“Guhh~ Finally done!”

Slumping down on a large red couch I let out a weary moan as I laid my tired body down.-

“That’s all the work for today, My lady. Would you like some tea?”

Bowing down on my side is my most trusted attendant and friend, Rita.

She has been working under me for over 20 years now.

We’ve been by each other side for 2 long decades already, yet my first meeting with her is still stuck fresh in my mind.

I first met her during my first month of being married into the family and was also just starting to learn how to act like a noble for outside appearance's sake.

It seems that she was a new maid in the mansion around that time and still doesn’t know the whole layout of the place leading to her being quite lost in the process.

It’s definitely a funny sight seeing her panic not knowing where to go next and when out of options just decided to climb towards the top of the mansion to have a clearer view of the estate, which goodness gracious was dangerous for her and my heart at the time.

I managed to stop her from doing any more dangerous stuff and present myself to help her.

She happily accepted my offer due to a lack of any other options, only to be scolded by her coworkers for bothering one of the mansion owners with her clumsiness.

It's really amusing seeing her act after knowing my position in the house.

It’s not like I wanted to hide it, I just thought she knew already.

After that unexpected meeting, we began spending more and more time with one another.

It started from just simple tea time to quite long chit-chats with one another.

I’m not really sure why but I find myself to be the most comfortable in this place when she’s by my side, at first I thought it was just because we are both commoners by birth but slowly I realize that I just naturally like her company.

Suddenly hit with that realization I began to house thoughts if I should offer her to serve me as my personal maid.

Personal maids being loyal servants only serving their master and them alone, not serving the house of Crestfallen and not serving one of the Crestfallen’s consorts but just me Sara, a simple commoner with no power and social status.

That is what a personal butler and maid are in the world of the nobles, I didn’t really understand the difference till I finally became a noble myself.

That is why this offer is outrageous beyond compare as I have nothing to offer but myself and my life, So I fully expected Rita to reject it.

Yet….she did not. Instead, she just smiled and bowed saying ‘Gladly, My lady.’

I really didn’t expect her to accept my offer, yet here we are having each other back for as long as I remember.

“Add some cookies on that as well~.”

Hugging a small pillow by my side, I ordered her to make snacks just as usual.

We always do this after long hours of work, just sitting back and relaxing and mostly catching up on things that happened in both the estate and the kingdom.

“Of course.”

Hearing my request, Rita just smiled and left closing the door behind them.

I found it both reassuring and endearing that our relationship didn’t change much despite me taking the title of Duchess of the Crestfallen family along with many unsavory rumors around me that resulted in most of my servants leaving.

I truly cannot express all of my gratitude for the fact that she’s still here with me.

As with this wavering resolve to take on the duchess title, it’s unlikely I would achieve what I have right now without her continuous support.

Holding my left hand out my gaze instinctively fell to the all-familiar ring on my fourth finger.

A ring made out of gold and dreams, melted and shaped into jewelry of oath.

It’s a reminiscence of the promise and love that I will never forget.

Even for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, even sickness and in health, even death cannot break this love of mine apart.

Clutching my fist I let out a long deep breath.

I’ve resolved myself already, now is not the time to falter, I will make the culprit behind that tragedy suffer and bleed in the worst way possible, bringing justice to this family that took me in with open arms.

It’s what I have to do, even if it will——

“Here is your tea.”

“Eeep—!”

Surprised by a sudden voice my body jolted awake in my seat, quickly turning my attention toward the voice.

And in front of me is Rita cleaning up the small table, and neatly presenting all of the food and beverage.

I might have zoned out for too long and didn’t even notice her coming back.

“Rita, please don't scare me like that!”

“It’s your fault for daydreaming, my lady.”

“Why is it my fault now, hmph!”

Turning my head in a pout Rita just let out a small chuckle as she took a seat beside me.

Feeling the sudden shift of weight on the sofa I begrudgingly let go of my pout and took a reach for the cookies on the table.

It’s still warm to the touch but not that warm that it’s just out of the oven but just right, She probably prepared it a few minutes prior before we finished just like every other time.

Taking one into my mouth I bite into it.

Just like usual it tastes delicious, with a fair balance between sweetness and crunchiness.

Finishing the one in my hand I quickly grabbed 4 more and started gobbling them quickly.

About to take in more, a sudden sigh and a hand grabbing me by my horns stopped my onslaught on these cookies.

Forcefully turning my head towards my side, I met Rita with an irritated look visible across her face.

Ah, my gluttony got the better of me.

“My lady, you shouldn’t eat like that. We already talked about this.”

“Ah....i’msorryididn’tmeanitisweartomygrave…” I whispered in shame.

It’s not my fault that the food you serve is the best I have eaten! That is what I want to say but I know that will make her more pissed off.

Letting an exasperated sigh Rita then took a handkerchief out of her pocket and proceeded to use it to wipe my cheeks.

“Hey I can do this much, I’m not a child you know,” I grumbled as I took the handkerchief away from her hand.

