Daniel strolled through the bustling streets, weaving his way through the lively market as he chatted amiably with vendors, inquiring about the prices and origins of various goods.

  When talking with shop owners, he often laughed heartily, listening intently to their stories. Even when passing by strangers, he would smile and nod in greeting, engaging in lighthearted conversation.

  He understood well that in this unfamiliar world, only by immersing himself on the front lines could he gather the most accurate and valuable information.

  He didn't overlook a single detail, collecting intelligence about the city bit by bit.

  Today, he even crouched down on a cobblestone street to observe ants fighting alongside a group of innocent children, finding it unexpectedly interesting.

  The children's crisp laughter echoed in the air as they pointed excitedly at the ants on the ground, chattering about which one would win.

  Daniel listened patiently to their childish prattle, skillfully steering the conversation, hoping to extract useful bits of information from their words.

  Just as he was fully engaged with the children, he suddenly felt the once-warm sunlight turn slightly cold. Instinctively, he looked up—

  A pair of large orbs blocked the sun, casting a shadow over him.

  He squinted slightly and looked upward along the shadow, only to see a graceful woman standing before him.

  She had long golden hair that cascaded like a waterfall, swaying gently in the breeze;

  her delicate features were as radiant as the most vibrant flower of spring, impossible not to glance at more than once;

  the slightly pointed tips of her ears revealed her elven heritage;

  and her stunning figure was impossible to ignore, with her ample chest stretching the fine armor taut.

  The newcomer was none other than Eirwyn, the Director of Combat Reconnaissance and the official liaison appointed by Orlanis.

  She looked down at Daniel with a hint of scrutiny in her gaze.

  Unhurried, Daniel rose to his feet and gently dusted his hands, his face wearing a harmless, friendly smile.

  He said, "Eirwyn, how does someone as busy as you find time to come all the way to Llorente City?"

  Eirwyn examined the third prince in front of her carefully.

  In the upper circles of elven society, handsome and refined adult men were a common sight, so Daniel's appearance didn't particularly impress her.

  However, the calm smile at the corner of his lips seemed to carry a peculiar charm, making others unconsciously lower their guard and feel an inexplicable sense of safety.

  In terms of appearance, Daniel certainly scored high.

  But at this moment, her heart was full of questions—why would a noble prince squat on the street watching ants fight with children? It was truly baffling.

  Despite the thoughts swirling in her mind, Eirwyn's expression remained calm and composed.

  She lifted her chin slightly and said in a cool voice, "Your Highness, today is Sunday. Even the great Moon Goddess Luna takes a rest on this day."

  Daniel suddenly realized and scratched his nose a little awkwardly, saying with a sheepish smile,

  "I really did forget. Well, since it's Sunday, I'll take the day off too.

  It just so happens it's lunchtime. You came all this way—surely I can't let you go hungry. Come on, lunch is on me. Let's head to the best restaurant."

  A faint smile appeared on Eirwyn's lips, almost unconsciously.

  She suddenly understood why her sister Orlanis regarded this man with such unusual favor.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Daniel indeed had a unique charm that was difficult to dislike.

  She noticed that Daniel's eyes were as clear as the purest lake.

  When his gaze lingered briefly on her chest with a flicker of admiration, he quickly regained his composure.

  That glance carried no vulgarity, merely a spontaneous appreciation of beauty;

  and the restraint he showed afterward reflected his respect for women.

  Eirwyn understood this well. She could distinguish between a lustful gaze and one of admiration,

  so she wasn't offended by being looked at.

  With a playful smile, she teased,

  "Is this how a prince flirts with women? Is that how you won over your past girlfriends?"

  Daniel looked into Eirwyn's amber eyes with sincerity and said,

  "This is the first time I've invited a girl my age to a meal. Will you do me the honor?"

  Eirwyn paused for a moment, then gently nodded.

  Though the invitation had come rather suddenly, for some reason, she didn't mind it at all.

  The two walked side by side toward the finest restaurant in Llorente City.

  Along the way, the buildings on either side of the street bore the distinct style of elven architecture,

  with exquisite carvings and vibrant paintings that dazzled the eye.

  Elves of various complexions bustled along the streets,

  clad in colorful garments and carrying all sorts of goods in their hands.

  The entire city brimmed with a lively yet harmonious atmosphere.

