Not A Perfect Marriage

A white-skinned man with slightly brown hair slowly opened his eyes. He is Race Agnito, the son of Mr. Milano and Mrs. Maria. He is the greatest knight in the eastern region and the trusted confidant of King Michel, his uncle.

Race sighed deeply and gently rubbed his face.

"What dream was that? Who is that girl?"

Race then sat up from his sleeping position and gently rubbed his face.

"Why did I draw my sword on her? What did she do wrong? What did that girl do wrong?"

Race's face looked puzzled, and he was deep in thought.

In another region, precisely in the west, the noble Marionet family had just bid farewell to their adopted daughter, Ivy. Mrs. Liana had just entered her room and found her husband sitting in his office chair.

"Has she left?" Mr. Marques asked, looking towards his wife.

"Yes, she has," Mrs. Liana replied briefly.

"Good! Finally, we can free Cheris from the curse."

"Yes, I also feel relieved that Cheris can live longer. Besides, we have been raising Ivy in this house to serve as a shield for Cheris and replace our daughter, who was destined to die young."

"Are you sure that marrying that Eastern knight can replace Cheris?" Mr. Marques asked.

"Of course, my dear. According to the latest seer we consulted, the descendant of the last seer and sorceress in the North can break the ancestral curse on Cheris. Ivy is the descendant of the last seer and sorceress, and I made sure of her lineage before bringing her here," Mrs. Liana explained in detail.

"That's good! Hopefully, the curse will disappear from our daughter soon, and Ivy can truly replace Cheris's misfortune," Mr. Marques said.

"Yes, my dear," Mrs. Liana agreed.

***

Tonight, Race came to his parents' pavilion. Mr. Milano and Mrs. Maria had summoned Race to come. Race was cutting small pieces of his grilled meat while Mr. Milano and Mrs. Maria exchanged glances before Mr. Milano cleared his throat softly. Race raised his head, hearing his father as if he was giving him a signal.

"Son, I have found a suitable bride for you," Mr. Milano suddenly said.

"Who is that person, dear?" Mrs. Maria interjected.

"Of course, who else," Mr. Milano replied.

"I don't want to marry anyone," Race refused firmly and without further thought.

"Are you trying to defy your father, Race?" Mr. Milano's voice began to rise slightly.

"Not like that, Father. But is this going overboard? You're arranging my marriage, and I don't even know the name or what the bride looks like," Race tried to give his reasons for not wanting to marry.

"Race, that girl will make our family prosperous. Do you know about your father's business? She will greatly help the business," Mrs. Maria said, trying to persuade Race.

Race took a deep breath and started to lose his patience. He looked at his parents alternately.

"Is a marriage as simple as that, Mother? Is your marriage also part of the business? Or have you always been accustomed to it, so Willingga and I must follow in your footsteps?"

"Race, your mother just wants you to be happy. Marrying that girl will make you stronger in the kingdom, and she can also help your father's business thrive. Please, listen to us," Mrs. Maria pleaded.

"Do not bring up that foolish child who has already passed away! Whether you like it or not, you must marry the noble princess from the West!" Mr. Race scolded, ultimately losing his patience.

***

Ivy was about to close her eyes and fall asleep on the luxurious and comfortable train. The journey from the West to the East was undoubtedly long and tiring. Just as Ivy was about to drift off, her breath became irregular, and she abruptly opened her eyes as if she had just witnessed something unpleasant in her dream.

"Who was that person? Why did they thrust their sword at me?" Ivy uttered with fear, scanning her surroundings.

Ivy calmed down when she realized it was all just a dream. She gently massaged her chest and reached for the water bottle beside her seat.

"It seems like it was just a dream, but why did I dream of something like that? Could it be some prophecy?" Ivy muttered, taking a slow sip of the water.

"We are entering the Eastern region!"

