A teasing glint flashed in Dian's eyes as he saw her reaction. He felt as if something within him stirred.
"What can I do..." Dian spoke, his steps slowing as he made his way toward his chair, eyes still locked on Gianna.
"You look so irresistibly beautiful, I couldn't control myself—I had to stare."
Gianna stiffened, her cheeks burning red.
B-b-beautiful! H-he just called me beautiful! she thought. Her heart raced as she heard him, her hands clutching the hem of her dress.
"Hm? Why are you standing?" Dian asked. "Please, sit," he said, signaling toward the chair beside him.
"T-thank you," Gianna replied, taking the seat beside him. Her heart still pounded, and her eyes kept stealing glances at Dian.
"Please, consider this your home. Eat as much as you want—you're still weak," Dian said as he began serving her himself.
Gianna just nodded. Every time Dian came close to serve her, her eyes drifted toward his lips, and she instinctively sniffed the air.
T-they... were definitely sweet... And this smell... Aaaahhh, what am I thinking again!?
Shaking her head, she tried to focus on the delicious food before her. But just before she could take a bite, a hand gently held hers, stopping her.
Her eyes went up and widened slightly. "U-umm, y-young l-lord?" she asked, surprised as Dian held her hand.
Taking a spoonful of soup, Dian said, "You're still weak. Let me help you." He held the spoon toward her.
Gianna's blush deepened. Her gaze dropped for a second, then she looked back up and nodded shyly.
Dian's heart fluttered at her adorable expression.
She's sooo cute!
"Okay, now say 'Aah'."
With slight reluctance, and a touch of firmness, Gianna took her first bite. Moments later, her eyes grew moist.
"Hey, you okay?" Dian asked, noticing. His eyes were filled with concern, voice soft.
"Is something wrong with the soup?"
Gianna quickly wiped her eyes with her hand. "N-no, it's okay. I'm just a little overwhelmed by the taste... It's been quite a while since I've had something this good," she answered.
Dian smiled warmly at her words.
Their dinner continued quietly, but the atmosphere was rich and comforting. Only the clinks of spoons and plates, and Gianna's quiet blushing, filled the space.
. . .
As dinner ended, Gianna's face brightened. A satisfied smile formed as one hand rested on her stomach, the other on the table.
"So," Dian began, "you didn't tell me much about yourself—besides your name and how you got captured." He looked at her.
Gianna paused for a moment, then began.
"As you already know, my name is Gianna Measter."
As the words left her mouth, something stirred. Dian turned slightly and noticed his butler.
What the—?! I didn't even know he was here this whole time... But if something got a reaction out of him, it must be important, Dian thought.
Refocusing on Gianna—now more alert—he listened closely.
Seeing she had his attention again, Gianna continued.
"I am from the Kingdom of Elves—their Third Princess, to be exact."
She paused, her eyes on Dian, waiting for a reaction.
Because elves—especially royals—rarely involved themselves with the outside world. Most elves lived quietly in kingdom inside the forests.
Occasionally, some took up positions in human kingdoms, but they were usually officers or had left the elven lands entirely.
And royalty? They only appeared at grand events—treaties, kingly summons, or rare diplomatic visits.
Seeing her expectant gaze, Dian tried to act surprised. He wasn't the best actor, but... it seemed to work. A soft smile formed on her face.
She bought it, he thought.
But his focus shifted. A glowing blue screen had appeared in front of him.
...
[ Name ] – Gianna Measter
Age – 21
Title – Love Tyrant
[ Love Tyrant: Once in love with someone, she won't leave them—no matter what. Can become a little too obsessed. All stats are doubled if in a good mood due to her lover.*)
Stage– Superior Mage (2nd Stage)
Elements – Earth Lv2, Light Lv3
Attributes–
Strength: 178 / 300
Agility: 180 / 300
Stamina: 168 / 300
Defense: 179 / 300
Mana: 210 / 300
Luck: 810 (Fated Partner – ???)*
Skills –
1. Earth Binding – Can manipulate the earth's surface and bind a target. (Effectiveness depends on elemental control and mana.)
2. Spears of Light – User can manifest spears of light using mana. Can be used for long-range attacks or to heal from a distance. (User determines who is harmed or healed.) ]
...
Hm? She's a Superior Mage—and at the second stage? Dian thought as he scanned the info. A frown crossed his face as he continued reading.
"Hey, what's with her title and that luck?!" Dian muttered internally.
"It's off the charts—810?! And her fated partner… Why is it just question marks?"
A sweet voice chimed in his mind.
"Host, titles vary based on personality and power. She earned hers based on her temperament," the system explained.
"As for her high luck, it was predetermined by fate—because she's destined to be a 'Chosen One's' life partner." Her voice turned teasing on the last line.
"Hmm, okay… but why can't I see who her fated partner is?" Dian asked.
It'd be easier to deal with them that way, he thought grimly.
"Host," the system responded, pulling Dian from his thoughts. "You can't see them because fate is protecting them—until you fulfill one condition."
Dian's eyes narrowed. "What condition?"
"You must first see them with your own eyes. Once you do, your new *Eye Perception* skill will bypass fate's veil."
Dian nodded slowly, committing every word to memory.
"Ermm... D–Lord Dian, are you okay?" a soft voice brought him back.
In front of him, Gianna looked up with a worried expression.
D-did my identity shock him that much...? she wondered.
"Yeah," Dian said, his tone gentler now, addressing her concern. "I just didn't expect an elf princess to be outside her kingdom."
Gianna looked down, her hands clenched in her lap. "I-I wanted to see..." she murmured.
"Hm? See what?" Dian asked.
"To see what the outside world looked like. But..." she paused, eyes dimming, "we didn't expect to be ambushed on our first day out of the kingdom."
"In that ambush, I got separated from my escorts. I wandered for a while... and eventually, I found him in the jungle, hunting beasts."
"Balios," Dian said, his voice low.
She nodded. "Desperate, I asked him for help. I didn't know his true motives. But when I saw he worked for the Skysters, I let my guard down a little."
Dian's fist clenched tightly at that. Seeing it, Gianna shook her head softly.
"It wasn't your fault—you saved me," she said firmly, offering a gentle smile.
Seeing Dian relax, Gianna continued.
.
.