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00:00To let my husband focus on his career, I stayed at our ancestral estate to care for my ailing mother
00:05-in-law.
00:06Ten years went by like that.
00:09Dorian came home once a year, but he never touched me.
00:13If you got pregnant with me away, you'd have no one to care for you.
00:17That would break my heart.
00:19Every time he left, he'd curse himself and swear by the gods that once he made it,
00:25he'd take me to the capital in the winter of our eleventh year.
00:29Snowblocked the roads.
00:31Dorian wrote, he'd be a few days late.
00:35I went to tell Lady Asterisk the news, but overheard her talking with my sister-in-law.
00:40Mom, you faked being sick for ten years.
00:43How much longer will you keep this up?
00:45What else can I do?
00:47Dorian only has eyes for that adopted sister of his.
00:50They married behind our backs.
00:52Now their kids aren't young.
00:54If I don't keep Lyra here and she makes a scene, how could Dorian keep his seat in the assembly?
00:59Forget it.
01:00We'll just keep hiding it.
01:03Dorian said once he's more established, he'll make it up to Lyra.
01:08My eyes welled up, so Dorian wasn't struggling.
01:11He'd made it.
01:13He was a lord of the treasury, and he didn't avoid me out of love.
01:17But because he had someone else, my heart died.
01:21I went to the garrison and found the soldier who had quietly loved me for years.
01:26Do you still want to marry me?
01:29His face lit up.
01:30He raised a trembling hand and swore.
01:33I promise I'll be good to you.
01:35But give me a month.
01:37I ship out tonight.
01:38I'll earn real merit this time and marry you in style.
01:42I don't need style.
01:44Just stability.
01:45Keep yourself safe.
01:46Just come back to me.
01:47After watching him leave, I went home.
01:51The house, usually dark, was lit up.
01:53I thought Lady Asterisk was waiting for me.
01:57Opening the gate, I called out,
01:59Mother, it's so late.
02:01You should rest.
02:02Before I finished, the door slid open.
02:05A tall figure stood silhouetted by candlelight.
02:08A familiar voice, laced with snow, reached me.
02:13Lyra, I'm home.
02:15A year away, and Dorian seemed more commanding.
02:19Probably from being a high official, his tone carried authority.
02:23He opened his arms, waiting for me to run into them and tell him how much I'd missed him.
02:28But I didn't.
02:29You haven't eaten, have you?
02:30Let me make you something.
02:33What's wrong?
02:34You don't miss me after a year?
02:36Or are you angry at me?
02:38Before I knew the truth, I really did miss him.
02:42And I was a little upset too.
02:44No one wants to be apart from her husband so long, and so far away.
02:49But after learning everything, I stopped hoping.
02:53I made peace with it.
02:55Instead of fighting, better to part on good terms and leave quietly.
02:59I didn't answer.
03:00Instead, I changed the subject.
03:03Go talk with Mother.
03:04I'll call you in dinner's wedding.
03:07Lyra.
03:08Lyra, what's wrong?
03:09Did you hear some rumor?
03:11This poor village rarely sees outsiders.
03:14What could I hear?
03:15Don't overthink it.
03:17Lyra, I came back to take you all to the capital.
03:20But there's something I need to tell you first.
03:21My heart clenched.
03:23I knew what he'd say.
03:25After all these years, he was finally coming clean.
03:28Dorian led me inside.
03:30I was surprised.
03:32Lady Asteros wasn't alone.
03:34There was a richly dressed woman and two children who looked just like Dorian.
03:39You're Lyra?
03:40I'm Serafina.
03:42Dorian's adopted sister and his wife.
03:46These are our son and daughter.
03:48Come on, greet her.
03:51Lyra, let me explain.
03:55He took my hand guiltily.
03:57That year, bandits attacked me on my way to the capital for the Arcan elections.
04:04If Serafina hadn't saved me, I would have died.
04:09I only meant to make her my sworn sister.
04:12Then, I learned she was an orphan with nowhere to go.
04:16I wanted to give her a home.
04:18It was my way of repaying her.
04:21If it hurts, you can hit me.
04:23Curse me.
04:28Just, when we get to the capital, I hope you two can get along.
04:33He grabbed my hand to make me hit him.
04:35I pulled it back and smiled calmly.
04:39Going to the capital is a good thing.
04:41It doesn't hurt.
04:43Mother's been unwell for years.
04:45Maybe the capital's doctors can finally help her.
