Qesnia, a small eastern territory in the Elysium Empire

I stood up suddenly, feeling shaky, and my legs felt like they turned into jelly. At that moment, I wanted nothing but to run away. I felt my heart thumping loudly against my chest. In the corner of my eyes, I saw Lucia standing like a petrified statue with her mouth open in disbelief.

Even I couldn't believe it either. If it's some sick joke, it is not even funny. Laughing is not even an option, instead, I want to punch him in the face. The arrogant smirk plastered on his handsome face makes it even more infuriating.

I scowled at him. "I don't have time for your jokes," I growled out, showing displeasure. However, instead of getting annoyed by my curt response, Sebastian chortles, acting like they were some colleagues in a friendly banter. I see, he is the insensitive type.

I glared at him, not wanting to back down. I faced him head-on with my hands crossed over my chest.

"Marriage is a serious matter." I enunciated, emphasizing the word marriage.

As if catching himself, Sebastian cleared his throat and leveled me with his imperious gaze. His dark azure eyes glinted with mischief, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized for a second.

Just a mere second.

I discreetly pinched my arm. He is not like Ariel, but I couldn't help but feel that they somehow exude the same aura. Both of them are so full of themselves. Ugh! I hate his type the most!

"I apologize. I know that marriage is not a laughing matter, especially in these trying times. Rest assured, I am serious about my proposal."

I looked away, suddenly not wanting to meet his eyes. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with his gaze. It makes me feel weird in ways I don't understand.

He's lost his marbles. That's the only reason I could think of why he is acting like this.

I swallowed instinctively. "That marriage nonsense again. Why would I get married to you? We met a few times, but it does not warrant receiving a proposal from you. More than anything else, our encounter is so horrible that I don't even want to think about it."

Someone gasped at my side, probably Lucia, followed by unbearable silence. I was waiting for his comeback, preparing myself for any kind of insult he would throw my way, but he was unbelievably quiet.

I decided to take a peek, but I suddenly came face to face with a gorgeously carved face that one could almost mistake for AI, except that he was warm and breathing. I could feel his breath fanning my face, with how close our faces were. I took a step back, putting a distance between us.

Sebastian beamed at me. He must have found this funny.

"I see, you must have been adjusting well. You're not the same girl who was shivering in front of strangers."

His tone of voice irked me for some reason. "That's right. I am doing-"

"Sebastian! What do you think you're doing?" an explosive voice appeared out of nowhere, disturbing the quiet stillness of the forest.

I saw Kendrick marching towards us, red-faced, looking like an angry bull. When he reached me, he positioned himself between us, using his huge body to obstruct Sebastian's gaze away from me.

"I told you not to see her without my permission."

Sebastian raised his hand in defeat. "I thought it was best to get things done as early as possible. I see no need to prolong the agony."

"You are in my territory, Sebastian. I don't care how things go in the magic tower, but I expect a level of respect as the head of the family."

"I don't understand. You're being overly protective of her."

I can't see Sebastian's face, but he sounded very suspicious of Kendrick with his statement.

"There is no need to overthink. I'm just showing concern to a member of the family," he replied matter-of-factly as if there was no room for discussion or argument. "And just to give you a heads up, my wife is very angry with you right now. Prepare yourself."

I heard Sebastian scoff in defiance. "As if we could defy that irritable emperor. As his subjects, we have to follow his orders."

What does it have to do with the emperor? Is he the one who proposed this ridiculous marriage between us?

Kendrick shakes his head, warning him. "Let's talk about this inside. This is hardly a proper place for a conversation."

Sebastian grunted in agreement. He caught a glimpse of his face marred with exasperation. His mouth is set into a thin, hard line, his brows furrowed in annoyance.

Before I knew it, I found myself getting dragged by Kendrick towards the mansion. During that time, I couldn't find my voice. Instead, my thoughts are filled with thoughts of marriage and how it has anything to do with the emperor.

I straightened my back and looked just about anywhere except for the two people who were clearly in their staring contest. I don't understand why I'm sitting beside Sebastian while the couple is sitting across from them. They were inside the reception room, but there was not even a teeny bit of warmth coming from Cornelia. Even his husband, Kendrick, is quietly sitting beside her like a tamed puppy. Long, suffocating silence filled the four corners of the room until Cornelia decided to break it off first.

