Chương 348: Chapter : 348

"Sayma, I want to be completely honest with you," Scott began. His tone became a little more serious. He set his fork down. He looked directly into her eyes.

"I know how these arranged meetings usually go. I know our parents set this up. I know they are looking for a political alliance between our families. It can feel very stressful. It can feel like a trap." Sayma stayed quiet. She listened carefully. She analyzed his words.

"I want you to know that my family is different," Scott explained earnestly. He offered a reassuring smile.

"We do not believe in the old, strict traditions of the Inner City. We do not believe a woman should just sit in a mansion and host tea parties. My family is remarkably progressive." Sayma raised an eyebrow. She felt a spark of true curiosity.

"Progressive in what way?"

"We believe in personal freedom," Scott answered proudly.

"For example, my sister-in-law is married to my older brother. But she does not stay at home. She runs her own independent trading company. She travels the continent. My brother supports her completely. Her business is incredibly successful." Scott leaned forward slightly. He spoke with absolute sincerity.

"I know how much your role in the 13th Unit means to you," Scott said gently.

"I know you are a brilliant scholar and a vital tactician. If we were to move forward with this marriage proposal, I want to promise you something right now. I will never ask you to quit your position. I will never force you to abandon your Princess. You will have absolute personal and professional freedom. You can continue your studies. You can fight in the Succession War. I would fully support your career." Sayma stared at him. She was completely shocked. Her highly analytical mind processed the information.

She searched his face for any sign of a lie. She looked for hidden motives. She found none. He was telling the absolute truth. This was not a trap. This was an incredibly rare, perfectly ideal situation. Scott was a genuinely respectful, charming, and polite young man. He was offering her a massive amount of wealth. He was offering a flawless political alliance for her family. He was offering a kind, supportive partnership. And most importantly, he was offering to let her keep her freedom.

Any other noble girl in the entire Belmontia Empire would accept this proposal in a single heartbeat. It was a dream scenario. It solved all of her family's demands. It gave her financial security. It gave her a good husband. Sayma took another slow sip of her tea. She looked out the large glass window. She watched the people walking on the sunny street. The logic was absolutely flawless. The math added up perfectly. A marriage to Scott was the most efficient, successful path for her future.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings. But Sayma did not feel happy. She did not feel a spark of joy. Instead, a cold, empty feeling settled deep in her chest. She looked at Scott. He was a wonderful person. But he belonged to a different world. He belonged to the clean, polite, quiet world of the Inner City. If she married him, she would officially become part of his household.

Even if he let her keep her job, she would have to move into his massive mansion. She would have to attend formal dinners with his progressive family. She would have to split her time. She would become a wife first, and a Vice-Captain second. Sayma closed her eyes for a brief second. She did not picture a grand mansion. She pictured the dusty, messy, chaotic estate of the 13th Unit. She pictured Naomi yelling in the kitchen. Naomi always burned the toast, but she always made sure everyone had enough to eat.

She pictured Laxmi laughing wildly in the courtyard. Laxmi always tossed fireballs around and made everything feel exciting. She pictured Zinia lifting massive rocks and offering quiet, strong advice. She pictured Ira standing silently by the wall. Ira was learning how to smile. She pictured sweet Risa drawing pictures on the floor. She pictured Luna sleeping on the sofa, totally peaceful. She pictured Princess Iris leading them with unwavering courage and endless compassion. And she pictured Ken.

She pictured the lazy, goofy boy in the wrinkled suit. He always complained about walking. He always begged for snacks. He always made terrible, ridiculous jokes during the most serious moments. But he always made them laugh. He made the estate feel alive. He made it feel like a real home. Sayma opened her eyes. She looked back at Scott. Her brilliant mind reached an absolute, undeniable conclusion. The 13th Unit was not just a military team. They were not just coworkers. They were her true family. They were loud.

They were messy. They were chaotic. But they loved her unconditionally. They respected her mind. They relied on her golden barriers. They needed her, and she desperately needed them. She could not accept this marriage. She could not divide her loyalty. She could not pull herself away from the beautiful, crazy family she had found. She belonged in the dusty strategy room. She belonged with the misfits. Scott was a perfect match on paper. But her heart was already fully committed to the 13th Unit.

Sayma set her teacup down. She folded her hands on the table. She looked at the kind nobleman sitting across from her. She knew exactly what she had to do. She had to reject him. But as she prepared to speak, her analytical mind realized a massive, terrifying problem. She could not simply say no.

Sayma sat perfectly still in her plush velvet chair. She looked at Scott. He was waiting patiently for her answer. He offered a gentle, encouraging smile. He truly believed he had presented an unbeatable offer. Sayma's brain worked at an incredible speed. She calculated the political consequences of a simple rejection. If she just said "No, thank you," it would cause an absolute disaster. Scott's family was immensely powerful.

A polite refusal would still be viewed as a major insult in the noble society of the Inner City. Her parents would be absolutely furious. They would scream at her. They would demand a better explanation. They would force her to attend a dozen more meetings just like this one. They would never stop pressuring her until she finally gave in and married a wealthy lord. Worse, an insult to Scott's family could cause political backlash against Princess Iris. The 13th Unit could lose valuable funding or political support.

Sayma refused to put her Princess in danger just to avoid a marriage. She needed a permanent solution. She needed an excuse that was so absolute, so undeniable, and so incredibly scandalous that her parents would drop the issue forever. She needed a reason that Scott's family could not possibly take as a personal insult. Sayma analyzed the strict rules of noble society. What is the one thing a noble family cannot argue with?

What is the one excuse that completely shuts down an arranged marriage without causing a diplomatic war? True love.