7

When Aurora returned to the manor, she was still pondering the old man's mysterious demeanor. She wondered who he was, but his insistence on concealing his identity confused her.

When the third and final day of the ball arrived, excitement was at its peak in the palace. Young girls wore their most beautiful dresses, practically competing with each other to attract the princes' attention.

Aurora, however, tried to stay away from this ostentatious crowd. Going to the library to read the magic book or taking a walk in the garden seemed more appealing. But Lord Vancroft insisted that his daughter attend the ball.

That evening, the ballroom was more crowded than ever. Princes from different lands danced and chatted with the daughters of noble families.

Aurora sat alone in a corner, watching the events unfold. Oswald and his lover often cast mocking glances at her, but Aurora tried to ignore them.

Just then, an unexpected guest entered the hall. It was the old man Aurora had met in the garden. But this time, he was wearing royal garments, and a magnificent crown glittered on his head.

Everyone in the hall stood up in astonishment and bowed towards the King. Aurora also stood up, trying to understand what was happening.

The King scanned the hall, looking for Aurora. When he saw the young woman, he smiled kindly and walked towards her.

"Lady Aurora Vancroft," the King said, his voice echoing throughout the hall. "I want to thank you once again in front of everyone."

Everyone in the hall looked at Aurora in amazement. No one knew she had a connection to the King.

The King took Aurora's hand. "I will never forget the kindness you showed me. You saved my life."

Aurora smiled shyly. "I only wanted to help, Your Majesty."

The King wanted to give Aurora a valuable gift, but the young woman refused again. The King was very impressed by Aurora's humility.

After that night, interest in Aurora suddenly increased. Princes and noble families practically lined up to meet and get closer to her. However, Aurora continued to treat them all with distance.

Prince Rohan, on the other hand, began to show his interest in Aurora even more. He was deeply impressed by the young woman's intelligence, courage, and compassion. However, Oswald was filled with anger at this situation. His pride couldn't bear losing Aurora.

On the last night of the ball, a mysterious event occurred in the palace. Screams were heard from the King's room, and everyone rushed to the room in panic. The King lay unconscious in his bed, and there was a note filled with strange symbols beside him.

Aurora was one of the first to arrive at the scene. With the medical knowledge she remembered from her past life, she tried to help the King. However, the King's condition was very serious.

At that moment, Prince Rohan also entered the room. When he read the note, his face darkened with anger. "This... this is dark magic!" he whispered. "They poisoned the King!"

Everyone in the hall looked at each other in fear and anxiety. This event had cast a shadow over the ball and was the beginning of a series of events that would change everyone's lives.

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