Basically, my niece was identical to my brother, both in personality and appearance. She had the same blonde hair and gray eyes; she had taken almost nothing from her mother.

Every moment passed, and as my mother tried to torture me with that letter, I felt increasingly lost and embarrassed. My father, who already knew the content of the letter, let out a long, heavy sigh. Meanwhile, my niece was jumping around with joy, not even knowing what was happening. On the other hand, Laxus and Mira were just paying attention to the conversation without intervening. Already determined to end my life, my mother started clearing her throat, ready to continue with that nightmare.

"In our latest survey, we identified, through our census, that in your household resides a single woman in her twenties. It is with great pleasure that I inform you that your daughter will have the opportunity to honor the kingdom of Fiore."

While my mother announced everything written in the letter with joy and enthusiasm in her voice, for some reason, it was something good for her. However, for me, every word coming out of her mouth was a stab in my chest.

After my mother said those words, even Mirajane, who had been silent until that moment, started screaming like her daughter, who was now clinging to my arm and pulling me with force.

"And you, Aunt Luci!"

Yelled my niece, firmly holding my arm and bouncing with happiness.

"I know, you little monkey; I heard. If you keep doing that, you'll end up breaking my arm."

Said Lucy, looking at the little one who started to get scared and teary-eyed after the revelation.

"She's just playing with you, my dear."

My mother said, patting Yumi on the head and then giving me a disapproving look.

Ignoring my evident discomfort, my mother continued with her enthusiastic speech.

"As our beloved prince, Natsu Dragneel..."

Said my mother, creating a small suspense to torture me even more.

"He will come of age later this month. And as a way of entering this new phase of his life, he wished to have a companion by his side to celebrate this great occasion and become the future queen of the Kingdom of Fiore. If your daughter, sister or perhaps a protégé is interested in the possibility of becoming Crown Prince Natsu's future bride, please send your form to us at the service department in your nearest province..."

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"Guys, can't we finish reading the letter after we finish eating?"

Lucy said, interrupting her mother, a little deliberately, but without any malice behind it.

"Lucy, can you stop interrupting me all the time?"

Asked my mother, staring at me with an unfriendly face.

"Where were we..."

Said my mother, turning her attention back to the letter.

"Oh, yes."

"You don't need to worry; the young ladies will be chosen randomly to meet the prince. And they will be accommodated in the royal palace, so you don't need to worry about their safety. And the family of each participant will be generously rewarded for their services to the royal family."

While my mother stretched the words to dramatize the situation even more, I felt the weight of the revelation fall on me like a dark cloud. Mira and Laxus, who were watching everything attentively, decided not to speak, while my niece was all excited about the news, and I faced it all as a punishment.

"Did you hear that, Lucinda? They'll be generous with us."

Said Laxus, mocking me, making me roll my eyes with anger.

Despite my brother's sarcasm, I tried to maintain composure in the face of the absurd situation I found myself in. My mind was spinning a mile a minute as I tried to find some way out or at least a way to face what seemed inevitable.

What made me angrier in this whole situation was this system that didn't respect our opinion. Since princesses were always negotiated for marriages to try to strengthen some bond or relationship with another country, I knew it was necessary, but still, I was against it. While we were used as commodities to establish some connection, the princes, on the other hand, only needed to marry commoners to boost the morale of their people and the nation.

The irony of the situation didn't escape me. I saw the blatant gender inequality in this archaic system. Princesses were treated as bargaining chips, while princes could choose more freely. This reality deeply infuriated me.

My mother, ignoring my growing indignation, continued her enthusiasm for the "honorable" invitation. The letter seemed to be an irrevocable decree, a sentence that I would have to accept. Mirajane and Laxus, despite their attentive gazes, remained silent, as if they knew that any word could trigger my outburst.

"Of course, he'll love my Lu-chan, after all she's beautiful."

Said my mother, declaring it as if it were the most extraordinary thing in the world. My niece, on the other hand, was jumping for joy, while I tried to keep my frustration hidden.

"Less, mom, it's not that big of a deal. I'm barely average. Not to mention the type of girls who go in this selection; I certainly wouldn't stand a chance. Better to let it go."

Said Lucy, trying to argue with her mother.

"That's a lie. Aunt Luci is very beautiful!"

Said my niece, trying to refute me.

"Of course, I look like you, and I'm beautiful, very much so!"

Continued my niece, now releasing a broad smile that even I couldn't avoid and laughed; she was very cute.

"Laxus, what do you think, am I really beautiful?"

I asked, turning to my brother, and stared at him, waiting for his response.

After I asked that question, all eyes turned to the only firstborn of the house, who, upon hearing it, ended up letting out a small laugh.

"For me, you are and will always be a beautiful hillbilly."

Said my brother, laughing at my face.

"Fuck you, Laxus."

Said Lucy, sticking out her tongue at her brother, already a little upset.

RECOGNITION TO MEMBERS:

Matthew Jimenez🤝 - THANK YOU FOR ACTIVATING THE DOMAIN EXPANSION "MAHAYANA PRISON".

Gkiller ⛩️ - THANK YOU FOR ACTIVATING THE DOMAIN EXPANSION "MALEVOLENT SANCTUARY".