After that night, a maid was always by my side. She ensured I was fed on time and cleaned—but that was it. Her care lacked warmth, affection, or anything beyond the bare minimum. It hit me: no wonder Elara became a villainess. She wasn't loved at all. All she wanted was attention, yet no one ever gave it to her. Don't worry, original Elara—I'll change your life. There are people in this world who will love you, even if the ones you expect to care cannot.
A few months later, I could crawl on my own. The hard marble floors were unforgiving, bruising my knees and causing aches that I had to endure. The maid never bothered to teach me how to walk, leaving me to figure it out on my own. Bit by bit, I began using my mana to sneak out of my room. At first, it was cautious—small trips to the garden or any corner of the estate that piqued my curiosity. The garden, with its flowers lit softly by moonlight, was my only solace. Sometimes I would touch the petals, only to be pricked by sharp thorns. Yet, the pain felt oddly comforting—it reminded me that I was alive.
One evening, while exploring, I heard laughter coming from the dining hall. Peeking inside, I saw the Duke dining with Ace. The room was lively, glowing with warmth from the candles and filled with their cheerful chatter. Smiles lit their faces as they spoke, creating a scene that felt foreign to me. And there I was, alone, my bottle of milk the only company I had. For a moment, I imagined myself at their table—but that thought was quickly interrupted.
Their tone shifted. The Duke mentioned my name. Curious, I leaned in closer to listen. "What of the baby upstairs?" Ace asked tentatively. The Duke's response was sharp and cold: "She's just a child. She'll grow up and do her duty, nothing more." Ace hesitated, a flicker of concern crossing his face before he nodded and moved the conversation elsewhere. My heart sank. To them, I was just a task, an obligation—not someone to cherish. I'll prove you wrong, I vowed silently, I'll make my own destiny.
Ignoring their merriment, I crawled back to my room, each movement a painful reminder of my isolation. Climbing back into my crib, I gazed at my raw hands. The bruises on my knees and the ache in my heart reminded me of the struggles I'd endured—and the strength I would need to rise. Poor Elara—how much pain she must have endured. Closing my eyes, I drifted off to sleep, lost in thoughts of a future where I could stand tall, relying on no one but myself
Two years passed in a blur, and I was now two years old. Though I had learned to speak, my words were often unclear, and I could only mutter a few phrases. It didn't concern me much. I had also taught myself how to walk, a skill I mastered without any help from the maid. By now, I had grown used to her indifference, and her ignorance no longer bothered me.
During this time, I reached the third circle in my mana core—a feat I was quietly proud of. It allowed me to summon my gun, a weapon heavy for my tiny hands but one I could naturally carry and aim with surprising ease. Every now and then, I would sneak out of the mansion without anyone noticing, exploring the world beyond those cold walls.
One day, a maid entered my room abruptly and announced, "My lady, the Duke wishes to see you." Her tone was formal, devoid of any warmth. I nodded and followed her, though I struggled to keep up with her long, quick strides. My small legs fell behind, but I stubbornly pressed on. Eventually, we reached the Duke's office. The maid rushed off without a word, leaving me alone in front of the guards.
One of the guards knocked on the door and announced, "My lord, Lady Elara is here."
A husky voice from within replied, "Enter."
I stepped into the lavish office, which gleamed with a gold-themed decor. Luxury surrounded me, from the ornate furniture to the intricate details on the walls. Slowly, I walked toward the Duke's desk, stopping just in front of it. With a polite bow, I greeted him. "I greet Duke Nyx," I said as clearly as I could.
For a moment, there was silence. The Duke regarded me with a sharp, piercing gaze, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had done something wrong. Was it my etiquette? My posture? Doubt began to creep in, but then he sighed.
"Raise your head," he said.
I straightened up and met his intense gaze. There was something unreadable in his expression, a mix of contemplation and distance. Finally, he spoke. "I called you here to inform you that, from today onwards, you will join the family dinner."
I blinked, confusion washing over me. The family dinner? I thought. I'm sure he never wanted me there before. Why now?
Sensing my unspoken question, the Duke's tone became firm. "Yes, you will join the family dinner, whether you like it or not. The butler will come to escort you."
I nodded obediently, though my mind was swirling with questions. Without another word, I turned and left the office, my thoughts lingering on the unexpected command.