The calm, water-like male voice instantly drew Gali’s gaze. Standing before the villa’s gate was a suave man, every movement radiating elegance.

“I am Gari Barodale, the Empire’s Hero. Pleased to meet you, Carlos Caslana, head of the Caslana family.”

“The honor is mine. Brave Sir gracing this humble retreat truly brightens the place.”

“Head of the family? Too formal. Treat me as any ordinary guest.”

Gali paused, then couldn’t help but ask, “Is your daughter, Miss Kallen, at home?”

“Hahaha! Brave Sir, just call me Carlos. My daughter is changing—no worries. Lord Kevin has explained everything. I apologize for her thoughtless behavior.”

Under Gali’s gaze, Carlos bowed his head heavily, his face etched with sincere regret, his voice dropping low.

Gali hurriedly supported him. This was no big deal—and partly his own fault. What exactly had Kevin said?

“Carlos, please. It’s nothing serious. Let’s go inside and chat over tea.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Carlos instantly flashed a genuine smile, his tone lightening. He turned to his elderly butler. “Prepare the finest tea and pastries. Have the maids serve them in the hall. I’ll have a proper chat with Brave Sir.”

“Yes, Head of the family.” The butler hurried off gracefully.

Once he left, Carlos spoke again. “Brave Sir, follow me. Just a simple meal—I hope you won’t mind. Hahaha.”

Carlos led Gali through the garden, admiring flowers and making small talk. He needed to stall—Kevin might not be ready yet.

But Gali grew impatient. His heart raced with an unprecedented urgency to see Miss Kallen, like a starving wolf eyeing fresh meat. He didn’t know what was wrong—maybe he was sick.

“Carlos, this place is lovely. But may I see your daughter Kallen?” He tried to mask his eagerness, but a hint of it showed on his face.

“Oh, Brave Sir is quite eager.” Carlos noticed Gali’s flickering emotions through his doll-like eyes. Realizing he couldn’t delay further, he laughed awkwardly. “Hahaha! Can’t wait to see my daughter? No matter—the tea and snacks should be ready. This way, please.”

He quickened his pace, gesturing toward the hall. They walked together, the sound of gardeners trimming trees echoing softly.

Soon, they reached the grand wooden door of the luxurious villa. A silver-haired woman stood there in lavish attire, radiating nobility. Her eyes reflected Gali’s figure as she gracefully curtsied.

“I am Sak Ti, at your service, Brave Sir.”

“Haha! Brave Sir, this is my wife.” Carlos beamed at Gali, then shared a silent understanding with Sak. She gave a slight nod.

“Brave Sir, my daughter is still preparing. Please wait a moment.”

Sak Ti opened the door. A lavish lunch spread into view—exotic delicacies filling the air with rich aromas.

“Carlos, you call this a simple meal? This could fund a junior knight squad.”

Gali frowned inwardly. Some items here were unaffordable even for minor nobles. This family was too mysterious.

“Hahaha! Brave Sir, don’t sweat the details.”

Carlos patted Gali’s back warmly, guiding him to a seat. He then took his place as head of the household.

With a soft scrape of the ornate chair against tiles, Gali sat down reluctantly, waiting silently for Miss Kallen’s arrival.

Meanwhile, Kevin endured hellish torment. The black evening gown was exquisite in every detail, yet it felt wrong—perhaps his mind couldn’t accept it.

He stood rigidly before the mirror, staring at his reflection with resignation. His once-messy silver hair was now silky smooth, his face lightly made up.

“Way too pretty,” he muttered, touching his cheek. Any man would lose control seeing this—but if Gali got frisky, he’d spend his life in a wheelchair.

A maid, seemingly lost in his scent, broke his thoughts. “Miss, you smell so lovely—even without perfume!”

“Really?” Kevin eyed her skeptically. If she knew she was inhaling a man’s scent, she’d collapse. He just waved it off.

As the maids finished, they relaxed and chattered around him.

“All done, Miss! You look like a goddess descended!”

“Heard it’s Brave Sir visiting. Is he after you? An old man chasing young grass, huh?”

“Doubt it. Brave Sir’s famously devoted. Even after his wife’s death, he never remarried. Probably here to arrange a marriage for his son.”

Their gossip spiraled wildly. Kevin cut in sharply. “Enough chatter. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, Miss!” The maids left in unison, leaving only Hanna dozing in the corner.

“Hanna, come here. Help me up.”

Kevin wobbled in crystal heels, gripping the chair to steady himself. His legs trembled beneath the gown’s hem, struggling for balance. He avoided using magic—Gali could sense his mana fluctuations.

“Mm.” Hanna responded, supporting him as they pushed open the door and descended the stairs.

The click of heels echoed in the quiet hall. Gali’s gaze snapped to the staircase. Kevin’s figure appeared, stealing his breath away.

It felt just like the first time he’d seen Manna Suhuali—leaving him utterly spellbound.