"Why did ra get it?”


    The prayer beads had an antique hue, radiating a subtle sense of tranquility. A closer sniff revealed the distinct aroma of sandalwood. The beads


    were smooth and glossy to touch, and each bead was meticulously engraved with Sanskrit symbols, appearing freshly carved.


    Noe examined them briefly and recognized them as protective mantras, crafted by Horatio, a master of his art. His craftsmanship addedyers of


    deeper meaning. Just looking at the beads instilled a sense of peace in her heart.


    Still, Noe was worried.


    "Did the monk see something he couldn''t speak of? Is my sister in some kind of danger?"


    Palmer reassured her, “ra''sb is even more secure than Phoenix Lab. She has elite security forces assigned to her. There''s nothing to worry


    about. As for Horatio... maybe he had another reason."


    "What do you mean?”


    Palmer chuckled softly, gently ying with Noe’s hand. "Men understand each other best. It''s normal that you wouldn''t catch on to certain things!"


    Even if Horatio had transcended worldly desires, he was still human, subject to emotions. He just chose to control them more strictly than most.


    "Sometimes, Noe, you should consider that when Horatio gives something to ra, it''s a man giving a woman something very precious to him."


    Palmer''s words made Noe vaguely guess Horatio’s intentions.


    "After meditating at the site of an earthquake, he seemed to have had a revtion, simr to now. Maybe he’se to terms with something?"


    After much thought, still concerned, Noe decided to make a call


    Horatio''s calm, after a short silence and a knowing chuckle, reassured her.


    "Noe, to a monk like me, everything in this world is part of my spiritual journey!"


    She wanted to ask more about his intentions, but Noe swallowed her questions. A person like Horatio would let nothing stand in his way.


    "Just... stay safe, and if you run into any trouble, let me know. Pris Star will have your back in no time.”


    "Thank you. Having one or two true friends like you in life is enough for me. All other emotions are but steps in my spiritual journey, whether present


    or absent, they are all part of fate."


    "Sending these prayer beads to my sister, are you trying to convey something? Or is she in danger?”


    Horatio''s voice remained undisturbed, like still water.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "With my prayer beads with her, she will be safe.”


    The beads, imbued with his spiritual power, would protect ra from harm at least once!


    After a moment of silence, Noe asked, "Can you really let them go?"


    It wasn''t clear if she was asking about the beads or something more.


    "I can let ga, and yet, I cannot let go of everything in this world. Rest assured, I know what I am doing. Some things, ra doesn’t need to worry


    about unnecessarily.”


    "I understand.”


    Noe wasn''t one for unnecessary words, but this was about ra and Horatio, which prompted her extra inquiries.


    After hanging up, Horatio turned off his phone and departed from Imperial City without looking back, his monk''s robe fluttering in the breeze, sounding


    like the whisper of the wind.


    Putting away her phone, Noe frowned at Palmer.


    "I''ve known the monk for so long, and this is the first time I''ve seen him remove his prayer beads.”


    "Horatio probably wants to sever some karmic ties. Let''s just support him," Palmer said, and he was right. Men do understand each other better, and


    perhaps Palmer saw through Horatio’s thoughts more clearly than Noe could.


    Noe nodded and took onest look at the serene beads before closing the box. If these were meant to be a gift from Horatio, she would ensure


    their safe delivery.


    Palmer whispered, "Don''t worry too much, Noe. Some things are just meant to be. Instead of pondering this, how about we think about... when we


    should get engaged?”


    Noe nced at him. "Didn''t Horatio already pick a date?”


    "Master gave us three dates. I was waiting for you to choose.”


    Horatio had calcted three optimal dates, with both the Schnabel family and the Pock family leaving the final decision to Noe and Palmer.


    "I''d love to get engaged tomorrow, but spring next year would be best. It''s a bit chilly these days for a dress, and I don’t want you to catch a cold.”


    Waiting for a warmer season showed Palmer''s care, not willing to let Noe feel even a slight difort.


    He knelt on one knee before Noe, a ring ready in his hand, his gaze filled with tender adoration


    It''s a bitte, but this is something I''ve always wanted to do."


    nowing Noelta preferred intimate


    moments, Paimer had arranged for


    the vast dining hall to be empty, <=>


    save for the soft melody of a waltz


    yingyin the background, the Violin


    and-piano harmonizing, creating a


    romantic atmosphere. Content


    ?


    With a serious and earnest expression, Palmer seemed like a devotee offering his love to a long-adored deity.


    "Noe, will you marry me? Will you spend your life with me? A lifetime, just with me."


    "Though many people surround you, I hope to be the one to walk the rest of life''s journey with you!"


    "My life isn’t perfect, but having met you, it''s enough to offset all imperfections!"


    "I love you, Noe. Will you marry me? Be my wife, and let me love you forever."


    His voice was deep and soothing, intoxicating Noe without a drop of alcohol.


    Perhaps its was the silence that


    followed but Palmer appeared


    visibly aiixious, a rare sight for.-


    someone who usuallyhad —<


    everything under control, hishands


    trembling slightly.


    to“ <


    u


    ~


    Unable to hald back, Noe chuckled. This man... was truly adorable.


    "I''m all for it, but there''s really no need to keep that ring box hidden forever."


    From the moment Palmer


    mentioned they were going out for


    dinner, No couldn''t help but = <>


    notice the way Palmer kept fidgeting


    with his pocket, seemingly tryitg to


    makésure something insideit


    stayed put. Conten belongs to


    a


    With a hug that felt more like a detective move, Noe had already guessed Palmer was hiding something meant for her—a gift, perhaps!


    But little did she expect, it was a meticulously nned proposal!


    Hearing Noe say she would marry him, Palmer''s eyes sparkled with excitement. She said yes!


    Holding Noe''s hand, Palmer kissed her palm almost reverently, pressing his face into her hand as if seekingfort


    Oddly enough. Noe felt a warmth spreading through her palm, a kind of joy washing over Palmer, making him lose control of his emotions.


    Noe''s heart was set aze by his passion


    Feeling his happiness, Noe couldn''t help but smile, her fingers gently caressing Palmer''s face, a gesture full of love and teasing.


    The more time she spent with Palmer, the more she felt warmed by his burning love!


    The Schnabel family and Palmer showered Noe with an unconditional affection that was hard to find


    Moved by the moment, Noe pulled Palmer closer, wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyes twinkling with mischief.


    "Got anything you wanna say to me?”


    "Noe, thank you!"


    Thank him, for she agreed to be his Mrs. Pock!