: Chapter 6 Six Arts Examination 60 +10 Free Coins 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 . 1/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 6 Six Arts Examination : 60 +10 Free Coins 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 . Rita , Stanley Niven's legitimate daughter , was celebrated for her beauty, nearly Fiona's equal . She was proud , yet in her desperation , she had lowered herself to write letters begging Soren for a meeting . He had not even bothered to reply . Her heart broken , she had eventually married into the Wagner family instead . For the sake of Rita's dignity , the matter was kept quiet . Still , whispers had reached Meryl's ears . Hannah suddenly asked , " Fiona will come of age next year . Have you thought of her marriage yet ? " Meryl deflected smoothly . " Mother , her studies already keep me busy enough . I've no energy to think about such things . Once she comes of age , we'll consider it . " " Her marriage concerns the honor of the entire house ," Hannah said gravely . " You must give it careful thought ." Meryl smiled politely , but inwardly resolved she would never allow Fiona's marriage to be used as a stepping stone for the family's ambitions . The morning was bitter with cold . Fiona climbed into the carriage , grateful for the warmth inside . Since Xavier's mother , Victoria , had gone to visit her own kin , today's duty was only to call 2/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 6 Six Arts Examination upon the Zonfrillo Estate . 4 060 +10 Free Coins " 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 .