The voice of the carriage driver could be heard shouting from outside. Ivy then looked towards the window and saw the Eastern region she was visiting for the first time. Ivy smiled as she observed the bustling and picturesque Eastern area.

"Will my life be better here?"

***

He gently wiped his face and sat in Race's Bungalow Pavilion residence. Once again, Race had a dream about Ivy, the girl he was supposed to marry.

"Who is Ivy? Why is her fate so unfortunate? I dreamt about that girl again. She will arrive here tomorrow morning, and I have to marry her. How can I marry a woman I don't even know?"

Knock knock knock

The sound of a knock on Race's bedroom door made the handsome man look towards it. Race then got off the bed and walked to open the door.

"Winter? What brings you here?" Race asked.

"Are you asleep?" Winter asked in return.

"Yes, but you woke me up. If it's not important, please leave!"

"Tsk... I wanted to comfort you, Race."

Winter entered Race's room without permission and sat on a chair near Race's bed.

"Comfort me? For what?" Race asked, puzzled.

Winter softly patted the empty chair beside him, gesturing for Race to sit. He then smiled faintly.

"Tomorrow, you'll be married. Of course, I don't want to miss this night. Let's get drunk until morning. Once you have a wife, you won't be able to get drunk with me anymore."

Race gazed at his cousin, who was the crown prince. Race sighed heavily, feeling annoyed. He then turned his face away.

"You always manage to turn insults into consolation, Winter Agnito."

Despite his annoyance with his cousin, Race sat next to Winter. They both agreed with Winter's idea of getting drunk tonight.

"So, you agree to the marriage?" Winter asked again.

"Of course, how can I refuse the request of my parents?" Race replied, affirming his decision.

"So, you want her? She must be beautiful if you're willing," Winter commented.

Race let out a soft snort and then chuckled lightly. He shook his head slowly.

"Marrying her doesn't mean I'm interested in her. I don't even know what her face looks like. I'm marrying her because of my parents, Winter. I won't let my feelings get involved. Our marriage is just a mutual need for each other. Besides, I will execute it in the end."

"Execute? What do you mean, Race?" Winter asked, with a bewildered and incredulous expression on his face.

***

Ivy looked confused at the three servants who suddenly entered her room. Each carried different items – Miranda brought some beautiful dresses, while the other servants had boxes containing shoes and makeup.

"Good evening, young lady," Miranda greeted.

"Yes, good evening," Ivy replied with a friendly smile.

"Allow me to introduce Selina and Gareta; they will also serve you here."

Miranda introduced her colleagues to Ivy, pointing at Selina and then Gareta.

"So, I have three young servants. What brings you here at this hour?" Ivy asked.

"We are here to prepare your dinner. These are the clothes prepared for you. Please choose!" Miranda explained.

"I am in charge of doing your makeup, young lady," Gareta added cheerfully and enthusiastically.

"Does dinner require such excessive preparations? I am fine wearing ordinary clothes and don't need embellishments," Ivy said, displaying her innocent expression.

"What is excessive about it, young lady? These are just ordinary clothes that nobles wear," Gareta retorted.

Once again, Miranda looked at Ivy with an unhappy face.

"Such a rustic girl! I can't believe she is a noblewoman from the northern region. How can a woman like her be paired with young Mr. Race," Miranda thought to herself.

Selina and Gareta, on the other hand, smiled mischievously upon hearing Ivy's question. They approached Ivy and held her hands simultaneously. Ivy was surprised and looked at Selina and Gareta in confusion.

"That's right, young lady, this is not an ordinary dinner. Young Mr. Race will join the dinner and introduce you to everyone in the East. Let's take a bath first. I will help you bathe."

"Huh? What?" Ivy's face suddenly showed surprise and fear.

"Come on, young lady, I will escort you to the bathroom. I will help you scrub your back with Selina," Gareta offered.

"I can bathe by myself. Just prepare the clothes and what is needed!" Ivy swiftly left, leaving the three servants behind, and entered the bathroom.