“If you’re then please do not act like one. After all these years you still haven’t changed. I honestly do not know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.”

After finishing wiping the crumbles on my face I continued eating again only now with more finesse.

Continuing my indulgence in the sweets presented an awkward silence befall my office.

In these moments Rita tends to skim over a report on things that happened at the mansion, yet she looks unusually hesitant and tense.

She hasn't even touched her share of the cookies as well as the tea she had prepared.

I wonder why Is it about Lore again or was it about the Grades Family?

“Is something wrong?” I asked in concern.

“Yes, it was about Lady Lore….”

Oh no, did she do something again?!

That kid really took after her father's rambunctious tendencies.

The moment she had learned how to talk and walk it didn’t take a year for her to order every maid in the mansion to do her bidding.

She’s not even 10 years old but she had already cemented her place as a duchess' daughter inside the house, I guess her father's noble blood runs through her strongly.

I really don’t know if I’m supposed to be happy about that or not.

“Yes, Lady Lore just tried to run away to check the village nearby yesterday and nearly succeeded.”

“What?!”

Shooting up from my seat I dropped any elegance in my voice as I turned my full panicky attention on Rita.

“How come you only told me about this now?!”

“My apologies, I just couldn’t find the right timing to break it to you.”

Slowly feeling the weight of my shoulder getting heavier I fell back to my seat as I hold both my temple.

And between my shaky breath, I asked, “J-just how did she manage to do that?”

“Lady Lore seems to have memorized the maids and butlers' schedule and swiftly ran out after finding a small window of time where everyone nearby is on break.”

Widening my eyes upon such news, I couldn’t help but let out a continuous deep breath to calm my nerves and mind from going into a full-on panic attack.

As my 4-year-old daughter just tried running away, and nearly succeeded in doing so.

Just…how did she even do all of this…

This….child….is really something else.

Feeling a sudden touch on my back my mind snapped back along with my erratic breathing returning to normal.

“Breath…Sara breath, It’s fine, Sir Raiden managed to catch her before she could even get any further from the mansion premise.”

Letting out another shaky breath, I replied with a half-smile, “I-is that so…I’m glad.”

“All of us are truly glad.”

Finally calmed down from my initial outburst from the sudden news, Rita returned back to her seat but not before offering me tea to aid in calming my emotions down.

“Lore is truly a weird child, wouldn’t you say so,” I mumbled as I drank my tea.

My daughter Lore is truly a weird child from the day she was born to the current her today.

Her Mannerism, speaking patterns, and just about everything about her look so mature for someone still a toddler.

While yes our bodies are different from humans, where toddlers have the strength and stamina of a 7-year-old child, but still—Physical differences shouldn’t affect someone mentally this much, especially someone still at her age who still does not know what is right and wrong.

As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes her oddity scares me not just emotionally but genuine fear as well.

It just feels odd conversing with her sometimes, and that odd feeling sends a shiver down me every time.

But as always I pushed these thoughts down as fast as they appeared.

After all harboring fear towards my daughter, just what is going on with me.

Feeling a sudden spike of pain in my temple I yet again let out a deep sigh.

“Lady Lore does tend to act quite odd sometimes…..”

“It kinda reminds me of how Arthur acts a bit as well….”

Unpredictability wise they are basically the same, as you can’t really know what is going on in their mind until you ask both of them and even then they might not answer truthfully.

And also ‘Does tend’ is such a large understatement for her mature demeanor.

As there will be a time when she will speak similar to a scholar of some sort, pointing out flaws of this domain as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

It definitely caught me off guard when I first heard it, even asked her how did she know such a thing.

But in the end, she would always reply with, ‘It’s nothing just talking to myself.’ and leave shortly after.

In all honesty, if it weren’t for the fact that we might get attacked yet again I would have taken Lore towards an Alchemist or even a Witch Doctor just to see if there is anything wrong with her.

“In any case, I hope...this doesn’t happen again. Lore's existence after all isn’t known to anyone outside all the mansions servant.”

Laying down my now empty cup I stretched my numb arms out as I relaxed my body by the coach.

Though the birds' chirps and the whistle of the wind fill the room from the foreboding silence, my mind still couldn’t but wait if there is something more than Rita wants to say.

Turning my head back to her my attention was quickly drawn to her cookies still haven’t been eaten or even touched for that matter, her fidgeting fingers as well didn’t help her in hiding her intentions from me.

I guess she still sucks at hiding her intentions.

“Is there more?” I worriedly asked while still maintaining a stern tone.

“My lady….It's just...How long….”

“Hmm? How long?”

Cocking my head sideways, I waited patiently for what more could have happened under my watch and unnoticed.

And Rita with an unreadable expression turns her head to face me.

“My lady, How long are you gonna keep hiding Lady Lore's existence from the Royal Family?”

Ah...so that’s what it was about.

Is this what she wanted to say from the moment our conversation began or was it just something she remembered.

