THE HISTORY OF LILY'S POND

'Lily's Pond.' It was an unnatural and a weird title in my perspective. The entire story is tragic, yet I stayed up all night to binge-read.

It's a novel about a lady named Sereia Hawthorne. A heroine adorned with fiery red hair, eyes reminiscent of molten gold, and lips tinged with the soft hue of pink. Though she's entitled as the Maiden of the East due to her beauty, her love is dedicated to her family.

Many men actually tried to talk to the maiden but no one ever lasted because of her brother's hostility towards them. Come to think of it, Sebastian was one of the people who really adored her since she was born.

The love he has for his sister is the reason why he doesn't want to get married. He wanted to see her settled before him. But because of the tragedy that happened, he never sees his sister having a good life.

After Sebastian's death, her faith in the Royal Family decreased. She started a rebellion towards the Royal Palace which caused chaos for nobilities. Sereia's revenge was almost complete. Not until she encountered the timid Crown Prince himself.

He gave her warmth and a home to call her own. Even though Sereia was covered in blood, he extended his hands and took great care of her. The Crown Prince never took advantage nor used Sereia.

I almost thought she could have a happy ending. Until the ceremony came where the people from the church, who are supposed to walk her down the aisle, betray and kill the maiden. They were scared that if she became the next Queen, then they'd be punished. After all, the church is behind her family's death. The original Sereia doesn't know that. And the Crown Prince, who's waiting in the altar, thought that his bride had run away from him.

Out of anxiousness, he searched for her but he was too late. He found out that his bride was floating in Lily's Pond as if the maiden was just sleeping. He cannot forgive himself. In the end, he chose to end himself in the pond. For others, it might be a tragic ending. But their death must be the happy ending for the author. At least even in the afterlife, they will still be together.

"You looked very troubled." If this will go according to the book's will, then I'll change fate.

"I'm just thinking of how.." will I be able to bring down the entire church. My knowledge about the novel isn't enough.

"should I get rid of the nuisance." He stares at me looking puzzled as he didn't hear what I said. "I'm just thinking how will I face the Crown Prince." Since I haven't encountered him because I'm trying to stay away from the palace.

"You wrote the letter yesterday, right? It should be delivered in the prince's chamber by now." I just smiled as a response.

"About your dream—" oh, he still thinks of it?

"It was a silly dream. You don't have to think of it seriously." Although it is a sign that a bad omen will happen, I believe I can prevent it from happening.

"I told our father to help me investigate the workers in this manor. It's better to do something than nothing, right?" Look at you being a mature talker.

"Just how powerful is the church, Seb?" He stops, crosses his arms, and leans on the wall.

"Let's see. The church is the foundation of the Great Odysseus, known as a celestial being who created this world."

"And the people in the church are Odysseus Disciples, picked strictly to maintain peace in the entire Empire. So the Empire is under the church. But the church cannot intrude on Imperial Politics, and the Empire cannot intrude on ceremonies held by the church."

"In terms of marriage, the Pope will bless the couples and wish them good health. And the couple will give their loyalty to Odysseus in return." It's a give-and-take that the modern world cannot relate to because not everyone believes in such gods.

"Imperial Politics, you mean war?" I ask and he nods in response. "Not just war, but they cannot interrupt the decisions of the Emperor."

"It's a mutual benefit. The Imperial will be under the Divine protection, and the church will be under the Imperial's protection. The North, South, East, and West Palaces will fight to save their seats for the crown. Unfortunately, King Faramis, even though he wanted peaceful living, still had to fight for his position."

"What you said yesterday was right, Seri. We are a threat to the Royal Palace. Not just the Royal Palace, but to the entire hierarchy."

"The former Emperor favored father. They had a brotherly bond created by Father's loyalty to the Empire. In exchange, the former Emperor gave power to the Hawthorne Duchy."

"But the new Emperor must be scared of the Grand Duke's power which is why he relocated the Hawthorne duchy to this Kingdom to serve the King. Father doesn't even want us to get involved in Imperial matters. Yet here you are, digging your own grave."

"You are the pride of our manor, Seri. While I may become the next Duke if Father retires, you hold the title of the Maiden of the East Kingdom. Wherever you go, the Knights of Hawthorne will follow. If your desire is to challenge the Royal Palace, then their loyalty will not betray you. Your wish is their command."

Hearing these words makes my heart ache. It's my decision whether to go against the Palace or befriend them. The marriage between me and the crown prince is opposed by the church in the first place. And I'm here to stop the higher ups from erasing my family. Even if it means to kill them using my own hands.

"Where did you even get such information? Our father wouldn't like it if he knew that you were eavesdropping—" I said while chuckling but he stood there as he fixed his knight suit.

"It's not like I'm saying this to you because I heard it. Father still treats you as a kid and so am I. We just don't want you to cover your hands in callousness as you're too precious to hold a sword. So promise me you won't dirty your hands." Let's just dodge his statement.

Because I don't think that I can promise that.

"Do you wish to see me get married?" His forehead furrowed as he looked at me.

"Of course I do. What kind of question is that?" I chuckled as I responded.

"Oh really? Then you must stay alive until then." I don't think I could ever forgive myself if one of you is taken away from me.

"You shouldn't underestimate me, Seri. Though it would be nice if you marry someone you really like."He looks very calm as he said those words.

"I just wish for you to meet someone who's not related to the Royal Palace. What if they betray you? You're weak and forgive people too easily."

"They might use you to threaten our family." I nodded in his statement.

"That's why I cannot promise to not hold a sword, Sebastian. I cannot let a wild animal bark without being disciplined." He hugged himself as he stepped back.

"Stop it. You sound exactly like Mother. You're really her daughter."

"I wonder what sound it could be?" Mother's voice enters as Sebastian travels quickly behind me.

"Oh my, I guess your mini talks are done. How about I borrow our Seri for a while. Is that possible?" That smile.. It's really terrifying.