"Why is the young lady so amusing," Gareta chuckled softly.

"Indeed, she is so cute and adorable," Selina said, agreeing.

"It's not cute, and it's foolish. There has never been a noblewoman as careless and boisterous as her," Miranda remarked, clearly disliking Ivy.

"Don't be too harsh, Miranda!" Gareta expressed slight displeasure with Miranda's attitude.

"That's the reality, Gareta. It's my first time encountering a noblewoman who behaves like that. She is too blatant in showing that she truly comes from a lower class."

The three servants of Ivy were debating, unaware that Ivy, wrapped in a towel, was looking at herself in the mirror. Ivy looked confused and sad, gently touching her back.

"What should I say about these scars?"

***

Ivy sat at the dining table, waiting for her husband even though it was already quite late, especially for dinner. Ivy gazed at all the food served that night but hadn't touched any of it. Ivy intended to eat with her husband, but he didn't show up.

"Did he forget?" she murmured.

"But how could he forget? Wasn't he the one who instructed all the servants to prepare this? Then, what should I do?" Ivy spoke again.

She sighed deeply and stood up from her seat. Ivy looked at the food on the table again and held her hungry stomach.

I'll eat tomorrow morning. I want to eat with him. Isn't this our first meeting? Why didn't he come to meet me?"

Ivy was about to return to her room when someone suddenly stood before her. Ivy lifted her head and widened her eyes in disbelief upon seeing a man with fairer skin than hers, dark brown hair, and a firm face.

"Who are you?" she asked, taking a step back.

"Ivy Marionet?" the man uttered, questioning.

"Um."

"Are you Ag... Agnito? Ah, why did I forget his first name?" Ivy continued.

"Winter Agnito, the crown prince in the eastern region."

"As far as I remember, my husband is not a crown prince," Ivy retorted, thinking Winter was her husband.

"He's not a crown prince," Winter replied.

"So, why are you here? Did you come with my husband?" Ivy asked, looking at Winter.

"No," Winter answered briefly.

"So?"

"I just wanted to see you. I was curious about who Ivy Marionet is, the one who successfully married Race Agnito," Winter stated.

"Huh?"

"Race is not an easy man to win over. Who are you really, Ivy? Why did Uncle and Aunt choose you to be Race's wife?" Winter questioned again.

***

Ivy woke up late this morning. Last night, she used a lot of her magic to conceal all the scars on her body so that no one would see them. She also skipped dinner, so she had no energy left. Miranda had entered Ivy's room a while ago and placed a glass of warm milk on the table near Ivy's bed. Seeing that Ivy still hadn't woken up, Miranda huffed in annoyance and left the room.

Several hours later, Ivy, who had regained her strength, woke up. Ivy stretched and yawned, scanning the room with her eyes. She was startled to see a man sitting on the chair near the window.

"Aaaaaa!!!" Ivy screamed and quickly moved away.

The man, who had been looking out the window, turned his gaze towards Ivy with a furrowed brow. "Why are you screaming?" he said.

"W-who are you? How did you get inside my room?" Ivy asked, her voice filled with fear.

The man, who was more attractive than Winter in Ivy's eyes, gave a faint smile. He stood up and approached Ivy's bed. "Hey! Hey! Don't come any closer! Stay there!" Ivy said, moving away again.

"Why can't I sit here? I have the right to be in this place too."

The man's words made Ivy's mind work, and she covered her mouth in surprise. "Agnito... Ag ai shhh, what's your name?" Ivy asked, unable to remember her own husband's name.

"Race Agnito. How could you forget your own husband's name? Hurry up and get ready! I'll wait for you at the dining table."

Race stood up and walked towards the exit, but Ivy quickly grabbed his hand.

"Wait!"

Race was surprised by what Ivy did and instinctively jerked his hand away roughly. Now, it was Ivy who was shocked by Race's reaction. She stared at her hand that Race had brushed off somewhat harshly.

