"Is this Whitmore Villa? What a beautiful place!"
Anyu was already a picturesque region, but Anyu Lake made it even more breathtaking.
The villa was surrounded by Black Roses, one of the rarest flowers in the land. These roses had been planted by Liana in memory of a past lover.
Seeing them, Luis couldn't help but pity his uncle. Liana had never loved his uncle but his uncle was too infatuated with Liana.
However, the thought that this stunning villa would one day be his lifted his spirits.
"Lord Hartmann has arrived."
"Welcome, Lord Hartmann!"
As soon as Luis stepped onto the grounds, Whitmore Villa's servants hurried forward to greet him respectfully.
"Where is my aunt?" Luis demanded.
"Madam is tending to the roses in the back garden," replied Granny Ping.
"And my cousin?"
"She is in the library."
"Hmm. I'll go see her."
Without another word, Luis strode toward the Whitmore Library, his three maids trailing behind him.
The servants exchanged uneasy glances but dared not stop him.
Everyone in Whitmore Villa knew Lily loved Luis deeply but Madam Liana despised him.
"We should inform Madam!" one whispered.
-----
Luis soon reached the library.
At one of the desks sat a young woman, her beauty serene and graceful.
Her skin was pale, almost luminous, her features delicate and refined. Her eyes, a tranquil blue, held depth and quiet intelligence. Long, dark hair cascaded freely like a smooth river, framing lips that often curved into a faint, gentle smile.
Her figure was slender, her movements effortless and elegant.
Though Luis's maids were also first class beauties, they paled in comparison to Lily.
He stood captivated looking at her.
The Lily in his memories had been striking but seeing her in person was breathtaking.
At this moment, she was engrossed in a secret manual titled "Swift Blade Sword Technique."
To help Luis, Lily immersed herself in countless secret books, and over time, her knowledge surpassed his.
Whitmore Library held more books than Hartmann Pavilion, and while Luis was burdened with restoring his country, Lily devoted herself entirely to studying secret texts.
Day by day, she grew wiser than him.
"Lily!" Luis called softly as he approached.
Startled, Lily looked up from her book, her face lighting up with joy.
"Cousin! You're here!" Her smile bloomed like a flower, radiant with genuine happiness.
Seeing her expression, Luis felt a mix of emotions.
He finally understood why Lily cared and loved for him so deeply.
Having grown up in Whitmore Villa, she had never ventured into the outside world. Luis was her only childhood friend, the sole connection she had beyond those walls. And he had always been kind to her.
"Cousin, did you come to study the secret books? I just learned a new Swift Blade technique," Lily said eagerly.
In the past, Luis visited not for her, but for the martial arts in Whitmore Library.
Liana had forbidden him from entering the library, but Lily deeply in love, memorized the texts herself and quietly passed their knowledge to him.
"No, cousin. I didn't come for the books today, I came for you." Luis smiled warmly.
"You've grown into such a beautiful lady, and I never noticed until now."
Lily's cheeks flushed, her shy delight fleeting but unmistakable.
"Really?" she whispered, her heart fluttering.
Luis, smooth and unburdened by guilt, replied effortlessly, "Cousin, I know you've always loved me, and I feel the same. Today, I came to Whitmore Villa for one reason to ask for your hand."
The sudden joy left Lily breathless, her whole body tingling. Staring at his earnest face, she barely managed to speak. "Really?"
"Of course," Luis said firmly.
"We're childhood sweethearts, perfect for each other. We are simply a match made in heaven. I think even God would not object to this marriage!"
At this moment, a cold voice spoke up, "Luis, I don't care if God objects to this marriage or not I object!"
Hearing this voice, Luis knew his aunt had come to stop the wedding.
He turned and saw his aunt Liana at once. Her brows were furrowed, and she wore a long yellow skirt as she stormed toward them.
Liana had arrived in a hurry, followed by a group of servants, looking as though she was there to demand justice.
"Hello, Aunt," Luis greeted politely, stepping forward.
Liana glared at him and snapped, "Luis, I warned you not to come to Whitmore Villa uninvited. Not only did you ignore that, but you've also been harassing your cousin. Do you know what punishment you deserve?"
Luis smiled, "The crime is so terrible that the only proper punishment is for me to marry my cousin! Aunt, you know she's always been fond of me, and I can't bear to keep her waiting any longer. That's why I came to propose today."
"Since you were busy in the garden, I didn't want to disturb you, so I came straight to my cousin. Look, I've even brought betrothal gifts!"
Liana grew even angrier, "You're delusional, Luis. Give up this idea right now. She will never marry you!"
Luis feigned surprise.
"Aunt, why do you say that? I'm a well-known, distinguished young man in the Azure Kingdom. My influence is also very high. In the sorcerer world, only North Sunny rivals my reputation. My cousin is as beautiful and clever as a fairy. We're a perfect match! What's the problem?"
"Men and women should marry when they're ready. Wouldn't it be wonderful for our families to grow even closer?"
Lily had been hesitant about Luis' sudden proposal, but now that Liana was trying to stop them, her resolve hardened.
For the first time, she spoke up. "Yes, Mother why?"
Liana shot her a sharp look before turning back to Luis, "Luis, do you truly not know the reason?"
Luis replied, "I don't. Please enlighten me, Aunt."
Liana sneered. "I didn't realize it before, but now I do. Your Hartmann family has always been ambitious, dreaming of restoring the Hart Kingdom that fell centuries ago. But what have any of you actually accomplished?"