Nora quietly stared at the river, lost in thought. She couldn't deny it, Elias's face was just too striking. It made people want to offer everything to him without hesitation.
Thinking of that face, Nora gave a helpless smile. As the netizens said, there's no such thing as love at first sight, it's just being tempted by looks. She couldn't deny it, she was tempted by Elias's appearance.
Back in the modern world, she had focused on her studies first, then her career. Even though many people pursued her, she never agreed to any of them. Up until she transmigrated, she had never been in a relationship.
She always thought it was because she prioritized her work, but now she realized she just hadn't met the right person. She was never someone who hesitated or overthought. Since she knew she liked Elias, she would take the initiative.
Even if things didn't turn out how she wanted, she wouldn't regret it. "System Vee.9, give me more ways to protect myself. I'm going to fall in love now," Nora said seriously.
After spending this short time with the system, Nora clearly felt how indulgent System Vee.9 was toward her. As long as she wanted something, even if the system said no, the reward from the next day's check-in would still be exactly what she hoped for. "Ding! Congratulations to the host for unlocking the hidden marriage route mission. You may check in one extra time. Would the host like to check in?"
"Check in! Check in!" Nora immediately sat up in excitement. "Ding! Check-in successful! Congratulations to the host for receiving a super-level reward: Absolute Domain. Absolute Domain means the host is invincible within the domain.
Domain range: all within one mile around the host." "System Vee.9, does that mean no matter where I am, everything within a mile is under my control?" "Yes, host!"
"What kind of effects come with this invincibility?" Nora asked with anticipation. "You are the strongest within the entire domain!" "That's it? No powers like summoning storms or anything?"
"No! Host, stop imagining things. This system is just a daily check-in system!" "Fine then! This is already super powerful. It can completely protect me now. Thank you, System Vee.9, love you!"
Nora quickly forgot her earlier frustration. Her whole face lit up. With this Absolute Domain, she could finally fall in love without worries.
Before, she had been afraid of exposing her identity and attracting danger. Even though the system had given her martial arts, she knew there were always stronger people out there. She also knew how unsafe her beautiful face was.
As much as she had wanted to wear the elegant hanfu from the system, she always held back. But now things were different. With the Absolute Domain, she could finally do whatever she wanted.
Seeing Nora laughing from time to time, Jared and Jamie exchanged a look. They didn't know what made their young lady so happy, but they couldn't help smiling too. "Did something happy come to mind?"
Jared refilled the tea in front of Nora and asked with a cheerful face. Nora smiled and nodded. "Yes, something really happy."
She glanced out the window and asked, "The weather's getting colder now. Will the river freeze? How long until we reach the capital?"
"Young lady, I asked the boatman. It's just early winter, and even though it's snowing, the weather isn't cold enough yet. The river won't freeze, so our journey won't be delayed."
"We still have two more days until we reach the capital." "Two more days huh," Nora sighed and leaned on the table. This world was just not as convenient as the modern one.
Even traveling took forever.
"Don't worry, it'll only be two more days. Hang in there a bit longer." James saw Nora pouting and quickly tried to comfort her.
"Look, Nora!" At that moment, Jamie suddenly called out in excitement, pointing toward the river with a glowing expression.
"Jamie! How can you shout like that in front of Nora? That's so improper!" Even though Nora was kind and generous with them, they still shouldn't act out of line in front of her.
"It's fine. Jamie is still young, it's normal for her to be lively." Nora waved her hand and interrupted James's scolding. She followed the direction Jamie was pointing and saw a decorated boat slowly drifting toward them on the calm river.
Nora looked at the three-story boat with great interest. A tall flagpole stood at the front, with a black flag waving on top. On the flag, two large characters were boldly written: Shangguan.
It was a compound surname. Nora had learned a lot about this world lately and vaguely remembered that this family name had a high status in Tanzanite Kingdom. But she couldn't quite recall how high it was.
She quietly watched as the boat floated closer. Under the sunlight, the decorated boat looked beautiful. Its flying eaves and carved railings showed off its grandeur, yet it still looked elegant.
Unfortunately, the windows were all tightly shut with thick curtains. If even one curtain were slightly open, she might have been able to see whether a graceful beauty was sitting inside.
Just as Nora was thinking that, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw a pale-faced Elias slowly walking over with Justin supporting him.
"Why aren't you resting in bed?" Nora frowned and quickly stood up to help him sit down.
"I've been lying there for too long. I really couldn't stay in bed any longer. And after taking the medicine, I felt much better, so I wanted to get some fresh air. Did I bother you?" Elias clutched his cloak and asked carefully.
"No, I was just worried about your health." Nora poured him a cup of hot water and smiled. "My name is Nora. You can just call me Nora. No need to be so formal."
Since she had already decided to pursue him, she would start by changing how they addressed each other.
"Well then, Nora, I'll accept that." He cupped his hands toward her. "Elias greets Nora." The two of them smiled at each other.
Nora looked at the drifting boat with emotion. "This is the first time I've seen such a beautiful boat. I wonder if there's really a beauty inside."
Elias glanced at her with a light smile. "That boat has the Shangguan family's flag. It should belong to the famous Vanessa Shang."
"Vanessa Shang?" Nora looked at the boat and softly repeated the name.
"Nora, don't you know about her?" Seeing her puzzled face, Elias explained. "Vanessa Shang is the only daughter of the Shangguan family in Beryllium Kingdom. She's said to be the most beautiful woman in Tanzanite Kingdom, and also the most talented. She's not only breathtakingly beautiful but also well-read and respected. Everyone in Tanzanite Kingdom dreams of seeing her in person."
"It's just a pity."
"A pity what?" Nora asked curiously.
"It's a pity that she already has a main husband, and even side husbands too. Otherwise, with your looks, I'm sure you could win her favor. Even if not as the main husband, at least as a side one!"
The corner of Nora's mouth twitched. Even though she had gotten used to how things worked here, she still couldn't accept how men would think someone should get married just because they looked good.
She let out a helpless sigh. "I don't want to get married."
"How can you not want to get married?" Elias widened his eyes in disbelief, making Nora feel a flutter in her heart.
"When we get to the capital, you'll understand." She smiled as she spoke.
Seeing that Nora didn't want to continue, Elias didn't push further. After all, they had just met, and she was his savior. It wasn't his place to say too much.
He simply assumed her family had already arranged things for her.
After all, Nora dressed richly and had outstanding looks and a graceful air. She must be popular with women.