After Ah-Lan returned me to my brother, I didn't get any punishment this time. Brother was too scared of losing me. All he did was cry over it when we met again.
Two weeks later, martial law ended. Bhi Yha Queh was barely mentioned anymore on the street, so it was in my household.
Maybe he was too upset about losing Chih Rhu, the prince never showed up to our home. I was expecting another confrontation.
The traders visited us every now and then. The contracts were finally settled.
Brother and I have returned to Khun Dhe. Compared to Lhen Jhing, Khun Dhe is a city with traditions and rituals. Every new year, Emperor Bhi will visit the temple and pray for the fortune of the nation.
Brother didn't mention anything about sneaking out to Father, but I think the butler did. Father was so angry that I was banned from going out even with company for a month.
Still no news from Master, and the sisters in Master's secret school never visited me either.
I feel so isolated, but if Master is helping me get away in the near future. I should be prepared. I meditate every day and read as much as possible. I have to steal books from Father's studio.
I still help Brother forge weapons like I used to.
It seems like everything is returning to the usual.
"What a nice sword, Brother!"
"It has to be. This is a weapon for Prince Bhi."
What…
"The new year is still… far away. Why are we preparing a present?"
"Father hasn't told you?"
"Tell me what?"
"Prince Bhi is going to marry you as soon as you reach nine years old. This is an engagement gift."
"What?"
(Notes for Earthlings: In Tian Jou, people follow the Sola Calendar, which is around eight hundred days a year. Nine years old is almost eighteen years old on Earth. —Lord of Chronicles)
The hammer in my hand falls to the ground.
Thump!
"Prince Bhi really liked you when he saw you last time."
Stop.
"After handling the chaos, all he could think about is a formal engagement."
Please stop. This is a dream.
"So he talked to Father last week. Father was really satisfied with your result. He will lift the grounding soon. This marriage will help stabilize our family legacy for future generations."
I collapse on the floor.
"Rhi Rhi, are you alright?"
He rushes to me.
"Brother, please. I don't want to marry him. He is a monster."
"Don't say that. That is against the law."
"Brother. Please. Help me. I don't want to go. I want to… I want to…"
I cannot finish the sentence.
Brother sighs. "I don't think that's possible. No one can reject the Emperor's order. Prince Bhi didn't come empty-handed."
I tremble harder and harder.
"Rhi Rhi… I'm sorry…" He hugs me in silence. "It is decided. You have one more year before the wedding. Let me know what you want, I'll give you anything I can. Just don't be sad. Please."
I say nothing. I can't. I won't. I don't want to. I don't need to.
The butterfly just turned into a moth and died in flames.
............
Two more months passed. Master, where are you? Your second favorite apprentice is going to be presented as a tribute to politics. Where is the "getting me away"?
I stroll on the streets with my maids. No direction. Nothing gained my interest anymore.
"Hey, people, do you see a walking corpse here? It's me."
That's what I want to say, but don't.
The blades I forged recently broke fast.
I cannot read. What's the point?
I used to love this street. Now, it's waving goodbye at me. Those smiling vendors and the flocks of happy kids all tell me one thing—my life here is over.
People around the city congratulate me on the engagement. I have to smile for my end.
Then—I hear something. Unusual. A rough voice across the street.
"Big news. Big news," a man in a military uniform yells. "The scholar expedition team has lost contact with the court. The army is recruiting young men for the search mission. Volunteer! Volunteer!"
Shin Song…
I look at the necklace he gave me. Is he in danger, because of me?
A strong woman who looks like a brute shouts, "Do they only accept men? I can fight."
"Sorry, women are not allowed in the military ranks."
"This country is pathetic." The woman whines and goes away. "I should have moved to Shen…"
I watch her walk away. A disappointed woman. Strong but born in the wrong society.
I get back home and hear blacksmiths talking about the mission all over the forges.
"They are looking for a blacksmith in the team. Who would drop their business for them?"
"Someone mad." He laughs. "I heard this might be a demon incident."
"Then absolutely not. I have family here."
I go to pray to Mother in the clan altar.
"Mother, what should I do? I took his necklace, but I still cannot protect myself. Now, he might die because of me."
Mother passed away years ago. I miss her.
Father comes in. He is a clean-dressed man. He stopped forging weapons for years, focusing on the business side. People in the city respect him. We are not nobles, but they treat us like one.
"Rhi'er, Father I want to let you know. I'm so proud of you."
He looks at me sincerely. "You helped us build a better relationship with the royal family. Emperor Bhi has just ordered us to make our blades the official court weapons. Good job in Lhen Jhing."
Then he hugs. I love my Father, but he only loves my vessel.
"Father, do you think the search team will find a blacksmith?"
We pull away.
"That's a weird question. That's a man's thing. Let men deal with it."
"Please, I'm curious."
He sighs, "Probably not, especially in our city. People have already settled down. Young blacksmiths know that it's easier to make a name joining our forge than joining the army. Unless he's a patriot at heart, but it's rare these days."
"Why?"
"Shen Zhun is building up after Emperor Apollo's conquest. It's not the best nation in Tian Jou. People move there nowadays. Enough of this. You girl, go focus on your wedding. Don't embarrass your husband. You're destined to be the next queen. Have you read those books about bearing kids? I hope your mother is still here. She can teach you how to…"
He goes on and on.
But one thing he is right about. I wish Mother were still here. She will convince Father not to marry me to a monster. At least that's what I believe.
Later that night, I see the letter from the military seeking a blacksmith on Father's desk when I sneak in. I use Father's stamp and approve the letter, and write down my name in the suggestion area. Fortunately, my name can fake a man's name.
Before I truly lose myself, I want to save the only man who showed me kindness.
Maybe then, I will accept my fate as the prince's bride.
I return to my room. I tie my hair in a men's style. I wrap up the weapons I forged before. And put on my brother's old clothes in the warehouse.
Say goodbye to my women's clothes. My imported dolls. And my family.
Now, Lhiu Rhi is Lhiu Rhi the blacksmith.
Hop on the horse, here we go. Next stop: Ching Heh Camp.
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