Marriage proposal

Noel watched from a distance, amusement flickering in his eyes as the City Lord's daughter wandered through the bustling market, oblivious to the way the world reacted to her presence. She moved with a dreamy expression, her thoughts clearly lost in some romantic fantasy.

Foolish, he mused, suppressing a chuckle. Completely consumed by her own dreams.

Surrounded by luxurious stalls filled with rare trinkets and fine silks, her attention was elsewhere. She wasn't drawn to the riches around her, but to something far more childish—a scroll clutched in her delicate hands, no doubt a romance novel. Her cheeks flushed with excitement as she flipped through its pages, sighing at some poetic description of a valiant hero.

She really thinks some knight will come for her, soaring in on a flying steed, slaying villains in her name.

Noel smirked. Reality wasn't so kind. Heroes like that didn't exist. What she needed wasn't a fairytale rescuer, but someone real. Someone who could offer her more than fantasy—power, influence, and danger.

Someone like him.

His heart didn't twist with desire but with opportunity. She was naive, easy to mold. He would be the hero she longed for, but on his terms. He'd give her everything she thought she wanted, just to make her blind to what he truly needed from her.

And when she was deep enough in the illusion, that was when he'd strike.

Straightening his clothes, he ensured every detail of his appearance was pristine. He wasn't just any man today—he was the hero she had dreamed of. With calculated ease, he closed the distance between them.

Her voice, soft and wistful, reached him before she even noticed his approach.

"And then the hero, with his shining armor and gallant steed, swooped in to rescue her from the clutches of the evil lord…"

She sighed, lost in her fantasy. "Oh, how I wish someone would come for me like that."

Noel's smirk deepened. You have no idea.

Stepping forward, he let his voice slip into a smooth, silken tone. "Excuse me, my lady. I couldn't help but overhear your… wistful longing."

She blinked, startled. Her gaze lifted to meet his, and for a split second, uncertainty flickered in her eyes. But then, as she took in his striking features and the confidence in his stance, her cheeks flushed.

"Who… who are you?" she asked, gripping her scroll a little tighter.

Noel chuckled softly, stepping closer. "No one of importance. Just a man who has wandered many lands. But I have heard whispers of a young lady in the City Lord's household—one who dreams of being swept away by a hero, one who longs for adventure."

Her breath hitched. Was he… was he talking about her?

Noel tilted his head slightly, his gaze unreadable. "And it seems, my lady, that fate has brought us together. For while I may not have a steed from the heavens, I can offer something far more thrilling."

Her lips parted, uncertainty warring with curiosity. "You… you're not saying…?"

He smiled—charming, confident, irresistible. "I believe you and I are meant for something greater than waiting for a fairytale. Let me show you a world beyond your wildest dreams."

Her heart pounded, caught between hesitation and longing. It was ridiculous, wasn't it? And yet… she had always wished for something more. And now, here he was—a man straight out of the stories she adored.

Without thinking, she nodded. "Yes… I… I would like that."

Noel's smile deepened, but in his mind, the game had already been won. She wasn't falling for a hero—she was falling into his hands.

"Very well," he said, extending a hand. "Let's leave this place behind. The adventure begins now."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she placed her hand in his. And with that, Noel led her away from the market, each step weaving her further into his carefully spun illusion.

This was just the beginning.

"So... your name is Yunha?"

"Yes!" Yunha beamed, excited.

Noel smirked. "Oh... My name is Noel Vence."

"Alright, Noel! Let's go—I'm going to introduce you to my father!" she said eagerly, grabbing his arm.

Ha... how foolish this girl is, Noel thought, stifling a chuckle. She just learned my name, and now she already wants to marry me...

---

At the City Lord's Mansion...

"What?! You love this guy?" The City Lord's eyes widened, staring at Noel. He quickly sized him up, his gaze lingering on Noel's striking appearance. Wait... he's actually really handsome. The City Lord thought, feeling a pang of jealousy. If I were a girl, even I might fall for him… but no! As a father, I have to consider everything.

He crossed his arms and fixed Noel with a stern expression. "Hey, you. What cultivation level are you at? I can't seem to sense it…"

Noel raised an eyebrow, surprised. He can't see my cultivation level? That's strange. For a high-level cultivator like him, detecting someone's strength should be easy. It must be a hidden feature of his system.

He released his aura calmly. "I am at the Middle Stage of the Awakened Realm."

The City Lord scoffed. "Hmm. That's not enough. You're not qualified."

"What?!" Yunha gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. "But why? Isn't that enough to marry your daughter?"

The City Lord shook his head. "It's not about that. You need more."

"No! Father, I love him! If you don't approve, I'll... I'll give up my life!" Yunha declared, her voice trembling with emotion as she clung to Noel's arm.

"No, no, no, Yunha! Don't say things like that!" Noel interjected, trying to calm her down.

"No! Daddy, I love him!" Yunha insisted, her eyes filled with tears.

Noel sighed internally. This girl is really childish and foolish...

The City Lord exhaled deeply before speaking again. "Alright... I'll give you my permission, but only if Noel passes my test."

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