Shady

“Fine.” She shrugged. “I’d rather be a peasant than the property of some snotty rich boy and his parents.”

“I don’t believe it’s as good as it gets if there’s no happiness.”

“Why would I want to be miserable my entire life if the only reward is occasional carnal pleasure? Why not work to try to improve things? Why be resigned to ...

“Then may as well just go to the war and get it over with,” she said sourly. “There’s no point in living if there’s no hope for future happiness.”

Rana grunted and folded her arms over her chest.

“I thought you said the point of life was for pleasure?” She glanced over at them.

“For the low, low cost of your daughter’s happiness and future. What a bargain.”

“Why?” She furrowed her brow. “It’s not like my father is in the poor house and desperate for a dowry. I don’t see why I should be forced to waste ...

“I don’t want to,” she pouted.

“Existing,” she said dryly. “…but specifically refusing a marriage.”

“…that’s true.” She nodded. “I’m ahead on my lessons already… though I doubt he’d reward me with university if the point is punishment.”

“I don’t want to be an officer,” Rana pouted. “I don’t want to be in the military at all. I thought you were supposed to send the kids you hate ...

Rana nodded glumly. “Married or morgue, I guess.”

“Because I don’t like that he’s planning to force me to marry someone when we get back.” She shrugged, still blushing and not looking at them. “He wouldn’t even tell ...

“…I think Father is going to enlist me in the military when we get back,” she said, not looking at them as a blush crept up her face. “Not sure ...