04:49Dorian was overjoyed, barely able to contain himself.
04:52Really?
04:53You're not mad at me?
04:55My composure let Dorian breathe easy.
04:57He urged me.
04:59Lyra, pack your things.
05:01We'll leave the day after tomorrow.
05:02We can still make it back for the festival.
05:05Lady Asterisk doesn't have much.
05:06It won't take long.
05:08I'll pack the medicine she'll need on the road.
05:10You can all leave the day after tomorrow.
05:12Dorian stiffened.
05:14He understood immediately.
05:15Lyra, what do you mean?
05:16You're not coming with us?
05:17My lord, we probably won't come back after this.
05:21I need to sell the fields and the house.
05:23If they sit empty, we'd still owe taxes.
05:25It'd be a waste.
05:29If they sit empty, we'd still owe taxes.
05:31It'd be a waste.
05:34Take everyone back for the festival.
05:36Once I've settled things here, I'll join you after the thaw.
05:40Dorian relaxed a little.
05:42He knew what this house and land meant to me.
05:45When I first married in, the Asterisk house had nothing.
05:49We rented a drafty shack.
05:51I worked myself to the bone.
05:53Put him through his studies and the selection trials.
05:55And saved for this house in two fields.
05:58That is how we stopped worrying about food.
06:01And Dorian got a place to study in peace.
06:04Something shifted in his eyes.
06:06Maybe the memory of those days.
06:08Lyra, I'm a lord of the treasury now.
06:11Money's not an issue.
06:12Just give the land away to some poor folks.
06:14Save yourself the trouble.
06:16I smiled and shook my head.
06:18This is my hard-earned money.
06:20I can't just give them away.
06:22Don't worry, my lord.
06:24I'll come find you once it's done.
06:26I won't delay.
06:27For a moment, Dorian hesitated.
06:29Serafina caught it and tugged his sleeve, annoyed.
06:32My lord, don't go soft.
06:34The assembly has eyes on you.
06:36If you leave her here and they come asking if she says one wrong thing,
06:40how long do you think you'll keep your seat?
06:42I am not stupid.
06:43I understood Serafina immediately.
06:46So, Dorian wasn't having a change of heart.
06:49Someone had found out about his first wife.
06:52If they confirmed it, the assembly would have a field day.
06:56The king despises men who abandon the wives they swore.
07:00By the gods to cherish.
07:03The king despises men who abandon their wives.
07:06If Dorian wants to keep his seat, he needs to keep me happy and make sure I keep my mouth
07:11shut.
07:12Thinking about it, I'd be lying if I said it didn't sting.
07:16I married Dorian 13 years ago.
07:19I gave him everything I had.
07:22Dorian was a scholar.
07:23Couldn't do real work.
07:25Lady Asteris was old.
07:26No help either.
07:28His brother was a lazy good fool.
07:30Nothing.
07:31I was the one keeping the family afloat.
07:34But I never complained.
07:36I cared for Lady Asteris.
07:37And even saved up to find his brother a wife.
07:41So they could live decently.
07:43I thought doing all that would earn me his loyalty forever.
07:46But I overestimated my worth.
07:48I finally understood.
07:50The man I'd believed in had never existed.
07:53I kept the tears back.
07:54I said,
07:56So that's what worries you, my lord?
07:58I can write you a pledge.
08:00No matter who asks, I'll swear I'm Dorian's adopted sister.
08:04Will that do?
08:05All of them stared.
08:07Stunned.
08:08After a long moment, Dorian asked, half doubtful.
08:12Lyra, you'd really humble yourself for me?
08:15I smiled and nodded.
08:17For you, I'd do anything.
08:20But just to be safe, there's one thing you must destroy now.
08:24What?
08:25The marriage contract.
08:27Ours.
08:36The marriage contract.
08:38Ours.
08:40We married in a poor village.
08:42No formalities.
08:43A written contract.
08:44A shared cup.
08:45And it was done.
08:46We never registered it with the authorities.
08:49So if we destroy the contract, I am no longer Dorian's wife.
08:53Then, I just wait for that soul.
08:55I have a soldier to return.
08:56And I can marry him.
08:57I thought Dorian would be relieved.
08:59But for some reason, he hesitated.
09:03Lyra, you once said this contract was your greatest treasure.
09:06After all these years, after everything you've done for me.
09:08If I destroy the one thing you treasure, how could you bear it?
