Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Melissa had to steady her daughter from behind to stop her from fainting as they sat in the reception hall.

She could tell that her husband was just as stunned as everyone else in the mansion.

Adrian had mentioned he would be bringing special guests, but never in their wildest dreams did they expect those guests to be the heiress of the Vermillion family and the highest-ranking warden of them all.

Adam glanced at his son, then asked, "I never thought I'd see two such powerful figures here today."

He had only heard about them and met Ruby once or twice at official gatherings. As for Annabelle, this was the very first time Adam had seen her in person.

"Hello, Darling's Dad. Nice to meet you," Annabelle said with a smile.

That… left everyone gasping.

D-Darling?

Adrian let out a long sigh and looked at Annabelle. But his gaze had no effect—she only looked back at him with innocent eyes.

To her, calling Adrian "darling" was as natural as breathing.

"Adrian?" Count Lockwood asked, raising his brows.

Across them, Violla was in shock to see her idol so close with her brother.

Ryan, on the other hand, still couldn't quite grasp what was happening.

Ariana grinned, leaning back in her seat as she left the situation for Adrian to handle.

She had agreed to help with Ruby, but Annabelle? That was something Adrian had to deal with on his own.

Adrian looked at his father and explained, "Father, Annabelle and I are close friends. She usually prefers to call me that."

Adam frowned. A lady calling a man "darling" when they were supposedly just friends… that was anything but normal.

And that look of disappointment on Annabelle's face—clear as day—it told a very different story from what his son had just said.

Melissa, staying calmer than anyone else, spoke up, "Thank you for looking after our son and protecting him during the ambush." Her gratitude was directed toward all three of them.

She knew full well what had happened during the contest, the ambush that followed, and how Annabelle had stepped in to save Adrian.

Adrian had mentioned it in his letter, but at the time Adam assumed the Warden was only fulfilling her duty. Now it seemed there was far more to it—personal feelings were involved.

Annabelle narrowed her eyes at Melissa but kept quiet.

It was Ruby who broke the silence. "It was mostly Adrian. He was the one who figured out their plans and told us to keep our families away from the contest."

Ryan, who had been sneaking glances at Ruby all this time, was completely captivated the moment he heard her sweet voice.

Ruby wore a black and red gown that gave her a strikingly elegant look. With her straight crimson hair and those sharp, dangerous eyes, she was the very image of the girl he had always dreamed of.

He developed a crush on her at the first sight.

Adam let out a sigh. "Well, let's not dwell on the incident anymore. Adrian, I heard you were requested by the Tower for a meeting?"

Adrian nodded. "Yes, but it was nothing important."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, with Ariana and Ruby joining in here and there.

Meanwhile, Annabelle's gaze wandered around the hall. This was the very house where her darling had grown up.

All of a sudden, she stood up. "May I use the restroom?"

Melissa smiled politely. "Of course. Violla, why don't you show her the way?"

The little girl froze at first, startled by the thought of being alone with her idol. But before she could think twice, her legs moved on their own, carrying her upright.

"Please," Annabelle said gently, giving her a small nod.

That simple gesture gave Violla the courage she needed, and she quickly led the way.

Once they were away from the light chatter of the hall, Annabelle slowed her steps, her eyes roaming freely.

She soon stopped in front of a wall lined with picture frames—many of which held images of her darling.

Violla walked a few steps ahead before realizing no one was following. When she turned back, she saw Lady Annabelle standing there, her eyes fixed on the pictures, a soft smile curving her lips.

It hit her instantly—Annabelle hadn't wanted the restroom at all. She wanted to see this.

'Oh my god…' Violla's heart thudded so fast she thought it might burst. Her idol was smiling. She saw her smiling! Kyaaaahhh!!

Annabelle, however, seemed oblivious, completely absorbed, while her little fan stood on the verge of fainting.

The picture showed her darling standing beside his father, a wooden sword resting on his shoulder as he grinned brightly.

He looked so innocent, so full of life, that Annabelle felt her heart grow warm, overflowing with love.

She turned to the little one and asked softly, "What was Darling like in the past?"

By now, Violla had already realized her idol's feelings toward her eldest brother, so she wasn't surprised.

Stepping closer, she answered, "Big Brother used to play with me and Sis all the time. He always teased us, pulled little pranks, and made fun of us. But whenever someone else tried to bully us—no matter their age or who they were—he never let it slide."

Violla had been closest to Adrian after his mother passed away. But with time, both he and her own personality had changed, and they drifted apart. Still, their memories together were undeniable.

They hadn't spent much time together, since Adrian left for the academy when she was only four. But before that, he had been her strong, dependable brother.

Annabelle's lips curved into a grin. "My Darling is exactly like that. When he calls someone his, he can burn the whole world for them."

Violla's eyes sparkled as she looked up at the raven-haired lady. "Has he saved you as well?" she asked. She knew it sounded strange—someone of Annabelle's caliber being saved by anyone.

But Annabelle's reply was nothing like she expected.

"Yes… he did," Annabelle said gently. "He saved me at a time when I had nothing."

Violla was very curious to know more about that incident, but then, they suddenly heard a raised voice from the reception hall.

Annabelle frowned and started walking back and found Darling's Dad standing there with his eyes widened.

Melissa also wore a shocked expression while Adrian had a complicated look on his face.

Adam asked again, "You…really?"

Adrian heaved a sigh before glancing at Ruby. She seemed worried.

That's why, he chose to speak more confidently this time, "Yes, father. We are getting engaged."