"I've been watching all your shows," Loveniel confessed, her voice tinged with both pride and concern.
"I can see how much effort you've put in, but I've also seen how much you've suffered. You've endured greatly for someone your age."
Athena's heart ached at the words.
She could see the worry etched in her mother's expression, and it was clear that despite her daughter's achievements, Loveniel had not been blind to the challenges she faced.
"It wasn't easy," Athena admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I wanted to make something of myself without relying too much on the family name."
Loveniel smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from Athena's face. "You are so much like your father in that way. Determined, strong-willed, and always striving for more."
Athena chuckled softly. "I just hope I've made you proud."
Her mother's eyes softened even further. "You've always made me proud, my dearest. Always."
For the first time in both her lives, Athena felt the warmth of unconditional love and support.
It was a feeling she had never known before, but now that she had it, she vowed never to take it for granted.
-
Accompanied by her brother, Athena made her way to the Interstellar Bureau of Union and Marriage Council the next morning.
Her goal was to obtain a certification of her single civil status, a necessary step before joining the love-themed variety show her company had arranged for her.
As they walked side by side, Lawrence, dressed in his military uniform, glanced at her with concern and disapproval.
"Do you really need to participate in this kind of variety show?" he asked, his tone firm yet protective.
Athena sighed, slightly used to his overprotectiveness.
"The company has already arranged it, and it's a big opportunity for me. It's a live stream where we'll be living in a monitored compound. Nothing will happen if I don't allow it."
"Are you sure the company won't pressure you into anything?" he pressed.
Athena smiled faintly.
"They won't. Don't forget, I still carry the Demerin name when signing contracts. They wouldn't dare risk dragging our family into any scandal by putting me in a compromising situation."
Lawrence didn't look entirely convinced.
"I'll support you, but I'll also make sure you're safe. I'm contacting your company's management before you enter this show. Don't argue," he added when Athena opened her mouth to protest.
"The power behind our name is a shield. Use it wisely."
Athena nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing with him when he was in this mood.
When they entered the Bureau, the hall was surprisingly empty. The usual bustle of people had been replaced by a sparse, almost eerie quiet.
Lawrence glanced around and sighed. "These days, fewer and fewer people are getting married. It's not like before."
Curious, Athena turned to him. "Why? What's changed?"
"It's because of gene compatibility," Lawrence explained.
"In this era, couples need highly compatible genes to ensure a healthy family. If their genes aren't compatible, it could lead to infertility or health complications for any children."
Athena raised an eyebrow. "Does it really matter that much?"
Lawrence nodded solemnly. "It matters more than you think. For the sake of survival and continuation of strong bloodlines, the Main Interstellar Brain sometimes steps in."
"The Main Interstellar Brain? You mean it decides who gets married?"
"Yes," Lawrence replied.
"Under specific circumstances. For instance, if someone has made significant contributions to the empire, like a war hero, they might be assigned a partner, even if they've never met each other."
Athena blinked in surprise. "So, you're saying people could get married without even knowing their partner?"
"Correct," Lawrence confirmed.
"The Main Interstellar Brain prioritizes genetic compatibility above all else. It can even extract gametes from both parties and create a child to preserve the bloodline, especially in cases where one of them is a hero who's died in battle or is unable to father or bear children naturally."
Athena shuddered at the thought. "That sounds... cold."
Lawrence shrugged.
"It's pragmatic. In this era, emotions are sometimes secondary to the empire's need for stability and strength. But don't worry," he added, sensing her unease. "You're still young, and you'll have a say in your future."
Athena couldn't help but wonder, though, how much control anyone truly had in this world of advanced technology and strict societal rules.
When Athena retrieved the documents she needed, her heart sank as her eyes landed on an unfamiliar red stamp emblazoned across her civil status certification.
Her voice trembled as she turned to Lawrence. "Brother, what does this mean? Am I... married? How? When?"
Lawrence's brows furrowed as he snatched the document from her hand. His expression darkened when he saw the official stamp.
Without a word, he grabbed her wrist and marched toward the director's office, Athena stumbling slightly as she hurried to keep up.
The office of Director Avalon Morge was cozy and clinical, illuminated by soft blue lights.
The man himself, a middle-aged official with neatly combed silver hair, greeted them with a professional smile and gestured for them to sit.
"Major General Demerin, Miss Demerin, what brings you here?"
Lawrence wasted no time. He slammed the document onto the desk, making the director's eyebrows rise slightly.
"Director Morge, what does this mean? Is my sister married... secretly?"
Director Morge adjusted his glasses, his smile not faltering. "Indeed, as it states, your sister is married."
Athena gaped at him. "But no one in my family knew about this! How can that be possible?"
The director leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands together.
"The Main Interstellar Brain assigned this marriage. It is a rare but entirely legal process, typically reserved for extraordinary circumstances."
Lawrence's jaw tightened. "Circumstances? What circumstances? My sister hasn't even met the person, let alone agreed to this!"
Director Morge nodded sympathetically, though his tone remained neutral.
"I understand your frustration, Major General, but the decision is final. The Main Interstellar Brain identified your sister and her... spouse as genetically optimal partners. This marriage strengthens not only their bloodlines but also the empire's future. It's an honor, really."