09:11Maybe we should keep it.
09:12So he did see everything I gave, remembered.
09:15But even so, he still left me here for ten years and built a family with someone else.
09:20If he could treat my devotion like dirt, why should I cling to a piece of paper?
09:24But I knew, with his cautious nature, he wouldn't just let me marry another man.
09:32But I knew, with his cautious nature, he wouldn't just let me marry another man.
09:36So I gave him a reason he could accept.
09:38You know what this contract means to me.
09:40But for your future, I'll let it go.
09:43Once we're in the capital and you take me through the door properly, you can give me a new one.
09:47That's enough.
09:48Lyra's right.
09:49A man in your position can't afford loose threads.
09:53Burn it.
09:54She's looking out for you.
09:56Make it up to her late.
09:57Before he lit it.
09:58Lyra.
10:00Hiding this from you was wrong.
10:02But trust me.
10:04I will treat you well.
10:06Wait for me.
10:07I'll come back with proper gifts and marry you the right way.
10:10He looked so sincere it was almost convincing.
10:13I chose not to believe it.
10:15I lit both copies myself.
10:17The fire took the paper.
10:19It took thirteen years of hoping with it.
10:21I watched the ash go cold.
10:23Something in me lifted.
10:27I lit both copies myself.
10:29The fire took the paper.
10:30It took thirteen years of hoping with it.
10:33I watched the ash go cold.
10:35Something in me lifted.
10:36After Dorian and Serafina retired with the children, Lady Asterisk called me back.
10:41She dropped to her knees.
10:43Lyra, I'm sorry.
10:45I hid it from you for so long.
10:47You must hate me.
10:49Her hair was fully white now.
10:51Tears ran down her face.
10:53I pulled her up.
10:54Mother, I know you did it for him.
10:56I don't blame you.
10:57The illness may have been an act.
10:58But your body has always been fragile.
11:01When you reach the capital, please listen to the doctors.
11:04She wept harder.
11:08How can you be this kind?
11:09Who will look after me the way you do once you're gone?
11:12I swear no matter what Dorian does, I will always treat you as my own.
11:15I won't let anyone mistreat you.
11:20I will always treat you as my own.
11:23I won't let anyone mistreat you.
11:25I knew her helplessness.
11:27I had never blamed her for it.
11:28But I was done trusting her.
11:30She was a mother first.
11:32Her heart would always lean toward her son.
11:34If it ever came down to a choice between Dorian and me, I already knew the answer.
11:38Mother, it's alright.
11:40Whoever Dorian marries is family to you.
11:42You owe me nothing.
11:44I had barely stepped outside when Serafina appeared in the courtyard.
11:47Laia!
11:48Don't take what he told you at face value.
11:50There were no bandits.
11:52I had thought the worst was already behind me.
11:54I was wrong.
11:55Serafina wasn't his savior at all.
11:57The truth was, Dorian had fallen for her the moment they met.
12:01He used the sworn sister story to get close, broke off her original engagement, and married her.
12:07Calling her his savior was just his way to soften me.
12:09He knows I am kind.
12:11I always repay a debt.
12:12So he and Lady Asterisk cooked up the story to force my hand.
12:16To make me accept it.
12:18Seeing me stunned, Serafina thought her words had hit home.
12:22She smirked.
12:23So when he talks about marrying you in style, that's all lies.
12:27You'll be nothing but a concubine.
12:29Oh, and Lady Asterisk?
12:31Saying she'll treat you like a daughter?
12:33You believe that?
12:34When it's her own son, her own grandchildren?
12:36Do you think you stand a chance?
12:37I blinked back the wet in my eyes.
12:40Why tell me this?
12:41You want me to leave quietly, don't you?
12:43Dorian is loyal.
12:44You've done so much for this family.
12:46If I drove you away, he'd blame me and regret it forever.
12:48I'm just making your place clear.
12:50In the capital.
12:51Know your role as a concubine.
12:53Don't hope for more status.
12:55And don't hope for children.
12:56Dorian promised me I'd be the only one to bear his children.
12:59That's why he never touched you.
13:00If you try anything, don't expect mercy.
13:02But if you behave, I'll make sure you're fed and clothed.
13:05I had no energy for her games.
13:08I nodded just to end it.
13:09The day they left, I walked them to the village edge.
13:12I unclasped my silver necklace.
13:14The only thing on me worth anything.
13:17And pressed it into Seraphina's palm.
