Paula Ching (86) Engaged!

(Year 232, Fall) A surprise engagement is talk of the kingdom these days! If you are one of those who never will let your age stop you, you might applaud a bit more loudly than the two respective families do. Paula Ching Mester Mugger is 86, and she just got engaged to the 8 years older Baron Floyd of Emp. They both belong to nobility's outer circles, but still their romance seems to be stirring up things - and not necessarily in a good way!

Paula Ching Mester Mugger (86) and Baron Floyd of Emp (94).

The wedding will be a small ceremony, and they won't give the normal one year ahead notice - no, more like three weeks! The couple released their engagement photo, announcing the date to be late Fall. They claim to be fully aware that they won't live forever, and therefore see no point in waiting. When Floyd Altham recently moved into Bon Voyage Retirement Home at Gloomville's Upperton hood, where also Paula Ching resides, sweet music played as they found a common interest in nectars. He as the maker, she as the consumer.

But there are already objections to an engagement like this!

A romance is always welcome, also in these circles. The problem, as seen by a few, might be how this can affect heritage that was already taken for granted. Paula Ching has no children, and her brother Baron Bud of Gloom and his two grown up children, The honorable Edward von Kaching and Mrs. Aili Landgraab, would become logical heirs. Floyd Altham, member of House of Altham, has one son from a previous marriage, Baron Fabe de Aarby, who was expected to be his father's sole heir.

Now, when you belong to a house of aristocracy, like they both do, approval is needed by Head of House, especially if you are in line to any privileges. Paula Ching IS the Head (and only member) of the House of Ching, so she obviously won't need anyone's approval, but Floyd Altham is 3rd in line to the Advorton county, and at least in theory, his nephew Count Chander of Advorton, situated in Chestnut Ridge, would have the final word. Lord Advorton is the only one who can stop the wedding, but as he will not be directly affected, he might decide not to interrupt.

When the two elders marry, the heritage conditions on both sides do change quite a bit. They won't have any new children, for sure, but they will become each other's main heir. They would need to be married for minimum 10 years in order to achieve a legal 50/50 split, but it is now likely that they will both adjust their testaments to benefit the spouse. This again might set House von Kaching and House of Altham up against each other - the one who dies first will pass on big money to the other House! Regardless of who wins, there will be many losers of this game!

Neither Baron Bud of Gloom (nor Baron Fabe de Aarby wants to comment. Officially they congratulate the couple. Whatever is debated with their lawyers, is a different story.