***

Ivy was speechless as Race continued to eat his lunch, cutting into the grilled meat with his knife. "There won't be any welcome party or introduction party for you. I'm too busy to handle all that," Race said while Ivy played with her cream soup, which she had chosen for lunch.

"Don't expect me to wait for you to come home. I won't return to this pavilion unless it's urgent. If you need anything, tell Miranda. She's the longest-serving servant and knows this pavilion well."

Race then ate the meat and chewed while Ivy stirred her soup absentmindedly.

"One more thing, we are indeed husband and wife. But don't expect me to fulfill my duties as a husband to you. I won't demand anything from you either. But don't worry. You will still receive your rights as my wife here. I will provide for all your needs, but not the needs of a husband and wife," Race emphasised, his gaze fixed on Ivy now.

Ivy, who had been looking at Race since he started speaking, widened her eyes in disbelief. She swallowed hard, struggling to hold back her urge to ask Race what he meant by all these words.

"Do you have any questions?" Race asked.

"If you have nothing to ask, continue eating! I'll return to the training base camp. I'm a leader of the royal soldiers, so I can't relax and dine with you three times a day. Start adapting here!" Race added.

Race stood up and walked away, leaving Ivy sitting there in silence. Ivy clenched her spoon tightly and then closed her eyes for a moment.

"So, why did you agree to marry me if you don't have time to pretend to be a husband? You should have just refused this arranged marriage. It didn't have to happen if you didn't want it to. If you had rejected marrying me, I would have chosen to stay in the West. After all, we never really knew each other, did we? Why are you busy explaining things you could have easily avoided, Race?" Ivy muttered to herself.

***

"Is the young mistress not eating anymore?" Selina asked.

Seeing Gareta enter the kitchen carrying a tray of food that seemed untouched by Ivy, Selina grew more concerned about her.

"Yes, it seems she's having some difficulty adapting here. The food here is also very different from up north. The food here seems a bit oily," Gareta responded.

"Ah... you're right, Gareta," Selina agreed.

Not long after, Miranda arrived and laughed mockingly at her two colleagues. Miranda then took a piece of chicken cooked in sauce by Selina earlier. Without hesitation, Miranda put the amount of chicken in her mouth.

"It's not the food that's causing the young mistress Ivy to refuse to eat," she said with her mouth full.

"Then what?" Gareta and Selina asked simultaneously.

"The young mistress is not welcome here. Even young Master Race doesn't want to see her, let alone the Agnito family. Their arranged marriage is solely for the Agnito family's benefit. The master must have his agenda in marrying young master Race to the young mistress Ivy. What's certain is that the young mistress Ivy is neither a wife nor a daughter-in-law here," Miranda explained.

"Then what?" Gareta asked again.

"A hostage."

Ivy, behind the kitchen door all this time, turned around and clenched her clothes tightly. Ivy, who had intended to ask for a glass of juice to regain her strength, instead heard this dreadful news from her own servants' gossip. Ivy took a deep breath and abandoned her intention to ask for juice.

"It turns out that wherever I am, I am nothing more than a hostage. I was taken because I am needed and useful to them."

To overcome her sadness, Ivy took a walk in the pavilion area. Unfortunately, Ivy ended up walking too far into the forest.

"Where am I? Which way should I go to get back to the pavilion? Why has the path split?"

Ivy looked confused as she saw the two diverging paths before her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes gently. After reciting a few mantras, Ivy opened her eyes again and saw the two paths alternately. Ivy smiled with joy when she saw one way brightly lit. Without hesitation, Ivy walked along that path to return to the pavilion.

Ivy had just arrived at the pavilion when it was dark. Ivy was startled to see Race in front of her.

"Where have you been? Don't you know it's already dark?" Race scolded.

"I was just taking a stroll around the pavilion," Ivy answered, slightly frightened.

"Then why did you go alone? You should have asked one of the servants to accompany you, like Miranda. Didn't I tell you that you're my responsibility here!"