13:19Lady Asterisk immediately objected.
13:22Lyra, I gave you this.
13:24You keep it.
13:30Lady Asterisk immediately objected.
13:33She took it and gave it back.
13:34Lyra, I gave you this.
13:36You keep it.
13:37I shook my head and pressed it back into Seraphina's hands.
13:41This necklace is Lady Asterisk's heirloom.
13:44Everyone knows it belongs to the Asterisk's daughter-in-law.
13:47If I keep it and someone investigates, it'll just raise questions.
13:50Safer with Seraphina.
13:52Mother, Lyra's right.
13:54When we're all together again, I'll give it back.
13:57Lady Asterisk wasn't happy.
13:58But since we both agreed, she just sighed and whispered to me.
14:03Lyra, don't worry.
14:04I gave you as yours.
14:06You're my only true daughter-in-law.
14:08Once you're in the capital, I'll get it back from you.
14:11I nodded.
14:12Then I pointed at the pouch hanging from Dorian's belt.
14:15Darian, that pouch.
14:17It's all I have left from my grandmother.
14:18She made it right before she passed.
14:20Could I have it back?
14:21This new way you're addressing me feels strange.
14:24Dorian frowned slightly.
14:25When we're alone, just call me my lord.
14:29When we're alone, just call me my lord.
14:32Better to be cautious.
14:33This new way you're addressing me feels strange.
14:36When we're alone, just call me my lord.
14:37Better to be cautious.
14:38Can't leave any loose ends.
14:40Dorian couldn't convince me.
14:41He sighed.
14:43Fine.
14:44After I marry you again, we'll change it back.
14:47But let me keep the pouch.
14:48It was your gift.
14:49A token of our love.
14:51I didn't understand.
14:53He used to hate that pouch.
14:55Said men wearing pouches was embarrassing.
14:58Now that I wanted to give it back, why was he refusing?
15:01It's almost the solstice.
15:03I'll be lonely here alone.
15:04Keeping the pouch gives me something to hold on to.
15:07If you want it back, I'll bring it when I come to the capital.
15:10Dorian reluctantly untied it and handed it to me.
15:13Along with a purse of coin.
15:14Just as they were leaving, he turned back.
15:17Hidden by his wide sleeve, he squeezed my hand tight.
15:20Wait for me.
15:22I'll come for you myself after the thaw.
15:25There's one last thing I need to tell you then.
15:28I didn't ask.
15:29Okay.
15:30After watching them go, I went back inside and grabbed my bag from the top of the cabinet.
15:41And grabbed my bag from the top of the cabinet.
15:44I left Dorian's coin on the table.
15:46Then I walked out the door without looking back.
15:49Heading north.
15:51That is where the man I am going to marry is waiting.
15:54I have to marry him before Dorian comes for me.
15:58Once that is done, I'll finally be free.
16:01Winter roads were hard.
16:03I had little money and couldn't afford a cart.
16:05So I stopped when I had to.
16:07When funds ran low, I worked in whatever town I was passing through.
16:12Earned enough.
16:13Then moved on.
16:16Lyra!
16:17The border force is one!
16:19After they process the prisoners, they'll return any A-Day now.
16:22You'll see your fiancé soon.
16:24Spring was near.
16:25The border was getting closer.
16:27He paid me what I'd earned.
16:29Then added a bonus.
16:31Your fiancé is a hero of Olympias.
16:34Call this my wedding gift.
16:36Hire a cart and go to him.
16:40I thanked him, hired a cart, and reached the border city.
16:44The army wasn't back yet.
16:46I slipped my last coins to the city guard.
16:49Sir, my fiancé is Caelan.
16:51When he arrives, please tell him I've rented a place east of the city.
16:55Waiting.
16:57Sir, my fiancé is Caelan.
17:00When he arrives, please tell him I've rented a place east of the city.
17:04Waiting.
17:05The guard heard this.
17:06He handed the coins back with a smile.
17:09So, you're Caelan's fiancé.
17:11No need for this.
17:12Just put in a good word for me sometime.
17:14I was confused.
17:16Caelan was just a nobody soldier.
17:18What good would my words do?
17:20He probably mistook me for someone else.
17:22But saving the coin wasn't bad.
17:24The waiting made me nervous.
17:26Caelan and I were from the same village.
17:29He'd admired me for years.
17:31That much was true.
17:32But I'd been ill or just impulse.
17:34Then I thought it through.
