Three days later, Emily received an invitation from the royal court—a grand charity auction would be held by the King, with all proceeds going to help the impoverished.
"This is a great opportunity," William said excitedly. "You can showcase the Smith family's charitable spirit before the royal family."
"Sounds good," Emily nodded. "And maybe there'll be lots of delicious food."
[System Prompt: Host, Earl Roger will be attending this charity auction! He might cause trouble!]
Don't worry, I'll be careful, Emily replied in her heart. Besides, Edmund will be there too, right?
[System Prompt: Yes! It's the perfect chance for the male lead to perform a heroic rescue!]
On the day of the event, Emily wore a pale blue silk gown, and her hair was styled meticulously by a royal court hairdresser invited by William. She looked elegant and beautiful—nothing like the lazy, food-loving girl she usually was.
"Sister, you look absolutely stunning today," William said sincerely.
"Thank you," Emily glanced at herself in the mirror. "Though I still think this corset is a bit suffocating."
Inside the palace ballroom, Emily was soon captivated by the exquisite auction items and lavish refreshments. She was entirely focused on savoring a fruit tart she'd never seen before and completely missed the group of gossiping nobles not far away.
"Look at that daughter of the Smith family," a noblewoman whispered. "I've heard she acts strangely and has been pestering the Duke of Montfort."
"Indeed," another agreed. "They say she even claims to be his wife five years from now. How shameless."
Standing among the crowd was Earl Roger de Mortimer, coldly watching Emily. Jealous of Edmund's influence and status, he now felt an even stronger malice seeing the girl rumored to be under the Duke's special protection.
"Miss Smith," a young page came up to her. "Someone wishes to see you."
"Me?" Emily looked up, a crumb of tart still clinging to her lips. "Who is it?"
"Please follow me," the page said. "He's waiting for you in the rear garden."
Emily didn't think much of it and followed the page out of the ballroom. She figured Edmund might want to speak with her in private, and a flicker of anticipation rose in her heart.
Under the moonlight, the royal garden was quiet and deserted. Emily looked around, puzzled.
"That's strange," she murmured. "Where is he?"
Suddenly, several figures in black cloaks emerged from the hedges and surrounded her.
"Miss Smith," the leader said, "forgive us."
"Wait—who are you? What do you want?" Emily raised her hands cautiously.
"We're just following orders," the man replied. "You'll need to come with us."
"If it's money you want," Emily tried to negotiate, "I can give you some. Just not right now—I didn't bring my wallet."
The men exchanged confused glances. Clearly, they hadn't expected her to be this calm.
"It's not about money," the leader said. "Someone wants to teach you a lesson."
"A lesson?" Emily blinked. "What did I do wrong?"
"You shouldn't be getting close to the Duke of Montfort," he said. "You're not worthy of him."
"Ah, so this is a jealous rival's doing," Emily said in sudden realization.
"Silence!" the man snapped. "Come with us!"
The group advanced on her. Though fear started to rise in Emily's chest, she kept her expression composed.
"Wait," she said. "Before you do anything, can I ask one question?"
"What is it?"
"Who hired you?" Emily asked. "I'd like to know who cares so much about me and Edmund."
They didn't answer. Instead, they continued closing in.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out from the darkness:
"Let her go."
Everyone turned to see Edmund stepping out from the shadows. Dressed in a black formal suit, he looked both elegant and dangerously commanding under the moonlight.
"Duke of Montfort," the leader stammered. "This matter doesn't concern you."
"Doesn't concern me?" Edmund scoffed. "Someone threatens my guest at a royal event, and you say it doesn't concern me?"
"Your guest?" Emily looked at him, surprised.
"Yes," Edmund said firmly, still watching the black-cloaked men. "She's here by my invitation."
The intruders clearly hadn't anticipated Edmund's arrival, much less his assertive stance.
"Your Grace," the leader said, trying to explain, "we only meant to warn her—to tell her not to cling to you."
"Cling to me?" Edmund's voice turned ice-cold. "When has she ever clung to me?"
"She claimed to be your wife five years from now," the man said. "That sort of behavior is—"
"Enough," Edmund cut him off. "My private affairs are none of your concern. Now leave. Or else…"
His hand moved to the hilt of his sword, the threat unmistakable.
After a moment's hesitation, the intruders backed down.
"This time we'll let it go," the leader said. "But Miss Smith, you'd better be careful."
With that, they disappeared into the night.
Emily turned to Edmund, a swirl of emotions in her chest.
"Thank you," she said. "How did you know I was here?"
"I noticed you left the ballroom," he replied. "When you didn't return for a while, I started to worry."
