THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Emerging from the shadows that spread everywhere in the estate, David cradled Vivan in his arms with a tenderness that belied the strength he'd just displayed.

Gently, he placed her on the cool ground beneath them, his eyes distant as he mentally summoned his holographic system. Vivan blinked, her senses gradually returning as she realized the impossible—one moment she was within the castle's imposing walls, and now, they stood under the open sky.

The speed and ease of the transition left her reeling. She had expected David to come for her, but not like this—not with such seamless mastery.

Her thoughts flashed back to David's mysterious companion, a woman who had whisked her away with an identical skill. The question gnawed at her—who was this enigmatic woman, and what was her connection to the young master? But before she could dwell on these uncertainties, David's voice pulled her back to the present.

"This will do," he declared, his tone firm and focused. A soft blue glow emanated from his hand, and as the light faded, an obsidian necklace materialized, its surface polished to a dark, gleaming perfection. Vivan's breath caught as she watched, her heart fluttering at the sight of such strange and potent magic.

"Young master…" Vivan's voice trembled, her curiosity mingling with unease as she observed the artefact that had appeared seemingly out of thin air.

David looked up, his expression softening as he noticed her apprehension. "Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. We can leave now," he reassured her, his voice laced with a gentle warmth that made her worries ebb away.

Vivan hesitated, her concern bubbling to the surface once more. "Young master, could you perhaps make an exception? Today isn't—"

Before she could finish, David interrupted, his voice steady and sure. "Don't worry," he said, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence. "I'm aware that the castle staff is swamped with preparations for the upcoming ceremony. I'll speak with Katrina and ensure she turns a blind eye. Today, nothing will stand in the way of our conversation," he vowed, slipping the obsidian necklace around his neck, its dark surface gleaming in the light.

Vivan could only nod, her mind racing to keep up with the young master's determination and the weight of his words. Whatever he had planned, it was clear that nothing would deter him from seeing it through.

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Gradually, a remarkable change swept through David's appearance as his once white hair began to shift in colour. From the roots to the very tips, the strands darkened, transforming into a deep raven hue that shimmered under the light.

Vivan watched in awe, her breath catching as she witnessed the transformation. David had always been strikingly handsome, his features sculpted with an almost otherworldly perfection. But now, with his hair turned pitch black, an air of mystery enveloped him, adding a new layer of allure to his already captivating presence. It was as if he had donned a second persona—one that Vivan found herself inexplicably drawn to.

Noticing the look of surprise on her face, David offered a small, knowing smile. "I changed my hair to blend in," he explained, his voice casual but tinged with a hint of mischief. "I thought we could stroll through the streets while we talk. It'll help us avoid unnecessary attention."

Vivan took a moment to process his words, and the realization dawned on her. David was still a noble, and his presence in town would undoubtedly attract curious and potentially unwanted stares.

And there was also his reputation—one that, to put it mildly, many found unsettling. By changing his appearance, he was ensuring their privacy, allowing them to blend into the crowd unnoticed.

As she regained her composure, David reached out and gently took her hand, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt of surprise through her. Without a word, they began to make their way toward the town center, the world around them seeming to fade as they walked side by side.

Vivan couldn't help but steal glances at him, her heart fluttering with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. In this moment, with the town awaiting them and the mysteries of the day ahead, she felt an undeniable connection to the man beside her—one that promised to change everything.

As they strolled along the bustling main road, David intertwined his fingers with Vivan's, sending a shiver through her that made her breath catch. The occasional passerby couldn't help but glance their way, especially the women, whose eyes lingered on David's striking appearance.

"Hey, do you know that guy?" one woman asked her companion, unable to take her eyes off David.

"He looks familiar, but I don't think so. Isn't he dreamy?" her companion replied, clearly captivated by his looks.

"The maid with him is so lucky," the first woman muttered, her voice tinged with envy as she watched the couple.

David, catching the whispers and noticing the frequent stares, began to question whether his disguise had failed entirely. He was well-versed in the art of espionage, knowing that the best way to hide in plain sight was through subtle changes in appearance and behaviour.

Yet, why wasn't it working now? Frustrated, he decided to push the thoughts aside, choosing instead to focus on exploring the town with Vivan. Unbeknownst to him, it wasn't his disguise that was the problem—it was his undeniable attractiveness that made him impossible to overlook.

As they reached the town centre, David took in the scene before him, still recognizing it as the same lively place he had visited when he first arrived from Willowmere. The streets were alive with activity, merchants calling out to potential customers, children laughing as they played, and townsfolk going about their daily business. The sheer energy of the place was almost overwhelming, and for a moment, David felt out of his depth.

"Think, think Mark," David muttered to himself, trying to figure out where a woman might like to go on a spontaneous date. If only it were a battlefield, he would know exactly what to do. But before he could give in to uncertainty, his gaze landed on a signboard, its letters carved in the strange, swirling script of this world—a language he had been able to read since the moment he transmigrated.

'Noble Wear,' the sign read, and David's curiosity was piqued. Could it be a clothing store? Without hesitation, he gently tugged Vivan along, guiding her toward the store.

As they approached, Vivan's eyes widened in recognition. She knew this place well—Noble Wear was a store frequented by the highest echelons of society, a place where only the most prestigious customers shopped. The realization of where David was taking her made her heart race with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. What could he possibly be planning?

David pushed open the door to Noble Wear, and a soft chime echoed through the establishment as they stepped inside. The air was filled with the subtle fragrance of lavender and cedarwood, a scent that spoke of luxury and refinement. The interior of the store was a feast for the eyes—polished marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, reflecting the soft, golden light from ornate chandeliers that hung like delicate jewels from the ceiling. Rich, velvet drapes in deep crimson framed the tall windows, allowing just enough sunlight to filter through and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Mannequins dressed in the finest silks and brocades stood on pedestals, their garments a dazzling display of intricate embroidery, shimmering threads, and exquisite craftsmanship. Rows of elegantly carved wooden shelves lined the walls, showcasing a plethora of accessories—bejewelled hairpins, finely stitched gloves, and delicate lace veils. Every inch of the store was a testament to wealth and status, a place where only the most distinguished patrons would feel at home.

Vivan's heart raced as she took in the grandeur of the establishment. She felt out of place, acutely aware of her plain attire in contrast to the lavish surroundings. David, however, seemed completely at ease, his expression one of calm confidence as he led her further into the store. His presence alone commanded attention, and it wasn't long before the owner of Noble Wear—a distinguished older man with silver hair and a sharp, tailored suit—approached them, his posture respectful and his gaze appraising.

"Welcome to Noble Wear," the owner greeted them with a practiced smile, his eyes flicking over David's attire and refined features. He immediately recognized the cut and quality of David's clothing, bespoke garments that spoke of wealth and high status. There was no doubt in his mind that David was a high-class noble, and he assumed that Vivan, standing beside him in her simple dress, was merely a maid escorting her master.

David returned the owner's smile with a nod, his voice polite but direct. "Thank you. I'm looking for something special today."

The owner inclined his head slightly, ready to assist. "Of course, my lord. We have a fine selection of garments that I'm sure will meet your standards. May I ask what you're in search of?"

David's gaze shifted to Vivan, who stood beside him with wide eyes, still absorbing the opulence around her. He turned back to the owner, his next words causing a flicker of surprise to cross the man's face. "I'm looking for something that would suit her," David said, his tone unwavering as he gestured toward Vivan.

The owner blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had expected David to inquire about the latest noble fashions for himself, not for the young woman he had assumed was merely a servant.