Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Ruud's face beamed with boundless joy and the pride of victory as he lifted Natalie into his arms, spinning her around in place.

Natalie, unbothered by any sense of propriety, wrapped her arms confidently around Ruud's neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. At over forty, she showed none of the typical reserve of adulthood, radiating the passion of a couple deeply in love.

"Don't get too excited. This is just the beginning," Natalie teased, tilting Ruud's chin up with a domineering smirk. "Wait until I win clean and clear. She'll cry and beg while calling me Mrs. Pace!" Ruud, shy and blushing, managed to stammer in his deep voice, "You're incredible! Absolutely incredible!"

Jared, ever the opportunist, recorded every moment of their interaction for the livestream, his face full of amusement as he glanced over at Tina.

Tina, however, only spared the scene a brief glance before looking away. She supported Natalie and Ruud's relationship, but that didn't mean she wanted to watch such displays of affection. The livestream chat exploded with comments:

> "Ahhh! I'm being blinded by this sweetness!"

> "General Praevion's twilight romance! Ruud is such an adorable little husband!"

Meanwhile, River Swanson's nails dug into her palms as she watched Natalie and Ruud, jealousy consuming her. She couldn't bear their happiness.

Luna Black, noticing River's turmoil, shot a glare in Natalie's direction before attempting to console her friend. "Miss Swanson, don't get upset. The competition's barely begun. There's no way she can keep showing off like this."

River's eyes glinted with suspicion. "I bet her harp performance wasn't even legitimate. Leo probably gave her a special harp to avoid embarrassing the Pace family. That's the only way she could've beaten me!"

The second round began: Go.

Natalie and River Swanson sat across from each other at the board. Natalie took the black pieces, while River had the white.

Black goes first. Natalie calmly placed her first piece on the intersection of the board. River, unwilling to fall behind, immediately blocked black's path with her white piece.

Natalie, unbothered, placed her second piece with the same composed expression. River followed suit, blocking again.

As the game progressed, Natalie captured River's first piece with ease and set it aside. River's brow furrowed. Within just ten moves, she found herself unable to decipher Natalie's strategy. Time ticked away, and River hesitated before placing her next piece.

Natalie yawned lazily. Once the game entered the mid-stage, she began her assault with the precision of a siege, capturing white pieces one by one.

For every piece River placed, Natalie would capture three, sometimes even five.

River stared at the board in disbelief. When Natalie placed her final piece, she wiped out the remaining white pieces in one swift move. All of River's pieces now lay in Natalie's pile.

River clenched her fists beneath the table, her knuckles cracking audibly.

"How did she win again? How is this possible?"

"Natalie!" River shouted in frustration. "What kind of trickery are you pulling? I'm a Go player ranked at the seventh dan!"

Natalie's gaze was light and teasing. "Only the second round, and you're already losing your cool?"

River's face flushed red with fury, alternating between pale and livid. "Nonsense! There's no way I'd lose to you. Just wait and see!"noveldrama

As River stormed off, Natalie casually remarked, "Forgive my modesty, but I'm ranked at the tenth dan."

She said it as easily as if she were discussing the weather.

The crowd gasped in unison.

"Tenth dan in Go?!"

Those familiar with the game were astonished. Only a handful of players across Sinoria had ever achieved a tenth dan rank. Such individuals were renowned for their exceptional intelligence, far above the norm. River scoffed coldly. "You expect us to believe you're a tenth dan just because you said so? Do you take us all for fools?"

Natalie propped her chin on her hand, holding back a laugh. "If I'm not tenth dan, then how did you, a seventh dan, lose to me?"

The livestream chat erupted again:

> "Tenth dan?! I can't even dream of that!"

> "River Swanson said it herself-she lost. Natalie must be better at Go than her!"

> "The way Natalie captured those pieces just now... so satisfying!"

### The Third Round: Calligraphy

The Pace family prepared two sets of calligraphy supplies, placing them on either side of the competition area. Natalie and River Swanson were given thirty minutes to each complete a piece of calligraphy. Determined to recover from her earlier losses, River chose a particularly challenging work to replicate. She immediately set to work, her strokes deliberate and focused.

Natalie, as always, appeared calm. Dressed in her simple attire, she exuded an elegant air. Taking her brush in hand, she completed her piece in a single fluid motion, finishing within ten minutes. River, noticing Natalie had already stopped, grew increasingly uneasy and quickened her pace. In her haste, however, she forgot that her strength lay in imitation, not original composition.

Once both women finished, the Pace family staff carefully displayed their works. Among the crowd were several enthusiasts who collected calligraphy and eagerly stepped forward to examine the pieces. From the back of the crowd, an elderly man with snow-white hair and a long beard approached. His face, marked by the passage of time, radiated wisdom. His flowing robes swayed gently as he walked. Someone in the audience recognized him.

"That's Ethan Maguire, the renowned calligraphy master!"

Indeed, Leo's welcome banquet was full of hidden talents.

Ethan first examined River Swanson's work. Her characters were delicate and graceful, displaying a natural charm. Stroking his beard, Ethan offered his critique:

"Miss Swanson, you are courageous to attempt such a difficult piece. Your strokes are smooth and refined, imbued with elegance. It is rare to see such work. I'll give you four words: 'Graceful as trees, serene as a breeze."" He then added, "However, some areas lack strength, while others are overly forceful. You'll need more practice to achieve balance."

The crowd erupted in praise.

"Miss Swanson, would you sell me this piece? I'd be willing to pay handsomely for it!"

River, clearly pleased, wore a modest expression. "This piece is nothing special. If you like it, I can gift it to you. And if anyone else wants one, I'd be happy to write more." The compliments rolled in:

"Miss Swanson truly embodies the grace of a noblewoman!"

Ethan then turned his attention to Natalie's calligraphy. His brows furrowed as he studied the piece, his expression a mix of awe and conflict.

The livestream chat buzzed with speculation:

> "Why isn't he saying anything? Did Natalie mess up?"

> "River Swanson probably wrote better. No one's perfect!"

> "Finally, something Natalie isn't good at!"

Natalie noticed Ethan's troubled expression and mimicked his frown. "Old man, what are you thinking so hard about?"

Ethan stroked his beard, his tone heavy with reverence. "Young lady, would you allow me to keep this piece in my collection?"

Natalie chuckled. "Someone just paid for Miss Swanson's piece. Shouldn't you make me an offer?"

Ethan replied solemnly, "This work is priceless. I've pondered for a long time, and I must admit, even I pale in comparison to your skill."

Natalie burst into laughter. Finding his seriousness endearing, she waved her hand dismissively. "If you like it that much, I'll gift it to you. It's just an ordinary piece."

Ethan's expression softened with gratitude. "By giving me this piece, you've earned a favor. Should you ever need my help, come to me."

Before anyone else could get a look at Natalie's work, Ethan swiftly rolled it up and left, muttering as he walked away, "The power in these strokes... unparalleled. I am humbled."