Mariska’s Journey

Chapter 1. Mariska Lineker.

Once upon a time in a world called Friarzert, in a house, there was a girl lost in thought near a window.

The girl's name was Mariska Lineker.

Mariska Lineker is a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, with ember-colored eyes.Mariska's mother passed away six years ago, and three years later, her father died just a few days after Mariska turned thirteen, so her father's brother, named Garry, took care of her with great affection.

However, Count Alfred's proposal, about a month ago, made Mariska's heart uneasy. This was because Count Alfred already had three wives, and Mariska's instincts sensed the cruelty behind Count Alfred's charming smile.

Count Alfred himself, although he is eighty years old, is still handsome, with a face and appearance like a man who is only forty years old.

Mariska has expressed her disagreement with Count Alfred's proposal, and her uncle supports Mariska's decision. Unfortunately, Elizabeth, who is Garry's wife, strongly supports the marriage between Mariska and Count Alfred.

The difference of opinion eventually led to an argument between Garry and Elizabeth.

Back to the present, where Mariska is unaware that her maid has entered her room.

A maid who appeared to be around thirty-five years old approached Mariska from behind.

"Miss, you don't need to worry too much. What if you run away?"

The servant's words startled Mariska, who was daydreaming.

Mariska turned around.

"Sorry Aunt Lyra, what did you just say?"

Lyra smiled after hearing Mariska's question.

"Miss, it's better if you run away."

"What? Did I hear that correctly? Aunt suggested that I run away? As Auntie can see, it's snowing outside, and the roads are covered in snow," Mariska replied, furrowing her brow.

"Miss, you didn't hear wrong, and there's no need to worry too much about the snow. In fact, the snow will make our escape easier, and I know safe places for us to stop." Besides, Mr. and Mrs.Lineker are currently at Count Alfred's castle.

Mariska fell silent and her mind was in turmoil.

"Should I run away?"

Mariska looked confused and anxious.

Lyra looked calm and let Mariska think.

After solidifying her resolve, Mariska said, "Alright, we will escape... but what about the people sent by Count Alfred who are always watching from outside the house?"

"Don't worry, miss, I'll take care of them. While I handle them, miss, please quickly pack your things, bring only the necessary clothes, and some money for the journey."

"Okay Aunt Lyra."

"Well then, miss, I'll go take care of them first."

After Lyra left the room, Mariska immediately packed her things, bringing three pieces of clothing placed in a bag that wasn't too big.

Mariska glanced out the window and saw Lyra serving drinks to Count Alfred's henchmen.

Mariska curiously observed Lyra and the two of Count Alfred's henchmen outside the house.

Lyra was seen talking amicably, and shortly after, the cups held by the two people slipped from their grasp, and they immediately fell into the snow.

Lyra lifted them both one by one and sat them back down in the chairs they had been sitting in.

Back to Mariska, who was walking towards the exit after putting on her thick fur coat. When she was near the exit, Mariska suddenly turned around and walked towards the drawer.

"I almost forgot the necklace my father gave me on my thirteenth birthday," thought Mariska as she put on the necklace.

The necklace looked very simple, with a regular string and a small crystal pendant shaped like a bird.

"Father said that this necklace used to belong to Mother," thought Mariska while holding the necklace pendant.

Lyra, having completed her task, immediately entered Mariska's room.

"Miss, let's leave immediately."

"Aunt, do you have a fur coat? If you don't have one, it's better if you wear one of mine."

"Thank you, Miss. You don't need to worry about me, because I am already used to the snowstorm. My own coat is enough for me. Come on, miss, let's get going quickly.”

"Alright, aunt."

Not long after, Mariska, who had already left her room, walked towards the front door.

A gust of cold wind immediately hit Mariska's face as she opened the front door.

"Aow cold!"

Mariska stopped momentarily because she felt cold.

Lyra giggled when hearing exclaimed from Mariska.

"Miss, don't be afraid of the cold. After walking for a while, you won't feel the chill as much."

Lyra encouraged Mariska.

"There's some truth to that, auntie," Mariska replied as she stepped out of the house.

They both walked past two of Count Alfred's henchmen who looked like they were sound asleep.

"What did auntie give them?" Mariska asked softly.

“Not much, miss, just a cup of warm tea with ginger and a sleeping pill."

Lyra replied with a suppressed laugh.

Thirty minutes later, both Lyra and Mariska were walking through the city with their heads covered by the hoods of their respective cloaks.

As far as the eye can see, almost the entire view is white, as it is mostly covered in snow, including the buildings on the right and left.

All the buildings were white because they were covered in snow.

"Good thing I wore boots, so the snow didn't seep in," thought Mariska.

A horse-drawn carriage traveling in the opposite direction passed by Lyra and Mariska.

Inside the carriage, there turned out to be a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Lineker.

Their facial expressions looked different; Elizabeth appeared cheerful, while her husband looked stressed.

"Enough, Garry, don't look so stressed out." As long as we marry Mariska to him, we won't have to work hard anymore at our shoe store. Our old age will be secured. And-”

"But Elizabeth, I feel guilty towards Mariska, especially towards my late brother. My late brother was always kind to me, and he always protected me when someone bullied me.”

"Stop thinking about the past, Garry! Do you think that if Raphael were still alive, he would be able to face Count Alfred? Remember, Count Alfred controls all the vital aspects of life in the city of Britztham. Moreover, we are marrying Raphael's child to a distinguished person. Love will grow over time. In the future, Mariska will surely thank us."

"I hope you're right, Elizabeth," Garry replied wearily.

"Of course my opinion is right! Time will prove it all!" Elizabeth replied in a loud voice.