Morning came with the crisp aroma of honey-baked rolls and the gentle hum of the estate's kitchen staff. Floyd had just finished dressing in a simple gray tunic and dark trousers when a soft knock came at his chamber door.
Before he could answer, Mina burst in, slightly flustered, a towel slung over one arm and her golden-brown hair tucked behind her ears.
"You have a... visitor," she said carefully, a hint of warning in her tone. "From one of the noble houses."
Floyd blinked. "Already? What do they want?"
"She claims," Mina paused, emphasizing the word, "to be your fiancée."
"...What?"
"She's in the sitting room right now. With her entourage. And a lot of luggage."
---
Floyd made his way to the grand sitting hall with cautious steps. The moment he entered, his gaze fell upon the unexpected whirlwind of color and poise seated on one of the cushioned divans.
She stood immediately. Tall and graceful, the girl wore a flowing rose-colored gown that hugged her hourglass figure. Her skin was pale porcelain, her lips glossed with a soft coral tint, and her long raven-black hair cascaded in silky waves down her back. Her bust was generous but not exaggerated, fitting her noble refinement, and her legs—crossed delicately—hinted at surprising strength beneath the velvet hem.
"You must be Floyd Jitters," she said, her voice like silk and steel.
"I am," Floyd replied cautiously. "And you are...?"
"I am Lady Celine Orienhart. Eldest daughter of House Orienhart, one of the five founding families of North Aurelia. I've come to honor the engagement agreement our parents made."
Floyd raised an eyebrow. "My parents never mentioned anything about an engagement."
Celine gave a soft, amused laugh. "Oh, darling, of course they wouldn't. It was sealed magically—between my father and yours, years before you were born. It activates upon both parties reaching the age of sixteen."
Floyd didn't respond immediately. His thoughts scrambled. He had the memories of a 34-year-old man, but the body and life of someone still technically a youth in this world. Marriage? Now?
"I think there's a misunderstanding—"
"No misunderstanding," Celine cut in, stepping closer. "You are my fiancé, and by noble law, you cannot refuse without initiating a public annulment ritual. Which, I assure you, would be… messy."
Floyd stared. "This feels like a trap."
She smiled. "It is. But not a cruel one."
---
The moment Celine left to "inspect her future quarters," Mina, Gabby, and even Floyd's mother, Ayla, stormed into the hall.
"She's what now?" Gabby said, arms folded under her chest, eyes blazing.
"She claims to be betrothed to me by magic contract," Floyd replied, running a hand through his hair. "I had no idea."
"I don't trust her," Mina muttered.
"She had six trunks of clothes," Ayla added. "Who moves in like that without warning?"
Floyd exhaled, slumping into the nearest couch. "This day just started…"
---
Later That Afternoon
In the estate courtyard, Celine stood with her arms crossed, observing Floyd train with his father, BohLin. Though refined in appearance, she watched like a tactician.
When the training paused, she approached Floyd with a handkerchief.
"You sweat like a commoner," she said, dabbing his brow gently.
Floyd pulled away. "Because I am one. Or was. I'm not used to people treating me like property."
Celine paused, her gaze softer now. "I'm not here to own you, Floyd. I came because I was raised to honor promises. But... I'm not heartless. If you ask me to leave, I'll go."
That surprised him. "Just like that?"
She nodded. "I want to win your heart, not chain it."
There was something oddly genuine behind her calm, noble demeanor—like she was trained to be poised, but longed for connection.
---
That Night
Celine was given a room across the hall from Floyd's. As he passed by before heading to bed, he caught a glimpse of her through the cracked door.
She was brushing her hair by the mirror, wearing a soft satin nightgown that clung to her curves. Her gaze met his in the reflection.
"Watching me already, fiancé?" she said with a sly smile.
Floyd quickly looked away, cheeks warming. "Just passing by."
She chuckled. "Well, next time, feel free to come in and talk. I don't bite—unless you ask."
---
Meanwhile…
Far beyond the estate, in the shadowed depths of Whispering Hollow, a powerful magical beast stirred. Its eyes glowed crimson, and its howl echoed into the sky.
A cloaked woman knelt before it, speaking softly in an ancient tongue. "The heir of magic awakens. Our time draws near."
---