17:36If he changed his mind, I'd manage on my own.
17:40I have my hands.
17:42I won't starve.
17:43That settled it.
17:45I felt better.
17:46I started sewing my wedding gown.
17:49If he wants me.
17:51Good.
17:51If not, at least it is for me.
17:54When I married Dorian, I never wore one.
17:57Back then, the Asteris house had nothing.
18:00Empty walls.
18:01No gown.
18:03And the wedding wine was borrowed from a neighbor.
18:09Lyra, Lyra, Lyra.
18:11Lyra, you're such a good girl.
18:12Why stay with the Asteris house?
18:14All that hardship.
18:15Look at you.
18:16Pretty, hardworking.
18:18You could marry a rich man and not be settling.
18:20Why cling to that book-wide Dorian wasting your youth?
18:22I even argued with her.
18:24You're unfair to him.
18:26I believe in him.
18:28When he makes it, he won't let me down.
18:29She couldn't convince me, just kept calling me foolish.
18:35You're so silly, you silly girl.
18:38Now I see she was the one who saw clearly.
18:41The day I slipped away from the village, I almost ran straight into Dorian's sister-in-law.
18:48That family was never worthy of you.
18:50Go.
18:51Live freely.
18:52Stop letting them hold you down.
18:56I'll handle your sister-in-law.
18:58The Asteris house won't notice you're gone.
19:00Not for a while.
19:03I never found out what she did.
19:05But it worked.
19:06A whole month passed.
19:08No one came looking.
19:09They say you shouldn't tempt fate.
19:12On the third day at the border city, a carriage stopped outside my gate.
19:16I thought Caelan had come back early.
19:18I rushed out.
19:19I stopped.
19:21Dorian stood there.
19:23Hair wind.
19:24Tangled.
19:26Lyra.
19:29You've led me quite a chase.
19:31He closed the distance in a few strides and grabbed my wrist.
19:35Squeezing so hard my bones might crack.
19:37You promised me.
19:39Why did you run?
19:41All the way out here.
19:43To this border town.
19:45I spent half a month preparing.
19:47I went to the village myself to get you.
19:49And found the house empty.
19:55Do you know how worried I was?
19:58I couldn't break free.
19:59So I stopped trying.
20:01Why trouble yourself for me, Lord Asteris?
20:03Our contract is destroyed.
20:04I'm no longer an Asteris.
20:06Where I go, whether I live or die, that's none of your business.
20:11My cold words stung him.
20:14He got angrier.
20:16Lyra, I know you're upset.
20:17But this is reckless.
20:19You agreed to come to the capital.
20:20How could you break your word?
20:22It almost struck me as funny.
20:23I dropped the act.
20:26On our wedding day, didn't you promise to be true, to break your word?
20:31So, call it even, Lord Asteris.
20:34We're done.
20:35Done?
20:36Seeing my resolve, Dorian's eyes reddened.
20:39He pulled me close, almost nose to nose.
20:42We've been married over ten years.
20:45You can't just end it like that.
20:49Lyra, I know you're hurt.
20:51I'm sorry.
20:53When we go back, I'll make you an equal wife.
20:56You won't be beneath Serafina.
20:57All right?
20:59I snorted.
21:00He thought I wanted more.
21:02He frowned.
21:04Lyra, it's not that I won't make you equal.
21:07But Serafana saved my life.
21:11But Serafana saved my life.
21:15Saved your life?
21:17Dorian!
21:19After all this, you still hide behind that lie?
21:23Dorian.
21:26You're not even trying.
21:28He froze.
21:30Panic flashed in his eyes.
21:32Lyra, what do you mean?
21:34Seeing his face change, I tore through his lies, word by word.
21:40Serafina told me everything.
21:42There were no bandits.
21:44No one saved you.
21:45You fell for her at first sight, forced your way in, and destroyed her engagement.
21:50You made her fall in love with you, and now you're just going to throw her away?
21:54Your debt of gait was just an excuse for your betrayal.
21:58Dorian went pale.
21:59He opened his mouth, but shame choked his words.
22:03I was about to send him away when he snapped out of it and weakly pleaded.
22:07Lyra.
22:09Let me explain.
22:10Serafina's jealous.
22:12She's trying to drive us apart.
22:16She's trying to drive us apart.
22:19But you know no woman wants to share her husband.
22:22I cut him off.
22:23You understand that, too.
22:25That's why you stayed away ten years.