It’s probably the former and she merely just used Lore's antics yesterday as a way to mention this to me now, leaving me no room to escape and ignore it just like I do every time.

“My lady, the Royal family is growing more and more impatient ever since you ignored their invitation for an arranged marriage a year ago. If this continues then soon the Crestfallen would be absorbed by the Blacksworne Family according to the noble’s law, worst-case scenario is you’ll be branded with treason for disregarding the King's orders!”

“So please My lady......you have to decide.”

This is the topic that I’ve been ignoring for a long time now.

I've run away from it several times already from changing the topic to just plain ignoring it entirely.

It’s not that I want to ignore it but I really just don’t know what to do, as of now the Crestfallen is in a precarious position with no heir and having only one member of its family still living.

Add the fact that the assassination attempts that ended this family in the first place possibly returning.

You could say that we are beyond saving if we don’t figure something out real quick.

My achievements throughout my domain might be amazing but even I know they are just a petty attempt to stall the inevitable.

And that is being either absorbed by the other family according to the noble’s law or being forced into an arranged marriage just to continue the bloodline even if it’s just by name.

But all of those problems will be resolved if I finally reveal Lore’s existence to the whole Nation since as of now no one had known outside of my servants that I have been pregnant and gave birth to a child not only bearing the Crestfallen name but its blood as well.

The last on top of that.

I didn’t mean for this to happen, for Lore to be the last of her family is something that fate just pulled for us.

As the reason, no one knows about my pregnancy other than Arthur's Family & Rita herself was for the sole reason that we want our child to live a normal carefree life, free from noble responsibilities and its rules.

A life free from the burden of being from a noble family such as this.

But I didn’t expect that my initial wish for her would be the one thing that will shackle her entire life from this point onward.

So….

“I honestly don’t know….....” I mumbled in a voice that is as fragile as ceramic, failing to maintain my composure any longer.

“I want to give my daughter an easy life just like what Arthur would have wanted, and choosing her as the heir of the Crestfallen will take that freedom out of her hand.”

“And along with it will be a responsibility that a child shouldn’t be burdened with, Such responsibilities that even us adults struggle to work with,”

“Arranged Marriage, Political Agendas, Assassination, Hunger for Power, Loss of Trust. I don’t want my child to deal with all of this, Me and Arthur don’t want our child to deal with all of this.”

My breathing quickly hastened with tears forming around my eyes.

I couldn’t find the next word I want to say, the words I want to get out quickly dried up in my throat, clogging every next letter.

“I don’t want her to suffer the same fate as her father…I just don’t want to lose someone again..”

Clutching my chest I broke down in tears as the possibility of losing another one of my loved ones dawned its ugly head inside my mind.

I find it harder and harder to breathe the more I think of the consequences of telling the Nation about my daughter's existence.

My mind painted another tragedy like five years ago though unlike before where it was the family that I grew to love, it was now my dearest daughter, my new will to keep moving and living.

Now laying there in front of me with a knife embedded in her chest as I watch helplessly unable to save her just like I was unable to save her father.

I don’t want her to die, I want to give her a life that we wanted yet everything goes against that ideal, I want to sacrifice myself for her, It’s what Arthur would have wanted and done, I don’t care what I will do to give my child the life she deserved and the life I want her to have.

I don’t care how many times I will fail or be defiled, I will succeed in the end, I have to.

It’s all I have left.

“Sara…”

Covering my crying face with my hand Rita quickly rushed to my side and grabbed me in her embrace.

Hic

…..

Hic

……..

Hic

Hugging Rita tightly I buried my face in her chest as I continued to sob making a mess out of her clothes.

Hic

………….

Drowning in Rita’s cold embrace I can feel my worries slowly slip away as I continue to nuzzle my face in her chest.

Slowly lifting my face up, my cheeks were met with the handkerchief that Rita has in her hand, carefully wiping my snotty face, my eyes finally met with Rita’s eyes and to my surprise, her eyes were watering as well.

Seeing the assurance in her eyes I decided to continue drowning myself in her embrace.

That is until the door to my office suddenly burst open startling both of us and coming with it is a voice, a voice both of us are well acquainted with.

“Is that really the reason you’re bawling like a child, Dear Mother? I expected more from the duchess such as yourself.”

To my confusion my gaze gravitated towards the door and there stood someone I didn’t want to show this pathetic state I am in right now

A weak feeble mother that is unable to choose what path she should walk.

“Huh—Lore?”

Flipping pages of my book silently, I sat in a wooden chair next to my window as I read the book with barebone focus.

I have read every available book in this house already and merely just revising things but after a week of nothing but rereading I have started to get the itch to try things out for myself but being the only child of a noble family I was hereby forbidden to take even a single foot outside until I was of the ‘right age’ leading to my curiosity and annoyance to grew more by the day.

Even though I’ve memorized everything, seeing it in actuality will be a much more different feeling.

