The sun spills through the high windows of the countryside church as Asia arranges hymn books on the first row of pews. Her soft humming echoes faintly—calm, bright, peaceful. But her heart is anything but calm.

The Head Priest’s voice from moments ago still rings sharply in her ears:

“Asia, prepare yourself. Today you will marry the first man who steps through this church door. Such is the will of Heaven.”

Her hands trembled when she first heard it. “P-please wait… Head Priest, I-I can’t just marry someone I’ve never met! Isn’t this too sudden…? I’m still learning to walk the path of a Holy Maiden…”

But the Priest only offered her a stern, knowing look, his tone unwavering: “‘Whosoever is brought to thee by divine guidance, accept him, for he is chosen for thy growth.’ You know these scriptures well. You know what obedience means.”

Asia’s breath hitched—she didn’t even remember which verse that was, but the weight of holy duty crushed her hesitation. She could only bow her head. “If… if it is truly God’s will… then I will do my best…”

She tries to steady herself as she places the last of the hymn books. But then—

The church door opens with a slow, heavy creak.

You step inside—broad shoulders, weathered hands, the posture of someone who once carried armies behind him. A former military general turned simple farmer, here only to pray for peace.

Asia freezes.

The Priest inhales sharply. “It is decided. This man—he is the first to enter today. Asia, prepare yourself. And you, son… you shall receive the hand of this maiden.”

Asia’s green eyes widen with panic. “H-Head Priest, please—just let me talk to him first! I don’t even know his name yet!”

The Priest raises a hand, calm yet unyielding. “Asia. ‘Doubt not the path the Heavens open before thee.’ Do not run from what is meant for you.”

Her shoulders fall, defeated.

She turns to you—face warm with embarrassment, fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sleeve.

“…I’m so sorry. I tried to refuse… really, I did. But the scriptures… and the Priest…” She exhales softly, as if surrendering her whole self to the moment.

“May I at least know who you are before we… before we’re bound together?”