Father gathered the finest treasure in the world for Rhea’s wedding gifts, even taking what was meant for mine.

He said to me, “Your sister is marrying far away to the merfolk. Since you’re marrying well, you should yield those worldly possessions to her!”

His blatant favouritism made my heart ache. I lowered my head, saying nothing.

Ariz couldn’t bear it. He squeezed my hand and whispered, “The dragon clan possesses countless treasures. I’ll have them sent over shortly. Don’t worry.”

The light in his eyes made me smile despite myself.

After having spent the last few days together, I discovered Ariz to be a cheerful person. Though he possessed the pride of the dragon clan, he never looked down on anyone.

Unlike Loire.

I caught sight of him out of the corner of my eye; his face was grim.

In my previous life, as his wife, I had long since learned to read his mood.

Rhea’s earlier actions had already offended him. Now Father’s disparaging words openly implied that marrying into the merfolk was inferior. For someone as prideful as Loire, it only fueled his anger.

Unwilling to watch my father and sister play at filial affection, I moved to leave with Ariz.

Rhea suddenly stopped us.

She addressed Ariz, “My sister has always been frail, less gifted than I, and even struggles with bearing children. Still she'll be your wife. You must not scorn her for these shortcomings.”

Even now, she was stepping on me while elevating herself!

She was clearly making things harder for me. I looked at Ariz anxiously.

He shot my sister a disgusted glance and said, “No need for Ms. Rhea to worry. Anny is marrying me, and I will protect her. To me, Anny is the finest woman in the world.”

Hearing Ariz’s reply, Rhea’s face twisted. She hadn’t expected such a bold response from him.

Hearing his words and feeling the steady warmth in his hand, my heart melted, and tears slipped down my face.

Thinking of Ariz’s failed ascension trial, my gaze grew firm.

In this life, I would do everything in my power to protect him.

On our wedding day, Father cried like a child.

Just as I felt a flicker of emotion, I heard my father whisper to Rhea, “Are you sure you want to marry that merman? You can still back out now. If need be, your sister can take your place.”

My expression turned cold. So did Ariz’s and Loire’s.

Though Father had spoken softly, both men possessed keen senses. They heard every word.

Seeing how foolish Father had become, I no longer wished to argue and turned toward Ariz.

Ariz took my hand, his expression somewhat unsettled.

I silently groaned, unsure how to comfort him.

Though clearly displeased, his touch remained gentle. He even produced several exquisitely crafted pastries.

Noticing my unease, his expression softened slightly as he said, “Though I’m angry, I know this isn’t your fault. I won’t take it out on you.”

My eyes stung slightly as I nodded.

Watching my father and sister, I couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Their behavior of treating marriage like selecting goods had already annoyed Ariz, let alone that merman Loire, who had never forgotten a slight.

Fortunately, in this lifetime, I had escaped.

Rhea insisted on returning to the home of the dragon clan with us.

Her face radiated deep affection for my well-being as she held my hand and said, “Your health is fragile, and I simply can’t rest easy. I need to see you safe before I can leave for the merfolk territory.”

Ariz found it odd, but said nothing.

I didn’t believe for a moment that she cared about me. She simply wanted to witness Ariz fail his ascension trial and watch me die with him.

I thought to myself, ‘Rhea, you were destined for disappointment in this life.’

Smiling lightly, I asked, “Shouldn’t you consult your husband’s opinion?”

“It doesn’t matter!” she snapped.

Seeing Loire’s face only deepened my smile.

…

For the dragon clan, marriage was a grand affair, especially when it concerned their young lord.

I was surrounded and attended to from all sides, while my sister stood in the corner, consumed by jealousy.

She had always been this way. Seeing me treated like the center of the world must have been unbearable for her.

Seizing a moment when no one was near me, she approached.

“Enjoy these days while you can, Anna,” she said haughtily. “After all, you won’t have them for long.”

I met her gaze. “Why? Do you hate seeing me doing well that much?”

It was a question I’d wanted to ask her in my past life.

She sneered, “A bastard born of a cheap woman dares call herself my sister?!”

Then, as if remembering something, she cackled, “Your lowly mother killed herself right after giving birth to you just to save your pathetic life—”

Before she could finish, I slapped her.

Clutching her cheek, she glared at me viciously. “I meant to spare your life, but since you show such ingratitude, you shall die with Ariz!”

The day of Ariz’s ascension trial arrived swiftly. The entire dragon clan was on edge.

My foolish sister, however, wore a gleeful expression, provoking the other members of the dragon clan who dared not confront her openly.

The look she gave me held pity, but more than that, it was pure schadenfreude.

Before the trial, Ariz told me we could not form a bond yet.

It turned out that the dragon clan’s ascension trial grew stronger when faced with strength. Whoever bonded with him must be equal to him, otherwise the mate would hold him back.

Only then did I understand why Ariz had failed his ascension trial in my past life.

It must have been that dear sister of mine who had relentlessly demanded a bond that eventually killed him.

No wonder she was repudiated and sent home after his death.

On the day of the trial, she walked to my side, eyes shining with excitement.

“Anna, beg me, and I’ll have Father save your life.”

I looked at her calmly. “There’s no need.”

My dismissive tone enraged her. Her face twisted into a hideous grimace as she screamed, “Who are you putting on an act for? If Ariz dies, do you think you’ll survive?”

Hearing this, the dragons nearby couldn’t hold back. Clenching their fists, one of them grabbed Rhea by the collar. “You—!”

They restrained themselves in the end, unwilling to embarrass me.

Seeing the dragons suppressing their rage, I waved my hand dismissively. “I’ve already married your young lord. I belong to the dragon clan now. She may be my sister, but… sigh. Just don’t hit her face. She still needs to marry.”

Enraged, the dragon clan beat her soundly.

She cried out, “You dare disrespect the empress?! Have you all lost your mind?”

I merely smiled and shook my head.

Dark tribulation clouds gathered, vast and overwhelming, pressing down upon Ariz.

Rhea lay on the ground, covered in wounds and gasping for breath. Yet when she saw the scale of the clouds, her eyes lit up.

“Let’s see how arrogant you are now! With clouds like that, Ariz is as good as dead!”

Her eyes burned with malice as she looked at me. “Little sister, I’ll be the one collecting your corpse!”

Nobody paid her any mind. All eyes were fixed on Ariz with worry.

Though I knew he carried the protective talisman I’d given him and he’d be fine, watching the bolts of lightning crash down again and again still filled me with fear.

After what felt like an eternity, the tribulation clouds finally dispersed, yet Ariz was nowhere to be seen.

Rhea sprang to her feet, laughing maniacally to the heavens, “Anna, you’re doomed! Go join Ariz in the underworld and be a pair of ghost lovers with him!”

Her gaze fell upon me. She froze.

I stood there completely unharmed, untouched by any backlash.