"AHHH—!"

I braced for the impact — but instead of crashing, I landed roughly on something solid... and wobbly.

A tree branch.

"Huh?! It's so... high..." I dared to peek below and instantly regretted it. "Oh no no no... I'm scared!" I shut my eyes tight. "Someone, please! Help!"

"Lady—My lady!" I heard someone call.

My eyes flew open. Through the blur of fear and dizzying height, I saw him — a tall man in simple training attire, his damp hair sticking slightly to his forehead. His voice was calm but urgent.

"My lady, what are you doing there?"

"I—I don't... ugh!..help please..!" i couldn't speak a word other than screaming for help.

"All right, calm down. Take a deep breath, okay? Inhale... exhale... yes, just like that."

His voice wrapped around me like warmth in the cold. I followed it — one breath, then another — and my trembling slowly eased.

"Good. Now listen to me. Everything's going to be fine. I won't let a single scratch touch you. All you have to do is trust me... and jump."

"What?!" I gaped at him. "Do you really think I can do that right now?!"

"Yes,you can." he said, eyes locking onto mine. "Look into my eyes."

And I did.

For a moment, the storm faded. The world narrowed until all that existed was his gaze — steady, gentle, and unbearably sincere. My heart stuttered. "Is he... the male lead?"

Then my hand slipped.

"AH—!"

I fell. Straight into his arms.

His strong arms caught me midair, holding me close as if I weighed nothing at all. My breath hitched; I clung to him instinctively, my heartbeat pounding against his chest.

"It's all right, my lady," he said softly. "You did it."

I opened my eyes, realizing I was still in his arms. My fingers brushed against his shoulder, and I slowly looked up — straight into his eyes again. His lashes were long. Dark. Perfect.

Before I knew it, I was tracing them ah..so beautiful— and his ears turned red.

As I came back to my senses, I pulled back quickly. "I—I'm fine now! You can... put me down."

He set me down gently.

"Thank you," I managed, my voice small.

"For what, my lady?"

"You said you wouldn't let a scratch touch me. And you didn't."

"Ah." His lips curved slightly. "That's my duty. To protect you, no matter what. My first and last priority will always be you."

And then — he took my hand and kissed it.

My cheeks burned.

So this is what it feels like... meeting the male lead of a romance novel. Wait — I also remember that 'she', I am engaged to the male lead. It means...! I gasped, covering my mouth as realization struck. This handsome man is my fiancé?

"Wait—what was his name again?" I muttered under my breath. "A... Al..."

"Alan!"

Another voice interrupted. A man came running through the garden, bowing quickly. "Good morning, my lady. I hope your day has been pleasant."

"Uh—haha, yes, thank you, I hope yours is too," I said awkwardly. No one had ever bowed to me before.

"Sir Alan, the others are waiting in the training grounds. You're late again!"

Alan sighed. "I'll be there soon. But first—" he turned to me, "my lady, let me escort you to your room."

"Oh no, it's fine. You're needed elsewhere," I said quickly.

"I can spare a few minutes, it's no trouble," he insisted.

"Really? Who said it's no trouble?" the other man muttered.

Alan turned with a glare. "Did you say something, Leo?"

"N-nothing! I didn't say anything!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Alan, it's fine. I'll find my room myself."

"...Fine then." He gave a faint, reluctant smile and bowed again, his eyes soft. "Take care, my lady."

When he left, the garden felt oddly quiet.

"Ha... now where is my room?" I sighed, wandering aimlessly for a few minutes.

As I passed two maids gossiping by the hedges, their whispers caught my attention.

"Did you hear? That new girl — the one engaged to our majesty — tried to get his attention by falling from a tree!"

"What?!" I froze.

"I... I tried to harm myself for him?" I whispered, utterly stunned.