Isacc Pythasus. The current Marquis of Pythasus. He has more power than a duke. Because the late Marchioness was the third princess of Symestiaph, the younger sister of the current emperor, and the aunt of the crown prince. Everyone in the empire thinks that Marquis was head over heels in love with the Marchioness. Sympathies and respect from the people of the empire were enough to strengthen his position more than any other noble. He is the perfect man who ever existed in the world. But is he really?
Fiana Symestiaph was suffering from an eating disorder. She got that disease from the late empress's one of the ancestors. It got dreadful when she was 9 years old. Every doctor emperor arranged for curing that disease; there was only one answer that came out of their mouth. 'It can't be cured.'. Just because it was an unknown disease, all of the doctors didn't use any effort, and the royal family became full of sorrow.
In the princess's coming-of-age party, an unexpected thing happened. Marquis Pythasus offered a hand in marriage with the princess. Every royal member, including the princess, became so happy about it. It was sure that the princess would die within the 2-3 years as the condition only got worse. A kind nobleman appearing to spend his youthful life with a weak woman was like a fairy tale. Within a few days, Marquis Pythasus and the princess got married. In 3 years, Marchioness gave birth of a son. After giving birth to a child, Marchioness's health got worse, and she got bedridden. Like that, when their son was 4 years old, the Marchioness died. The light of the royal family disappeared.
But that's what Marquis planned from the beginning. He knew about the princess's disease and purposely requested a marriage with the princess. He got a lot of benefit when he married her. Power, property, respect, trust—there was nothing he didn't get. Though nobody didn't know or realize his scam, everyone close to him did know about it. After Marchioness's death, Marquis got 9 concubines from various families and countries. Everyone saw it as normal and good for him, so it was an easy-going thing.
"This year's arrangement is more gorgeous and amazing than past years, my lady."
"Hmm...not going to lie."
Today is the birthday of the third princess of Symestiaph and the marchioness of Pythasus, Fiana de Pythasus. Born as Symestiaph, died as Pythasus.
"Malenda, look, Synthia is shining more than anything. Don't you think so?"
"All of that is just for the crown prince."
"How foolish."
Her dark blue dress was perfect for her hair, but it was too dazzling than she should. The jewelry that she wore on her neck and in ears were green. I really want to meet her personal maid, who prepared her. Even her hair accessories were excessive. Annoying.
What kind of matching is that?
"My lady, there's something I would like to say?"
"What's it?"
I moved my eyes from Synthia and looked at Malenda. I had a wine glass in my hand. I took a sip from the wine glass. Malenda leans a little in my left ear and whispers slowly.
"My Lord's wives have come today to attend the party."
"Everyone?"
It was a bit surprising, but not that much. Few of my father's concubines attend some official party that the royal family or other noble families host. They are all always so eager to attend those parties my father hosts but only a few of them are permitted to attend. So, naturally, it's a bit surprising that all of them are attending the party. On top of that, it's the Marchioness's birthday party.
"Yes, all of them."
"Amazing.."
"Umm...my lady, there's something..I would like to inform you."
Malenda was hesitating about something. There was something that she was trying to say but could not. I was totally clueless about it.
"What's that?"
"Actually, my lady's mother has also come today."
Malenda was fidgeting herself. My reaction was nothing. Nor fear, nor joy, nor hatred. A single expression wasn't visible on my face.
"So that parasite mother of mine finally showed her appearance to everyone."
"..."
Malenda chose to be silent. Her worry for me was quite cute. That moment, when I was appreciating her anxiety for me, I felt an unwanted gaze from a certain person. It was my mother who was staring at me.
"Malenda."
"My lady..."
"You wait here for me."
"But my lady!!!"
"Don't worry, it will be just a sweet conversation between mother and daughter."
I smiled off brightly to Malenda. That child always feels a fear about what I do; even if I overcome it, her fears never seem to fade away. I walked away from Malenda to go to my mother. Malenda was standing there with fear in her heart. I placed my wine glass on the table, and finally, I was standing in front of my fierce mother.
"It's been a long time, Tiana."
"I didn't know my mother missed me."
Sriya de Pythasus. The third wife of my father. My mother has come from a country on the eastern continent. She is the eldest daughter of Duke Magbad. Duke Magbad, my grandpa has a big supply of weapon. He also trade them outside of his country too. But it was too expensive to obtain those weapons because of their quality. So, my father offered a marriage with my mother for that. Now my father has a whole separate region of Symestiaph to keep weapons.
"What's up with your dressing today?!"
"Why?"
"It's giving me creep."
My red evening gown was dazzling like fireflies light. The lower part of my dress was touching the floor smoothly. My few hairs were tied a little up and the remaining were nearly touching my knees. My neck and hair accessories were red to match up with my dress. Every man in the party was looking at me without a blink, even the crown prince too. And she says it's giving creep.
"I think it's because of the beauty my mother passed on to me."
"Hmm?"
"This thick, long black hair will always make people think about a dark night sky in the silent forest. And about these fierce, shining red eyes, they resemble the blood. The combination of them makes me look like a witch."
"Are you saying that it's my mistake to have black hair and red eyes?"
I was silent and smiled. My mother felt a little annoyed. Though what I said was undeniable.
"I'm not in the mood to bargain with you. Do you know, I heard something."
"What?"
"I heard...you are going to marry the Octavious Dormia on the behalf of Synthia."
It's been 2 days since the decision. My mother has so many hidden spies in every corner of the mansion. That's why it didn't take long to reach the news in her ears. I noticed that my mother's expression was changing. I didn't know why, but her expression changed from arrogance to pitifulness.
Is she pitying on me? Why? Why's she like that? She has no reason to do so.
"Tiana.."
"....What?"
"Whatever you do, think before carefully. Marriage is not a plaything. Don't become your father's pawn if you don't want to."
"Why you're saying that?"
My mother, who never looked at me and never was affectionate toward me, is now concerned about me. Was she always like that? No, she wasn't. I remember clearly. So, what happened right now?
"Tiana, I know you hate me for my past action. But Tiana, look at me; I also have everything like you do, but we don't have one thing. And it's peace."
She walked a step closer toward me and brushed my left cheek softly with her hand. Surprisingly, I liked it.
"The day I married your father, there was only one thing I wanted. And it was love. But he didn't give it to me. Not just me; he doesn't give attention or love to any of his wives. Why I end up like this? Because I also agreed in this marriage for my father's political increase. I thought I would never fall in love with that person and would do what my father said. But God's plan is sometimes so cruel."
If me and my mother had this conversation privately, my mother would seriously burst out with tears. I could guarantee that.
"So, by any chance, if you fall in love with the emperor-"
"I will not."
"...."
"I will not let myself become miserable. I will do everything father will say to do; after completing my tasks, I will flee far away with my merchant guild. Father promised me that I will be free after the destruction of Dormia."
"And you believed that?"
"Yes."
Mother had nothing to say. I also said nothing. If I quietly let things go, then I can survive. Otherwise, I will die.
"Your mother will always help you at everything."
"..."
"If you change your mind in the future or regret your decision, I will reach my hand toward you without any question."
"...Thank you. I will consider this."
I closed my eyes on my mother's hand as gratitude for a little. After that, she went back to her seat and started talking with the nobles. I was thinking about what my mother said. That time, Malenda rushed toward me with fear.
"Nothing bad happened, so why are you so freaking out?"
"Something very bad has happened, my lady."
"What now?"
"The crown prince is calling you to the balcony. And it's private, he says."
"!!!"