Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 25: Entering Underwood

The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the frost-hardened road signaled the final stretch of Ren's journey to House Underwood.

When he'd been told a week ago that he would meet Lilith in a week, he hadn't realized that what his father had been saying was that he would be leaving the very next day.

The journey from the Ross lands to the Underwood lands would take a week and that was how he had spent his time, traversing through winding valleys and dense pine forests, the eastern lands of Albion growing colder with every mile.

He knew this was one of the unique and unexplainable features of a fantasy setting but he still wondered how the eastern part of the kingdom was much colder than the north.

And not just the whole eastern part. No, just the Underwood lands, and the surrounding area.

It was definitely not normal but as everyone was cool with it and accepted it as a fact of life, he just kept the thought in the comfort of his mind.

One thing he could say was that the Underwood territory was vastly different from his home.

Where Ross lands were harsh, their soil often stubborn and their forests thick with gnarled oaks, the Underwood lands gave off a feeling of untamed majesty.

Towering pine trees stretched toward the sky, their evergreen needles dusted with the remnants of winter. The air was crisp, scented with the rich earth and the distant promise of snow.

Ren pulled his cloak tighter around him as his horse trotted beside Thorn, who was one of the knights escorting him.

In the year that had passed, Thorn had also taken and passed the Bloodbound trial. He was now a Knight in service to the Ross family.

While he was a rank 1 Knight like Ren, Ren was stronger and could wipe the floor with him at any time of the day. That was the work of Unfettered Enhancement.

Thorn had now stuck himself to Ren, serving as his unofficial yet personal guard.

Now, Thorn, as usual, was full of energy despite the long ride, and he grinned as he nudged his horse closer.

"You know, Lord Ren," Thorn said with a smirk, "some would say you're a lucky man."

Ren raised a brow in question.

"A betrothal already secured to a noble lady, and not just any noble, but Lady Lilith Underwood herself. I hear she's quite the beauty."

Ren glanced at Thorn, raising a brow. "So I've been told. And what do you think? Should I count myself fortunate?"

Thorn chuckled. "A noble betrothal means security, but beauty makes it a blessing. And, to be honest young betrothals aren't just for nobles. Even commoners arrange their children's marriages early."

"Wait, really?" Ren raised both brows in surprise. He'd thought this was a noble thing but he should've expected something like this.

This was a medieval world, not the 21st century.

"Oh, absolutely." Thorn explained. "Marriage is more than just personal affection. For the nobles, it's about legacy. But for the commoner's it's about survival."

"Commoners don't have bloodlines to secure, but they do have trade, farmland, and skills to pass down. A good match means a better future."

"And for nobles like yourself, well, it's also about military strength and alliances. Ensuring your name carries weight."

Ren already knew some of this but the part about the commoners was interesting. "So you don't find it strange that my engagement was decided without me?"

Thorn shook his head. "Not at all. If anything, you're fortunate. Some don't get a choice even as adults. At least you know who your bride will be before meeting her on your wedding day."

Ren hummed in response. "And yet, love seems to have little say in these arrangements."

Thorn snorted. "Love is a luxury for those who survive long enough to afford it."

"Well, I can't deny that." Ren chuckled and their conversation lapsed into silence.

This was a betrothal and nothing more. He was here just to prevent Lilith from becoming the third calamity.

When they both become consenting adults, he could then think about love, marriage and romance. It wasn't as if he was much older than eighteen before he died.

But before then, he'd locked all thoughts of that in the deep recess of his mind.

Today, he was here to save the world.

He was jolted out of his thoughts as one of the soldiers ahead called out. "We've arrived!"

He looked up, taking in the sight of the Underwood estate.

The estate could be described in three words. Beautiful yet formidable.

It exuded power and prestige, with tall stone towers rising into the sky, their blackened surfaces standing vanguard against the cold winds.

Large banners fluttered proudly from their peaks, each bearing the emblem of House Underwood, a great white tree on a black background.

Just like the Ross castle, the estate had been designed as a fortress but unlike the Ross castle, it could still be called breathtaking.

As they approached the entrance, a group of knights in black and silver armor met them, standing in disciplined formation. At their head stood an older knight.

"Welcome to House Underwood." The man said, his deep voice resonating through the courtyard. "I am Sir Aldric, the castellan of this estate. I trust your journey was safe, Lord Ross."

Ren inclined his head respectfully. "It was, thanks to my escorts. I appreciate your hospitality."

Sir Aldric nodded approvingly. "Come, Lord Underwood is expecting you."

Dismounting from his horse, Ren followed as the castellan led him through the halls of the estate.

The interior was just as grand as the exterior, with cold stone walls lined with beautifully designed torches that looked like vines sprouting out of the wall.

On the walls were tapestries of long dead Underwood nobles, each one looking like they were bursting to jump out of the tapestry and narrate the long ancestry of their family.

Soon, they arrived at the study of Lord Underwood. The doors were opened, and Ren stepped inside.

Lord Underwood was a broad-shouldered man with streaks of silver in his dark hair. He smiled warmly, his sharp eyes appraising Ren as he entered.

"Welcome, young Terence Ross." He said, setting aside a letter he had been reading. "I trust your journey went well."

Ren gave a polite bow. "It did, my lord. The Underwood lands are impressive."

Lord Underwood chuckled at his words. "Thank you. We take pride in them." Then his expressions turned more serious. "And in our bloodlines. That is why your engagement to my daughter is of great importance."

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

Ren kept his posture straight. "I understand."

Lord Underwood studied him for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "Good. Lilith will be arriving shortly. I expect the two of you to become acquainted in due time."

As if on cue, the study doors banged open and Lilith Underwood stormed inside.

She was only eleven, yet there was something about her that made anyone with a shred of power realize that this girl was dangerous.

Her skin was so pale, one would think she was a particularly pretty corpse, but that wasn't even the most noteworthy part about her.

Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face still in the bloom of youth but already carrying the hint of hardness of the woman she would one day become.

Her crimson eyes burned with fire, showing knowledge exceeding her years. But one thing was clear.

She was furious.

Ren, having spent the past year preparing for this moment, had planned to make a good first impression. But as he met Lilith's gaze, the raw anger behind it made him realize that he might just be meeting his end right then and there.

Well, shit.