  Before long, they arrived at the restaurant—

  a tall and magnificent structure, its exterior built from pristine white marble adorned with delicate patterns and designs.

  After entering the restaurant, a polite waiter came forward to greet them and led them to a private room by the window. The window was large, offering a panoramic view of most of the commercial district. The bustling streets below were filled with a steady stream of traffic, and rows of shops lined the roads, creating a lively and vibrant scene.

  The waiter respectfully handed the menu to Eirwyn. Among the elves, etiquette was of great importance—especially during dates and meals, where the tradition of "ladies first" was always observed.

  Eirwyn glanced casually through the menu and ordered a few delicate dishes, finishing off with a serving of roasted meat. The waiter gave a slight bow before retreating with the menu.

  Daniel looked at Eirwyn in mild surprise, his eyes filled with curiosity. Eirwyn seemed to read his mind, and a sly glimmer flashed across her bright eyes as she smiled and said, "I'm in charge of imperial intelligence. Knowing what Your Highness likes to eat shouldn't come as a surprise."

  Daniel thought to himself, Sure, that sounds normal… Normal, my ass. What kind of reconnaissance director goes out of her way to gossip about what the prince likes to eat?

  Still, he wasn't about to argue over it. In his eyes, curiosity was perhaps second nature to women. And as a prince of the empire, living under constant scrutiny, he had long grown used to being the subject of speculation.

  He knew Eirwyn hadn't come here just for a meal—this had to be related to Orlanis.

  So, he pulled the door to the private room shut and asked softly, "Did she send you with a message?"

  Eirwyn stared straight at Daniel, her gaze as if penetrating his soul, sending a chill down his spine.

  At last, her crimson lips parted, and she said quietly, "She didn't send me. I came to see you myself."

  Daniel frowned slightly but said nothing. His eyes betrayed a mix of confusion and caution. He was well aware of Eirwyn's identity and capabilities. As the director of reconnaissance under the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, and as one of the empire's renowned Unicorn Knights, Eirwyn was a formidable figure.

  Although her impressive bust slightly hindered her archery, it didn't diminish her strength. She was both a Unicorn Knight and a druid. To become a Unicorn Knight, one had to form a soul contract with a unicorn—a process that required the knight to be a pure virgin. After the contract, however, such restrictions no longer applied.

  Eirwyn was a girl who loved beauty. Rather than making extreme sacrifices to improve her archery, she chose instead to hone her swordsmanship.

  In Daniel's memory, Eirwyn might have been a bit aloof, but she was never a troublemaker or a shallow person lacking in ability. If she had come today, it had to be for something important.

  Eirwyn stared at Daniel for a long while before leaning in closer. Her scent wafted toward him—an enchanting fragrance mixed with hints of herbs and flowers, wrapping around his senses.

  As she drew near, Daniel could feel the warm breath coming from her, and his heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

  Just as he was about to put some distance between them, Eirwyn spoke softly yet solemnly, delivering a piece of news that shook Daniel to his core:

  "The Ribeck family, headed by the Grand Marshal, has proposed a marriage alliance with the Aurora family. The High Elder is still considering it."

  Daniel froze, stunned, and it took him a moment to process the words. Among the unmarried, eligible direct descendants of the Aurora family, only Orlanis remained!

  This proposed union was clearly aimed at Orlanis. A surge of fury instantly welled up in Daniel's chest. Orlanis had long been the one he considered destined to marry—she was, in his heart, already his wife.

  Now, someone dared to covet his wife? How could he possibly remain calm? Even if he and Orlanis were ultimately not meant to be, and she chose not to be with him, that choice should come from her—not be stolen by some outside interference that severed their fate.

  Seeing the fire burning in Daniel's eyes, Eirwyn said in a grave voice, "Very few people know about this. Even Orlanis herself is unaware. Arrangements of this level can't be decided in a few days. The opinions of the king and other noble families still need to be considered. Traditionally, after a marriage proposal is made, there is usually a three-month contemplation period. You still have time."

  Daniel's lips curled slightly in a bitter smile. "So, it looks like I don't have a choice, do I?"

  Eirwyn looked at him with unwavering eyes and said seriously, "No. Unless you're content with watching Orlanis lie in another man's arms each night, moaning softly under him… bearing his children…"

  "Stop! I get it," Daniel interrupted sharply. The horrifying image that surfaced in his mind sent a tremor through his brain. The sense of crisis in his heart grew ever more intense.