chapter 9

The morning in the Aster estate was peaceful—until a royal messenger arrived at the grand entrance, holding an ornate envelope sealed with the imperial crest. The butler received the letter with a bow and promptly delivered it to Lord Hadrian Aster, who sat in his study reviewing estate documentsHadrian sat at his desk, the royal seal on the letter before him feeling heavier than it should. The letter had arrived early that morning, carried by a royal messenger, and the contents left him frowning deeply.

Hadrian opened the letter with practiced ease, his sharp eyes scanning the words written in the Empress's elegant script. As he read, a deep frown formed on his faceThe royal family was officially inviting Lilic Aster to the upcoming marriage market—an event where noble girls of eligible age were presented before the Empress, who would personally decide their future husbands. It was a longstanding tradition, one that secured alliances and ensured control over the noble houses.

To the Esteemed Lord Aster,

Hadrian exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the parchment.

As the Empire flourishes, it is time once again to secure the future of our noble families. The upcoming Imperial Marriage Selection shall take place in two months' time. Your daughter, Lilic Aster, is of age and thus invited to participate. The Empress herself shall oversee the selection and ensure the most advantageous matches are made. Attendance is expected.

Leor, who had been lounging in a chair nearby, smirked as he read over his father's shoulder. "Well, isn't this fortunate? Finally, a chance to rid ourselves of her. I wonder which poor fool will be saddled with—"

May the blessings of the Empire guide your family.

Hadrian's sharp gaze silenced him immediately.

—The Imperial Household

"You sound rather eager," Hadrian said, voice calm but dangerous.

Hadrian's grip on the letter tightened slightly. His usually composed features darkened with displeasure.

Leor leaned back, feigning innocence. "Isn't this a great opportunity for her? A good marriage would mean she wouldn't have to rely on us anymore."

A marriage market? For Lilic?

Hadrian said nothing at first, merely setting the letter down carefully. Then, in a tone laced with finality, he spoke, "Lilic will decide for herself."

It was outrageous. The notion of parading his daughter before the aristocracy like some prize to be claimed was unacceptable. He knew how these things worked—marriages arranged purely for political gain, alliances built on convenience rather than care. His daughter, who had barely begun to find her place in society, would be thrown into a pit of ambitious noblemen eager to claim ties to House AsterLeor scoffed but didn't argue further, knowing better than to push his father when he was in such a mood.

And worse, he wouldn't be the one choosing. The Empress would. Later that evening, Hadrian found Lilic in the library, buried in a book as usual. She had been oddly at ease these days, which had given him some relief. But now, with this ridiculous invitation looming over them, he had no choice but to disturb her peace.

next morning in the breakfast 

Leor stepped inside, dressed impeccably as always, but there was a certain gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "I heard a royal messenger came by."

Hadrian handed the letter toward Lilic. "Read this."

Hadrian told leor about the letter. Leor took his time listening to him, and by the end, his smirk had widened. "Well, isn't this perfect? The Empire will finally take that nuisance off our hands."

Lilic took it, her eyes scanning over the words, and as expected, her expression morphed into mild horror. "You have got to be kidding me."

Hadrian's gaze snapped to his son, sharp as a blade. "Mind your words." sat across from her, watching her reaction carefully. "I assume you'll decline?"

Leor, unfazed, leaned back against the desk. "Oh, come now, Father. She's an illegitimate daughter. No matter how much you coddle her, society won't see her as anything more. This is the best she could hope for—a chance to be married off to some noble house where she won't be our problem anymore."

Lilic scoffed, tossing the letter onto the table. "Of course! No way am I standing in line like some decorative vase for the Empress to auction off."

Hadrian's expression didn't change, but the air in the room grew heavy. "Lilic is not a burden to this family." relaxed slightly but kept his expression neutral. "You'll need a reason."

Leor scoffed. "She's an embarrassment. 

Lilic thought for a moment before flashing a mischievous grin. "I can't accept this father i already like someone else

Hadrian placed the letter down with deliberate care. He raised a brow. "Do you?"

Leor exhaled, straightening. "Either way, it's out of our hands. The Empress has decided."

Lilic waved a hand dismissively. "Details aren't important. The point is, heart is taken, I'll be excused."

Later that day, Hadrian sat at his desk, the freshly sealed letter resting before him like an immovable weight. The response to the Empress's invitation had been carefully crafted—polite yet firm. Lilic Aster would not be participating in the marriage market.

He had fully expected his daughter to refuse. After all, she was unpredictable at best, and the thought of being paraded before suitors like a prize calf would undoubtedly offend her sensibilities. But what Hadrian had not expected was her reasoning.

"I already like someone else."

The words had been said so casually over breakfast, paired with an infuriatingly innocent sip of tea. Hadrian had almost knocked over his own cup in shock. He had searched her face for any sign of deceit, but Lilic had merely hummed and continued spreading jam on her scone, completely unaffected.

Now, alone in his office, he leaned back in his chair, frowning deeply. He had sent the response. It was done. Yet the thought continued to gnaw at him.

Who was this man?

Hadrian prided himself on his ability to control any situation, but this… this was slipping through his fingers. Lilic was young, clever, and—he had to admit—more than capable of getting herself into trouble.

His mind ran through the possible candidates.

It couldn't be Leor's friends. He would have noticed if she had taken an interest in any of them. And he doubted it was someone from the noble circles; she barely tolerated social gatherings. Was it a scholar from the library? A merchant she encountered in the city?

Or worse… a knight?

Hadrian rubbed his temples. No, that was ridiculous. Lilic had never shown interest in anyone before. What if—what if she was lying?

That was the most likely scenario. But why? Why go through the trouble of fabricating a love interest instead of simply rejecting the proposal outright?

He considered calling her back, questioning her further. No, she would only dodge his inquiries with some infuriating remark before escaping the room.

Perhaps Elise, her lady's maid, knew something. Or Davian. The old man had an uncanny ability to observe everything while pretending not to care. Maybe he had noticed something Hadrian had missed.

And then there was Leor. Hadrian was loath to involve his son, but if anyone would expose a falsehood just to spite his sister, it would be him.

Hadrian exhaled sharply. This was absurd. He had navigated political betrayals, managed entire estates, and stood against the most formidable figures in the empire. And yet here he was, losing sleep over the thought of some unknown man capturing his daughter's attention.

Hadrian scowled.

He would get to the bottom of this. One way or another.