22:28Left me.
22:29Left me alone.
22:32Even had your mother pretend to be sick for ten years to trap me in the village.
22:36Right?
22:38Dorian.
22:40Since you care for her so much, stop chasing after me.
22:44It'll only hurt us both.
22:46I yanked my hand back.
22:48Stepped away and said coldly.
22:50The old Lyra is dead.
22:52She died the day she learnt the truth.
22:55The woman standing here now has nothing to do with you.
22:59Or the Asterisk family.
23:02For what we had, I won't speak against you.
23:05Just leave.
23:08My fiancé's coming back with the army soon.
23:12I don't want him to misunderstand.
23:14Eyes blazing with shock and fury.
23:18Fiancé?
23:19Fiancé?
23:20What fiancé?
23:21What fiancé?
23:21Who is he?
23:24What fiancé?
23:25Who is he?
23:27I answered calmly.
23:28Just a nobody soldier.
23:30You wouldn't know him, Lord Asterisk.
23:33Now go.
23:35But Dorian refused to accept it.
23:38He feigned.
23:41Lyra, have you lost your mind?
23:44You'd refuse a lord of the treasury for some lowly soldier?
23:48He could die any day.
23:49And his pay?
23:51You'd barely afford a meal.
23:53You're not getting any younger.
23:54You want to live like that again?
23:55I glared at him and said calmly.
23:57I don't fear hardship.
23:59If I did, I'd never have married you.
24:02Lord Asterisk, stop insulting my fiancé.
24:06He lacks your wealth and status.
24:08But he gives me his whole heart.
24:11Unlike you, always chasing shiny and new.
24:16Unlike you, always chasing shiny and new.
24:23I...
24:23He faltered.
24:24It took him a moment to recover.
24:27Lyra, you've got it wrong.
24:29I don't love the new and forget the old.
24:32All these years, even with Seraphia, you've always been in my heart.
24:36Words weren't enough, so he stopped.
24:38Back with me and I'll prove it.
24:40I didn't understand.
24:42But his next words answered my question.
24:46General Theron is an old acquaintance.
24:48I'll go see him.
24:50Ask him to talk to your fiancé.
24:52He plays it right.
24:53I'll find him a nice girl and cover the bride price, too.
24:57I am usually patient.
24:59But this time, I snapped.
25:03Dorian!
25:04Have you lost your mind?
25:08Dorian!
25:09Have you lost your mind?
25:10He didn't say it outright, but I understood.
25:13He was going to use his power to pressure Caelan.
25:17Caelan is just a soldier.
25:19How could he fight a Lord of the Treasury?
25:21I grabbed Dorian's sword and held it to my throat.
25:26Darian, if you go near him, I'll kill myself right now!
25:31My life may be cheap, but you're the Lord of the Treasury.
25:35If word gets out you drove a woman to her death, how would that look?
25:39He always saw me as gentle.
25:41He never thought I'd threaten to die.
25:44He panicked, froze, and pleaded.
25:47Lyra, put the sword down.
25:48Let's talk.
25:54There's nothing to say.
25:55If you don't want me dead, write it down.
26:00If anything happens to me or my fiancé, you'll be held responsible.
26:04Dorian had spent years climbing the ranks.
26:07He'd never sign his own ruin.
26:09Dorian had spent years climbing the ranks.
26:11He'd never sign his own ruin.
26:13But he kept his cool and said flatly...
26:16Fine. I'll write it.
26:18But I came in a hurry, empty-handed.
26:20You'll need to get me paper and ink.
26:22I hadn't thought that far.
26:24I turned to go inside for paper.
26:27But the bastard struck from behind.
26:29He grabbed the sword from my hand and ordered his men...
26:32Watch her.
26:33I'm going to see General Theron.
26:35They covered my mouth.
26:36I couldn't even curse.
26:38I was frantic when a rough, cheerful voice rang out...
26:42Asteris, what brings you here?
26:44I just heard you were looking for me.
26:46Something important?
26:47The voice was unfamiliar.
26:49I didn't recognize it.
26:51Then I heard Dorian, respectful.
26:55General Therian, what a coincidence.
26:58Nothing major, really.
27:00I just wanted to ask you to help find someone.
27:02So this was the border commander.
27:05Theron laughed.
27:06Find someone.
27:08Easy.
27:10Theron laughed.
27:12Find someone.
27:14Easy.
