Translator: 549690339
Autumn is the most beautiful season in the Red Maple Forest.
This maple forest, only a few dozen kilometers away from the Half-Elf Royal CityâSilver Moon City, has now turned into a sea of red.
A glance reveals a landscape ablaze with fiery colors, as if the entire world was set on fire.
Within the forest, a team composed of half-elves and humans is moving slowly.
Naturally, this is the bride escort team, of which our protagonist is a part.
They have now penetrated deep into the Half-Elf Kingdom and should reach Silver Moon City by tomorrow.
Prince Okamotoâs Troll delegation has already parted ways with them.
Before they separated, Prince Okamoto cordially invited Colin to visit the Troll
Royal City when he had some time.
Of course, Colin agreed with a smile.
However, what he was actually thinking wasâ
If I go to the Troll Royal City, it definitely wonât be as a guest!
Conqueror, more like it.
In wealth of scenic beauty along their journey increased, Veraâs mood, however, was getting more and more depressed.
The female mage kept herself locked in a horse-drawn carriage, refusing to see anyone.
Colin tried to visit her a few times but got turned away each time.
Prince Topaz, Veraâs fiancé, received the same treatment.
At this moment, he stood in front of Veraâs carriage, bowing in greeting.
âMiss Vera, it is getting late, and we probably wonât reach Silver Moon City today. Red Maple Manor is ahead. It belongs to our Modewen Family. It might be inconvenient, but could you rest there for the night?â
There was no movement from inside the carriage, not even the drawing of the curtain.
After a long while, a single word came, âFine.â Veraâs answer was brief and to the point.
A flash of embarrassment and resentment crossed Prince Topazâs face, but he quickly hid it.
The polite and elegant Half-Elf prince tipped his cap to Veraâs carriage, then turned and left.
The team continued on their way and finally reached Red Maple Manor before sunset.
As one of the oldest estates in the Half-Elf Kingdom, Red Maple Manor has a history of over 800 years.
The manor is located in the Red Maple Forest and covers about 700 acres.
The wall surrounding it is built with sturdy graystone and covered with vines. The buildings inside are grand and exquisite, showcasing the architectural characteristics of both human and elf races. However, they inevitably appear a bit dated after being weathered by the passage of time.
Of course, to nobles who value history and heritage, this isnât considered a fault.
Red Maple Manor was obviously notified of the arrival of the bridal escort party and were welcoming Vera and her retinue with a grand ceremony.
Colin followed the group into the Manor, looking around curiously.
It must be said that the Half-Elf race has indeed inherited the Elf Clanâs relentless pursuit of beauty.
The entire Manor was delicately and elegantly arranged, so beautiful that even Vera, who had been hiding in her carriage for the past few days, couldnât help but peek outside from behind the curtain.
Colin was curiously staring at the lush green lawn on the ground, wondering how these half-elves managed to keep the grass green even in deep autumn. âMiss Vera, Prince Topaz, Viscount Angler, dinner is ready, please follow me.â Under the stewardâs lead, everyone went to the dining room.
Due to Veraâs low spirits, the atmosphere throughout dinner was rather depressing.
Even though Prince Topaz made a great effort to liven up the atmosphere, it was in vain.
After the uncomfortable meal, everyone retired to their respective rooms.
Colin strolled around the Manor alone under the pretense of sightseeing and caught a long-tailed kite, which became his real dinner.
After a satisfying meal, Colin finally returned to his own room.
As he was preparing to rest after washing up, he heard someone knocking at the door.
âKnight Thelde? What brings you here so late?â Colin opened the door, looking at the robust white-haired knight outside with some doubt in his heart.
This Thelde Mogas was a knight loyal to Duke St. Hilde, and he was also the captain of the escort team for the marriage envoy.
Knight Thelde nodded slightly to Colin and said, âViscount, Miss Vera wishes to see you.â
Colin blinked before nodding hastily, âAlright, lead the way.â
At this time it was late in the evening and the manor was eerily quiet, not a soul in sight.
As Colin continued on, his confusion only grew.
Because he had not seen a single guard on duty.
However, he quickly realized, the guards who were originally on duty here all belonged to the St. Hilde family, presumably they had been relocated in advance by Knight Thelde.
So what is Vera up to, acting so mysterious?
The two arrived silently outside Veraâs room. Knight Thelde made a gesture of invitation to Colin and then quickly walked away.
It wasnât till the knightâs figure had disappeared into the darkness that Colin, still a tad puzzled, knocked on the door, âMiss Vera, itâs me.â
âCome in.â
Colin pushed the door open and entered.
The room was draped with white sheer curtains hanging all around, and a whole snowy bear skin was spread on the floor.
And standing on the bear skin was an incredibly beautiful young girl.
âGulpâ¦â
Colin swallowed audibly.
Because tonight, Vera was incredibly enticing.
She was only wearing a white silk nightgown, her curvaceous figure both hidden and revealed. Her golden hair draped over her pale shoulders, with tiny beads of water still glistening, telling of her recent post-bath state.
Her ivory white feet were on the bear skin rug, glowing moistly, full of a strange allure.
âVeâ¦Vera, whatâ¦what did you want me for?â
With the situation being as it was, Colin found it exceedingly hard to articulate.
A faint blush spread across the face of the young girl, but her eyes revealed a resolute light.
She slowly walked towards Colin, at the same time asking,
âColin, am I beautiful?â
âBeaâ¦beautiful! Of course!â
Colinâs gaze was locked on Veraâs slender legs that were revealed as she moved, and he could feel his blood rush uncontrollably.
At this point, if he still didnât understand why Vera had asked him to come, then he was being exceptionally dense.
Veraâs hands, slightly trembling, were now resting on Colinâs chest, and then she looked up at him.
Her soft pink lips, under the glow of the magic lamp, emitted a fatally seductive charm.
Colin took a deep breath, not hesitating any longer, and pulled the young girl into his arms, affirmatively stating, âRest assured, I wonât let you marry that half-elf!â
Veraâs body slightly shivered, but then immediately shook her head, âNo, Colin. I will marry Prince Topaz, it is a duty I must fulfill as a St. Hilde!
But, I just want to, before I walk into that cage, give all my beauty to you!â
âNo! You can only marry me!â Colin was already besotted. He was steadfast and unyielding in his tone.
âColinâ¦â Vera wanted to further persuade him, but her lips were sealed by a domineering kiss.
Her heart began to race and her mind went completely blank.
âBoom!â
A flash of light outside the house, and a rainfall began.
Large rain droplets hit the tightly closed windows, making a pitter-patter noise..