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"Lily? Lily?" Asura-Onna called, concern flashing in her eyes. "The Madam has asked you a question. Why aren’t you responding?"
"Hehehe, perhaps you’re too flustered to speak, overwheld with excitent and embarrassnt," Rakshasa-Onna teased, covering her face as she chuckled. "After all, you’re about to marry the most powerful Supre God in Yomi."
"What’s wrong, Lily? Is there sothing you wish to say?" the Madam asked calmly, her gaze steady.
Lily finally gathered her senses and straightened her posture before kneeling deeply. "Godmother, I am prepared to repay your kindness in any way, even if it ans risking my life. But… I have never considered marriage. Please, godmother, I beg you to reconsider this order!"
The Madam gave Lily a composed, understanding look. "I see. It’s natural for a young woman to feel embarrassed and hesitant about such matters. But the Boundless Empress is one of the strongest beings in all of Yomi-no-kuni and is renowned for her beauty. She is the overlord of the Boundless Abyss. What mother wouldn’t wish for her daughter to have such a powerful and admirable partner? This union benefits us both—mother and daughter—and will secure peace for Yomi. You need not trouble yourself further. I’ve already made the decision1. Just be obedient, prepare yourself, and dress properly for the occasion."
Lily felt the world spinning around her, her thoughts scattered in a whirlwind of disbelief. She wanted to scream her refusal, but how could she defy the Madam—an entity whose influence shaped all of Yomi itself? What could she possibly do to resist such a fate?
"Godmother! I understand how much you care for ," Lily said, her voice trembling. "But I truly do not wish to marry anyone. I…"
Standing before a supre being with unparalleled authority, Lily knew she had to choose her words carefully. Yet, her heart gave her no choice but to speak with conviction.
"I… I cannot accept this marriage, no matter what!" she declared firmly.
"Kagami Lily, what did you just say?" Asura-Onna growled, fury flaring in her eyes. "Do you even realize who you are speaking to?"
"Lily, have you forgotten your past? Where you ca from?" Rakshasa-Onna scolded. "If it weren’t for the Madam’s guidance, you would never have reached this point. You could have easily ended up as a slave to so monstrous demon, trapped in a life of misery! And now, instead of showing gratitude, you dare to refuse? The Madam took you in as her goddaughter. You should be honored to help her carry the burdens of Yomi-no-kuni!"
"Regardless, Lily is my goddaughter and the princess of Yomi-no-kuni," the Madam said, her voice calm but authoritative. "She is your superior. I will not tolerate you chastising her in this manner. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Madam. We apologize," Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna said in unison, bowing deeply.
"Oh, Lily, I’m doing this for your benefit. Don’t you see that? Every girl must eventually marry. Look across all of Yomi—can you find anyone more suitable than the Boundless Empress? You are the victor of the Night Parade of One Hundred Maidens, a role that countless others failed to attain. Their fates, their sacrifices, have all led to you. If you reject this destiny, how could I justify it to the rest of the world?"
"I understand that this might feel sudden, and I apologize for not giving you more ti to adjust. There’s no rush. Take your ti to think it over. Once you’ve cald down, I trust you’ll see the bigger picture—this concerns the balance of the three realms. You’re clever, Lily. You’ll understand the gravity of our predicant, won’t you?" The Madam’s gaze softened, filled with affectionate pride, as though she expected Lily to embrace this monuntal responsibility.
"Godmother, I… I have already…"
"Lily, there’s no need to dwell on this further." The Madam flicked her smoking pipe, her gaze tender. "Every girl reacts like this before her marriage—I understand. But you must also realize that as the Princess of Yomi, this is the fate reserved for won of noble status."
"Godmother, I…" Lily’s thoughts spun wildly. Every fiber of her being scread rejection, but her mind was too clouded to form a coherent response.
‘There’s no other choice—I have to tell her!' Lily resolved firmly in her heart.
"Godmother, I already have soone I love. I’ve pledged myself to her, which is why I can never agree to this marriage." Lily bowed low, pressing her forehead against the cold ground, her hair falling in disarray around her. ř𝐚ɴǑΒÊṥ
"Soone you love?" The Madam raised an eyebrow in mild surprise and glanced at Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna. Both won shook their heads, indicating they knew nothing of this matter.
"You won’t marry the most powerful Supre God in Yomi, the Boundless Empress? I’d like to know—who is this person you hold in such high regard? If she’s soone worthy of my respect, perhaps I’ll reconsider." The Madam’s tone carried a trace of genuine curiosity.
"Huh?" Lily froze in shock. There was no doubt in her mind about who she loved. But how could she possibly explain it to them?
"Well… Godmother, I don’t think you know her," Lily muttered, lowering her head in embarrassnt.