Race sounded angrier.

"Sorry, I didn't know it would make you angry. I thought you wouldn't come back here. Didn't you say you would only come back if there were something urgent?"

"If I didn't return, would you spend the whole day walking around? It's nighttime now. I heard you didn't even have breakfast or lunch. Do you want to die here, huh? If you want to die, don't do anything dangerous in my pavilion! Don't do anything that jeopardizes anything if you want to be my wife!" Race said again.

"Why should I obey your words, Race? Isn't it better for you if I'm not here?" Ivy asked, staring intensely at Race and starting to gather the courage to defy him.

"Don't defy me, Iv! You have no right to defy me here!"

"Then what rights do I have? Should I remain silent when everyone treats me like a hostage wherever I go?"

Ivy stared at Race, who was also staring back at Ivy sharply.

"You're not a hostage. You're a threat to me, especially Winter."

***

A few months later, Gareta entered Ivy's room carrying many boxes, almost obscuring her face.

"Young mistress, these are new clothes from young master Race," Gareta said, seeking permission to enter the dressing room.

Ivy sighed deeply, tired of Race's behaviour. Her husband was genuinely fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband. Race provided for all of Ivy's needs, even in excess. However, Race rarely returned to the pavilion, perhaps only once every two weeks. And even then, he would only stay briefly and get angry at Ivy, always finding faults with her in front of him.

After placing the clothes that Race had given her for the umpteenth time, Gareta left and approached Ivy, sitting on a chair near the window.

"Young mistress, what would you like for lunch? Selina and the cook are preparing sauced meat. Would that be alright?"

"I'll eat anything, Gareta. Um, may I ask?" Ivy said.

"Of course, young mistress."

"Who brought those clothes? Did Race send them by carriage again?" Ivy asked, although she knew that Race couldn't have brought them himself.

Seeing her servant unable to answer and looking at her with pity, Ivy smiled and swiftly waved her hand to dismiss Gareta.

"No need to answer! I can guess your answer, Gareta. Go back to the kitchen!"

Ivy, feeling lonely in her room, found it difficult to sleep. She remembered her presence as a threat to Race. She edged down from the bed and walked toward the window. Ivy looked out the window and glanced downward.

"Would it hurt if I fell from here?"

"It would hurt more than Mother's or Charly's blows," Ivy continued her monologue.

Brakkk!!!

The door to Ivy's room was forcefully flung open from the outside.

"Are you crazy? Didn't I say that if you want to die, don't do it in my pavilion!"

Race dragged Ivy towards the bed. He seated her somewhat roughly, nearly causing Ivy to fall backwards.

"Are you crazy?" Race reprimanded.

"Me?" Ivy asked innocently.

"Yes, who else? If you're not crazy, why would you think of jumping from that window?"

"Jump? How could he know that I was thinking like that?" Ivy wondered.

"Answer me! Why are you silent? You won't lack anything here. I'll take responsibility for your finances, food, clothes, and all your needs. So, be quiet! Sit calmly, enjoy your luxurious life here, and don't even think about dying. Understood?" Race yelled, surprising Ivy.

Ivy stared intently at Race, realising that everything he said was true. She lived a life of abundance, luxury, and lack of nothing. However, Race didn't understand Ivy's feelings. Race didn't know how much Ivy wanted to live an everyday life like everyone else. Moreover, now that she was a wife, Ivy wanted to be treated like a wife, not like a hostage, as Miranda had described.

Race stared sharply at Ivy, noticing her teary eyes. He took a frustrated breath and roughly wiped his face. Seeing Race so frustrated, Ivy hesitantly reached out and took Race's hand without permission.

"Sorry, Race," she whispered.

Race was surprised by Ivy's words. Normally, he would immediately reject Ivy's touch, but this time, he remained silent and stared at Ivy with widened eyes.

