(Asher’s POV)
Due to the sudden outrage of her summon, Lorraine ended up being disqualified, leaving as the winner of the tournant. My friends, fans, waifus, and even my mother—along with a few old hookups like Clara—flooded the stage in celebration. People were beyond amazed. Not only was this the first ti in history that a male had won the tournant, but I had defeated a prodigy like Lorraine —soone who had summoned an S-rank creature that most had only read about in books. It was mind-blowing.
At least to them.
To ? I’ve fought stronger.
After the celebrations, the VIPs joined us on stage. Though Lorraine secured second place, she was too humiliated to stay and receive her dal. She rushed off, wiping away tears. So, when the Priestess ca to award the dals, I received mine as first place, Adrian took third, and Lorraine’s mother Liloth stepped in to accept her daughter’s silver.
Then the Duke arrived with the prize money: I got 100 gold coins, Lorraine 60, and Adrian 40.
Honestly? I was disappointed. I’d expected more when I heard "big prize." But I guess a hundred gold coins is a fortune to a regular citizen. Especially for n—so work a whole year or two to earn that much.
Adrian, on the other hand, was ecstatic. I could already see him planning how to blow through it all at his favorite shop: The Genzai Innovations. This cheat. He let Tama do most of the fighting, but l guess even when it cos to a real fight, no one can complain about how their opponent defeated them with dirty tricks.
That day ended on a high note. I was drained—smacked around by fans, hoisted in the air, drowned in praise. So, before anything else, I went ho for a nice, long bath.
But being the man of the hour has its price. Not long after, my mother, Sharon, Anna, and Ivy showed up at the house, claiming they were going to throw a small party in celebration. Ivy and Anna left to grab food supplies from the shop, while Mom and Sharon started preparing things at ho.
As I sank into the warm bathwater, I sighed.
There was a lot to do: check on the shop and on Kelly to teach her how to use the Dinsional Door and a lot other things. I had to make sure that creepy dark elf hadn’t ransacked the place, and l also had to check Seraphina to get that map to Shangani Kingdom... So many things, so little ti. When did I beco this busy?
I deserve a break. Sowhere quiet. Peaceful.
...A secluded place.
I sat up in the tub. That’s it. A trip sowhere quiet. I’d talk to Ivy about it. Might be fun. And productive.
After the bath, I changed into simple clothes and stepped out to find the won deep in preparation. Mom was cooking. Sharon and Anna were slicing vegetables for salad, and Ivy was setting up glasses and uncorking wine.
She held up the bottle proudly. "This stuff is the best, kids! Hard to find, highly addictive—but since it’s a party, I guess I’ll let you all have a taste."
"Oh... Banji’s wine, isn’t it?" I asked, noticing the package.
Ivy paused. "How do you know her?"
I chuckled. "Well... she’s my business partner. We run that shop together."
Though, let’s be honest—she does most of the work.
"Say what?!" Ivy cried.
"Honey, don’t joke around like that," my mother called from the kitchen.
Sharon smirked. "Brother dearest never fails to surprise."
Anna just gave a small smile. She’d been quiet all evening. Sothing was bothering her.
Could she be upset about losing to Lorraine? No. The Anna I know isn’t like that.
We drank the wine while waiting for food. It was fantastic. And I was grateful—grateful that my shop was catching the attention of high-status won like Ivy.
We partied until dawn. I even canceled all my plans just to enjoy this mont with my family.
And honestly, it wasn’t half bad.
That is, until Mom and Ivy brought out sothing unexpected: the Threads of Union.
That’s when I learned that, unlike Earth where people use wedding rings, this world had its own customs—like threads of union or matching tattoos as a sign of marriage.
"Since you two are betrothed," my mom said, smiling a little too widely for comfort, "we figured it’d be best to make things official by tying the threads of union. The wedding will wait till you get graduated, but this...can’t. Right?"
"And of course, it’s your call!" Ivy added with a wink.
Anna kept her head low, hands clutched tightly.
"Anna... are you okay?" I asked, stepping forward. "No one’s forcing anything on you. You can just—"
"I’m unworthy," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Everyone turned to her. Her silver hair fell over her face, but I could see the tears sliding down her cheeks. Sharon sat beside her, unmoved, chin in hand.
"Baby, what’s wrong?" her mother asked gently. "I thought you liked Asher."
Anna was silent for a mont before repeating softly, "I’m unworthy."
"Of what?" I asked, confused.
She sniffled. Then slowly looked up, her eyes glassy with tears.
"Of you!" she cried, voice breaking. "I’m not your ideal type! I’ve tried—but I can’t be the kind of woman you want! I’m weak! I can’t even stand up for myself! And now... I’m relying on our mothers just to stay by your side! This whole marriage—it’s just sothing arranged! I’m not the one for you!"
The room fell silent.
"Anna..." I murmured, rising and moving to sit beside her. "Why do you think that?"
She looked away, tears still falling. "Because you deserve soone strong. Soone who can stand on her own. Soone like Lorraine."
Then she stood up and walked out the door, leaving our mothers frozen in place—holding threads of union, silent and stunned.
I exhaled slowly, her words repeating over and over in my head.
Wait... Could she be talking about what I said during that truth or dare ga?
When I said I liked won who could stand on their own?
God...
I never ant fighters.
I ran a hand through my hair and stood. Then, without a word, I followed her outside.
TBC
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