"Marriage day?"
Lucian froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You mean you were summoned straight out of your wedding?"
"No…" Qin Keqing shyly pouted, her soft voice tinged with embarrassment. "But… my lord summoned me right before it could proceed. I wonder what will happen to the ceremony now."
Lucian coughed awkwardly. "Well, you and Lin Daiyu… you're quite different cases."
Seeing her confusion, he explained further. "From now on, you're one of my heroes. You've probably received some basic information about your role, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask me."
"There's also someone else here for you to meet—Lin Daiyu."
The knowledge of the Endless Void and the Era of Lords flooded Qin Keqing's mind. As a summoned hero, essential information naturally became part of her understanding. Yet, it was overwhelming.
Her world had been simple, confined to a marriage she'd resigned herself to. Even though she was unwilling to marry Jia Rong, she had come to terms with it.
But now, in a single moment, she had been plucked from her life and thrust into a vast, incomprehensible reality, serving a man who was now her master.
For someone like Qin Keqing, soft-spoken and gentle, this upheaval was terrifying. She lowered her gaze, hands trembling slightly as she whispered, "I… I understand, my lord. If I fail to serve you, I am prepared to accept my fate."
Her response made Lucian's heart tighten. She sounded resigned, even afraid. But as he looked closer, he saw the glimmer of gratitude in her eyes.
"It's all right, you'll do fine," Lucian reassured her, softening his tone. "I'll introduce you to Lin Daiyu. She's a capable companion."
Qin Keqing's anxiety eased slightly, warmth flickering in her gaze.
"Oh, by the way," Lucian said, noticing her intricate bridal attire. "That wedding gown might not be the most practical thing to wear here. I have some clothes for you to change into."
He placed the garments on the table—elegant, exquisitely tailored, yet comfortable.
Qin Keqing hesitated, glancing at Lucian. "Thank you, my lord… but…"
She glanced shyly at the door, clearly wishing for privacy.
Realizing her discomfort, Lucian nodded. "Right. I'll step outside. Let me know if you need anything."
As he turned to leave, the sound of falling fabric made him glance back involuntarily.
There stood Qin Keqing, her wedding gown slipping from her shoulders and pooling at her feet, revealing a delicate figure clad in a thin inner garment. Her smooth, fair skin and graceful curves were framed by cascading ebony hair, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Lord…" she murmured, catching Lucian's gaze. Her soft, pleading tone carried a mixture of shyness and rebuke.
Flustered, Lucian quickly averted his eyes, his face heating. "R-right! I'm going now."
He bolted out the door, heart pounding, and gulped down water from his flask to cool himself.
Outside, Lin Daiyu awaited, her bright eyes twinkling mischievously. "My lord," she teased, "the new girl seems to have made quite the impression. Her beauty has you all flustered, doesn't it?"
Lucian glared at her. "Don't start. It's Qin Keqing, and yes, she's… well, you know her story. I summoned her straight out of her wedding."
Lin Daiyu gasped, covering her mouth. "Summoned during her wedding? That's almost cruel! But then again…" Her voice softened, a faint smile playing on her lips. "If she stayed there, her future would've been miserable. Maybe this is a blessing."
Her tone shifted, and her teasing grin returned. "But you, my lord, are you thinking of taking her in as more than just a hero?"
Lucian spluttered, red-faced. "What? No! Don't twist this!"
Lin Daiyu laughed lightly, the sound musical. "Oh, but you're already thinking about it, aren't you?"
Lucian opened his mouth to argue but stopped. Could she be right? Was he already growing fond of Qin Keqing?
His thoughts swirled as he looked back at the red building. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea.