Power Balance

A few days ago, when Este had told Maeve that she was leaving the opera, she had discovered an astonishing fact. Este's coming-of-age ceremony was about to occur as she was already seventeen. Maeve intends to sell Este's virginity to Duke Ander.

It sounded disgusting, so the girl decided to repay all the kindness Maeve had given her so far. Maeve kept saying that Este's life would be great if she were pleased in the duke's eyes, but the girl had no interest in the narrative.

"She's bloody crazy! Will my life be happy? Even if he is a duke, I can't sleep with a man older than my father. Damn, that will never happen. I think I'm going to throw up just thinking about that shit. I can't imagine if I threw up on his Majesty's face or his bed, he would finish my life there. I don't want to die at seventeen. My life is mine. Living in disguise for the rest of one's life is much better than dying naked. I will never live a life ruled by someone else," Este thought.

This girl clenched her fists and stared at the opera with determination. And starting today, or a few days later, she would visit Maeve and give her opinion.

If she could not collect Maeve's ransom, she could try asking for it from his biological father, Marquis Khan Wald. Although the man had never looked for Este or his mother, nor had he even offered any help since his legal wife had kicked them out.

Este felt that the man should still be responsible for the death of Sarah, her mother. Marquis had so neglected his life in the opera. But another fact that he is an illegitimate child is something that still makes her steps stop.

Marquis Khan Wald and his family used to frequent operas and enjoyed performances, but the man had rarely been seen since the other day's events. Although this was the man's favourite place because it was here, he met Sarah and seduced her. Maybe he knows that his ex-girlfriend will live here, and he tries to avoid her.

But the day before, Mark, who manages the opera's VIP seats, had told Este that he would prepare wine and drinks on the favourite menu. Because he said, the marquis would attend the long-awaited show on an opening day.

Este thought this was an opportunity from heaven for her. But it's a shame if the facts speak the opposite. If marquis did not visit the opera, she would have to try another way to meet her father.

She heard that her biological father would visit for the first time since she started living in the opera. This incident was taken as a sign that all would be well.

But the amount Maeve had told her was more significant than she thought, and Este was so disappointed. Her mind kept wandering. "Would Marquis Khan Wald be willing to pay that amount? Isn't that a huge amount even for nobles?"

Este, who lives in the opera and has never touched money, can only know a considerable amount but cannot realise how big it is. She was now trapped by the confusion that existed.

"I have no choice but to meet that man; whether it works or not, at least I tried. Besides, I don't want to be with perverts, of course. There is no other choice; I have to stay alert and get the money right away," this girl thought.

Este waited for the day of her father's arrival; she prayed and strengthened her resolve not to be depressed about the situation she was facing. Este had even trained herself well.

***

"Mark, is that Marquis Khan Wald?" Este asked seriously.

"Yes, that's him. It's been ten years since I saw him. He used to look young, but even at his age, he was still quite handsome. I guess he doesn't even look that old yet," he replied to Este.

As Mark spoke, a man in a grey suit was seen being ushered into a seat. It was refreshing to see that noble figure walking with bodyguards following them in such an elegant and luxurious manner.

Although the figure she called the father who used to visit and play with her as a child, Este could hardly remember Marquis Khan Wald's face. At first glance, Este remembered that his father looked much younger, but she couldn't remember anything in detail. Since then, he stopped coming to his lover's house because his legal wife gave birth to an heir to the throne.

A boy with blond hair, light pink skin, green eyes, and a slender solid body was now seen with him. Unexpectedly, Este can hardly believe he has a child of her age.

The man in front of her was the one who had abandoned herself and her mother irresponsibly. Este felt the bitter memories playing back when she thought about it, but it was a shame that this man didn't miss her.

Este's determination then shrunk. The father figure supposed to be a protector for her was a heartless man who left his bloodline kid alone. The parents must be responsible if they want to have children.

Since this man had left his duties so far, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if Este wanted to ask for as much money as possible to sustain her life. Este tried to escape the pit of hell; she felt trapped.

Este kept an eye on the man, chest throbbing and looking for opportunities to ask for money. Her eyes seemed to start to water, and she looked pretty panicked.

"Dad?"

**To Be Continued**