Meanwhile, Athena's optical brain buzzed with an incoming call. It was her agent.
It seems like she has received my news. I just don't know if she'll be angry.
"Athena, what's this about withdrawing from the variety show? The company just informed me."
Athena sighed. "I can't participate anymore. I have... obligations now."
I don't have any, yet... but let's assume.
Her agent paused. "Obligations? What kind of, wait, are you saying..."
Athena's voice hesitated, but eventually said, "Check the file I sent to the company. It explains everything."
Minutes later, her agent's shocked voice rang through the call. "Athena! This marriage certificate, Demerin, and Jericho?"
"Yes. That's why I can't be in a love variety show," Athena replied flatly. I also don't like the idea of displaying public affection for everyone to see.
"Athena, do you know what this means? You're married to Mors Jericho! The empire's youngest major general!"
I know, you make it sound like I hit the jackpot.
"Forget the variety show, you won't need it. Do you realize how much your status will change now?"
Athena rolled her eyes. "I don't need my status to change. I'm still pursuing my dreams my way."
Even though she was still in shock, the agent was already planning how to handle this new information.
"Understood, but expect the company to treat you differently now. And Athena... congratulations. Even if it's unexpected, it's still monumental."
As the call ended, Athena leaned back with a sigh.
Who would've thought that the pampered pearl of the Demerin family would not only hide her lineage to become a star but also end up with such a twist of fate?
Will my agent regret not knowing in advance?
-
Athena didn't linger long at the Demerin Estate. After a month of quiet reprieve and familial bonding, she decided to return to her temporary home and refocus on her career.
One morning, as she was reviewing her upcoming schedule, her optical brain lit up with a call from an unknown number. Curious but cautious, she answered.
"Hello?"
A polite, measured voice replied on the other end. "Good morning, young madam. This is Stephen Han, steward of Mors Estate, serving under Major General Mors Jericho."
Is my husband finally looking for me? Athena blinked, her mind momentarily blank. "To whom do I owe this call? And what's this about?"
Stephen's tone was impeccably formal, though Athena detected a hint of urgency. "Young madam, the master has sent me to inform you that it is time for you to come home."
Her brows knitted in confusion. "Home? I've already visited my family estate. What exactly do you mean?"
"Young madam, the Mors Estate is now your home. As the spouse of the Major General, it is customary, and expected, that you take up residence in his estate."
The words hung in the air like a bombshell. Athena froze, her mind racing. Mors Estate? She hadn't even known where it was, let alone considered living there.
I haven't even met the ghost who married me!
She cleared her throat, trying to keep her tone calm. "I appreciate the information, but I'm quite busy with my work. I'm afraid I can't relocate right now."
The steward's response was tactful yet uncompromising. "Young madam, the master has already taken steps to ensure your work will not be hindered."
The ghost can even plan without informing me! Wasn't he too busy to take care of my affairs?
"He has specifically instructed that everything be arranged for your convenience. However, the master insists that you return home."
Athena's patience wavered. She gripped the edge of her desk, her voice laced with irritation. "Is this some sort of coercion? I'm not a doll to be moved around at someone's whim."
Unfazed by her tone, Stephen answered with calm assurance. "Young madam, the master's intention is not to coerce but to fulfill the responsibilities dictated by your union."
He should have fulfilled it instantly, the day he heard about this marriage!
"To ease your concerns, I assure you that arrangements for transportation have already been made. We are ready to escort you at your earliest convenience."
I really can't resist fate.
Athena sighed, running a hand through her hair. She felt as though she were being cornered, yet she couldn't help but admire the efficiency of the Major General's estate.
"Fine," she finally muttered. "But let me make this clear, this isn't permanent. I'm agreeing to this out of courtesy, not obligation."
Stephen's tone remained neutral but polite. "Understood, young madam. We shall await your instructions on when to proceed."
As the call ended, Athena leaned back in her chair, exhaling deeply. The audacity of this so-called husband of hers was beginning to wear on her.
"Mors Jericho," she muttered under her breath. "You're really testing my patience."
Athena didn't have many belongings to pack, so when the steward and the guards arrived at her modest house, it took only a few minutes for her to leave.
Before departing, she left her agent with detailed instructions regarding her work and future commitments.
As she stepped into the hover car that would take her to the port, a sense of foreboding settled over her.
This wasn't the life she had envisioned when she decided to chase the original owner's dreams, yet here she was, heading toward an unknown future.
One step at a time. I will keep moving forward.
The destination wasn't an ordinary starship. Rather, Athena was on board a huge, intimidating warship.
Under the docking bay's synthetic illumination, its smooth, steel-gray hull shone.
Contrary to the unbothered life Athena Demerin was used to, the atmosphere was practical and dull.
Athena raised an eyebrow as she followed the steward up the ramp. "A warship? Are we going to a military compound?"
Stephen Han, ever composed, glanced back at her with a polite smile.
"The Mors Estate is located near the military compound on Planet Sinalta, young madam, but it is not within the base itself."
So the ghost is very rich?
Athena nodded absently, her gaze sweeping over the interior of the ship. Rows of armed soldiers moved efficiently, their boots clicking against the metallic floor.
She couldn't help but feel like she was entering enemy territory.
As the ship lifted off and the stars of the galaxy came into view, Athena turned to the steward again, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Does the Major have... women around him?"
Stephen's lips twitched into a faint smile, as though amused by her question. "The Major has always been highly disciplined. He used to be, how shall I put this, 'allergic' to women."
Athena's expression remained stoic, but internally, her thoughts were in turmoil.
Allergic to women?
What does that even mean?
Is he gay? Or just some kind of recluse?
She leaned back in her seat, her mind spinning with speculation.
What kind of man is this Major General Mors Jericho?
And what kind of life awaits me in this so-called Mors Estate?
The warship continued its silent journey through the stars, carrying her toward a destiny she wasn't ready to embrace.