"Oh, my pumpkin, good morning," Orven Draven said as he stood from the table and embraced his daughter.
He was taller than Vesha, and the white strands that had crept into the sides of his dark blond hair gave him an air of wisdom rather than age. The ice-blue eyes she had inherited from him held the same quiet clarity.
"Good morning, Father," Vesha replied, returning the hug while casting a subtle glance at Adyr.
Orven noticed and smiled. "e now, say hello to Sir Adyr. I believe you two already know each other."
Still trying to process the situation, Vesha turned to Adyr and offered a graceful noble’s bow. "Good morning, Lord Adyr."
Adyr stood as well, placed his right hand over his chest, and gave a respectful nod. "Good morning, Lady Vesha."
"e, sit down," Orven said as he returned to his chair. "Sir Adyr was just telling me how the two of you met."
"How did we meet?" Vesha’s body tensed slightly. She couldn’t help but wonder how much of the story had already been shared.
"Yes. He said you saved his life in a cave. As much as it worries me to hear my daughter getting involved in dangerous matters, stories of such bravery always make me proud," Orven said, dabbing at the corner of his eye with a handkerchief.
"Did I?" Vesha murmured, still trying to make sense of what was unfolding. She glanced at her father’s glowing face, then at Adyr, who sat calmly, eating as if everything were pletely ordinary.
"You’ve raised a remarkable daughter, Lord Orven," Adyr said with warmth. "Not only brave, but filled with passion. It’s clear she embodies the finest virtues of God Astrael. She truly is one of His beloved."
Orven’s pride swelled at the words. His lips pressed together, eyes glistening slightly.
"Haha, such kind words, Sir. Yes, she is my treasure. A gift from the gods, no doubt," he said, casting a fond look at Vesha.
"Oh yes, Lord Adyr. You don’t seem to be from around here, are you?" Orven added casually as he returned to his meal. "May I ask what wind brought you to our kingdom?"
At that, Vesha frowned, staring at her father in disbelief. You invited him, you’re sharing breakfast with him, and you haven’t even asked who he is?
Her gaze shifted to Adyr. What kind of sorcery is this, to lower my father’s guard so pletely?
Even though her father, Lord Orven Draven, wasn’t exactly known for his brilliance, he was still the head of one of the largest noble houses in the kingdom.
He manded soldiers, managed business ventures that moved mountains of gold, and navigated political affairs and inter-household disputes with ease. He was, by no means, a naive man.
Yet in front of Adyr, he was acting like one.
"I’m just a traveler from forgotten lands, wandering to see the world, to learn from it, and to appreciate its beauty," Adyr said. He offered no real details, yet his words carried a charm that made them feel plete, just enough for anyone listening to stop asking questions.
"Wonderful," Orven said, clearly pleased. "So young, yet already with a soul refined enough to recognize the beauty in what the world offers. That is rare."
He had already started to think that this young lord might be from a kingdom no smaller than their own—perhaps sent out to learn about the world before taking on his duties.
It was something many heirs of great houses did. They ventured out to gain real experience, to sharpen themselves, and then returned to claim the legacy that awaited them.
A sudden shadow fell across Orven’s face as he glanced at Vesha. That same spirit lived in her, too. She had always been drawn to adventure. But her path was shorter. Sooner or later, marriage would trap her, and that freedom would vanish.
Adyr noticed the subtle shift in Orven’s demeanor just as he spoke. "Actually, the real reason I came here is to ask for your word regarding a matter that concerns Lady Vesha."
At those words, Orven’s expression changed again—this time, more serious and cautious. "And what might that be?"
Vesha also stopped eating, unsure of what he was planning. In truth, she didn’t even understand what was happening or what Adyr’s true motivation was in all of this.
As both waited in silence, Adyr finally spoke.
"I would like Lady Vesha to acpany me on my travels."
He said it with casual ease.
Orven’s demeanor shifted at once. He had just met this young man, and now he was asking for his daughter’s pany? It made no sense.
"Boy, I like your spirit and principles, but are you seriously standing in my home asking to marry my daughter in such an informal way?"
There was clear frustration in his voice. It wasn’t the first time someone had shown interest in his daughter—Vesha was easily one of the most beautiful women in the kingdom, admired not only for her looks but also for her character, especially among young nobles.
But as a noble himself, Adyr should have followed the proper customs: a formal request, an appropriate gift, and an official meeting between houses. None of that had happened.
Orven made his stance unmistakably clear. "Apologies, but she is already promised to another."
Hearing this, Adyr chuckled. Without losing an ounce of his posed aura, he replied,
"You misunderstood me. I’m not here to propose marriage but to ask for her help in something far greater. Something that won’t just benefit me or you, but the entire kingdom you cherish."
At those words, understanding finally flickered across Vesha’s face—but Orven only looked more confused.
His voice grew sharper, his patience wearing thin. "And? Speak plainly, boy. What exactly are you offering me?"
"My offer, Lord Orven Draven," Adyr said, his voice steady, each word striking like iron on stone, "is the salvation of your kingdom... from the Rank 4 Spark."
The weight of his words hung in the air, and silence crashed over the room like a falling blade.
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