Chapter 2

Alicia's mother came from a noble family in the neighboring country of Coulson. Both Ehrlich and Coulson shared a common language, writing system, and a long-standing marriage alliance between nobles and royals. And there is a recent history of Ehrlich and Coulson joining forces and fighting the same enemy.

When her mother was young, she traveled to Ehrlich, a neighboring country, at the invitation of her cousin and fell in love at first sight with a young man. The only problem was his lowly status, and he already had a lover. Her parents actively tried to prevent the marriage for these reasons alone, but she was adamant, fiery, and stubborn. She was tough and had a warrior's heart.

Many men had fallen for her carefree attitude, but she only had her sights set on that young man, and she wanted to be with that young man.

That was it.

As a result, her parents made a suggestion. If the young man ended his relationship with his old lover and accepted the marriage, the Ehrlichs would bestow the title of Count on him, and the Coulsons would buy him a vast estate and a magnificent mansion.

After much deliberation, the young man accepted the offer. It was the only way and only way to go. It was difficult for a low-class aristocrat to refuse the title of "Count" and the huge fortune that would come with it, let alone rise to fame and reputation on his own. It was like a nightmare, a mirage, or an illusion. If he accepted the marriage, he would receive it.

But, even then... there was no love in their marriage. It was a one-sided relationship. The man had no feelings for his wife. His wife's hope and vigour had dwindled as his heart had already been occupied.

So, when she died of a broken heart, he rushed into his mansion with his illegitimate child, whom he'd been hiding.

And what is her name?

Kenboe Patricia

Her commoner mother continued her secret love affair with him despite knowing he was married to another woman. When she died during childbirth, the man felt compassion for her and was filled with guilt because he was unable to raise his own child.

But now that his wife was dead and buried six-feet-under, he was free of his cage.

"Hello, Patricia, this is Alicia, your sister."

The sight of the grand and splendid mansion, which young Patricia had never seen before, distracted her. Patricia greeted Alicia with a bright smile and lovely rosy hair and red eyes.

"Good day, sister. It's a pleasure to meet you. "My name is Patricia."

All of this occurred the day after Alicia's mother's funeral. Patricia's face turned white as she greeted her newfound half-sister.

"Alicia, what are you up to?" You should introduce yourself."

Alicia clenched her small fist at the gentle prodding of her father. She was typically a quiet, well-mannered child. She'd never disobeyed her parents, and she'd always chosen to listen to others' opinions rather than be stubborn and adamant like her mother...

But…

But Alicia found the current and unexpected situation strange. What was she doing in Alicia's house, and where had her mother been all this time? And if that was true, her father had been seeing other women while Alicia's mother was with him.

And here he was, standing in front of her, making no excuses.

Patricia bowed her head as Alicia failed to greet her warmly.

"You don't seem to like me... or think I belong here..."

"No, that's not correct... No, Patricia..."

When he saw the child's tearful expression, his face softened. His face was full of love and gentleness, and Alicia's heart was broken by the look on her father's face that she had never seen before.

He scolded Alicia severely.

"Are you dismissing Patricia because of her low status, Alicia?" You appear to be as arrogant as your mother! Good. If you can't accept her, that's fine...!"

Alicia wanted to protest and say it wasn't true, but he warmly embraced Patricia in his arms before she could.

That, too, was the love that Alicia was denied her entire life.

Patricia followed her father into his room, her chin resting on his broad shoulders. Patricia's face slowly brightened as she stared blankly at Alicia. It was the kind of clever smile that suggested she reconsider her position in the mansion.

Everything changed at that moment.

"Miss, Lawyer Ted has arrived."

Latty's voice rang, and Alicia was jolted out of her reverie. Latty pointed to the door as Alicia looked up.

"He's waiting for you, Miss."

Alicia gave a soft smile.

"Yes, we have a lot to talk about."