“You’re acting like our marriage is set in stone,” Kemiro exclaims, exasperated by her provocation as she licks her lips.

“Oh! I didn’t know they had tongues like cats.” Kemiro think. His curiosity prevented further irritation.

In a dry tone, Mandipha responds, “And what logical reason do you have to refuse? Look at me. I’m not shy to affirm that I don’t lack in beauty or family heritage, even compared to the Royal House Saintesses! Please don’t misunderstand; I don’t mean to belittle you, but considering your situation, do you really think you’re losing out? You? Someone who is excluded by his own family? Well, not completely, since your mother approved our engagement.”

Hearing that, Kemiro snaps, “Ha? That decision was nothing more than a selfish act on her part, without even consulting me.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that? You said you spent all this time ignoring me to figure out if I was plotting something, but you didn’t agree to the engagement? Until today, I thought you were just playing hard to get...

“Of course not! Why would I agree to the engagement only to ignore you afterward? Do you think I’m stupid or something?” Kemiro asks, exasperated.

“That explains a lot. Communication really is important for a healthy relationship,” Mandipha comments in introspection.

Kemiro doesn’t know how to react to Mandipha’s thoughtful expression as she continues murmuring. But he’s caught off guard when she happily remarks, “This is even better, Kemiro!”

“W-What do you mean?”

“You just said it was a selfish act by your mother. But considering your family situation, don’t you think she did it for you?”

Kemiro furrows his brow, wearing a strange expression.

Mandipha continues, “Don’t look at me like I’m crazy! Think rationally about your situation. Even though you are the firstborn, you have not inherited any of your family's bloodlines.

Despite all the incredible achievements you’ve made publicly so far, like your Akrava and becoming a Pair to a high-ranking Sere’No, it still hasn’t been enough to pull you out of the shadow of your brother, who inherited everything and more, making him the main focus of even the Boronéa Main House.

If your mother truly didn’t care about you, don’t you think she would’ve tried to redirect the engagement offer to your brother? Instead, on the same day, she accepted the proposal, apparently without consulting the Main House, since their approval came later that day."

“That’s…” Kemiro is stunned, reflecting on Mandipha’s argument, “It cannot be! It’s been almost four years since I told my mother I was done waiting for them! She did say they were always waiting for a sign that I didn’t hate them anymore. But that’s not how a family works, right?

My brother is an idiot controlled by the Main House. But my parents abandoned me in this house because they believed I didn’t inherit any of their bloodlines.

Do they expect me to crawl back to them?

I didn’t do anything wrong! The way they treat me is more than enough proof that they’re only interested in me if I inherited one of their bloodlines! Fools! I don’t care about this love born of interest!

Now, you’re telling me that my mother’s decision was made with my best interests in mind? Don’t mess with me! I won’t accept that!”

Seeing Kemiro sinking into his thoughts, Mandipha calls out, “Think about it, Kemiro. Instead of letting you live in the shadow of your brother, your mother accepted our engagement as a way to open a different path for you to walk! I’m certain this is a demonstration of love for you.”

Noticing Kemiro’s bitter expression, Mandipha sighs and continues, “If you had nothing for her to be proud of, nothing to warrant her acting in your favor, yet she still made a decision that only benefits you, I can’t see this as anything but unconditional love!”

Realizing Kemiro isn’t responding, Mandipha reflects, “Having direct contact with him, I can see how deep the scars caused by a family’s disunity are. If he continues like this, we won’t make any progress. I’ll keep faith in my Goddess’ words. This might be my opportunity.”

“Kemiro, look at me,” Mandipha said, pulling him out of his thoughts. “I won’t pretend to understand how you feel, because I don’t. However,” she extended her right hand, palm open toward him, “if you accept me, I’d like to offer you my support, or perhaps a friendship, if you prefer.”

But then, raising her index finger, she added, “I don’t form empty friendships. As much as I admire everything you’ve accomplished so far, that alone isn’t enough to move me.”

“A friendship based on self-interest...” Kemiro commented, his sharp gaze and disappointed tone cutting through.

Ignoring his attitude, Mandipha replied bluntly, “Yes! Don’t be naive and think there’s any relationship in life without interest. Even if you want my unconditional love, you’ll have to earn it. But first, you’ll need to prove you're worthy of it.”

Adjusting her stance, she stares directly into his eyes and asks, “I’ve already shown and proven my sincerity in response to your questions. Now, how about you be honest with me? What makes you so special that my Goddess would make that offer?”

After a long silence, finally, Kemiro spoke, “I don’t mind being honest, but as pretty as your words are, don’t think I’m desperate enough to fall for sweet whispers in my ear. From where I stand, you’ve got Hauveron House and a Goddess backing you. I love the few who stand by me, but I’m still at a disadvantage. If you really want to know, prove that I can trust you.”

“Fair enough,” Mandipha said, closing her eyes.

Suddenly, she opened them, and her blue iris turned a brilliant yellow, glowing like two small suns. Her braided hair unraveled, floating as if caught in ocean waves. Her body enveloped in a golden aura. In a voice almost otherworldly, she declared, “In the name of the Goddess and Divine Beast Maranshipha, She Who Honors Truth, I, Mandipha Hauveron, her Priestess, invoke Her name in this oath: There is no malice in my heart, nor falsehood in my words. Kemiro Boronéa, to whom I make this oath, know that I mean you no harm. Any secret revealed under the weight of this oath, I shall guard until the end of my days or until you permit its revelation. Should I, the bearer of this oath, fail to uphold it, let the Hein’Ra forsake me.”

Kemiro feels the pressure radiating from the golden energy waves.

“This is the first time I’ve ever felt such pure, sacred power. Azarthine’s aura is similar, but somehow different.” Kemiro thinks in awe.

As her oath came to an end, the golden aura began to fade, and her long, curly hair, now loose, fell over her body like a white veil, stirring within Kemiro an urge to worship—a completely foreign feeling to him.

With his mind racing, struggling to process the weight of an oath not just made in the name of a God, but invoking the Hein’Ra itself.

“Why go to such extremes?” Kemiro's mind is filled with one question that he doesn't dare voicing. Kemiro already knew the answer.

Mandipha says nothing. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she stood in silence, awaiting Kemiro’s decision.

There was nothing more to say. She didn’t need to say anything.

Realizing this, Kemiro clenched his teeth. Slowly, he opened his mouth to speak.