That is why yesterday out of boredom and curiosity I decided to sneak out and check out the village nearby.

I have already planned everything out from my escape route to the way back home but still, my grand plan failed for a damn dog caught me before I could even run any further than 5 meters away from the mansion gates.

I’ve also already pleaded my case to my mother multiple times but even with the use of my baby face for the maximum effect she still refused to let me outside.

I guess they’re still worried about any assassination attempts since I’m the only one left in this kingdom that holds the blood of the Crestfallen.

My life is probably worth a lot more than one will initially think.

‘I guess I will be confined here for a long while…….’

Left with nothing to do I continued my reading, opening a large book I’m well familiar with I tapped my chin in thought.

>>The Elements<<

Was branded on the front of the book in bold black ink.

A large brown book containing a basic understanding of the Four Elements, this book has told me a lot of things that concern the magic of this world and its inhabitants.

First was every type of demi-humans having a passive element given to them by birth, said element will match the species you are.

An example of this was my parents, my mother being from the ram family had all of them automatically received the element of Everlasting Earth for their survival in difficult terrain.

Same for my father’s lineage being avians that flew across the sky they were given the element of Tempestuous Wind to lift themselves in the air aiding their flight mobility.

And these types of blessings from the elements can be passed on as well to their kins which is the case for myself, gaining both the blessing of Earth and Wind by default.

Though as great as having 2 elements sounds like, having two elements doesn't make you more proficient or powerful.

In fact, having multiple elements will just give you a handicap as it takes such an egregious amount of effort just to master one element so to train at least 2 will take almost quadruple the effort.

This just results in people focusing on mastering one element all their life, some genius master 3, and some rare cases 4 but those are only managed by people that have such a strong drive for glory and power.

Humans on the other hand don't have anything they can pass on to their children which makes them more vulnerable in terms of capabilities, but unlike demi-humans, they have the “luxury” to wield all of the elements easily.

Making them strong magic users as the elements favor them more for some reason.

Though despite supposedly having human blood in our veins, I and everyone else that also has demi-human blood don’t have said ability that purebred humans possess.

This solidifies the fact that it’s probably due to the demi-human blood flowing inside our body, which is making us unable to wield all 4 four at once and skillfully.

As for the reason why I do not know.

It’s probably just something to do with our demi-human biology or something along those lines.

Now unto the magic system, after flipping through hundreds of pages and reading thousands of unfamiliar words and concepts, I think I have understood quite a bit of this new notion called magic.

Basically magic seems to be the use of something called mana to wield the 4 elements to your will.

Mana, on the other hand, is something akin to the air we breathe, it exists all around us yet is invisible to the naked eye, resulting in almost everyone who knows the basics of magic being able to use magic almost instantly.

Mana also seems to exist inside the body of all living beings that can also be used to draw and use magic if you need a large quantity of mana in an instant.

Meaning even if your body lacks the needed mana you can still cast spells by using the mana present in others and your surroundings and vice versa.

With these two basic ways to draw out mana to cast magic two factions of magic users emerged called the Invokers & Animists.

Invokers was magus that used the natural mana present in their body to call out spells that are the most potent, and more practical, Animist, on the other hand, use the mana that exists in their surroundings to cast spells, they can also use mana present in other living beings such as spirits, beasts, and just anything that has mana in general.

With two ways to utilize one’s magical potential, you can freely choose which one suits your body the best.

Both have different weaknesses, limitations, strengths, and usage depending on the situation as well.

Like Invokers for example in terms of power, the spells cast by them scale more in terms of strength alone but with a huge downside that to cast it you have to vocalize an incantation which would just alert your enemy, another weakness that Invokers have to get around is their own mana bank where all of their mana is stored.

Unlike Animists who use the mana of the surroundings to cast spells, Invokers have to train their mana bank.

Mana Bank being the core of our body where all of our mana congregate as a living being, it either can be used for mana to pass through or be stored for future use.

Invokers can also train their mana banks to be able to hold more mana for them, and the larger the mana bank of an Invoker has the more destructive the spells it can cast.

That is why a mage who is planning to take the path of an Invoker starts their training as early as 12 or even 11 years old to get the most of their life.

Now Animist despite being weaker is harder to master due to it being a voiceless incantation that requires significant brainpower to manage.

Lacking in strength Animists redeem themselves in versatility and speed, able to cast spells faster than Invokers by a mile.

Animist Magus unlike Invokers uses their mana banks as a type of tube for mana in surroundings to pass through and be used.

Animists can also use the mana present in other life forms to power up their spells, some find it to be quite unethical as it basically sucks the life out of something to cast a spell which is true in a sense but every power comes with a price and it’s up to the person to judge whether it is worth it or not.

There is also a subclass between the two named Arcanic Array this type is just another way to cast a spell not to draw out mana, most magus uses wand, sword, and staff to cast out their spell but in Arcanic Array the user draws out a magic circle to where he/she wants the spell to be cast and all that left is to put mana into it.

