109: Chapter 109 An Unexpected Twist! A Private Tavern! An Invitation Under the Guise of Allure!

Oak Manor, the small parlor.

Rowan fell silent.

Vanessa looked at the silent man before her, suddenly realizing she seemed to have an inexplicable fondness for this young, handsome, and powerful baron.

Without realizing it, she had recounted all the information she knew in great detail.

Seeing him silent now,

she wondered if her words just now had been a bit too harsh, wounding the genius baron's pride. She felt the urge to say something to soften the atmosphere.

After all, although he was powerful, he was still just a countryside baron. It was only natural that he wouldn't know the secrets of the empire's great families.

...

Meanwhile, Rowan, seeing that he had gathered most of the key intelligence, pondered for a moment and prepared to take his leave.

However, when his gaze fell upon Vanessa's alluring face once more, his heart stirred slightly.

This noble lady of the Bryce Family not only possessed exquisite looks and a stunning figure but could also provide vital intelligence. More importantly...

Under the influence of [Charm], she had let down most of her guard against him, and even showed a subtle hint of intimacy.

"Our conversation today has been most enlightening, my lady."

Rowan stood up, a sincere smile gracing his face as his amber eyes focused intently on Vanessa.

"It is still early. I wonder if you would be interested in taking a walk with me, my lady?"

"I know of a nice, quiet tavern in the city. Perhaps we could grab a drink together and unwind?"

"Being cooped up with these tedious matters all day, I am sure you could use some relaxation as well."

His invitation came so suddenly,

preventing the comforting words Vanessa was about to utter from leaving her lips.

As for his invitation...

A flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes, but looking at Rowan's flawless, handsome face and those eyes that seemed capable of stealing one's soul, that hesitation quickly melted away.

She did find conversation with Rowan quite congenial, and... there seemed to be a mysterious aura about him that gave her an urge to know him deeper.

"Since the Baron invites me so warmly..." A charming curve appeared at the corner of Vanessa's lips as she also stood up, a distinct gleam swirling in her eyes. "Then I shall gladly accept. It just so happens I've been feeling a bit bored anyway."

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere instantly grew a bit subtle.

The tavern Rowan mentioned was called "Silver Sparrow and Thorns," located in the relatively quiet upper district of Gino City, famous for its private environment and excellent selection of wine.

He requested a secluded private room and ordered a bottle of Twilight's Kiss red wine, produced in the southern region of the empire.

The lighting inside the private room was dim and soft, illuminated only by a few crystal wall lamps and the flickering candlelight on the table. The air was filled with the intoxicating aroma of wine and a subtle, elegant incense.

Away from formal settings and heavy topics, the conversation between the two became much more relaxed and casual.

Rowan was highly experienced and witty, and his skills in interacting with ladies were entirely natural.

Under his deliberate pandering, Vanessa was frequently brought to laughter, covering her lips as her body shook with mirth.

Her light brown eyes, which usually held a scrutinizing gaze, gradually grew misty and glazed under the catalyst of alcohol and the ambiguous atmosphere.

Every glance of her eyes was filled with immense Charm and allure.

Rowan, on his part, displayed his Charm and consideration just perfectly. The aura of [Charm] was like the finest spiderweb, silently wrapping and permeating.

As time passed, the temperature inside the private room seemed to quietly rise.

Vanessa felt her cheeks burning slightly, and a captivating blush spread uncontrollably across her face.

The look she gave Rowan increasingly revealed her admiration and curiosity without disguise.

She had originally thought that since he possessed such strength at a young age, aside from being exceptionally gifted, he would likely be a dull blockhead who only knew how to cultivate and understood nothing of romance.

But looking at him now, this countryside baron actually knew how to tug at one's heartstrings and stir one's soul far better than any noble youth she had ever met.

As Rowan drank with Vanessa, he did not forget to quietly and carefully observe her.

His special perception as an incubus clearly told him—

Beneath Vanessa's mature and beautiful exterior, her life force exuded an unexpected clarity and purity, like pristine snow that had never been touched.

This discovery made the curve of his lips deepen slightly.

So that was how it was—

A rose that seemed to bloom passionately, yet its core remained untouched by anyone.

This was... more interesting than expected...

He knew well that the emotional energy released during a woman's first bloom was always the most vibrant, intense, abundant, and passionate.

As the last drop of wine was drained, a crimson gleam flashed and vanished in Rowan's eyes.

He stood up and walked to Vanessa's side.

Then, he leaned down, drawing close to her ear, which looked as fair as jade in the dim light.

His warm breath, mingled with a faint scent of alcohol, gently brushed against her sensitive earlobe and the side of her neck, sending a subtle shiver through her.

"It's getting late..." Rowan's voice was extremely low, carrying a bewitching, husky magnetism that seemed to echo directly in her heart.

"Won't you invite me to your home... for a bit?"

His words were direct, and combined with the pervasive aura of [Charm] and the romantic atmosphere of the private room, the impact was overwhelming.

Vanessa's body visibly stiffened, her breath catching slightly.

She naturally knew what this implied.

Her reason screamed in warning...

However, under the influence of the power of [Charm] which magnified senses and emotions, that tiny bit of rational resistance felt incredibly weak.

She felt her heart beating like a drum, her cheeks burning hot as a surge of unfamiliar emotion welled up.

A mixture of anticipation, nervousness, and excitement...

She looked up, meeting Rowan's soul-stirring eyes. There seemed to be a faint crimson hue in them, like a devil's whisper, shattering her final hesitation.

"Alright..." She heard her own trembling voice speak. "Let's go... to my place..."

...