Chapter 10: Angelina

After realizing there was someone on the roof, Ethan continued to move casually around the room, not wanting to alert the intruder. He kept one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at any moment in case of an attack.

"With my parrying skills, I should be able to block at least one strike. I just hope the attacker isn't a Force-wielding assassin; even a 100% parry is a joke against overwhelming strength!"

Ethan prayed silently while preparing for a desperate fight. He waited for over an hour, but the intruder made no move. The figure on the roof remained as still as a predatory beast, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"He's got patience, probably waiting for me to fall asleep. If that's the case, he doesn't know I've detected him."

"Should I pretend to sleep and lure him in?"

"No, that's too risky unless I'm stronger than him."

While Ethan was considering his options, a four-wheeled carriage stopped at the inn's entrance. A man and a woman got out and walked straight into the inn and up the stairs towards Ethan's room.

Shortly after, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Ethan asked without opening the door.

"Ethan, it's me, your classmate! Angelina!"

Angelina Lawson? The daughter of Viscount Lawson? Ethan wasn't close to her. Why would she suddenly come looking for him?

Though puzzled, Ethan opened the door. Standing before him was a stunning beauty with bright blue eyes, smooth blonde hair, and a delicate face. Her fair skin was as pure as snow. She wore a pink lace dress that highlighted her elegance and nobility, her face adorned with a gentle smile.

Behind her stood a muscular man in leather armor with a knight's sword at his side, likely her guardian knight.

"My dear senior, what brings you here?" Ethan greeted her warmly, addressing her as "senior" to imply a closer relationship.

"Shouldn't you invite me in first? It's quite unchivalrous to talk at the door," Angelina replied with a smile.

"Oh, I'm so thrilled to see you that I forgot. Please, come in!" Ethan opened the door wide and gestured for her to enter.

Angelina smiled and nodded, turning to her knight. "Angus, please wait outside for a moment."

Angus shook his head, glanced at Ethan, then at the roof, and whispered something to Angelina. She looked momentarily shocked but quickly resumed her sweet smile. "Angus, I trust you can protect me even from the hallway, can't you?"

Reluctantly, Angus nodded, his expression a mix of concern and resignation.

Angelina stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. She immediately fixated on the sword at Ethan's waist.

"My dear Ethan, may I admire the Champion's Blade? I've dreamed of having it many times!"

"Of course," Ethan replied, handing her the sword. He didn't mind Angelina looking at the blade, but her addressing him as "knight" bothered him.

Although Ethan could inherit his father's territory, he couldn't inherit the baron title since his father wasn't a hereditary baron. Under Aslan Empire law, he would be demoted to a knight, a status that, while enjoying noble privileges, primarily existed to protect higher nobles—a somewhat paradoxical position.

"Why would Angelina address me as a knight, rather than by name or as a junior, unless it's something serious?"

"Do you know who held the Champion's Blade before you?" Angelina asked as she admired the sword.

"If I recall correctly, it was your cousin, hailed as a once-in-a-century genius at Allen Academy, Sario Lawson," Ethan replied calmly.

"Your memory is excellent. Yes, it was my cousin. Unfortunately, he died at the hands of orcs last year."

Despite talking about her cousin's death, Angelina's face remained cheerful, showing no sign of sorrow.

"Oh, that's unfortunate. I always wanted to meet such a talent."

Angelina laughed, covering her mouth. "You're amusing, Ethan. You've lost your territory, you're struggling to find work, fighting life-and-death duels, and yet you talk about meeting my cousin."

Her sudden scolding made Ethan uncomfortable, and he frowned slightly. "You didn't come here just to mock me, did you?"

"Of course not," Angelina replied with a smile. "I'm here to offer you an opportunity and a benefit."

Ethan guessed her intentions but wasn't interested. "Thanks, but I'm not in need. If there's nothing else, I'll see you out."

"You're not even going to hear the offer before dismissing me?" Angelina asked, surprised.

"You want to recruit me into the Lawson family as a knight, but I'm not interested," Ethan said, thinking of leaving Marrow City. As a knight, he wouldn't survive Rand's threats.

Angelina laughed again. "You're partly right. My family does want to recruit you, but not as a knight—as my husband. What do you say, Ethan? How about becoming the son-in-law of a viscount's family?"

Ethan was shocked, not by the offer itself, but because it came from Angelina. At Allen Academy, she was notorious among the male students—not for her beauty, but for her reputation. She was known for her wild behavior, earning the nickname "Public Carriage" because, like a public transport vehicle, she was accessible to everyone.

Marrying her would mean living under constant scandal, a green cap (a symbol of infidelity) firmly on his head.

Even at the cost of his life, Ethan wouldn't marry such a woman. He forced a polite smile. "Thank you for the offer, Senior Angelina."