The first Empress overturned the world

When Iyare returned home, she noticed that her mother had prepared a feast on the table. That evening, her grandparents and even her father had come to have a meal in her mother's courtyard.

Iyare joined her mother to finish preparing the food. She thought that, for once, her mother might be a little kind to her, but instead, she was ignored.

"Go back to your room and eat. Those people might come here; we can't let them notice," Iyare's mother instructed coldly, refusing to look at her daughter's face.

Iyare was hurt but dared not disobey her mother. She turned around and returned to her room. Her mother sent over only a small portion of food without meat, as usual, which surprised Iyare.

Even though she rarely got to eat meat, she thought this day might be an exception, especially since she had just won a competition for her brother. Sighing at her plight, Iyare began eating her food, trying to block out the noise from the courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, Iyare's mother had set up a table for her husband, son, and father-in-law. She and her mother-in-law ate on the side. Despite this, Iyare's mother felt proud.

"Daughter-in-law, make sure Iyare eats well," General Edosa said as they ate. He had noticed that his granddaughter had not been feeding well during her training. He added this note because he knew Iyare needed strength to continue performing well. After all, no matter how skilled one is, energy is essential to fight.

Iyare's mother felt bitter hearing her daughter mentioned. She had been managing the household alone while her daughter trained under her father-in-law. Hearing that Iyare needed to eat better made her angry, as it would mean reducing her son's portion.

Uye, her mother-in-law, noticed her displeasure and shot her a glance. She thought her daughter-in-law was short-sighted. Nobody cared about daughters, but Iyare was different. Thanks to her, her grandson could secure his position as heir.

Osaze had explained to Uye that if Efosa had been the one to fight Osagie earlier, the victory would not have been as decisive. Giving Iyare more food was necessary to keep her healthy for future competitions.

Seeing Uye's displeased look, Iyare's mother fumed but dared not argue. She grudgingly stood up to serve more food for Iyare.

"Add this piece of meat for her. She did well today," General Edosa said cheerfully, pleased with the judges' praise of Iyare's skills.

Seeing the large piece of meat being given to her daughter angered Iyare's mother again. Even Efosa was displeased. His grandfather, who had always doted on him, was now favoring Iyare.

Efosa, who had not witnessed the competition to avoid suspicion, believed all the evening's attention belonged to him. He thought he could have easily defeated Osagie himself. Although he did not want the stress that came with learning, he did not believe that he could be worse than a girl.

Iyare's mother took the plate of food in annoyance and went into the house to give it to Iyare.

Iyare, having just finished her small portion of food, was planning to drink water to fill her stomach when the door opened. Startled, she saw her mother. Without saying a word, her mother dropped the plate in annoyance and left.

Although some food spilled onto the floor, Iyare was comforted to see the big pieces of meat, a luxury usually reserved for her brother. She felt this marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

---

Slash!

Iyare woke abruptly to a splash of cold water.

"Mother?" she exclaimed, startled by her mother's furious expression.

"You cursed child! Why are you still sleeping at this hour?" her mother demanded.

Iyare glanced out the window. It was still early, and even though she had slept in, it wasn't too late to wake. Her grandfather had told her to rest after her efforts the previous day. Yet, she didn't argue. She hoped her obedience might earn a sliver of her mother's affection.

"I'm sorry," Iyare said, getting out of bed.

"Sorry won't help! Do you think I'll serve you like a king? Hurry up, tie your scarf, and get to work!" her mother snapped.

Obediently, Iyare tied her scarf.

"We both know your sickness is fake. Fetch water to fill all the drums, cook, and clean the house before your brother wakes. Today is market day, and I must inspect the family shop. Don't forget to send food to the farm servants," her mother ordered before leaving.

Disappointed but determined, Iyare picked up her water pot and headed to the nearby water source.

Since it was early, she didn't meet anyone during her first few trips. On her last trip, she overheard two girls gossiping about her family.

"I heard Edosa performed well at his match yesterday," one girl said.

"Yes, the news is everywhere! It's a shame it wasn't a public event," the other replied.

"Don't worry. The age-grade festival is coming soon. We'll see him in action then," the first girl said excitedly.

"True! I'll make sure to secure a good spot that day. Don't forget to come get me when you are going," the second girl request.

Noticing Iyare, one of them greeted her.

"Good morning. Feeling better now?"

"Yes, thank you," Iyare replied politely.

The girls didn't think much of her fetching water—it was expected of daughters. One of them invited Iyare to join their dance group, but she declined, citing her health.

"Why invite her? She's always been full of herself," one girl complained complained as soon as Iyare left.

"Who cares about her? I just wanted an excuse to get closer to Efosa," the other replied, making her intentions clear.