"I don’t?" The Madam frowned slightly. "That’s surprising. I know nearly every prominent figure across the three realms. But perhaps I’ve missed soone exceptional. Tell —what is her strength, her background, and where is she now?"
"Well…"
"What’s wrong? You have soone you love, and I’m happy for you. But if you still consider your godmother, you should tell about her, shouldn’t you? You do understand, don’t you? If this marriage alliance falls apart, both your mother and the entire world may have to face dire consequences."
Lily lowered her head in defeat. "Godmother, I… I don’t know her current strength, and I don’t know where she is."
"What?" Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna exclaid, their expressions darkening with anger.
"Kagami Lily—no, Your Highness—are you playing gas with the Madam?" Asura-Onna growled. "You’re no ordinary woman. Your strength is at the pinnacle of the Empyrean stage. And yet, you claim to have a lover whose location you don’t even know? How did you make such a pledge?"
Even the Madam’s expression darkened. "I know you aren’t the type to play gas, so I believe you’re being sincere. But your explanation is far too vague to be convincing. What’s really going on here?"
"Godmother, I swear I’m telling the truth!" Lily insisted anxiously. "It’s just… my lover has gone missing. I’ve been traveling across the world searching for her."
Though her senior sister’s soul rested within the mirror, Lily knew she could never reveal such a secret. It was far too dangerous.
"Missing?" The Madam’s enchanting gaze sharpened as it rested on Lily. Her expression darkened, detecting hesitation in Lily’s flickering eyes. "If she’s truly your lover, then surely you can tell us her na, right?"
"I… I can’t rember…" Lily stamred. Though it sounded absurd, she wasn’t lying. Despite her deep love for her senior sister, her mind remained a void where the na should have been.
Even with strength rivaling that of a god, Lily couldn’t recall the na of the one she cherished most.
"Lily." The Madam’s voice, imbued with a pressure that could shake all of Yomi, bore down on Lily. The weight of it forced her to her knees, trembling uncontrollably.
"I trusted you, yet you continue to spout nonsense in front of everyone. This matter concerns the peace of all three realms, and yet you lie to . You’ve truly… disappointed ."
"Godmother, I’m not lying! I swear…" Lily’s voice cracked, her eyes welling with tears. How could she possibly explain sothing so unbelievable?
"Silence." The Madam’s voice echoed ominously through the dark chamber. "You beca my goddaughter only yesterday, so I’ll spare your dignity this ti. But heed this—this is your final warning. If you dare cause another scene without reason, I will show no rcy. Now leave!"
With a wave of her hand, an invisible force hurled Lily upward before she crashed back onto the cold ground.
"Godmother! I…"
"Silence. The marriage is final. I dare anyone in this world to oppose it," the Madam declared grimly.
Asura-Onna interjected, "Madam, we’ll need to formally propose the marriage to the Boundless Abyss and wait for their response."
The Madam nodded thoughtfully. "True. Although Lily is undoubtedly the finest maiden in history, the decision ultimately lies with the Boundless Empress. If she refuses, there is nothing more we can do."
Tears welled in Lily’s eyes, her hair disheveled as she slowly rose from the cold ground, trembling. Yet, a glimr of hope sparked within her. ‘That’s right. I don’t want this, and the Boundless Empress has never t . Perhaps she’ll reject the proposal herself. That would solve everything.'
"Make the necessary arrangents. Dress Lily in the finest attire and enhance her allure. Use the Takamagahara spirit jade mirror to capture her in a dance and record her deanor. Then, send the recording, along with an impressive dowry, to the Boundless Abyss as a formal marriage proposal," the Madam commanded.
"Understood. I’ll handle the visit to the Boundless Abyss," Asura-Onna responded.
"I’ll take care of Lily’s jade mirror recording," Rakshasa-Onna added.
"Good," the Madam said, finally satisfied. She stretched her legs, her bright red-painted toes peeking out as she leisurely took another puff from her pipe. "Let’s hope the Boundless Empress accepts. If she does, Yomi could enjoy several millennia of peace."
After issuing all her orders, the Madam dismissed Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna but motioned for Lily to stay behind.
"Lily, are you upset with ?"
"I wouldn’t dare," Lily replied softly, lowering her head2.
"I’m doing this for your own good. You’re still young and haven’t experienced the world as I have. The Boundless Empress is a remarkable heroine. You’ll lose nothing by having her as your partner. In ti, you’ll understand my intentions and see the broader picture."
"If this is your belief, godmother, then I have nothing more to say. However, everything still depends on whether the Boundless Empress agrees," Lily said, clinging desperately to her last shred of hope.
"True enough. For now, stay here with . We can spend ti together before the wedding. I’ll also teach you about Charm True Intent and other mystical abilities beyond your imagination."
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