Once Upon Us (Suddenly Became A Princess One Day)

Finale

• • • •

Athanasia looked at her guests and smiled inwardly. Why does she feel so old when she's around girls of her age?

"So, how is it?" Marie gushed in excitement.

"I.. ugh.. replied to his letter." Hannah shyly said.

"But I thought your father wants you to marry Lord Sebastian's first son." Jane cut in.

Athanasia took a sip of tea. Well, that's partly true. The main responsibility of a young lady from a noble family is to marry a good and wealthy husband. So, it's not surprising that the majority of their discussions revolve around the most eligible men in the kingdom.

Even if eligible mean that they marry someone far older.

"I guess I'll have to talk to my father." Hannah looked at her cup with a sad look. Her suitor was also from a noble family but he's the fourth son. Quite far from her father's expectations.

Athanasia stared at her own cup and wondered if her dad would treat her the same way. He did say that she can just stay with him and not marry.

But what if she found someone?

Will his wealth and social status matter?

• • • •

"Dad."

Claude glanced at Athanasia. The breeze gently fanned his golden locks across his forehead. They're drinking tea in the garden as usual.

"Will it matter to you if I fell in love with someone who doesn't have much of a social standing or status?"

Claude's eyes narrowed into slits. "Why do you ask?"

Athanasia shrugged, no longer bothered or intimidated by her father which is quite a feat since he tried to kill her many times. Claude did prove his good will when she got older. Hence, her faith in him skyrocketed to an immeasurable degree.

She can now proudly claim that she's a daddy's girl. But, of course, Claude doesn't want those facts rubbed against his face.

"I'm just curious." She answered. "I know I have to marry someone capable of becoming a good emperor, but, I want to know your thoughts about it."

Claude lifted his tea cup and took a sip. "It doesn't really matter since I'm confident that you'll pick someone worthy."

Athanasia blinked. She didn't know if she should be flabbergasted or moved.

"If not, I'll just kill him."

Ugh... nevermind.

Athanasia brushed the side of her tea cup gently with one finger.

Someone worthy, huh?

She never thought about marriage. All that she could ever focus on was surviving beyond her 18th birthday. Now that she managed to achieve far more than that, she couldn't help but admit that she is now facing a wall she may have a hard time climbing.

"What's the matter?" Claude raised a brow.

All these talks about marrying seems more stressful than everything she went through since her intellect and talent revolves around theoretical studies and magic.

But marriage and love?

Athanasia glanced back at her dad, wondering if he's the best person to ask about such things. She instantly shook the thought away.

"Nothing."

She may have to ask someone else.

But who?