"You were worried about me?" Emily asked, surprised.
"Yes," Edmund admitted. "Though your behavior often confounds me, I don't want you to be harmed."
A warmth bloomed inside her.
"You know," she said, "this is the first time anyone's ever protected me like this."
"The first time?" he looked surprised.
"In my family, I'm considered the useless daughter. No one would ever pick a fight on my behalf."
Hearing that, a flicker of anger crossed Edmund's face.
"They're wrong," he said. "You're not useless."
"Really?" Emily smiled. "What use do you think I have?"
He looked at her thoughtfully.
"You've taught me how to enjoy an afternoon nap," he said. "You've shown me a different way of living."
"Is that really useful?" Emily laughed.
"Of course," Edmund replied. "And... you make my life more interesting."
"Interesting?" Emily repeated.
"Yes," Edmund said. "When I'm with you, I never know what's going to happen. That uncertainty is both troubling and... exhilarating."
She gazed at him, a strange new feeling stirring in her chest.
"Edmund," she said softly, "will you walk me back?"
"Of course," he replied. "But first, I need to find out who sent those men."
"Do you have any suspects?" Emily asked.
"A few," he said, "but I need proof."
They walked back to the ballroom together, side by side. Emily had never felt safer.
"Edmund," she said, "why are you protecting me?"
"Because..." he paused, "because I don't want you to be hurt."
"Is that the only reason?" she asked.
Edmund looked at her, something complex flickering in his eyes.
"Maybe not," he admitted. "But I'm not sure what else it means yet."
"Then," Emily said, "would you give yourself time to figure it out?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean," she said, "maybe we could spend more time together—let you discover your feelings gradually."
Edmund felt a sudden, inexplicable urge.
"Alright," he said. "But you must promise me something."
"What is it?"
"If anyone threatens you again," he said firmly, "you must tell me immediately."
"Why?"
"Because," he said, "I won't let anyone hurt you."
Emily looked into his eyes, deeply moved.
"I promise," she whispered.
As they re-entered the ballroom, all eyes turned toward them. Especially Earl Roger, who looked furious at seeing them together.
"Duke of Montfort," the King approached. "Where have you been? We were looking for you."
"Handling a personal matter, Your Majesty," Edmund replied. "But I'm back now."
"Very well," the King said, then turned to Emily. "Miss Smith, you look radiant tonight."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Emily curtseyed.
"I've heard you and the Duke are quite close," the King said. "Good. Edmund needs someone who helps him unwind."
Emily glanced at Edmund, noticing a faint blush on his face.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said. "We're friends."
"Friends?" The King raised an eyebrow. "I suspect it may be more than that."
"Your Majesty—" Edmund began.
"No need to explain," the King chuckled. "I understand the ways of youth."
Later that evening, when Emily returned to the Smith estate, William greeted her eagerly.
"Well? How was the night? Anything exciting happen?"
"Yes," Emily said calmly. "I was almost kidnapped."
"What?!" William gasped. "Who would dare—?"
"No idea," she said. "But Edmund saved me."
"The Duke rescued you?" William grinned. "That's amazing!"
"Why do you say that?" Emily asked.
"Because," William said, "a man only protects the woman he truly cares about."
Emily thought back to Edmund's words that night, a warm feeling rising within her.
Maybe William was right.
Maybe Edmund really was starting to care.
[System Prompt: Host, amazing! The male lead's protective instincts have been triggered!]
I felt it, Emily replied inwardly. He truly looked worried tonight.
[System Prompt: Maintain this momentum! Let him feel that you need his protection!]
No need to pretend, Emily thought. I actually do need his protection. This world is still dangerous for me.
Meanwhile, at Montfort Castle, Edmund sat in his study, deep in thought.
"My lord," Gareth entered. "We've identified the black-cloaked men."
"And?" Edmund asked.
"They're professional assassins," Gareth said. "But we haven't yet traced their employer."
"Keep digging," Edmund said. "I want to know who dared threaten her."
"My lord," Gareth hesitated, "your concern for Miss Smith seems... more than friendly."
Edmund was silent for a moment.
"Maybe," he admitted. "But I'm not sure what that means yet."
"Then perhaps," Gareth said, "you just need time to find out."
"Yes," Edmund said, "but until then, I'll make sure she's safe."
"Understood," Gareth said. "I'll assign shadow guards to protect her."
"Thank you," Edmund said. "But don't let her know."
"Why not?"
"Because," Edmund said, "I don't want her to feel like a burden."
Gareth looked at him, understanding dawning in his eyes.
He knew then: his master was slowly, inevitably falling for the girl.
And tonight had only quickened the pace.