To the unknown Future

Chapter 23:

After that, they both went back to the city first, since they both knew that someone would most likely look for them sooner or later. When they reach the entrance gate of Mondstadt, Venti told Uriel that he will visit her later at midnight, before they parted ways. Uriel showed in the inn, just before her parents sleep and they talk to her for an important conversation. 

"Uriel, the reason we want to talk to you..." Her adoptive father started as the three of them settled down in her adoptive parent's room, Uriel looked at them, not knowing what they want to tell her would turn her life upside down. 

"...We want you to have an arranged marriage with the Heir of Feiyun Family," Her mother finished the sentence. Uriel was surprised at this and was stunned speechless. Who was the heir of the Feiyun Family? That's Xingqui! Xingqui is three years younger than her, and they treat each other like close friends, but that's all! How could they have such an idea?!

"We figured that since the young heir is dependent on you and trust you, we should have an arrange marriage to secure the position of the heir," Her adoptive father said. 

"No! I don' want this arrangement! Xingqui is like a family to me, but not that kind of family you want to label us! I'm against this!" Uriel stood up from her seat and said this firmly. 

"Uriel! We do not raise you like that! Sit down and listen to us!" Uriel's adoptive mother raised her voice at her, but Uriel was not folding in. 

"Since when did you have the desire to be closer to the first branch? We are the exorcist family of the Feiyun generation, The thing that you two are pursuing, isn't that against the mantra you keep trying to teach me since I was a child?" Uriel frowned at them before heading towards the door. 

"Uriel don't you dare leave this room without us telling you! We're still talking!" Her adoptive father said in a raised voice.

"No, we are done talking, I will not do it! No matter how much you try to pressure me or chain me back that house- I will not succumb anymore!" Uriel turned around and glared at them. 

"How much? How much do you from me to buy my freedom? Tell me and I will pay you!" Uriel shouted at them. 

"You wild girl! Where are your manners!" Her adopted mother stood up too and held her wrist tightly. Uriel pulled her arm away from her grip and glared at the older woman. 

"The price, tell it to me now, else let's see how the people of Mondstadt see you two treat your 'adopted' daughter like raising a dog," Uriel threatened them. 

"You dare to threaten us! You wild girl! For all we did for you, this is how you repay us?!" Her adopted father shouted in a blind rage. Uriel smirked before crossing her arms together. 

"Do you want me to have a list between your goodwill and your hostility towards me? I'm not blind nor a fool, I know what you did to me," Uriel said and turn around to open the door and leave that room.

Uriel took a deep breath, she was nervous and felt a bit elated that she conquered that fight. However, if they still tried to pursue that, then what can she do?

"Uriel? You're back! I'm glad, I faintly heard you and your parents talking, are you okay?" Xingqui appeared from the end of the hall walked towards her, looking at her worried.

"It's just something trival, why are you still not asleep?" She asked Xingqui. The heir seemed to appear shy and smiled at her.

"I was waiting for you to come back, of course," Xingqui said and Uriel seemed to be enlightened on the spot.

Their interactions, seemed sweet and loving to the point that people will misunderstand them. Uriel took note of this before telling Xingqui about what happened.

The two of them continued their conversation inside his room and  Xingqui was flabbergasted.

"What?! Sixth Uncle and Sixth Auntie did that to you?! Why did you just say this now?! Uriel jiejie you-" Xingqui was overwhelmed with guilt and sadness while looking at her figure.

Starved since young, not able to leave the sixth family's ancestral hall till she finishe copying the sutras, no maids, no servants to serve her- What kind of life did she experienced before he even came to her life?!

"The demand they want from me is to have an arranged marriage with you to have the Sixth family closer to the first family. Xingqui, you must not let their schemes blossom! We cannot tolerate them doing this," Uriel said with a frown and hate on her expression.

Xingqui was a bit startled at this, and surpress the question that was bugging him deep inside. He must take care of that issue first, for Uriel.

"I heard what I need to hear, don't worry Uriel Jiejie, I will seek justice for you,"