"I do not approve of this. You can't just come here unannounced and propose marriage to Elianna." Cornelia stated in an icy tone. She looks calm on the outside, but her hard and biting voice directed towards Sebastian tells a different story.

Sebastian sighed in exasperation. Instead of responding to her statement, he pulled a letter from his breast pocket stamped with a red seal. He placed it on the table between them and motioned for the couple to take a look. Cornelia immediately grabbed the letter and opened it. Her mossy green eyes were glued to the letter with utmost concentration, and once she started reading it, whatever the content inside her body visibly stiffened, and I could see her fingers trembling.

Whatever it is, it's probably not good news. I should probably prepare myself since it involves me. I could feel Sebastian's gaze on my side, probably gauging my reaction, but I refused to look back. I couldn't give him that satisfaction.

"I have no plans on getting married myself, but I have no power to refuse the imperial decree. You should know better."

Cornelia glared daggers at his husband, who was trying his best to look nonchalant and innocent. "What did you do? How did he know about her?"

Kendrick looked at his wife pleadingly. "As the head of the house, I need to report on Elianna's appearance in this household. It was the best course of action so as not to raise suspicions if we plan to let her stay here indefinitely. You know the palace has been monitoring every eligible young lady in the household who is of marriageable age."

"Yes, I know that, but she hasn't had her coming-of-age ceremony yet! Did your long-time friend finally lose his mind?!"

"Watch your tongue, Cornelia. This is the emperor we are talking about."

Sebastian shrugged. "Well, I agree with your wife, the emperor finally lost his mind, and to get me involved in this spectacle? I don't even know what to say."

"Shut up, Sebastian!" Kendrick growled out, looking at him threateningly. For the second time that day, Sebastian raised his hand in defeat.

"What do you think about this, Elianna? I want you to know that I won't force you to do things you don't want to. Technically, you are not an imperial citizen." Cornelia reassured me, but her eyes were ridden with worry.

That doesn't make me feel at ease on so many levels. They will get in trouble if I don't agree with this absurdity.

"What will happen if I refuse this marriage proposal?"

Sebastian looks at him gravely. "Since the issue of marriage is now a national crisis, being stripped of their title is probably the easiest way out. However, worse things can happen. Someone could lose their life."

I squeezed my eyes shut, thinking of the best way to get out of this problem, but I couldn't think of anything. This place is not the same as my previous world. I wished I could just run away, but I couldn't. The household could be in danger if I refuse. There's no way of knowing what the emperor is capable of. From the unsavory rumors I heard from everyone, he doesn't look like a man of good character.

However, I couldn't ignore it. With my mind now focused on doing whatever it takes to rescue the family, I blurted out the thoughts that had been buzzing in my head, even though I knew they contradicted all I believed and wanted. I just need some time; I will figure things out to resolve this.

"Alright, let's do it," I whispered with a clarity I didn't think I could muster.

My declaration was followed by silence, probably not understanding that I obeyed just like that.

"Are you sure about this?" Cornelia inquired with trepidation. "I think you should give it some time and think about it."

While Kendrick glanced at her in disbelief, not saying anything.

I shake my head. If I back out now, I'm not sure if I'll have the fortitude to carry out the plan I have in mind. I gaze at Sebastian from my side, with a serious expression on my face. His typical arrogant sneer vanished, replaced by a bewildered look.

"Let's do it. However, instead of marriage, let's begin with an official engagement."

Sebastian looked at me dubiously. "What are you planning?"

"We both don't want this marriage. We can still find a way to resolve this, but first, cooperate with me. Let's do a contract engagement."

To save us all from this coming disaster, all I have to do is pretend I am obeying the emperor's orders. I still have time before my coming-of-age ceremony. I will be in trouble if I don't resolve it before then, but I always get things done no matter the situation I face. I refuse to give up, especially when it comes to my independence. I was never compliant; I simply understood when to back down.

We can still resolve this, and here I am trying my best to convince myself of this.