CH 11

Inside the carriage bound for the Styx Kingdom, I asked Panagiota a few questions.

“What kind of person is Prince Athanasios? I’ve lived in a remote area for so long that I haven’t even heard any rumors about him.”

Panagiota nodded as if to say that was to be expected.

“It’s understandable that you’re worried. However, Prince Athanasios is a truly splendid person. Despite being only twenty years old, he has gained fame as a regent who handles the country’s political and diplomatic affairs. His beauty has been praised by everyone since he was young, and he has a noble and fair personality, although he tends to be a bit harsh.”

“Well… he really is a wonderful person, isn’t he?”

It’s just that I feel sorry that someone like me has to marry him, even if it’s because of the oracle.

Prince Athanasios probably won’t like me no matter what he says. He may treat me as his formal wife, but I don’t think I’ll receive his favor. As a prince, he can choose any woman he wants, and he must have high standards and expectations.

With a shabby appearance and a social status no higher than that of a princess at best, and being someone who had hardly interacted with people, anyone would be unsure of how to treat such a person.

Thinking that way, I too began to feel down.

“Does the Prince believe in the oracle?”

I wanted to say that I didn’t believe in it, but I held back. I couldn’t doubt the prophecy of the gods in front of the high priest.

However, it would be okay to ask what Athanasios Prince thinks.

Panagiota answered without hesitation.

“Of course, the Prince… well.”

“What is it?”

“This is just between us, but… we at Styx Temple are in conflict with the Prince.”

I let out a surprised voice. While I was wondering what she was talking about, Panagiota continued.

“The Prince holds an important position in the Styx Kingdom. He dislikes interfering with the politics commanded by the oracle of Styx Temple. Of course, we understand that, but the words of the main god Styx are absolute. We cannot fail to convey them. We may seem calm on the surface, but we inevitably have conflicts.”

“I see.”

I suddenly became anxious. If Panagiota’s words were true, Prince Athanasios did not like the prophecy. He was probably angry that even his marriage partner had been decided for him. He might think of me as a woman forced into marriage because of the prophecy and distance himself from me.

The future seemed very uncertain. It was painful even though I knew it.

I didn’t want to go to the Styx Kingdom if that’s the case, but the carriage mercilessly headed towards it.