Their journey was about to come to an end after three long days. It had really been a long journey, considering that there apparently weren’t many territories between the Florivelle County and the Ravenshade Duchy, according to her father.

’It’s all because of this city, why does it have to be so huge?’

They had entered the Ravenshade territory more than a day ago, but they had yet to reach the lord’s mansion.

Though if she were being honest, the journey didn’t make her feel bored at all, especially after they entered the Ravenshade territory. Observing the city through the carriage’s window was enough for her to pass the time.

She turned to her parents.

"What’s this place called? I mean, aside from being called the Ravenshade territory. It had to have some sort of name, after all."

Her father answered with a smile.

"It’s called the Duchy of Aevithar. It’s the second-largest territory within the empire that is owned by a single noble family. The first being the imperial capital, of course."

’So it’s basically the largest? Impressive.’

As the carriage moved along the busy road, she spotted a boundary of towering walls made of grey stones far in the distance, appearing closer with each passing moment as the carriage moved toward it.

Soon, the carriage reached the grey walls and stopped in front of a large golden gate. The stop was only brief, though, because as soon as the guards at the gate spotted the carriage–or perhaps the insignia on it–they quickly moved to push open the door.

The carriage entered the boundary of the towering walls and stopped soon after. Moments later, the carriage driver opened the door and gestured that they could now step out.

"Count, Countess, and Young Lady, we have reached our destination."

As he spoke those words with a polite smile, Evangeline’s heartbeat sped up slightly.

’So I’m finally there?’

In truth, she didn’t quite know if she was nervous or excited at this moment. Or perhaps she was experiencing both at the same time. In the end, she couldn’t tell.

After a brief hesitation, she stepped out of the carriage and took in her surroundings. But what she saw left her frozen in shock and awe.

Within the boundary of towering grey walls stretched a vast green land, divided into small segments filled with different types of flowers.

In the middle of the vast expanse stood a majestic dark castle, casting its massive shadow over the land. The castle looked ancient yet pristine, as if preserved through time, yet it still maintained its glory.

She only released the breath she had been holding when her mother’s hand gently patted her head, freeing her from her entranced state.

When she looked at the faces of her parents, they, too, seemed slightly nervous. Although they tried to act naturally, she could spot beads of sweat on their foreheads.

Well, she could understand them. After all, she also had a hard time accepting that the majestic castle before them was a noble family’s mansion.

’If that’s a mansion, then I’ve been living in a hut since my rebirth.’

As they walked towards the dark castle, they spotted two rows of servants and maids standing motionlessly on both sides of the road with their heads lowered, as if showing respect. It felt like those servants and maids were present to welcome Evangeline and her parents’ arrival.

A maid stepped forward and turned toward them. She spoke in a controlled, polite tone.

"Rooms have been prepared for the three of you. I would be honored to guide you to each of your rooms."

Evangeline saw her father hesitate. After thinking briefly, he addressed the maid.

"The three of us would like to stay in a single room. Our daughter is young and isn’t used to unfamiliar places. I fear leaving her alone would make her anxious. Besides, I doubt there is much time left before the engagement starts."

The maid glanced at the carriage driver beside them, then bowed politely.

"If that is what you wish. And you are correct, all the guests have already arrived."

The three of them entered the mansion, guided by the maid in front.

The interior of the mansion was no less grand than it looked from the outside. The ceiling stretched high above them, and there was an ornate red carpet beneath their feet.

Passing the massive lobby, where servants moved about busily, they moved through the massive hallways. Decorations like swords, paintings, shields, and other items were hung at intervals, enhancing the grand aesthetics of the surroundings.

’Seriously, now I feel like the carriage I received as a gift probably didn’t even put a dent in their pockets.’

Soon, the maid stopped and turned to them, pointing to the door beside her.

"Please rest in this room. It is the largest one, so the three of you are unlikely to experience any discomfort. I will remain standing nearby, so please ask me if you need anything."

Her father nodded as the three of them entered. Just as the maid had said, the room was rather large, with a bed in the corner, a few sofas near the window, and a table in the middle of them.

Her parents didn’t even speak after entering the room; they still looked tense and overwhelmed as they both sat on a sofa near the wall.

Evangeline, meanwhile, took the sofa near the window and sat comfortably. She wanted to loosen the tension, but didn’t know what to say, so she remained silent as she tried to pass the time.

’The servants here are different from the ones in our mansion.’

It was hard to describe that difference properly; they just felt more... professional.

In her previous life, most of the people she had interacted with were nurses. And after interacting with them for so long, she had divided them into two categories.

The first category was the close, friendly type: The nurses who acted like close friends and treated her with a warm attitude. They were somewhat clumsy, and their behavior depended largely on their mood. They sometimes even yelled at her in some situations.

The second category was the professional type: The nurses who acted somewhat formally. It wasn’t that they acted rudely; their behavior was kind as well. It was just that there was always this sense of distance; you could feel that they were only doing their job.

And she got a similar vibe from the servants here.

Letting out a sigh, she turned to the window, hoping to pass the time while gazing at the scenery outside.

’Uh?’

That was when her eyes spotted someone. A young boy around her own age stood outside in a clearing where there were no segments of flowers, only plain grassy ground.

His short golden hair shone brightly under the evening sun, and his clear, glass-like green eyes were fixed in a particular direction. She could sense longing in the boy’s gaze.

As she followed his line of sight, she barely spotted a wooden sword lying on the ground. The young boy seemed to be hesitating while looking at that sword.

But soon after, he approached and picked it up, gripping it with both hands. Then he seemed to adjust his stance, which somehow appeared clumsy to her.

’What’s he doing?’

Raising the blade high, he tensed his muscles. She could see bluish energy gathering around his hands. He took a deep breath and swung the sword down in a swift motion, which somehow also appeared clumsy.

The blade formed an arc as it came down, creating an energy blade that shot forward. But after traveling about a meter, the energy blade dissipated into wisps of mana.

Yet after seeing the result of his swing, the boy had a wide, innocent smile on his face. He raised both arms in the air and began jumping around excitedly, which made her chuckle.

’Seriously, who is this boy?’

His golden hair and glass-like green eyes reminded her of the woman who had visited their mansion five years ago. His facial features also seemed somewhat similar to hers, which suggested that they were related.

He was most likely her son, which meant...

’Is he Adrian Caelis Ravenshade? Umm... this wasn’t what I was expecting. Though, to be honest, he’s kind of cute.’

It seemed as though he was trying to imitate someone just now, and from his reaction, he seemed to have succeeded to some extent.

Just then, a maid approached him and spoke in a hurry.

"Young Master Elias, you shouldn’t wander around like this. What if you make a mistake and sully your clothes? I worked hard to get you ready."

"Oh, um, sorry." That was all the boy managed to say as he was dragged away by the maid.

’Elias? So it wasn’t him. But looks like they are brothers, so he must also have golden hair...’

Her thoughts trailed off as the mental image of the golden-haired boy with an arrogant face flashed through her mind.

’No! Anything but that! I don’t want to deal with an arrogant young master, please!’

Time passed in silence as she remained lost in her own thoughts. But suddenly, a knock on the door pulled her out of her mind.

The maid outside spoke politely.

"The engagement is about to start. Please get ready."

Both she and her parents stood up as they heard her words.

’Looks like the time has finally come.’

It was time to meet her supposed fiancé.