Benson forced a faint smile. “I was like that too. In the beginning, I wasn’t so determined to execute my idea, until I met War Legate Draco in Azure Creek by sheer luck. I saw that he had become the leader of Wyvern Peak at such a young age, so when I got back, I set him as my role model to work hard until I achieve my current accomplishments.”Riley said, “I congratulate you for finally achieving your dream.”Benson did not know how to answer this and the air turned awkward again. After a long time, Riley broke the ice by saying, “Benson, I’m here today because of Adrian’s arrangement. He wants me to make up for my regrets.”Benson raised his head and looked at Riley.“I brought you to meet my family five years ago, and my parents, grandfather, and uncle humiliated you. We had no choice but to part ways because of that incident. I never got the chance to apologize to you, and I’ve kept this hidden in my heart for five years. I’m here to see you mainly because I want to apologize
“Awesome! I’ll go look for him right now!”Seeing Riley nod, Benson was overwhelmed with excitement and instantly ran outside. She hastily called out, “Hey!”Riley went chasing after him.***On the estate’s farm, Adrian and Marie were strolling around. As a local of Mount Sol, the eighteen-year-old Marie had been helping Benson out since she was a child and was very familiar with the place. She served as a guide and explained everything to Adrian whenever they strolled through an area.They soon arrived at an orchard. It was coincidentally harvest season now, and there were numerous staff members harvesting fresh fruits in the orchard. Marie led Adrian inside to gaze at the dense growth of fruits on the trees. The scene uplifted one’s mood.Marie explained, “This is the fruit orchard where we’ve planted several dozen types of fruits including apples, pears, dates, and many others. This is the largest orchard in our farmstead, and it’s apple harvest season right now. The apples g
Marie laughed when she heard this, covering her mouth with her hand. She looked at Adrian with sincere eyes, and her adorable and charming appearance made her even more admirable. She was a simple and beautiful girl with a great figure and fair skin. Though she had no makeup on, she was naturally beautiful from head to toe.Adrian smiled along with her when he saw how happy she looked.Marie suddenly asked, "Are you really War Legate Draco?"Adrian paused for a moment and asked, "What's the matter? Have you met a fake one?"Shaking her head, Marie pouted and said, "No, I didn't mean that. It's just that you're a little different from how I imagined you to be. You're so young and so handsome...""Have you never seen me on television before?" Adrian asked."I don't watch TV because I'm busy on the farm every day. I don't have time. And when I do have some free time, I prefer to spend it in the city shopping for new clothes. So, I've never paid much attention to what's going on with
Marie shut her eyes to enjoy Adrian stroking her hair for a while. When she opened her eyes, she giggled. "Can I call you my big brother?"Adrian nodded. "Of course, you can."Marie excitedly stood up and patted the soil off her. Giggling even more, she said, "From the TV shows I watched, brothers always give their little sisters presents. So, what are you planning to give me, Big Brother?"Adrian was slightly startled. "I thought you said you don’t watch TV."Marie stuck out her tongue. "I meant I don't watch military news. I love watching dramas, the ones that have fiery romance and lots of excitement."Inside the heart of every girl was the longing desire to be in a relationship that was passionate and filled with love—a fantasy life, per se.Adrian laughed. He then slipped off a ring from his finger, took Marie's hand, and put it around her middle finger.Confused, Marie asked, "What's this? Is this an engagement ring? Are you proposing to me?""Silly girl, engagement rings
"Why were you running so quickly, Benson? Are you in a hurry to be somewhere?" Riley finally caught up and bent over to catch her breath.Adrian and Marie exchanged looks once more, both wondering what the pair was up to.After taking a few more moments to catch his breath, Benson stood up straight and said, "Sir, I'd like Riley’s hand in marriage, and I'd like to have your blessing."Adrian shot a glance at Riley, who put her arms in the air.Next to them, Marie looked at Riley and asked, "Are you the one who hurt Benson five years ago? You used to look down on him, and you come back now when he's rich?"Riley was suddenly pegged as a heinous woman out of nowhere, but just as she was about to explain herself, Benson quickly said, "Don't say that, Marie. It’d be my greatest joy to have Riley as my wife.” He then looked toward Adrian."You wish to become my brother-in-law?" Adrian asked.Benson nodded and sounded nervous as he said, "I'm in love with Riley, and I haven't been abl
A wave of absolute happiness washed over Benson and Riley.***Meanwhile, Adrian and Marie arrived at a farm. There were all kinds of herbs planted across the fields, which went all the way up the mountains, a gentle breeze blowing through like spring.She began to introduce the herbs scattered across the field, their uses, and their benefits. Despite being just eighteen, Marie knew a whole lot about medicinal herbs. Just as she was introducing another herb, Adrian cut her off."How's Mr. Benson's health lately?"Marie was stunned for a moment, unsure why Adrian would suddenly ask about Benson's health. 'Maybe he's asking because he's worried about Riley.'At that thought, she replied, "Mr. Benson has always been in good health, Big Brother. There's nothing to worry about.""Little girls shouldn't lie," Adrian chided, leaving Marie slightly dumbfounded.'Looks like he noticed something.'Marie’s lips twitched as she revealed, "Okay, he had a couple of instances of upset stomac
"I sensed the air of death from him the moment I saw him.""What…" Marie was stunned.Adrian turned around to look at her. "It's getting late. I should head back now. You should find time to take him to the hospital, okay?" He took off and headed to the manor after that, while Marie continued to look at him in a daze.Soon, Adrian arrived at the manor where Benson had prepared lunch and was waiting for him to arrive. "What do you think, sir? Is Mount Sol to your liking?" he asked with a smile when he saw Adrian walking in."Absolutely befitting of Navia's best place to be at!" Adrian complimented.Benson laughed and gestured. "I feel like everything we've worked for has been worth it because of your compliment. Lunch is ready. Right this way—""It's all right. I need to head back now," Adrian interrupted."Huh? Aren’t you going to stay for lunch after coming all the way here?" Benson was slightly disappointed at the unexpected turn of events.Riley walked in as well and said, "
Marie stood there in a daze for a while before she turned and left.***Meanwhile, Adrian left Mount Sol and was on his way back to Swallowston. His cell phone rang, revealing to be a call from Gloria."Hey, what's the matter, Gloria?"Gloria remained silent for a while before she asked, "Are you coming back from Mount Sol yet?""I'm on the road. What is it?""I think Sam's grandmother is at death’s door. Sam left Nova with me and headed to the hospital with Rue. Apparently, she may not live past today."'Madam Violet's about to die?'Adrian took a deep breath. Although his impression of Violet had always been pretty bad—plus she was a snide person—she was probably struck pretty hard after Clara's incident and had most likely realized her mistakes.'She's still Sam's grandmother after all.'"What sort of illness does she have?" Adrian asked."According to Sam, it's something to do with her lungs. In any case, the hospital said that she may not be able to get through tomorrow