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