Though this type is mainly used for assassination and premeditated attacks on a fortress or someone.

Now with all that done, I wonder what I should pick between the two.

I’ve been pondering about it for over a year now but still can’t pick which is better.

I mean both have amazing cons and pros, but why should I just pick one? Isn't it better to have both?

Yes, I doubt you’ll find yourself in a situation where there is no mana in the air or had empty mana back since I doubt you’ll still be alive in such a situation.

But having voiceless incantations in fast-paced fights while having powerful spells when pushed to a corner, was it not better?

It must be harder to do but someone would have tried it at some point in time but there is nothing so far, there is no record of such an experiment being conducted but just preliminary caution that it’s dangerous.

For Magus of the highest order have warned everyone that using your mana bank both as a gate and storage, to be proven fatal.

As such a feat is said to break a mage's mana core entirely making said mage combust into an explosion.

So no one had dared till then to even try it unless they want to perish in one of the most painful ways imaginable.

But the lack of evidence makes it quite odd, no one has seen anyone combust it was just passing on knowledge at this point so I doubt they even checked if this is actually true.

“Tch, all of these things are making my head spin in different directions.”

I can’t really claim anything unless I try it myself but still being at the age of 4 I doubt I can test any of my hypotheses……

“No, I can test one right now!”

Suddenly shooting up from my sitting, multiple books and pens fell off my table along with multiple hand-written notes I had taken that contained a few peculiar information I have taken interest in.

I can test one at this very moment, it was something that has bugged me for a while now but which I have quickly forgotten due to my focus being used somewhere else.

That thing being what if I tried to cast a spell right now?

With my body still not showing any signs of the two elements that should be inside me I wonder what would happen if I try to cast one.

I doubt someone has thought of this just yet, I mean I seriously doubt some parents forced their child to cast a spell and even then I doubt a child would be able to do it in the first place.

But my case is quite different so I could try it.

I have been doubting the things that are written in this for a long while now, some are inconsistent and some just do not make sense at all.

It’s probably dangerous but I’m not really the type of person that is afraid to take risks, taking dangerous gambles is what took me to the throne back in my home.

Now let’s do some preparation before I start this possibly dangerous experimentation of mine.

First I need to choose how I should cast it.

>Voiceless Incantation<

>Incantation<

>Arcanic Array<

Well it is quite obvious what I would pick since I can’t really do voiceless incantation and I’m not really “that versed” in the way of incantation either, so I would have to rely on an arcanic array and voice out an incantation hoping it would work.

In any case, I began drawing out a magic circle in the middle of my room.

The book contained a detailed explanation of how to draw an Arcanic Array, leading to it being easier than I thought.

Grabbing small chalk I started drawing the circle following every step that is written in the book with uttermost effort.

“Hmmm...this should do it.”

Wiping a bit of sweat on my forehead and chalk in my dress, I gaze in anticipation upon the large magic array I have drawn on my room's floor.

The spell that can be cast in this array that I have drawn is an Earth Spell named |Impact of Stone| It basically summons a large rock out of thin air in the sky and or out of the ground.

It is mostly used offensively for it can explode into hundreds of small pieces if the caster desires so.

There is one more problem I have to do something about, and it’s how I will imbue the magic circle.

This book states that all you have to do is start to cast the spell and you’ll instantly feel the mana in your body swirling in your command and all that’s left is two direct them into your desired place.

Complicated but fine I guess.

Holding both my hands in front of me I took a deep breath as I readied myself.

‘......Now let’s try this.’

“Rigorous Bulwark of Earth, eternity is your oath and unbreakable is your will, so I ask your help once more to show your grace upon this land, |Impact of Stone!|”

...........

……………………

Nothing happened…

“Ah...I should’ve known.”

Irritation just turned to disappointment as I examined the circle and the whole room for any unusual changes and came up with nothing.

“Well, I guess that’s one theory down….”

Letting out a disappointed laugh, I decided to exit my room and take a visit to my mother and check on her work, to learn more about the domain she manages.

“Checking on the Crestfallen Domain's current predicament is a must since I don’t want to be unaware of the things happening outside.”

“Oh going somewhere, Lady Lore?”

Leaving my multipurpose bedroom a tall lean young man quickly greeted me by bowing his head in a polite elegant manner.

‘Tch…He’s here again..’

A tall lean handsome man with a light skin complexion, white eyes, and short gray hair wearing a white dress shirt, a simple black vest, and a black-tie stood in front of me.

The most noticeable features he has is the black tail on his back and a pair of wolf ears on his head.

“Just thought I should give Dear Mother a visit, is there something wrong with that, Sir Raiden?”

Raiden Grades belongs to one of our neighboring families, the Grades Family composed of cool-headed wolves of the moon.

Cold-hearted, calculating, and intelligent are them during the great war between the 3 nations, together with the Crestfallen they stood side by side along with the 4 largest powerhouse families; Fresto, Plaraq, Activ, and Bloodsworne.

