"You… why are you asking this question?" Roland subconsciously shook her head, quickly regaining clarity.
Kenley wasn't asking out of nowhere—he wanted to disrupt Roland's train of thought, preventing her from realizing that he was about to ask her to take him as a disciple.
Of course, Kenley didn't expect to marry the Sword Saint right away—that would be too absurd and unrealistic. First of all, the favorability system was an insurmountable hurdle. The 140-point favorability threshold for marriage wasn't something that could be easily achieved.
Kenley immediately replied,"Because I like Lord Roland!"
His gaze was intense yet pure, devoid of any impurity, locking onto Roland's eyes!
This sudden declaration stunned Roland once again.
But who was Roland? She instantly realized something was off—weren't they just talking about swordsmanship? How had the topic suddenly shifted to romance?
She felt uncomfortable.
What exactly was this young man trying to do?!
"Impo—" Before she could finish speaking, Kenley cut in:
"But I will only pursue Lord Roland once I have become strong enough!"
This sudden shift in tone hit Roland hard. She never expected this young man to be so bold and passionate.
"You, you…" For a moment, Roland was at a loss for words.
Kenley had simply followed the strategy guide. Whoever wrote that guide must have been a master of emotions. Kenley even suspected that the author was a psychology professor—otherwise, how could they have crafted such an effective and impactful strategy?
"So, Lord Roland, I am still weak and nowhere near your level. But I believe that one day, I will wield the strongest swordsmanship in this world, and my sword will earn your full recognition!"
Kenley's words were powerful, stirring even Roland's emotions.
"You… are you serious?" Roland was completely shaken by the series of surprises.
Kenley nodded."So, Lord Roland, I have a humble request."
"What is it? Speak."
Just as the guide predicted, Roland was clearly moved by his words. While he couldn't tell exactly what she was thinking, at least his plan was progressing smoothly.
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"If one day, someone stronger and more talented than me appears and wins Lord Roland's heart before I do, I will step away and never interfere with your life. When that time comes, please do not doubt my feelings for you—just promise me this, Lord Roland."
"You…" Roland had expected this reckless young man to say something even more outrageous, but instead, his words took a sudden melancholic turn.
She couldn't help but take notice.
Sincerity couldn't be faked. He wasn't arrogant or overconfident, nor was he so humble that he could be dismissed outright.
Who exactly was this young man?
How could he say something so unforgettable?
Roland's emotions surged like waves. She had no idea what to say.
Everything she had planned to discuss had been completely disrupted by Kenley, leaving her speechless. She stared at him—a young, well-mannered man with a calmness and confidence beyond his years.
For the first time, she felt that her life wasn't so dull after all.
System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland's favorability towards you has increased by 100 points. New stage unlocked: Attention."
It worked!
Kenley was thrilled.
Just as the strategy guide suggested, Roland's favorability soared. The alternating high-low conversational technique proved just how masterful the guide's author was in emotional psychology.
It was a deep, precise analysis—like the most intricate surgical operation—completely grasping the personality of Flower Sword Saint Roland.
"Kenley, is it? I will remember your name."
Roland took a deep breath. It was the only thing she could say at the moment.
Her emotions were in turmoil, fluctuating wildly as she faced this young man a generation younger than her.
Now that he had gained favorability, asking to become her disciple would be much easier.
However, he couldn't bring it up directly yet.
He had to find a way to make Roland say it first.
Kenley deliberately let out a long breath in front of Roland and patted his chest.
"What's wrong?" Roland asked, curious.
"Nothing. It just feels like I've survived a battlefield. This feeling is pretty nice… It's good to be alive."
Kenley smiled as if relieved.
Roland was caught off guard—then, she laughed.
She never expected the always-serious Kenley to have such a sense of humor.
"Oh? Was talking to me that stressful?" Roland raised an eyebrow.
"Not just stressful—incredibly stressful!"
"Oh? Now I'd like to hear why."
"Because Lord Roland's figure is truly exceptional—in that regard, it's indeed very big."
Roland froze. Then, her face turned red.
She quickly realized what Kenley was referring to.
"You really are bold. I never noticed you were this shameless before."
Yet, for some reason, being complimented on her figure put her in a good mood.
After all, in the past, everyone either treated her with solemnity or formality.
No one had ever spoken to her like this.
System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland's favorability towards you has increased by 2 points."
Since Kenley had already piqued Roland's interest, his remark only deepened her favorability.
But if it had been a stranger, he would probably be facing her sword instead.
"No, no, Lord Roland, I just don't like lying to people I care about."
"Hmph! Still saying you don't lie?"
"Half a year ago, when I was sparring with the Imperial Guard Captain during a royal hunt, I wasn't using the first level of Purple Flower Whisper! I was using the second level—White Blossom Phase!"
Roland's sharp eyes locked onto him.
"Ah! You found out!" Kenley pretended to be shocked and covered his mouth with both hands.
"Speak! When did you steal my sword techniques?!"
Roland glared at him fiercely.
"That was a month ago, when you were in—"
"Ridiculous! A month ago, I wasn't even in Marlen Imperial City! You couldn't have been following me the whole time, could you?"
