Chapter 2

Father gathered the finest treasure in the world for Rhea’s wedding gifts, even taking what was meant for mine.

He said to me, “Your sister is marrying far away to the merfolk. Since you’re marrying well, you should yield those worldly possessions to her!”

His blatant favouritism made my heart ache. I lowered my head, saying nothing.

Ariz couldn’t bear it. He squeezed my hand and whispered, “The dragon clan possesses countless treasures. I’ll have them sent over shortly. Don’t worry.”

The light in his eyes made me smile despite myself.

After having spent the last few days together, I discovered Ariz to be a cheerful person. Though he possessed the pride of the dragon clan, he never looked down on anyone.

Unlike Loire.

I caught sight of him out of the corner of my eye; his face was grim.

In my previous life, as his wife, I had long since learned to read his mood.

Rhea’s earlier actions had already offended him. Now Father’s disparaging words openly implied that marrying into the merfolk was inferior. For someone as prideful as Loire, it only fueled his anger.

Unwilling to watch my father and sister play at filial affection, I moved to leave with Ariz.

Rhea suddenly stopped us.

She addressed Ariz, “My sister has always been frail, less gifted than I, and even struggles with bearing children. Still she'll be your wife. You must not scorn her for these shortcomings.”

Even now, she was stepping on me while elevating herself!

She was clearly making things harder for me. I looked at Ariz anxiously.

He shot my sister a disgusted glance and said, “No need for Ms. Rhea to worry. Anny is marrying me, and I will protect her. To me, Anny is the finest woman in the world.”

Hearing Ariz’s reply, Rhea’s face twisted. She hadn’t expected such a bold response from him.

Hearing his words and feeling the steady warmth in his hand, my heart melted, and tears slipped down my face.

Thinking of Ariz’s failed ascension trial, my gaze grew firm.

In this life, I would do everything in my power to protect him.

On our wedding day, Father cried like a child.

Just as I felt a flicker of emotion, I heard my father whisper to Rhea, “Are you sure you want to marry that merman? You can still back out now. If need be, your sister can take your place.”

My expression turned cold. So did Ariz’s and Loire’s.

Though Father had spoken softly, both men possessed keen senses. They heard every word.

Seeing how foolish Father had become, I no longer wished to argue and turned toward Ariz.

Ariz took my hand, his expression somewhat unsettled.

I silently groaned, unsure how to comfort him.

Though clearly displeased, his touch remained gentle. He even produced several exquisitely crafted pastries.

Noticing my unease, his expression softened slightly as he said, “Though I’m angry, I know this isn’t your fault. I won’t take it out on you.”

My eyes stung slightly as I nodded.

Watching my father and sister, I couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Their behavior of treating marriage like selecting goods had already annoyed Ariz, let alone that merman Loire, who had never forgotten a slight.

Fortunately, in this lifetime, I had escaped.