It seems She has Become the First Love of the Impenetrable, Iron-Hearted Male Protagonist

“Not long ago, I heard you saved my sister in the plaza. Do you recall that?”

“Yes, I do, but…”

“I’ve come to express my family’s gratitude for what you did.”

Is all this fanfare really necessary for a simple thank you?

The thought circled in my head as I tried not to roll my eyes. With all the attention pouring onto us, my face felt hot from the stares. Yet the one responsible for this scene—Lynat—remained perfectly composed.

“Perhaps it would be best if you stood up. We’re attracting quite a lot of attention,” I suggested awkwardly.

Finally, realizing my discomfort, Lynat quickly got to his feet.

“I apologize. I hadn’t considered that. My sister wanted to thank you personally, but she’s unwell, so I came in her place.”

“Is she very ill?”

I couldn’t help but recall Daisy’s persistent cough, and a dry unease settled in my throat. If the story followed the original plot, Daisy wouldn’t face immediate danger, but with the narrative shifting, the future was no longer certain.

“It’s nothing serious. You don’t need to worry.”

“That’s a relief.”

Ah, now I remembered. I’d met this man at a banquet hosted by the Riley family—the family of the current Empress and also Rosevelia’s stepmother, Olivia. During that event, Lynat had approached while I was speaking with Kaiden, and we’d exchanged only brief introductions.

“My sister recounted everything, and my entire family is deeply grateful to you. Even my parents wish to meet you and express their thanks. We’d like to formally invite—”

Formally invite me? The Elijah family wants to invite me?

“No, no, I only did what was right as a knight. Even this visit to express your thanks is more than enough,” I replied firmly, cutting him off.

“I see.”

Lynat smiled faintly, his expression betraying no further insistence.

“What happened to those who threatened your sister that day?” I asked, changing the subject.

“They’ll never set foot in this empire again,” Lynat said, his voice cold despite the polite smile on his face. His eyes, however, were sharp and unforgiving.

Judging by his response, he’d acted just as he did in the original story. Back then, when Daisy confided in him about the incident in the plaza, Lynat had taken it upon himself to ensure her assailants were handed over to the Imperial Guard and punished severely.

“Please pass on my regards to your sister,” I said.

“Of course. Until we meet again.”

With those parting words, Lynat left the barracks as suddenly as he had arrived.

I turned down the invitation. So what does he mean by ‘until we meet again’? Is that just a polite phrase? Like when people say, ‘Let’s grab a meal sometime’ but don’t mean it?

“Was that Lynat Elijah?” Edwin asked, approaching with an incredulous look on his face.

“Yeah.”

A sigh escaped me. It felt like I’d just swapped one problem for another.

In the original story, Daisy sneaking into the barracks to see Ian, the knight who saved her, was a pivotal early episode. I’d considered the possibility that Daisy might come looking for me here, but I never imagined Lynat would step in her place.

“What’s going on? Why was he talking to you? Did he—wait—did he propose?” Edwin teased, his eyes wide with mock surprise.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I retorted.

“Then why did it feel like that?!”

Instead of snapping at him, I gave Edwin a sharp glare and explained the situation.

“That happened in the plaza? You were attacked by those scumbags?” Edwin asked, incredulous.

“Yeah.”

“Seriously, if I’d been there, I’d have pounded them into the ground.”

If only Edwin had been the one to take care of it and save Daisy. That would’ve been perfect…

But I stopped myself mid-thought. Dwelling on what could have been wouldn’t change anything. I forcibly pushed down the lingering embers of regret and focused on something else—the delicious aroma wafting through the air.

“Edwin,” I said.

“Hm?”

“Let’s get something to eat.”

“Sounds good to me.”

As we neared the mess hall, the smell of corn soup grew stronger, making Edwin dash ahead like a man possessed. Following him inside, I stopped in my tracks, surprised by the unusually quiet atmosphere.

The hall, typically buzzing with noise, was eerily silent.

What’s going on here? Were they talking about me?

I felt the weight of curious gazes as I tried to appear nonchalant, taking a seat as though I hadn’t noticed. The stares weren’t malicious, just brimming with curiosity.

This is nothing.

I reassured myself. In my past life, I faced far worse stares.

“If they’re so curious, why don’t they just come over and ask you directly?” Edwin barked loudly.

The scattered attention gradually waned, though a few furtive glances lingered.

“That’s enough. Leave it alone,” I said.

“Want me to go tell them what happened?”

Edwin’s shoulders twitched as if he was ready to leap up. I waved him off dismissively.

Just then, a servant brought us plates of bread, soup, salad, and smoked chicken.

“It’s fine. Rumors die down eventually,” I said, taking a piece of soft bread.

“True. Besides, it’s not like that guy’s going to come back…”

My hand trembled ever so slightly as I dipped the bread into the steaming soup. I tried to mask my unease.

He won’t come back… right?

“Rose, are you heading to the training grounds?”

“Are you?”

“I was thinking—Ah, Deputy Commander, good afternoon!”

Deputy Commander?

Edwin’s gaze stopped at none other than Deputy Commander Fabian.

“Hello, Deputy Commander.”

Even in Rosevelia’s memory, he seemed strict and meticulous.

The uniform he wore was immaculate, without a single wrinkle, and the white cape draped over it was as pristine as freshly fallen snow.

“Rosevelia, follow me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Leaving Edwin behind, who silently wished her luck with his eyes, she followed Fabian.

As they entered the deputy commander’s office in the main building, Fabian’s aide glanced at her while busily organizing documents.

What is this? Why does this feel so ominous?

“I heard there was some commotion today.”

“Commotion?”

“Did I hear wrong?”

When Rosevelia tilted her head in confusion, Fabian cleared his throat and continued.

“I heard you’re getting married soon.”

For a moment, her thoughts came to a screeching halt at the question, which lacked any context.

“Who?”

He asked about some commotion and then suddenly mentioned someone getting married…

Wait, does he mean me?

“Do you mean… me?”

Fabian didn’t reply, instead stroking his beard. The silence seemed to confirm his thoughts.

“No way. Who spread such a ridiculous rumor…?”

She was so flabbergasted that she could barely form words. When she let out a small laugh of disbelief, Fabian’s eyes narrowed as he studied her expression.

“A ridiculous rumor?”

“Yesterday, I went to the plaza and helped a lady from the Elijah family. As a gesture of thanks, the deputy commander of the Order of the Guardians visited.”