With bravery and trust in each other's skill, they managed to protect the kingdom of Mostro from the [Elven Siege], back then it was truly a glorious moment where the 6 great families of Mostro came together in one banner.

It has even been dubbed by the people [The Great Forest And It’s Beast] due to how ironic it seems, it’s a battle if every creature residing inside a forest had decided to bare its fangs to said forest, though in this case, the beast had only fought back due to the forest attempt to spread its roots into their land.

But now that comradery from years prior has gone to dust due to the tides of politics and with their power wavering, they have no choice but to ally themselves with the Blacksworne and overall turn their backs on the Crestfallen.

Though some still held their pride high up, came and served the Crestfallen as their new master and one of which is Raiden Grades, a quarter demihuman, and the Grades household pride and honor.

For he was said to be the strongest man to ever wield a sword to ever existed,

A man said to have crossed hundreds of battlefields unwounded,

Had led thousands of troops to imminent death and still came out with not a single casualty,

Have been called the bloodhound for how brutal every battlefield he came across had become.

A hound that had bathed with the blood of his enemies, spit on their graves and burned their houses to the ground.

Given his fame, unmatched strength, skills, and ability with the blade the Kingdom have no choice but to give him the title of [The Luminary Of The Blades].

A title that is given to one single person in the whole world, a person that is supposedly the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

A title only is achieved by someone skilled enough to surpass the current titleholder and carry the burden of that title for as long as he found a new predecessor.

That is what it means to be a Luminary, beings unmatched and untapped with their designated title, beings that some will even question their sanity upon seeing their ability firsthand.

Beings that Rulers of every nation have to always acknowledge and be wary of for they are at the same standing as them.

Though only 7 their individual strength is strong enough to wipe off a country from the face of the map in a single day.

At the moment among the 7 Luminaries seats, only 4 are occupied at the moment; being The Blade, The Wisdom, The Beast & The Harp.

The Harp and The Wisdom being missing for a decade now, The Beast is said to be wandering from country to country for reasons unknown while The Blade is reduced to a mere butler of a falling family.

Knowing these things some soon question if the end of the Luminaries has finally arrived.

With the 4 remainings were still unable to choose a successor and had generally abandoned their titles.

With the seat of The Crown, The Stars, & The Witch still empty the possibility of the Luminaries being soon left to rot by the world is undoubtedly a possibility.

I wonder how did such shining heroes fall out of grace so quickly.

Some sort of plan or just a change of tides?

It is truly something I should keep in mind and wonder about.

“Nothing at all. Then please do return safely.”

Bowing elegantly I cast a passing gaze on his head before making my way to my mother's office.

I wonder what happened for you to become this obedient to this falling household.

His description from the scriptures and story don’t match at all, I can neither see hatred nor bloodlust from him.

His current self is like a mutt in front of a Cerberus of his past, But the skill he possesses still lies deep inside those jaded snowy eyes of his.

He might be able to mask his past with elegant words and refined mannerisms but a wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf nonetheless.

I truly wonder how trustworthy you can be?

How long would it take for you to bite your own master?

And how long would it take for you to stop playing the pet dog of this house?

Don’t you wonder that as well, Raiden Of The Blades?

Standing in front of the office belonging to my mother I let out a small huff.

I hope I’m not late yet.

This is a common occurrence to happen Once a week, I make my way to my mother’s office to watch her work with the problems this domain is facing at the moment.

I didn’t really do much except watch them work. At first, they found it uncomfortable but soon grew fine with it as I tend to point out solutions to some of their problems.

I could honestly solve quite a large portion of the problems that the Crestfallen Household is facing but I’m not sure if helping is the right thing, after all, I don’t really belong in this place.

I’m just someone playing their daughter when in reality I’m a fraud who took their daughters’ skin and played house with it.

I’m still not sure as well as to what I’m supposed to do from this point onward.

Whether to go back to my position or just lay low for the rest of my life.

I’m not sure…

No…it’s more like I don’t even have an answer.

‘Be happy.’

Those words echoed in my mind.

It’s what her last wish was, but what is even the definition of happiness she speaks of?

Was it those dreams? My position? The life experience? Or was it none of those?

I don’t know…

Another thing…I don’t know…

Every time my mind is not occupied by anything it asked these questions.

Things I do not the answer to.

Why couldn’t everything just be written in books so I could know every answer?

An unreasonable request but given all these jumbled thoughts, I want answers.

Feeling my thoughts going down even further and further into self-deprecating questions, My eyes suddenly winced in pain as my nails instinctively dug into my palms to cut my thoughts off.

Snapping back to reality I let out a weary groan.

I really shouldn’t have been reincarnated...

With that last passing though I reached for the doorknob but stop midway as two pairs of voices murmured from behind.

Oh…

Retracting my hand I decided to lean my ear closer to the door in an effort to hear a conversation that is happening.

I might be able to get some sort of information this way.

