My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Six Arts Examination

Hannah frowned, her eyes clouded with concern. “But Fiona has only just recovered. Must she hurry back so soon?”

Meryl’s smile did not falter. “In just three months, the Six Arts examinations will be held. Fiona has not yet passed archery, and if she does not practice diligently, how will she be ready? We cannot allow the Niven family to lose face.”

In Duflana, it was true that ordinary women were praised for modesty rather than talent. But among the prestigious families of Jexburgh, young ladies were judged on their mastery of the Six Arts–etiquette, music, archery, horsemanship, calligraphy, and mathematics. To fail these tests was a humiliation to one’s family. To excel, however, was to earn the coveted title of “talented lady,” bringing glory to her family.

In her past life, Fiona had been frail at this very age. Weighed down by her weakness in archery and horsemanship, she had lost the chance to be named among the talented ladies.

Only after her marriage had she learned horseback riding and archery under Soren’s guidance, becoming more than competent. This time, she had the chance to seize that recognition early.

Hannah valued the honor of the Niven family above all else. She knew well that no distinguished man would marry a woman who had failed the Six Arts. With a heavy sigh, she relented, though her heart remained reluctant.

“Grandmother, I’m already well. You needn’t worry so much,” Fiona said gently, taking her hand.

The old lady tapped her lightly on the forehead, half–chiding, half–doting. “If you are truly well, then why haven’t you come to see me these past few days?”

Her tone carried reproach, but her eyes were full of affection.

“I’ve missed you,” Fiona confessed. “But I fell so far behind on my studies that I had no choice but to stay in the study, trying to catch up.”

“You must pass archery this time,” her grandmother reminded her sternly. “Do not bring me shame when I walk among my peers.”

Fiona nodded earnestly, “I promise, Grandmother. I’ll make you proud.”

Pleased, the old lady waved for her maid, Ruby, to take Fiona into the side room for tea and pastries.

When she was gone, Hannah turned to Meryl. “I hear you plan to visit the Zonfrillo Estate tomorrow. I’ve prepared a gift as well.”

“You’ve troubled yourself, Mother,” Meryl replied respectfully.

“It’s necessary,” the old lady said firmly. “Your husband has not inherited the Duke’s title. If he wants advancement, he must pursue office. And right now, the Duke Zonfrillo enjoys the emperor’s greatest favor. For Zachary and your son to move forward smoothly, you cannot avoid their influence. A gift from my own hand will show true sincerity.”

By “your son,” she meant Vincent, Meryl’s only son and Fiona’s older brother.

“You think of everything,” Meryl said, though she knew the truth. The old lady’s plan was not only for the second branch of the family but also for the main branch.

The decline of the Niven family was undeniable.

Once, the main branch had schemed to marry Rita into the Zonfrillo family, exhausting every effort. But the proud Penelope had rejected her, and Soren himself had shown no interest.

“You’ve dressed rather simply today,” Meryl remarked with satisfaction.

“I’m still young,” Fiona said. “I can’t yet carry the weight of jewels. They look best on you, Mother. You should wear them often. Father likes to see you shine.” She hoped her parents‘ bond might strengthen, leaving no room for others to interfere.

Meryl gave a sharp little laugh. “Your father’s thoughts are never on me.”

“Mother,” Fiona coaxed, “Father is handsome and charming. If he truly favored Eleanor, would she have taken another lover? He only married her because Grandmother forced him to. If you and Father don’t stay close, Grandmother may push him to take another concubine in the future.”

Fiona knew well that her father loved her mother, but he had grown weary of her coldness. Though he had never once entered Eleanor’s chambers, saying so outright would only frighten her mother.

“Mother, if you’d only give Father one tender look, it would gladden his heart,” Fiona urged.

“No more of these foolish thoughts,” Meryl said, though her tone had softened. She understood enough—with her husband firmly on her side, she would have more strength to shape her children’s futures.

Half an hour later, the carriage drew to a halt before the grand gates of the Zonfrillo Estate.

Bestowed by the emperor himself, the mansion stood proudly at the prosperous heart of Jexburgh. Its crimson walls rose tall and solemn, the carved eaves intricate with detail, while the glazed tiles above glimmered like jewels in the sunlight. It was magnificent, stately, and elegant all at once.