The carriage ride to the Azariak estate was quiet.

Elodie Perdia sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, watching the scenery outside the window.

She had received many invitations before. Most were simple noble obligations.

A banquet.

A gathering.

A formal event where meaningless conversations were exchanged behind polite smiles.

But this invitation was different. House Azariak had requested a private meeting. A discussion between their family and House Perdia. And Elodie already understood the reason.

A marriage proposal.

The thought alone made her expression turn slightly distant. Not because she disliked the idea of marriage itself.

It was simply... Complicated. Her current priorities were elsewhere. She had spent the past months carefully planning her future.

Finding ways to create her own source of income. She did not wish to spend her life depending on the Perdia family name. She wanted the ability to choose her own path. As well as escaow her tragic fate within the Perdia family.

A marriage would not make those plans impossible. But it would certainly change them. Especially with someone she barely knew. Someone she had only vague memories of from childhood.

"I should not make assumptions before meeting them... The Azariak family may have their own reasons."

"It would be unfair to judge them without understanding the situation."

When the carriage finally arrived at the Azariak estate, Elodie stepped out gracefully.

The residence was impressive. Large enough to reflect the status of its owners. Yet Elodie did not stare at the wealth surrounding her.

Instead, she observed. The condition of the estate. The atmosphere among the servants. The way the household was managed.

Old habits of careful consideration she had developed over recent months. She was escorted into the reception hall.

The doors opened.

Inside waited the heads of House Azariak. King Azariak and his wife.

The king rose from his seat as Elodie entered.

Despite his authority, his expression was welcoming rather than intimidating.

"Lady Elodie Perdia, welcome to the Azariak estate. It has been some time since our families have had the opportunity to meet in such a personal manner."

Elodie immediately offered a respectful bow, "Your Majesty, thank you for receiving me- it is an honor to be welcomed into your home."

The queen smiled gently as she looked at Elodie.

"I must say, I was curious to meet you. I have heard many things about House Perdia's young lady."

*Elodie remained composed, "I hope the things you have heard have not caused too much concern," Her response was polite, but there was a quiet honesty behind it.

The queen's expression softened slightly.

The king gestured toward the seats.

"Please, sit, we hope this meeting can be approached as a conversation rather than a negotiation."

Elodie sat gracefully, "I appreciate that."

Tea was served, and for a short while the conversation remained formal. Yet Elodie could sense there was a purpose behind the invitation.

Eventually, the king placed his teacup down, "Lady Elodie, there is a reason we requested your presence today."

Elodie listened carefully.

"We wished to discuss the possibility of strengthening the relationship between House Azariak and House Perdia."

She already knew where the conversation was heading. Still, she allowed him to continue.

The queen spoke next.

"Our families have known one another for many years. And while alliances can take many forms... We believe there is value in allowing two people with a shared history to become better acquainted."

Elodie remained silent for a moment. Not because she was offended Simply because she was considering her response.

"I understand," Her fingers rested lightly against her teacup, "May I ask who you are referring to?"

Then the king turned toward the doorway. The doors opened.

"This is our child, the person we hope you will take the time to know... We'll leave you teo to be acquainted,"