Beyond the Divorce

Hana noticed my surprise, paused momentarily, then continued, "It wasn't until my grandfather's passing that he revealed this secret to my father and repeatedly urged him not to open the treasury unless it was absolutely necessary.

"He insisted that it belonged to Yare, and it was a national asset for times of crisis. Despite being the accumulation of generations of the Avila family's efforts, it was not to be misused or claimed as our own. It was meant to be passed down through the generations as a national reserve. "But our adversaries, in collusion with foreign powers, targeted this secret treasury. Their financial backing is escalating, and they're actively planning to overthrow the Avila family."

Though I maintained a calm exterior, I grew increasingly uneasy internally.

"Ross has earned the trust of his officials and has the support of the people. However, the other party is using the treasury as leverage to accuse the Avila family of corruption. With the public unaware of the truth, their support is dwindling due to the other party's relentless propaganda.

"In the event of a coup, Yare would face a major crisis. The opponent's allies are dangerous individuals and will cause global instability. Losing power would spell disaster for the Avila family. That's secondary, but the people of Yare would suffer catastrophic consequences."

As Hana spoke, her smile vanished, replaced by a worried expression.

After pausing briefly, she continued, "Before my grandfather's passing, he entrusted three brooches to his three children. Each brooch was indispensable for accessing the treasury. So...

"This is a crisis. Opening the treasury is crucial to safeguard the Avila family's economic standing, stabilize the situation, suppress the coup, and ensure the people's welfare."

Hana looked at me. "Actually, the Avila family didn't intend to neglect you back then..."

hear any excuses, and whatever the reason, it

of that. Besides, I don't have the brooch." I

probably saw it only once when I was young. I was only ten years old when my mother

in jeopardy, so how would that have been useful for a child

sounded pessimistic, but I was

Where could it be?

my mother's death, she was alone, helpless and couldn't trust anyone. No one showed her any pity after her

dry, tinged

memories before the age of thirteen. When I returned to Nocturnia

everything there was a

my memories are just made up of stories Atlas told me. That's why I

"And your dad's return..."

was for or where it is. So, it's not that I don't want to help Ross. I'm

looked at me. She was silent for a long time,

I looked at her and