You're a prince. If you're really serious, we can try this first. Later, when we're ready, you can meet my family. I'm sure they would be ecstatic to meet you."

"Yes, yes of course I am serious! I'm even willing to meet all of them now. I already talked to Charlton and I'm also going to Militeia with him for your aunt's wedding anniversary. The very next day, I will make a formal call to your family. I mean, if you would allow me to..."

"Okay. How long are you staying in Militeia?"

"Just 3 nights. I want to stay longer now, but I also have to go back home." Kylo explained. Then, there was a moment of silence.

They did not really know what to say. They have been friends before this, but now… well, there's a need for some confirmation, so Kylo being the boy asked.

"So… uh… does this mean that we're together now?" Kylo asked hopefully.

Via smiled and nodded her head.

--

"So, what did you two talked about?" Gizel asked. She went to visit Via's room after dinner just to ask.

"Nothing much. He's heading to Militeia with Charlton for your parents' wedding anniversary though."

"Eh!? Then… is he also gonna give you a call? Already that serious?"

"He did say he'll make a formal call. But I don't want to pressure him."

"Ha! At least I have something to look forward to when Serena and Charlton go to have their alone time. Hehehe… I can't wait to see that Kylo's face when he meets Uncle Vernon plus your brothers!"

"Nah, my family knows to act within their boundary. Kylo is a prince."

"A prince of Alighieri, not Militeia!"

--

Dear Lord C,

I have enclosed with this letter the final contract as you instructed from our latest correspondence. There are two copies and I have already signed them. One is for you to keep and the other, I would truly appreciate if you can sign and send back to me at the soonest time of your convenience. I thank you in advance and wish to tell you how honored I am that you are willing to be my partner in this venture.

I also wish to inform you that we are already at 90% into the completion of the renovations for our store that will serve as the showroom for the Benz automobiles. I estimate that it would be completed by the end of June. Our target opening date is on the 1st of July, so once the signed contract is with me, I would start the importation of the automobiles. Perchance, before that day, may I invite you to do an ocular of our store. Then, you may be able to see our products and perhaps, if you allow it, I would be honored to teach you how to use one.

In any case, again, thank you very much and I very much look forward to our partnership.

Very truly yours,

B. Ringer

When Charlton finished reading the letter, he looked over the contract to give it another once over. In the middle of doing so, he heard someone knock on his door.

He took off his eyeglasses then he pinched the bridge of his nose. Not wanting anyone to know what he's been up to, he folded the documents and placed them in one of the cabinets in his room. Only after that did he move to open the door.

"Charlie! What took you so long?" Kylo asked as he unceremoniously moved to enter Charlton's room.

"So, how did it go?"

"Perfect! Now, I too have my own girlfriend. I also told her about us visiting Militeia! I will go make a formal call to her house after Gizel's parents' wedding anniversary. Then…" Kylo replied as he began his long winded enthusiastic plans for courting Via.

While Kylo was busy regaling him with his plans, he also could not help but think of an alternate reality where he can also do the same for Serena.

He thought of a lot of things, like courting her out in the open, sending his card to make a formal call to her house, showering her with presents and all the attention he could give, attending social functions with her where she can gloat that he was all hers.

He would ask for her hand and their parents would give them their blessings. Then, he would give her the grandest wedding in the history of Windsor. After that, they can start building a family of their own, and he would provide and let them enjoy the same or even more prestige than he did in his youth.

He smiled then shook his head. He doesn't need an alternate reality for he can work towards that future. It would not be easy and there is a big chance that he could fail. However, he would have it no other way.

"Hey, are you still listening?" Kylo asked.

Charlton blinked and smiled, "I am happy for you Kylo. I hope everything works out for you two."

--

TBC

AN: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Do you think I should write about Kylo's adventure as he meets Via's family later? Do let me know. I am still torn about this part.