Chapter 24: Selmea

"Jon!"

Suddenly, a clear, melodious female voice sounded from the carriage.

“There’s someone still inside?” Linwei raised an eyebrow.

The curtain of the carriage was gently drawn aside, and a tall young woman leaped down from within. Her long, pale golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her sapphire-blue eyes seemed to reflect the ocean and sky. Simply standing there, she exuded a captivating, noble bearing. Though she wore no aristocratic gown, Linwei instantly discerned that she was undoubtedly born to a noble family.

Jon shook his head, his face blooming with a sweet smile. “Selmia, come over.”

Selmia smiled softly at Jon, unhesitatingly linking her arm with his.

“Selmia…” Linwei silently repeated the name, stealing a few more glances at her. He had to admit, she was by far the most beautiful woman he had seen since arriving in this world. Even Duveil, from the Golden Waters, paled in comparison.

What surprised Linwei even more was the unusual intimacy between Jon and Selmia.

“Linwei, this is my classmate from the War Academy, Selmia.” Jon’s voice was filled with genuine delight and pride as he made the introduction.

Linwei offered Selmia a proper knightly salute. “Miss Selmia, it is a pleasure.”

“This is Linwei, my childhood companion and now vice-captain of the Tulip Guards. He’s a knight of considerable skill,” Jon added in turn, introducing Linwei to Selmia.

A flicker of surprise crossed Selmia’s eyes, as though she could scarcely believe it. “A knight so young?!”

Perhaps realizing her tone was a touch impolite, Selmia bowed slightly. “Sir Linwei, greetings.”

“Young master Jon, the count has been awaiting you for some time. The evening banquet is prepared and ready. Please, escort Miss Selmia and enjoy your meal,” Linwei said, his tone calm and dignified, embodying a knight’s composure.

“Thank you, Linwei,” Jon replied softly, then, taking Selmia’s hand, the pair returned to the carriage.

The Tulip Guards formed an orderly procession, slowly opening a path for Jon and Selmia’s coach. Linwei followed closely behind, thoughtful.

“Jon has changed so much. If I’m not mistaken, it must have something to do with the girl named Selmia by his side…”

Even from their brief conversation, Linwei could tell Selmia was also from a prominent noble house and had received impeccable upbringing. In her manners and humility, Linwei saw qualities rarely found in noble circles.

“Jon seems deeply attached to Selmia…” Linwei’s lips curved in a slight smile. “Could she be the future mistress of the Tulip domain?”

Though Jon’s transformation was unexpected, it was, for Linwei, only a passing episode. His own future would not be confined to Tulip, nor even to the Yao Sheng Kingdom or the West Coast, which were but temporary stops in his journey.

…

Tulip Manor.

The dinner banquet.

Count Lamo sat at the head of the table, beside him the countess in her elegant noble attire. Across from them sat Jon and Selmia.

Linwei stood behind the count, like a silent sentinel.

The table was laden with sumptuous dishes and fine wines. Servants and maids moved back and forth, clearing cool, untouched plates and swiftly replacing them with steaming delicacies.

A smile never left Count Lamo’s face.

Upon seeing Jon, the count instantly noticed the profound changes in his son—not just physical strength and intellect, but even his entire bearing was transformed. He kept repeating how wise it had been to send Jon to the War Academy.

Especially seeing Jon return with such an outstanding female companion, both the count and countess felt a sense of gratification. Jon was becoming more and more the exemplary noble heir.

“Jon, how long do you and Selmia plan to stay at home?” Count Lamo cut a thick slab of steak and put it into his mouth.

Jon smiled and glanced at Selmia. “We’re planning to stay for half a month, to make full use of the holiday.”

Selmia nodded gently, showing her agreement.

Count Lamo was thoroughly satisfied with Selmia, believing Jon had brought home a daughter-in-law beyond his expectations. If Selmia were to become the wife of Tulip’s future count, Lamo would be the first to approve.

“Selmia.”

The countess made no effort to conceal her fondness for the young woman.

“Madam,” Selmia promptly put down her knife and fork, and delicately dabbed the corner of her mouth with a white silk napkin.

The countess noted these gestures, her satisfaction with Selmia growing.

“Child, how did you and Jon come to know each other?”

At the question, a faint blush appeared on Selmia’s face, but she quickly composed herself, her demeanor poised and gentle. “Madam, Jon and I are classmates. We forged a strong friendship on our very first day at the academy.”

She said no more, offering just enough to answer the countess’s query; Selmia considered it improper to discuss romantic history before elders.

The countess nodded, her opinion of Selmia rising yet again.

She glanced at Count Lamo, urging him with her eyes.

Count Lamo immediately understood, and a kindly smile crept across his face. “Selmia, I am curious about your hometown. Which noble house could have raised such an exemplary daughter?”

The count had begun to inquire into the background of his prospective daughter-in-law.

Linwei pricked up his ears too, intrigued by the origins of this perfect young woman.

“Father, you’re being too forward,” Jon teased, sticking out his tongue at the count, though happiness shone on his face. To have his beloved receive his parents’ approval brought him heartfelt joy.

“It’s all right, Jon.” Selmia shot Jon a look to ease the count’s embarrassment.

Her tone was full of respect for Count Lamo. “Sir Count, I come from the Buweil family of the Snowthorn Kingdom. My father is the current patriarch of our house, a hereditary marquis of Snowthorn.”

Snowthorn Kingdom!

A look of astonishment flashed in Linwei’s eyes.

At the very moment Selmia revealed her heritage, Linwei saw Count Lamo’s body stiffen suddenly.