The Rox Marquisate had long been renowned as a house of swords, guarding the southern borders of the Kransis Kingdom. The Rox's blade was an impenetrable shield and an invincible spear, unyielding in defeat.
Over centuries, their prestige made the Rox name a symbol of trust among the kingdom's people.
But the honor earned through the blood and sweat of Rox's elites was slowly eroded by a single wastrel.
If Yuren's misdeeds had been confined to the marquisate, they might've been swept under the rug. But his antics knew no bounds of time or place, even stirring trouble in the royal capital. It was only natural that his reputation as a scoundrel spread kingdom-wide.
Yet whispers of Yuren's transformation began to circulate quietly.
"Have you heard? The Rox wastrel's started training."
"No way! That lump of flesh? He's probably just bullying the weak or harassing maids."
"I'm not sure myself, but I heard he's exercising all day."
"Come on, don't ruin the mood! That guy's beyond saving. Forgot how he caused a mess in the capital? The Marquis suffered because of it…"
"Enough! I'm not defending him. Ugh, let's just drink."
Despite the rumors of change, people didn't buy it. Most dismissed them as nonsense, cursing Yuren instead. But as weeks passed, more precise and credible rumors emerged.
"They say the wastrel trains every single day."
"I heard that too. You can't call him a lump anymore—he's lost a ton of weight."
"Really?"
"Yeah. My cousin works as a servant in the marquisate. Says he's a completely different person, in character and looks."
"Character? So it's not just the weight?"
"He doesn't harass servants or knights anymore. His routine's just training at the grounds and sleeping."
"Has the wastrel finally come to his senses?"
"Nah, we'll see. People don't change that easily."
Given Yuren's notorious reputation, news of his transformation spread swiftly across the kingdom, carried by gossipers.
The rumors reached the Marcus family, guardians of the kingdom's western borders—a house of swords like the Rox. They were also the family of Ilia Marcus, Yuren's fiancée.
The Marcus family had already decided to break the engagement, but Ilia insisted on seeing for herself, defying her family's objections and heading to the Rox estate alone.
Arriving at the Rox estate, Ilia felt growing anticipation as she waited for Yuren, mixed with regret for her impulsive decision.
What do I even say when we meet? Was coming here too sudden?
"The young master has arrived."
Her thoughts still jumbled, a maid announced Yuren's arrival. Ilia's heart pounded.
"Phew…"
She took a deep breath to steady herself and looked toward the door.
"Huh?"
At the entrance stood a breathtakingly handsome man she'd never seen before. His refined features, long limbs, and cool aura made him the most beautiful man she'd ever encountered.
The drastic change left her mind unable to process that he was Yuren.
"Who?"
"Who?"
"Huh?"
The "who" that greeted me as I entered the drawing room threw me off for a second.
Man, she's stupidly gorgeous.
Ilia Marcus, true to her role as the novel's heroine, was a stunning beauty who could rival celebrities, with vibrant purple hair and an electric presence.
Her shock at my transformation matched my awe at her appearance. Her harmonious features and toned physique, honed by training, were impossible to look away from.
Thanks to all the bizarre experiences I'd had, I recovered first and sat across from her.
"Long time no see."
Though it was our first meeting.
"H-How…"
Ilia's green eyes trembled like aspen leaves, still unable to believe my change.
"It's been less than two months—how did you change so much!"
"Effort."
"Effort?"
"Your beating woke me up. I decided to change."
Ilia's eyes shifted left, processing my words.
"Are you picking a fight?"
"No, I'm thanking you. You snapped me out of it."
Creak!
My earnest tone startled her, and she pushed her chair back.
"Thanking me? Who are you!"
"Yuren Rox, the wastrel."
I chuckled at her wide-eyed expression, finding it cute.
Creak.
I stood, bowing deeply to the still-flustered Ilia.
"What are you doing!"
"That incident was all my fault. I'd have no complaints if you'd beaten me to death. I'm truly sorry."
I kept my head down, apologizing for the old Yuren's sins.
"What in the…"
Ilia floundered, thrown off by my words and actions.
Ilia, you came here impulsively because of the rumors. But I was ready.
