2 days later after the fire incident.
Dariush's reputation started to rise slowly, but there were still some people who hated him.
But especially in the Farzad estate, people there started to love him more, respect him, and trust Dariush more. And in this short time, Shira, who had a great reputation among the people, helped too. After that incident, the people of the Farzad estate started to do their jobs better and faster.
In short, their productivity raised very noticeably.
.
.
.
Currently, it's daytime. Outside of the Dariush mansion, it's still cold—but that's common in the Farzad estate. The wind is blowing today, aggressively.
Inside the mansion, Dariush is in his office. A fire crackles in the fireplace. Behind Dariush, who is currently sitting at his desk, a large window allows low sunlight to cast across the room.
In the office, there is Eira too, who is currently sitting on a couch. In front of her, there is a low table. On the table, there is a tea cup. She grabbed the tea cup and sipped from it.
Dariush is looking at some papers.
Dariush thought: Productivity of the estate is at max now. And it's very good. People are really changing their minds about me. (He smirked slightly.)
And fortunately, my memories—or let's say, I am starting to remember more of this body's memories. But slower than I thought.
After a few moments later, Kian knocked the door gently and came into the office with a letter in his hand, and said with slight worry: "Mr. Dariush... I think we have a problem..."
Dariush put the papers that were in his hands away and took the letter. It had an eagle mark on it. Dariush thought to himself: From... the royal family..?
Dariush turned his head to Kian: "This is from your dad or someone else?"
Kian avoided eye contact for a moment and said: "Yes, it's from my dad."
Dariush and Eira's bodies both tensed up. Dariush took a deep breath and said: "I just hope it's a good thing."
Dariush slowly opened the letter, unfolded it, and started reading it. As he started reading, his expression started to get more irritated and darkened.
Kian and Eira realized something bad was going to happen.
Kian asked with hesitation: "Dariush... I mean, Mr. Dariush, are you okay?"
Dariush shook his head and said with frustration in his voice: "No, not a chance. I feel so bad and angry. Now take this and read it aloud. I can't do it myself." (He gave the letter to Kian, who took it with hesitation.)
Dariush leaned on the desk, clasped his hands together tightly, and put them in front of his face while his elbows were on the desk. This showed how much he was holding back and resisting the urge to snap.
Kian and Eira's hearts were already pounding.
Kian started reading the letter aloud: "This is from the Emperor of Nari to the Duke of Autumn, Mr. Dariush. For diplomatic reasons and to prevent war, we... or let's say I, arranged a marriage... Dad did what!?" (Kian was shocked but took a deep breath to continue.)
He continued, but his voice was slightly shaky: "I arranged a marriage between you and an elf prince from an elf empire. And... you can't say no. Whenever you are ready, you can marry him. From the Empire of Nari."
The office fell into silence. A very uncomfortable and deafening silence.
Eira shivered visibly. Then Dariush took a deep breath and said with barely controlled anger: "Fuck my luck—" (He gritted his teeth.) "He didn't even give me the option to say no. He knows I have a wife... But he doesn't care."
Kian folded the letter and placed it on the desk. He was clearly irritated, but he was holding back: "You don't have to worry too much, Mr. Dariush. Having a harem or marrying someone of the same gender is common in this world, especially in Nari."
Dariush growled. The veins on his forehead popped up. Both Eira and Kian shuddered.
Dariush took another deep breath to calm himself down: "That's not the case. I don't even care. But the fact that he is using me as a tool is making me upset. Not only that, he is clearly trying to destroy the relationship between me and Eira."
Dariush leaned back in his chair. His head fell back. He put his left arm over his eyes and sighed deeply.
Eira stood up and moved behind Dariush, starting to massage his shoulders gently. She said calmly despite the tense atmosphere: "Dariush, my dear husband. I love you so much. And even if you marry anyone you want, I will always love you. My love will never, ever change from something like this. Besides, I don't mind having a little rivalry." (She looked down at Dariush with an adoring gaze. She smiled softly.)
Dariush put his arms on his lap and looked up at her with a loving gaze: "Thank you for everything, my dear."
Eira's smile widened, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself to Dariush's back. She whispered: "No problem, my love."
Kian just chuckled at this moment with his mouth closed, clearly amused.
Dariush smirked and snapped at him playfully: "Oi! Don't laugh! This isn't funny! It's cute."
Kian and Eira both couldn't hold back and started laughing heartily.
And soon after, Dariush joined them too.