Dining at Lawrence Pavilion Tomorrow

"He's just like that. Across this whole continent, eight out of ten women would give anything for a glance from him, but have you ever seen him look at anyone? Don't worry too much, okay? Let's head back tomorrow. I'll take you home."

Bianca Whiteshire thought for a moment and said, "Cousin, I'm fine with going back. But can you promise me one thing?"

"What is it?"

"Tomorrow, I want to see His Highness one last time and have a meal with him—just as a farewell. After that, I won't come back again."

"Just a meal?"

Bianca Whiteshire nodded.

"Alright! We'll go to the Lawrence Pavilion tomorrow. I'll arrange everything."

"Thank you, Cousin." Bianca Whiteshire smiled.

...

General's Manor.

After everyone had left, Grace sat on the couch, staring intently at Evan Xiao without saying a word.

Evan Xiao smiled and asked, "Are you looking at me like this because you want an explanation?"

Grace still didn't say anything.

"She's Shannon's older sister. Her mother is Leon Zane's aunt. Our families have some connections."

"Her mother is Leon Zane's aunt? So, Shannon is actually Leon Zane's cousin, not his apprentice?"

"Shannon is a concubine's daughter," Evan Xiao explained. "She's not actually born of Leon Zane's aunt. So, they can call each other cousins, but there's no real blood relation."

"Do you have a marriage agreement with Bianca Whiteshire?"

"...When we were kids, our parents joked about marrying us off. She probably took it seriously."

"Then..." Grace scrutinized him. "Who are you, really?"

She sensed that they weren't truly from the Vermilion Kingdom.

Shannon is a Rune Master.

Leon Zane is a Spiritual Alchemist.

Both of them possess abilities that are unfathomably deep.

Yet, they both answer to Evan Xiao.

If Evan Xiao were from the Vermilion Kingdom, his background would have to be prestigious.

But among all the powerful families in the Vermilion Kingdom, there's no one connected to him.

And then there's Bianca Whiteshire. The first time she met her, she knew she wasn’t ordinary.

Since they all come from the same place... all signs point to Evan Xiao not being from the Vermilion Kingdom.

He was lying to her.

Evan Xiao was silent for a moment, then said, "Once I take you home, you'll know everything."

"I want you to tell me right now."

Evan Xiao shook his head. "I can't."

If it ever got out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

It’s not that he doesn’t trust Grace—it’s just... Grace is still too weak.

If someone really wanted to get the truth from her, she wouldn’t be able to resist.

Suddenly, Grace stood up and headed straight for the door.

But he grabbed her arm, pulling her into his embrace and holding her tightly.

"Evan Xiao, marriage is a matter between two families. My father already sees you as his son-in-law! But you won’t even tell me who you are!" Grace said. "Bianca Whiteshire keeps saying I’m not good enough for you—is that why?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

"Because... besides us, there are others searching for your mother," Evan Xiao said. "Our identities have to be kept secret. If word gets out... your mother, you, and your family could all be in danger."

"I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"You're a Spiritual Alchemist—you should know, some methods aren’t about what you want. They can force you against your will."

......

"Grace, trust me," Evan Xiao said. "I will marry you."

......

"Grace..."

"You can only marry me!" Grace's tone was so sour it could curdle milk.

"Mm, only you." Evan Xiao replied with a smile.