Leaning closer I can hear the 2 voices become clearer.

It’s Mother & Rita.

(Lady Lore does tend to act quite odd sometimes…..)

It seems that I’m the main focus of the conversation.

Though calling me odd…this damn woman.

But I really don’t have any rebuttal to that as much as I hate to agree.

After all, I haven’t really made any effort into hiding my identity as a reincarnated person so in their eyes I’m probably an oddity.

Honestly, I wouldn’t even be surprised if they figured it out, after all, reincarnation seems to exist in this world, though it appears to be just a cautionary tale and passed on as just fables.

Continuing pressing my goat ears into the wooden door, I listened more attentively to not miss anything.

(It kinda reminds me of how Arthur acts a bit as well….)

My father……

I don’t really feel anything in particular for this current family I was given, for me, they are similar to strangers, not anything more.

And with the mind of a grown-up person, I still don’t know how I am supposed to interact with them daily as well.

As do I act like the Empress Eris Scotus or their lovely child named Lorelain Crestfallen?

I don’t know…

It’s one of those questions that should be easy to answer but I still couldn’t answer it myself…leaving me in a tug of war of emotions daily.

I tend to shove my mother’s affection away for I feel uncomfortable being given that much affection and compassion.

I hate the fact that they tend to treat me like a child yet I feel incredibly warm under their loving embrace.

And I hate it…this warmth blooming in my chest.

I detest it….

I want to vomit every time it’s in me, this constricting warmth in my chest…

Dammit!

Growing irritated by the thoughts within the premise of my mind, my hand slowly reached for the door with the intention to open it and distracted myself with something else.

But subsequently stopped as I heard Rita’s stern voice from behind the door.

(My lady….It’s just...How long….)

(Hmm? How long?)

‘Hmm? How long?’

(My lady, How long are you gonna keep hiding Lady Lore's existence from the Royal Family?)

Huh—?

(My lady, the Royal family is growing more and more impatient ever since you ignored their invitation for an arranged marriage a year ago. If this continues then soon the Crestfallen would be absorbed by the Blacksworne Family according to the noble’s law, worst-case scenario is you’ll be branded with treason for disregarding the King's orders!)

(So please My lady......you have to decide.)

No..don’t tell me…!

Is this the reason why things aren't being solved? Because no one knows of my existence?

The main problem of this domain is mainly financial and labor which resulted in the populace slowly declining.

So with not a single blood relative within sight, it’s understandable why no one in their right mind will support a declining family such as this.

As the one that actually has the authority of the domain by noble blood is missing.

Add the fact that Sara is a commoner and also a possible suspect for the murder of the Crestfallen is not really that hard to see why no one is willing to support this household.

I thought there would be more tricky problems so that is why things aren’t getting done but to think the real reason is just my unknown existence, Wha...What kind of faggotry is this!

Feeling my anger slowly building back up once again, my eyes just gaze vacantly at the floor beneath.

As I could neither feel my feet nor my body.

‘Wh-what the hell is this…

Why would you do something so idiotic I thought you were smart enough to not do anything foolish.

Why do this? I can’t see any favor given to you with a decision such as this?

All you’ll get is pain, hardship, and suffering.

So why hide my existence, my existence being your saving grace and answer to all these problems?

Why not use me?

Blinded by anger upon hearing the sudden revelation I briskly clutched the door intending to burst forth and give my mother a stern telling but stopped as all my questions were answered.

(I honestly don’t know….....)

(I want to give my daughter an easy life just like what Arthur would have wanted, and choosing her as the heir of the Crestfallen will take that freedom out of her hand.)

(And along with it will be a responsibility that a child shouldn’t be burdened with, Such responsibilities that even us adults struggle to work with,)

(Arranged Marriage, Political Agendas, Assassination, Hunger for Power, Loss of Trust. I don’t want my child to deal with all of this, I and Arthur don’t want our child to deal with all of this.)

(I don’t want her to suffer the same fate as her father…I just don’t want to lose someone again..)

‘You…gotta be kidding me…’

Is this happening…again?

Just like last time…?

Another selfless reason stemming from your naive thinking!?

Taking all this pain, all this suffering, and all this burden just for your loved ones to have a gentle carefree life?

Disregarding your well-being in the process, as you continue down this path slowly breaking apart with no one to lean your head-on.

As in your eyes, it’s what you think is right and should be right.

A selfish wish with no regard for what the third party felt or wanted, A selfish wish that you’re planning to see through to the end that will cost you everything.

A selfish wish that will make no one happy in the end.

This is far from bravery and goodwill—This is just naive thinking that everything will be fine as long as that person has a better life but do you really think they would?

The answer is fairly simple yet often overlooked—No, They will not be happy for the happiness they got.

Happiness that came from the sacrifice of a loved one is a type of happiness that is as fragile as glass.

It’s nice to look at from far away but too fragile to really touch and embrace.