27:15Lord Asteris, mind if I finish something first?
27:18Dorian stepped back to the door.
27:21Of course.
27:22Take your time, General.
27:24But Theron dismounted, pointed at my gate, and grinned.
27:29I've got business here, too.
27:31Seeing Dorian confused, he explained.
27:33I'm here to propose.
27:35Dorian froze and instinctively blocked the entrance.
27:40General, you and your wife are devoted.
27:43Your children are grown.
27:45This isn't right.
27:47Theron heard that and burst out laughing.
27:50When he'd had his fill, he explained Theron.
27:55You misunderstood.
27:56Not for me.
27:58For my adopted Sant move.
28:00Dorian wasn't the only one stunned.
28:03I was too.
28:04I almost thought Theron had the wrong house.
28:07Theron couldn't find the right words, so he stepped past Dorian into the yard.
28:13The guards, afraid of trouble, let me go.
28:16Theron was a soldier.
28:17Rough and straightforward.
28:19He noticed nothing wrong.
28:20He just stared at me and asked.
28:22Are you Lyra?
28:24I nodded.
28:25Dazed.
28:26He clapped his hands.
28:29Then I'm in the right place.
28:30Caelan is my adopted son.
28:35Your fiancé.
28:39Caelan is my adopted son.
28:41Your fiancé.
28:43My mind was spinning.
28:45Caelan is just a soldier.
28:47How is he General Theron's adopted son?
28:50I scratched my head.
28:53General, are you sure you've got the right person?
28:56My fiancé's name is Caelan, but he couldn't be your adopted son.
29:00Maybe it's a different Caelan?
29:02Theron seemed less sure now.
29:04My adopted son's from Greenhill Village.
29:07Has a mole by his left eye.
29:10Does that match your fiancé?
29:14Never mind.
29:15I'll have him brought here.
29:17You can see for yourself.
29:18I stopped him quickly.
29:20General, no need.
29:22That sounds exactly like him.
29:25I believe you.
29:27You said he's wounded?
29:29Don't put him through that.
29:30I'll go to him.
29:32I hurried toward the door.
29:34But Dorian, silent until now, grabbed me.
29:38He stepped in front of me and lied through his teeth.
29:41General Theron, there's something we need to clear up.
29:43Lyra is my ward.
29:46She never mentioned Caelan to the family.
29:49This must have been done behind our backs.
29:51It doesn't count.
29:52Then he muttered, low enough for only me to hear.
29:56Keep your mouth shut.
29:57Caelan is the General's adopted son now.
30:01If he finds out your contract was destroyed,
30:03you won't marry him,
30:05and Caelan's reputation will be ruined.
30:15He had me there.
30:20He was right.
30:22Caelan finally had someone backing him.
30:24If I cost him that,
30:26I'd never forgive myself.
30:28I was still thinking when Theron frowned.
30:32But Lord Asterisk,
30:33your opinion doesn't matter anymore.
30:36You must have heard.
30:37Caelan charged into battle like a madman,
30:40crippled the warlord of the Eastern Reach's forces,
30:42and brought back his head.
30:43He earned the highest merit of the entire campaign.
30:46He refused the Baselius reward.
30:48He used his dis-battle honors to ask for Lyra's hand instead.
30:51If your family objected,
30:52you'd be defying the Basayan's decree.
30:55I stood there, stunned.
30:57I never imagined Caelan would fight so hard for me,
31:00or trade his honors for our vows.
31:02In that moment,
31:04all my doubts vanished.
31:05Tears welled up,
31:06but this time,
31:08from joy,
31:08from gratitude.
31:10Dorian looked thunderstruck.
31:12His face went pale.
31:14He muttered,
31:16How could this be?
31:18How?
31:21How?
31:25How could this be?
31:27How?
31:28Theron looked confused.
31:30He frowned.
31:31Lord Asterisk,
31:32This is good news.
31:34Why do you seem upset?
31:35Dorian snapped out of it.
31:37For the sake of his career,
31:39he forced a smile.
31:40Happy.
31:42I'm happy.
31:43General Theron had brought the Baselius's decree with him.
31:46When that silk unfurled at the Asterisk Man,
31:50there was nothing Dorian could do.
31:52He took us to my bar He continued.
31:52He's been blessed for a long time.
31:53he wentулярly shoveling him down the road.
31:53He made a fire.
31:53He's been to the place.
31:53He damaged it.
31:54But he's got to have to find.
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