Her visit to break the engagement was expected, but unlike the novel, where she arrived with her family to formally end it, she came alone. The story had shifted, giving me two options.
Break the engagement and part ways completely, or win over the heroine destined for the protagonist.
After much thought, I made my choice for one reason.
[Creator's Eye activated.]
[Name: Ilia Marcus]
[Traits: Nation-Toppling Beauty, Sword Empress]
[Affection: -16 (Dislike)]
The Sword Empress trait, visible through Creator's Eye.
Ilia wasn't just a heroine reliant on the protagonist. Her trait allowed her to grow powerful, later saving the fallen protagonist and defeating key villains. The limitless potential of Sword Empress made it possible.
Even if the engagement ends, building a positive relationship with her will pay off.
"I'm truly sorry. If you're still angry, hit me until you're satisfied."
Still bowing, I infused my voice with inner energy, letting it resonate to stir her emotions.
"Hm…"
Ilia let out a soft groan, clearly struggling with her thoughts.
"Stand up!"
At her shout, I raised my head, meeting her unsteady gaze.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. Your beating woke me up. I won't live like that again. Trust me."
Gulp.
She swallowed hard, finally meeting my eyes steadily, as if she'd made up her mind.
"Swear it. No, vow it."
"Vow?"
"Yes. Vow you won't live like before. If you break it, I'll beat you to death."
Wooom.
Ilia unleashed her aura, pressing down on me. The suffocating force enveloped my body.
Clatter.
Crash!
The teacup in front of me fell to the floor under her aura's pressure.
"I'm serious. If you stray, I'll kill you myself."
That's the line she says to the protagonist in the novel. And now I'm hearing it.
I slowly opened my eyes, meeting her gaze. As her aura intensified, Ten Thousand Poison Magnetic Spirit activated on its own, neutralizing her pressure.
Wooom.
"Huh?"
Not only did it counter her aura, but my 3rd Star technique began overpowering her, despite her years of aura training.
"What the…"
Shocked that her aura was being pushed back, Ilia instinctively stepped back.
I gave her a sincere smile.
"I vow."
"Did you meet Yuren?"
"Yes."
After meeting Yuren, Ilia was summoned to Marquis Willington's study.
"Have you decided?"
"I have."
Her resolute eyes suggested no turning back. The Marquis gave a faint smile, waiting for her words.
"I won't break the engagement."
"Hm…"
Surprised, the Marquis's mouth parted slightly.
"May I ask why?"
The Marquis knew of Yuren's drastic change but noted it was less than two months old. As his father, he had to watch over Yuren, but Ilia had no such obligation. With her beauty and skill, she could aim for a ducal match.
"My father said people don't change. He told me to come only to break the engagement."
The Marquis nodded, understanding.
"But I wanted to see for myself—how much he'd changed, if he'd returned to the kind Yuren from our childhood."
Ilia's gaze drifted upward, lost in memories.
"But he's neither the old Yuren nor the wastrel. He's someone else entirely."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I want to believe in him."
"Well…"
"If he reverts to being a wastrel, I'll beat him to death."
Ilia boldly declared she'd kill the Marquis's son in his presence.
"Hahaha! What a firebrand! I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me."
"Crhaha!"
The Marquis burst into hearty laughter, delighted by her spirit.
"How long will you stay?"
"I snuck out, so I need to return soon."
"Snuck out?"
"As I said, my father wouldn't let me come unless it was to break the engagement."
"Crhahaha!"
The Marquis's laughter rang out, genuinely amused.
"I'd love for you to stay a few days, but if that's the case, no helping it."
"I'll visit formally soon."
"Haha, do that. You used the warp gate, I assume?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll have Yuren escort you."
"No need. I can go alone. He's training daily, right?"
"Ah, yes."
The Marquis knew from reports that Yuren trained relentlessly.
"He spent time with me today, so he should catch up on his training. Consistency matters."
Ilia closed her eyes briefly as she finished speaking.
"You think more of him than I do. Alright, safe travels. Give my regards to your father."
"Understood."
"And tell Yuren to come see me on your way out."
"Huh?"
The Marquis gave her his warmest smile.
"Your words helped me decide. It's time for Yuren to start."