Their gazes overlapped, as if time had rolled back a century. Hazy memories sprang to life, vivid and sharp.
"This old mansion sold for just this many gold coins?"
Eighteen-year-old Kevin, his handsome face still holding a trace of youth, gently jiggled the bag of gold coins in his palm and sighed.
"Well, at least it covers travel costs. Staying here might cost me my life someday. I'll head to a big city for opportunities."
As his words faded, Kevin boarded the one-way carriage. His eyes held not a hint of longing—perhaps because nothing here was worth missing.
After all, his parents were gone. His clan members cared only for profit, not kinship. They made him sick.
He did have a fiancée, but rumors said she planned to annul the engagement. Soon, she’d be none of his concern.
Just then, a deep voice cut through his thoughts.
"Off we go, young man. Sit tight."
"Alright. But I’ll return someday."
Kevin declared firmly, eyes fixed on the horizon with resolve. The carriage sped off, his head thudding against the wooden frame.
Inside the luxurious villa, on a nearby lawn, stood a breathtakingly beautiful woman. Golden hair flowed down her back, draped in simple yet elegant attire. Slender fingers slowly drew back a longbow.
"It’s coming."
Elise’s lips moved slightly as she calmly closed her golden eyes. She trusted her intuition completely. The arrow whizzed past, followed by a bird’s cry as it hit the ground.
"Hit."
Just then, a crisp female voice rang out nearby, breathless with urgency.
"Miss, the master wants to annul your engagement!"
"I know. But I still like Kevin Jaeger. My intuition says he’d make the perfect husband."
Elise continued training unperturbed. As a woman here, she was just a political marriage tool.
Without absolute power, she was at others’ mercy—even her husband wasn’t her choice.
Before she could release the arrow, the bow snapped with a crack. Clearly, her heart was already in turmoil.
"Then why not speak up, Miss? They’ll annul it otherwise!"
The maid grew anxious. She knew Elise liked Kevin Jaeger, despite their few meetings.
"It can’t be helped," Elise said with resignation. For now, she drifted with the current, unsure who her next fiancé would be.
"Looks like the engagement’s ending."
...
With a heavy kick, the door burst open, collapsing in a cloud of dust. Osman family members strode in arrogantly—they’d knocked endlessly with no reply.
"Where’s Kevin Jaeger? His clan said he’d be here!"
A well-dressed middle-aged man wrinkled his nose in disdain, covering his mouth with a handkerchief.
If not for the magical marriage contract—violating it would bring severe consequences to both families—it required his personal signature to annul. Otherwise, they’d wait ten years.
"Rumors say Kevin Jaeger sold this mansion. No one knows where he went, but he hasn’t returned to his clan."
Standing behind, Elise Osman’s stunning face showed no emotion, yet a flicker of secret joy stirred within.
Perhaps she was glad she’d defied her father. Or perhaps, deep down, she didn’t want the annulment.
Time flowed on. With no trace of Kevin Jaeger, they could only wait for the contract to dissolve automatically.
Due to Elise’s beauty, nobles often brought sons to propose. But the magical contract forced them to leave hastily.
Yet Elise Osman was exceptionally gifted. Over ten years, she became the clan’s strongest, unmatched by anyone. When the leader died mysteriously, her power secured her position as head.
"Miss, you’re 28. It’s time to marry. With so many suitors daily, just pick one you like."
The maid stood straight on the balcony, speaking slowly to the breathtaking woman before her. Her tone held pure concern—no selfishness. At her age, waiting longer risked trouble.
"I’ve always said I trust only my intuition."
Elise didn’t turn, gazing into the distance like a stubborn girl clinging to her gut feeling. Slowly, she extended her slender hand, letting snowflakes land on her palm.
"My intuition says Kevin Jaeger will return. I can wait."
"Miss, your intuition’s sharp, but with no news this long... he might be dead."
Elise Osman didn’t respond. Perhaps she’d known the answer since their first meeting.
...
Time shifted to the present.
"Oh? How did you recognize me?"
Kevin wore a tattered cloak. The night breeze chilled him, his body hidden beneath it. He’d cast a concealment spell to scout first.
He’d "acquired" the cloak through minor trickery.
He never expected Elise to detect him. A mere sixth-tier couldn’t possibly spot him—so where had he slipped up?
Kevin’s handsome face frowned slightly. Hidden under his hood, confusion filled his eyes. But staying alert, he remained frozen in place.
"You look puzzled. But my intuition told me it was you."
Elise said nothing more. Moonlight bathed her once-beautiful face, now lined with age. Slowly, she extended her wrinkled hand, pointing to a nearby chair.
"Kevin, have a seat!"