"I will follow your words, Race. I won't think of dying anymore. Once again, I apologize for making you so angry," Ivy said again, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Why am I staying silent when this girl touches me? Why do I worry about the dreams that constantly come to me about this girl? What's happening to me?" Race pondered in his mind.

***

In the Bungalow Pavilion, Race and Winter were drinking together tonight.

"Are you sure you've never met Ivy?" Winter asked.

"Yes," Race replied curtly.

"You're strange, Race. She's your wife, not a stranger."

"I know."

"Then why do you act that way? Aren't you hurting her gentle heart?"

Race glanced briefly at Winter before taking another sip of his drink.

"I have taken responsibility for her. I provide for all her needs, and she has many servants accompanying her. She lives a luxurious life, and she lacks nothing. What more does she need?" Race said.

"Race, Ivy needs more than just material things. Doesn't she need attention and you more than anything?" Winter disagreed with his cousin.

Race smirked and poured more drink into his glass.

"This is just a marriage of convenience, Winter. Besides, we will eventually part ways. I have no intention of living with that girl forever."

"If that's how you think, why did you agree to this arranged marriage? Aren't you hurting someone now?" Winter asked again, his expression serious, displeased with Race's attitude.

"Because it is my destiny. In the end, this destiny is also for you, Winter. In the future, I will do anything for you, the crown prince," Race said, successfully confusing Winter.

"For me?" Winter asked.

"Yes, Ivy is not a good woman for me or you. I will end it before you become the first victim because of Ivy."

"What do you mean, Race? Why would I be a victim of Ivy? Who is she?" Winter became more puzzled by Race's words.

"She is a noblewoman from the West," Race said casually.

"I know that, but what do you mean by me being Ivy's first victim?"

"Just follow my words, Winter!"

"Is my suspicion about Ivy correct?" Winter wondered to himself.

***

Ivy was walking alone in the side garden of her pavilion. She looked amazed at the neatly arranged flower garden.

"It turns out that many beautiful flowers are growing in this pavilion filled with cold people and rude servants. What kind of flower is this? Purple orchid?"

Ivy smiled happily and reached out her hand without hesitation to touch the flower. Someone quickly pulled Ivy's hand.

"Are you foolish or what?" Winter said.

Ivy furrowed her brows upon seeing Winter's arrival in her pavilion.

"Why?"

"Don't you know?"

"What?"

"That flower is poisonous, Ivy. Don't you know?"

"I have no idea at all. Can such a beautiful flower be poisonous?" Ivy looked confused and gazed at the flower again.

"You're truly innocent, Iv. You didn't touch it, did you?" Winter asked to confirm.

"Well... I haven't touched it yet. Thank you for preventing me from touching it."

"By the way, why did you come here, Winter? Is there something to discuss with Race? We don't live together," Ivy asked again.

"I know."

"So?"

"Can we talk privately?" Winter asked with a serious expression.

Winter and Ivy ended up strolling around the garden while continuing their conversation.

"So, you know nothing about Race?" Winter asked.

"No, nothing at all. That's why I don't understand why Race sees me as a threat, especially to you, Winter," Ivy replied.

"I also don't know what Race's intentions are, but so far, I don't feel that you're a danger to me, Iv. That's why I came here to see for myself," Winter explained.

Ivy smiled and touched her neck, which sent shivers down her spine.

"My neck is tingling. There's magic that's about to harm someone," Ivy thought.

Ivy's eyes then focused on the forest and saw a golden arrow heading toward them.

"That's magic. I have to protect Winter."

Quickly, Ivy hugged Winter, using herself as a shield.

"Hey! Why are you hugging me all of a sudden? What are you doing?"

"J-just stay quiet for a moment!"

"Ivy! Let go of me! What are you doing?"

Winter forcefully broke free from Ivy's embrace. Ivy finally released her hold on Winter.

"Ivy! What happened to you? Why is your face turning blue?" Winter started to panic.

"N-no... it's nothing..."

***