"That hurt," I quickly slapped away my mother's hand, rubbing the back of my head to try and get her to pity me, but clearly, from her cold eyes, that didn't work in the slightest.

As the emperor raised his head, I couldn't help but let out a long groan that would be identical to mother… and clearly, she needed this, so I just ended my complaints there and stepped forward, sizing the boy up a bit.

He came forward as well, copying the same thing, and soon, I reached out my hand to shake it.

"I don't intend on getting familiar with you," I smirked, and as he smirked back, he slapped my hand and then grabbed it, shaking it firmly.

"Right back to you,"

"Good… and since that is finished, you all are dismissed. I'll permit you to stay one more day here, but if you try anything fishy, I'll be sure to slaughter you and your daughter," The emperor muttered coldly.

"Yeah, yeah… whatever," My mom shrugged before taking my hand and dragging me away, out of the throne room and into the hallway.

"Where are we going now?" I asked pitifully to try and get as many answers out of here, but once again, this was my mother… instead of the other one who would spoil me every single second that I was alive.

"No need for you to know right now… and I'm sure you have many questions, but store them away for now. I'll answer them all when we get back to our room,"

Well, she just answered my first question there…

"Don't say anything else… people are watching,"

"Y-Yes, ma'am," I immediately replied, understanding the situation and attempting to keep a look out towards the shadows, which I got a suspicious feeling from.

Soon, we reached our designated room, and according to my mother, this was the only real place where we were given some privacy.

When we entered, we saw a red-haired woman playing a card game with a black-haired woman whose cold eyes grazed me gently.

"Oh, sweetie, you're back," Mommy looked up and ran towards me, her red hair tickling my nose as it landed on me. "That boy didn't do anything to you, did he? If he did, you could tell us anything and everything,"

"He didn't. I promise you that," I sighed before hugging her back. "A-Also, can I ask my questions now?"

As I turned towards my mother, who sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning on Auntie Charna, who gently embraced her.

"*sigh*... Go ahead," She groaned as I could already anticipate what I was going to ask.

"First of all, what is all of this about?" I started off with a plain and obvious question that had been gnawing away at my sanity from the very back of my mind.

"The emperor offered a deal we couldn't really refuse. I'm sure Auntie right here as already told you everything about the upcoming war, so that's all you need to know. He's an important asset now and later… we need somebody we can truly trust with a big backing of materials that we can access at any time,"

"Don't we already have a big backing of materials?"

"Yes and no. Most are to do with magical items and shit because we have people who can craft and forge those, but technological parts and cores are something we do not have at all. And he practically has an infinite amount of those materials,"

"Can't we start making them, though-"

"Too late. We already started a couple of months ago, yet our progression has been slow since our entire corporation and organization has been centered around creating perfect magical soldiers and creating amazing magical gear,"

"I-I see… then, one more question… what if I already like someone… and what if I only like girls, like you two," I said in a very serious tone.

"Well, clearly you don't. You would have made a move on one of my maids if you had… but to be honest, I don't think you like anybody… so there's that problem,"

"But what if I like somebody right now?"

Both of my mothers and auntie perked up, their eyes quickly darting toward me, clearly not expecting this kind of turnout.

"Then I would be wrong… and who would this person be?" Mother asked, sitting up from my aunt's embrace and leaning forward on the edge of her bed.

"A-Auntie Celestine's daughter," I stuttered, unable to even look up at her as my eyes were practically glued to the floor.

"Mhm… if you were going to pick somebody, you should've picked somebody more realistic to your mental age… unless you're-"

"N-No! Th-That was just the first thing that came to mind! I-I swear I'm not…."

My mother lightly smirked, catching me in her trap as panic had taken my mind and caused my real intentions to slip out… though I think she already knew what was happening.

"You're gonna marry him no matter what. I'm sure both of you don't like each other, so just think of this as a political marriage to sate the interest of both sides. You two are the wires that will bind both of our families together and bring peace,"

"But-"

"No, buts. You can always date outside the marriage, but since this is a public one, never let anybody see you. You'll become a celebrity and will need to watch your every move. Otherwise, you'll be caught slipping and get practically crucified by the press,"

"I-I understand," I sighed, my head this time hanging out of disappointment and obedience since I couldn't really go against her words.

Even dating somebody else was allowed, meaning I couldn't really reject this marriage even if I tried my hardest… I'm sure both sides would take care of the news anyways.

"Oh, baby… I'm sorry," Mommy muttered, hugging me tighter and slowly stroking the top of my head.

"I-It's okay. I understand why this is happening," I muttered, slight tears welling up in my eyes.

"*sigh*... but of course, you'll get something in return. If you want something, speak up now. I will grant you any present or wish that is within my capabilities,"

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