“Ah, I really regret it, Lian. I was so stupid.”
“Why did I stand up for Lauren Scotmart back then and defeat that woman from the Cofen family?”
“Now I’m entangled with that family for life, and of all things, my father is such an old-fashioned knight—even though he no longer serves their family, he won’t allow his daughter to break off the engagement!”
As Yuli sighed over her birth family, Lian replied considerately from beside her.
“Maybe it’s because you’re kind… born with the knightly virtues of mercy and justice, unable to stand seeing the weak bullied…”
“Weak?”
“He really was quite weak back then, and stubborn.”
She remembered it clearly.
Every time she practiced swordsmanship, that small, skinny boy would hide behind the pillar in the corridor, peeking out with one eye and watching quietly.
When discovered, he would shrink back like a frightened rabbit, then once Yuli stopped paying attention, he would poke his head out again.
He never came up to talk, never asked to practice together.
He just watched.
“I found him so annoying back then.”
Yuli propped her chin on her hand, staring into space as she recalled.
“One time I deliberately aimed my sword aura off, slicing off a big chunk of the pillar he was hiding behind. He was so scared he fell to the ground, but he still didn’t run.”
Lian chuckled softly.
“That’s really stubborn.”
‘Actually, I like this kind of person,’ she thought quietly.
“You can say that again.”
Actually, Yuli only understood later that Lauren wasn’t sneaking a look at her, but at her swordsmanship.
Lauren’s swordsmanship talent was too poor; he was just envious of her.
That little boy couldn’t produce a proper sword aura, so he could only hide in the shadows, watching others swing their swords again and again, then run to the backyard to imitate them late at night when no one was around.
Even if discovered, he wouldn’t make excuses; he would just stand there with pursed lips, his face red as a burning coal.
“So that day you stood up for him wasn’t just because you couldn’t stand Miss Cofen bullying him, was it?”
Lian’s voice was soft.
“Probably because I felt—he’s already worked so hard, why should he be degraded like that?”
Thinking back now, if not for that Miss Cofen being so overbearing, arrogant, and reckless.
That year they were all nine years old.
With just a single sword aura, she sent Lauren flying.
“Lauren Scotmart, is this all the strength you have?”
“Hmph, how can a little waste like you be worthy of me!”
“And you dare call yourself a dragon slayer, descendant of heroes—I think no one in your whole family can fight!”
“You’re too weak. I can’t accept a man weaker than me as my husband. Grandpa, I disagree with this engagement!”
“Aiyo, little ancestor, you can’t talk like that!”
“Grandpa, it’s useless to oppose me. No one can force me to do something I don’t want!”
“I’m not afraid to tell everyone here—I’ve already become a registered disciple of the [Sword Lord]! My future is destined to be brilliant, and no one has the right to decide my future!”
“What does it matter if you’re the Sword Lord’s disciple? I don’t accept it!”
…
“I didn’t really think that much at the time.”
Yuli said softly.
“There was just a fire in my heart, burning so hot it made my whole body feel feverish. By the time I came to my senses, I was already standing in front of him.”
So, the small figure of the girl, Yuli standing in front of Lauren, blocking that extremely arrogant red-haired girl, bringing a ray of light to him.
Thinking back now, that was the bravest moment, the pinnacle moment of her life.
At that time, she didn’t understand how heavy the weight of being a registered disciple of the [Sword Lord] was.
She couldn’t remember the specific details, but miraculously, she actually won.
Back then, she was at the height of her glory, once boasting to Cofen that her future achievements would not be inferior to hers.
But nothing is constant in this world.
Years later, it has become a complete disaster.
“In short, I really dislike Lauren Scotmart now!”
Yuli shook her head, expressing her resistance.
“Over the years, he hasn’t worked to improve himself or revive his family. Instead, he likes to study some heretical arts and associate with unsavory people, ruining his reputation!”
“So after I left, I never went back to that mansion!”
“Lian, hold my hand. As long as you’re by my side, I feel safe. Come with me to break off the engagement with Lauren Scotmart!”
Just as Lian was about to reply with a “Yes,”
“Yuli! Get down here!”
“Young Master Lauren is here to see you! Come down quickly and receive the honored guest!”
A middle-aged man’s roar came from downstairs, interrupting their chat.
The information in the words startled both of them in the room.
Lian’s expression fluctuated, and she thought in surprise:
‘What’s going on? The timeline actually changed. But I just reincarnated? I haven’t had time to do anything that would affect the future.’
Compared to Lian, Yuli was clearly much more flustered.
This situation was too sudden.
They hadn’t seen each other for years, and she hadn’t adjusted her mindset to meet him.
Yuli unconsciously grabbed the arm of her good friend, the eager Lian, seeking her opinion.
“What do we do, Lian? He hasn’t come to our house for so many years. Why did he suddenly come today? Is he here to force me into marriage?”
Having lived a second life, Lian’s experience and attitude were clearly much calmer.
She comforted Yuli and encouraged her.
“Don’t panic! Yuli, this is a good opportunity. Take this chance to lay your cards on the table with him!”
“Yes, yes, you’re right!”
Better to strike while the iron is hot.
With the mindset of cutting the knot quickly, and with her good friend by her side, Yuli finally felt much more at ease, and she made up her mind.
“Come on, we’ll face him together!”
…
Lauren was currently sitting in the reception hall of Yuli’s house.
Anne stood behind him, fulfilling her duties as a bodyguard, her tail lightly swaying, showing that she was in a good mood today.
With nothing to do for a moment, he looked around Yuli’s house.
The size of this house was obviously incomparable to his own mansion.
Although the space was small and things were stacked haphazardly, it was full of the atmosphere of daily life.
Just as he was looking around, a middle-aged man with white hair but a face that didn’t look too old came over carrying a pot of hot tea and several cups, apologizing with a placating smile.
“Long time no see, Young Master. I’m really sorry for making you laugh. Yuli and her friend were too playful and overslept. Please wait a bit longer, and she’ll come down to receive you.”
This was Yuli’s father—Kaer Florent, also his nominal father-in-law.
While apologizing, he made small talk and flattery.
“Young Master, long time no see. Due to busy work, I haven’t been able to visit you for so many years. That’s my fault. Please, have some tea!”
“And this is? … Miss Anne! Long time no see. Truly, as a girl grows up, she changes so much—more beautiful each time.”
After everyone was seated and settled, Kaer asked.
“Young Master, may I ask what matter requires this old servant’s help?”