Three weeks passed, and it was almost time for Estella's fourteenth birthday and coming of age ceremony. Elaine sat at a mahogany desk, sneaking a yawn while listening to the instructor. She was stuck in bed recovering for most of the first week. Afterward, she tried visiting Cecil in the dungeon several times but got blocked by the guards following Gerard's order. When they finally released him, Cecil looked half-dead, covered in wounds. Elaine immediately summoned the head physician and spent a large sum to invite a healer from the temple.

She observed while they treated Cecil, horrified at the extent of his injuries. How could they do this to a sixteen-year-old child? Elaine wondered. An average person would not survive the inflicted damage. Even Cecil, who went through the Croix's knighthood hellish training, also barely escaped death. Elaine recognized the punishment was the Duke's warning to her. Disobey him, and he would destroy all that belonged to her, objects or humans. Elaine sometimes questioned whether Estella was his actual flesh and blood. But looking at their similar features, she dismissed the idea. Maybe such treatment was standard between nobles and their children. This assessment was remarkably accurate for the calculating Duke of Geris.

"-Estella"

"Lady Estella, are you listening?"

A shrill voice snapped Elaine out of her reverie. "I am. Please continue." She replied, staring at a dry and lanky middle-aged woman. Her unpleasant voice and the tedious subject made it difficult for Elaine to concentrate. She was learning neither math nor science but etiquette, a skill mandated for all nobles' children, especially those with Estella's status.

The woman seemed suspicious of Elaine's answer, but continued with her lecture.

"That will be all for today. We will continue our lesson next time. I wish you a good day, Lady Estella." After a few hours of suffering, the etiquette instructor finally freed her.

"Yes, I will see you next time." She smiled.

I hope you will never come back. Elaine knew it was wishful thinking, but she did not want to endure another torture session. She glanced outside. The following instructor would not come for another hour, so Elaine used her limited free time to visit Cecil.

"How are you feeling today, Sir Ascania?"

"Thank you for your concern, milady. I am much better today." Cecil sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard and closing the book he was reading.

Watching his serene expression and elegant manner, if Elaine was ignorant, she would have thought he was an ordinary aristocratic young master. "I am glad to hear that." She sat down on a chair next to his bedside.

After a brief pause, Elaine again spoke. "I came to tell you I cannot come to visit for the next few days because of my coming of age preparation."

"I understand." Cecil nodded. "Milady, please allow me to continue my duty." He suddenly sprung up, but then started coughing uncontrollably.

"No, you are still too weak to restart your service." Elaine stopped Cecil and returned him to bed. "Rest. This is an order. You will have plenty of opportunities to serve me in the future." She employed her authoritative voice.

"As you wish, milady." He lowered his gaze, resembling an abandoned puppy.

Elaine placed her hand on Cecil's shoulder. "Don't worry. I will be fine. No one would dare harm me within my father's territory." Of course, that would be an accurate statement if one did not count Gerard and whoever was attempting to poison her. Afterward, they stayed quiet, enjoying each other's company. Then Elaine glanced at the clock, noticing it was almost time for her next lesson. "I need to go back now. Get some rest, and I hope to see you back to full health on my next visit."

"I will not disappoint you."

"Good." Elaine beamed, then turned to leave.

"Lady Estella," Cecil called before she reached the door.

Elaine looked back at him. "Yes?"

"Please stay safe."

"I will try." She curled the corner of her mouth, nodded, and stepped out.

For the next two days, Elaine spent all her time preparing for her debut, drifting back and forth between dance and etiquette lessons. Then, the maids and attendants dragged her to an endless fitting session, from trying on the season's most fashionable dresses to meeting with the empire's renowned shoemakers. Estella's mother, Lady Liviane, also came to 'assist.' She reminded Elaine of her future role as the Crown Princess, and pressed her to show more affectionate gestures toward the Crown Prince.

"You are the Croix's oldest child and the daughter of the Lady of the House. Do not embarrass us." Liviane again drilled into Elaine her expectation before leaving.

"Of course, mother."

"Good. Know that your role will immensely help your brother in the future."

So to you, my worth is nothing more than a stepping stone for your son's political career.

"I will try my best. Please have a safe return, mother." Elaine curtsied and, after a while, glanced up. Liviane was still watching her, giving her that look again. The look that the original Estella experienced all her life and loathed. In Liviane's eyes, she did not see her reflection but the embodiment of shame and disappointment.

The original Estella often sought the reason behind her mother's rejection. But, unfortunately, it was a question doomed to remain forever unanswered. Grief eventually transformed into anger and ambition, causing Estella to take many controversial actions during her brief existence. But Elaine was no Estella, and the look no longer affected her. She followed Estella's path but did not need approval or affection from these strangers.

"Not try, but must. Remember, your brother is the Croix's future. So everything you do for his sake will also benefit our entire family." Liviane corrected her daughter.

Elaine lowered her gaze, hiding her derisive smile. "Yes, you are right, mother. Please forgive my prior foolishness."