Gaizel gazed at his father with a piercing stare, his feet firmly planted on the ground. His eyes widened as he seemed to be ready to listen to what his father had to say. It appeared that Justus had been holding back on something he wanted to share for a long time.
Meanwhile, in her room, Augusta, Gaizel's sister, was fast asleep. She woke up to use the restroom and got out of bed, opening her door. Her hair was disheveled, resembling a witch's tangled locks. She walked down the hallway and was about to reach the upstairs toilet when she heard her father's voice.
"Gaizel, I want you to...," Justus began.
"Continue my manuscript, I fear I'm no longer strong enough. The world needs to know that there's a truth that will change the current order and rules." Justus, a intelligent but physically weak man, had been ill since childhood, and it seemed that he was now suffering from a life-threatening disease.
Outside, Augusta's curiosity got the better of her, and she didn't proceed to the toilet. Instead, she leaned in close to the door to eavesdrop on the conversation. Augusta, a diligent and kind-hearted girl, was the family's pride and joy. However, she had felt neglected by her father, Justus, since she was young. But for the first time, she was intrigued by the conversation her father had initiated.
"What do you mean, Father?" Gaizel asked, still young and not fully understanding his father's words. However, he felt like he had heard the sentence before.
"Hmm, when Father finally finishes his manuscript, and Father passes away, Father wants you to show it to everyone!" Justus said, gasping for breath. His illness seemed to be flaring up, causing his breathing to become labored and his hands to shake violently.
Augusta's curiosity grew, and she wanted to hear more, but there was no sound. Suddenly, a loud thud echoed through the hallway, like someone had fallen. Augusta quickly opened the door and saw her father lying on the floor, with her brother staring at him.
"Father, what's happening?" Augusta cried out, calling for their housekeeper. She turned to her brother. "Mrs. Cornelia! Mrs. Cornelia! Help! Father has fainted!"
Mrs. Cornelia and other servants rushed upstairs. "Gaizel, what happened?" Augusta asked, but her brother just shook his head. "I don't know, sister. What did you mean?"
"What's wrong, young miss? Is the master okay? What happened?" Mrs. Cornelia asked, panicked. "It seems the master's illness has relapsed... Call for the nearest doctor!" she instructed, visibly distressed. Mrs. Cornelia, a loyal servant who had been bought and cared for by Justus, was deeply concerned for her master's well-being.
The next day, the entire family gathered in Justus's room to check on his condition. Antoni, Justus's father and the family patriarch, suggested taking him to the nearest city to see a renowned doctor. However, Justus refused, insisting that he was fine. His only concern was completing his manuscript. Everyone was surprised by Justus's determination, but they understood his resolve. Antoni left the room, saying, "Finish what you've started, Justus!"
One by one, the family members and servants left the room, leaving only Augusta behind. The doctor who had been called the night before still hadn't arrived, and Augusta was growing increasingly worried about her father's condition. "Father, I told you... rest, you can continue your manuscript anytime, but remember your health first," Augusta reminded her father.
"Augusta... cough, cough, cough. Forgive me, child. Since you were young, Father rarely paid attention to you, even playing with you, Father never did. Forgive your foolish father. Father once told your late mother that you're the smartest and bravest daughter," Justus said, his voice weak.
Augusta couldn't hold back her tears, despite her father's lack of attention when she was young, she still loved him with all her heart. She would grow up to be a strong and wise woman. "It's okay, Father, it's time for you to rest," Augusta said, leaving her father to take a nap.
Meanwhile, Antonio received a visit from a duke named Artorius, an acquaintance who came to discuss his granddaughter, Augusta. It seemed that there would be an arranged marriage between the two families, a common practice at that time. From their discussion, it was clear that Antonio owed a debt of gratitude to Artorius and his family, and to strengthen their friendship, they would arrange a marriage between their families.
"So, as I mentioned earlier, my visit is to discuss the marriage between my son and your granddaughter. Have you considered it?" Artorius asked, sipping the wine that had been served.
Antonio paused for a moment, sipping his wine. "Ah, good wine, isn't it? As for the topic, I've considered it... but since it's an arranged marriage, it's not certain, and my granddaughter isn't aware of this yet," Antonio replied.
"You know, don't you? Arranged marriages are like breeding livestock to produce offspring that we can benefit from. And this is exactly like that." Antonio said that arranged marriages were necessary but had the wrong approach.
Artorius raised his hand and suddenly slammed it on the table. "Antonio, I apologize if I'm being rude, but do you know what you're talking about? If you think this is wrong, then stop the arranged marriage and let our family relationship fall apart. You've become too emotional about your family. When I was young, I thought you were one of the best family leaders, but now you're different."
The situation was becoming increasingly tense between the two parties, and critical thinking was the best option in this situation.
"Oh, forgive me, I went too far. But isn't it true that this is all just a lie? I can guarantee this arranged marriage, but I'm still a man with feelings. I just want one thing if this arranged marriage really happens," Antonio said seriously, making a gesture with his hand. "Protect my granddaughter; if I hear even a single tear from her, I guarantee our family relationship will be over." Antonio showed his seriousness.
"Yes, yes... I'll guarantee that. Don't worry, everything will end well," Artorius said.
TO BE CONTINUED