It will be nothing different from a damn memento, A symbol that will always remind you of the person you failed to protect and ended up sacrificing their being for you and your damn wish!

And such a thing isn’t allowed in my eyes, I will not stand by and watch as you break yourself for a promise I do not want Sara.

With aggravation at high, I kicked the door wide open and stepped inside of the office.

“Is that really the reason you’re bawling like a child, Dear Mother?”

“Huh—Lore?”

Lore?

D-did she heard everything we have talked about?

No...it can’t be..she doesn't need to know.

“Lady Lore, my apologies but I advise you not to downplay the burden your mother carry.”

Beside me, Rita quickly adjusted herself as she turned towards Lore standing in the entrance with glares in her eyes.

“And? The burden she carries is the product of her own selfishness, She has no one to blame other than herself.”

Lore? What are you talking about? Selfish me?

No...no…no.no…no…no…no..I did this all for you there isn’t once a time where I taught about myself?!

“Lady Lore, Please watch your mouth I wouldn’t want to forcefully shut it for you”

Rita…

Holding Rita from charging at my own daughter we both stared at her in bafflement as she retorted coldly.

“I will not.”

Lore, what is happening to you?

Why are you looking at me like that?

Is it because I didn’t try hard enough?

Is it because I’m not good enough?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Gripping Rita’s arms, My breathing grew rapid as my thoughts expanded as to what’s the meaning behind my daughter's actions.

My lovely daughter is now staring daggers at me and speaking with a venom-laced tone.

“Lore…”

Lore, tell me why!

Silence filled the room as no one is willing to continue, No is willing to open their mouth to further escalate the situation.

Rita is still embracing my side while my Daughter is still staring right into my eyes, enraged by something.

I wished the silence just ended there with Lore saying sorry and everything is back to normal but I know that will not happen as Lore opened her mouth once again.

“Mother, let me ask you a simple question: what do you want?”

“Eh...w-what do you mean?”

What do I want?

What is with the sudden question?

“It’s a simple question, What do you want to do?”

.......

“I want you to be happy, I want you to be free, I want you to be—”

“Isn’t that quite selfish?”

Selfish?

What are you saying?

I did this all for you, You should be grateful, I didn’t once do anything f——

“ —[I did this all for you, You should be grateful, I didn’t once do anything for myself, This is all for you.] Is that what you’re thinking?”

Hghhk!

“A-am I wrong to think that!? All I am doing is providing you with what is best! A carefree life, A life free from rules, A life not bound by anything!”

“Am I not supposed to think that?! Huh. Lorelain!”

“…….”

“Then let me ask you this…”

“Have I ever told you that I want these things?”

“Huh—!?”

“Have I asked you to cut me off from the noble’s world?”

“Have I once asked you to protect me from the danger of this world?”

“Have I ever once asked you to put your own happiness on the line for mine?”

“Have I asked you to sacrifice everything you have just for me?”

“I didn’t ask you any of this....”

“All these things are not my wish....but yours and yours alone.”

“—What you have been doing isn’t selfless but selfish, Mother.”

No...that’s not it...it’s not supposed to be like that…

Finishing expressing everything in her heart, Lore turned her back on both of us.

“Wait! Lore don’t leave!…come back here! We are not done talking yet!”

Reaching for my dear daughter I accidentally stumbled upon the table laid in front of us filled with food and beverage resulting in everything on top of it being spilled everywhere.

Falling from the hit on my foot and burns from the tea on my arms and legs.

I pleaded and reached as my daughter slowly closed the door without turning her back to look at us.

I want to shout at her to not leave but my voice won’t work, I want to run up to her to stop her but my body won’t move.

I just don’t know what to do...

“Sara…I’m going to go talk to her after this… don’t worry.”

A cold embrace came to my side again as I broke into another fit of sobs.

“I am truly pathetic...”

“You could have done that more tastefully…”

Walking down the hall out of my mother's office A tall figure slowly emerged from the shadow behind the curtains.

“I take it you have been listening from the beginning, Raiden.”

Leaning on the wall with crossed arms and a small disappointed frown is wolf butler who has been listening in on our conversation from the very start.

I felt it a week ago that something is following me everywhere and anytime I go within the mansion premises except my father’s library.

It’s like a pair of all-seeing eyes watching me from above at all times.

I’ve been thinking a few suspects of who it could be from Rita to Mother, but I guess it is really you Raiden Grades.

“Yes, watching after you is my job after all.”

Turning back to him I let out a deep annoyed sigh as I heard his response.

Ah...then I guess I’ll use you just this once.

“Then is taking orders from me one of your orders?”

Waiting for his answer, He merely just nodded slightly.

I’ll take that as a yes.

I didn’t want to resort to this Sara, but I don’t think a few hurtful words will break that mindset of yours.

So I will have to do a few things to this domain just for a little bit.

I didn’t want to make a move this early on but I’m not going to let you go down a similar path to her.

You will not sacrifice yourself for me.

Not this time again.