The grand duke of Adelstein looked at her and said, “Follow me to the carriage.” She hesitantly followed him, her heart pounding with fear. This was the first time she had met the Grand duke in person, and his presence was overwhelming. In her past life, she would have been trembling and in tears by now.
They reached the carriage, and the grand duke waited for her to climb inside. But being so small, she couldn’t reach the floor. Embarrassment washed over her face. Should she ask for help? Before she could decide, to her surprise, the grand duke lifted her up.“So small,” he chuckled, while the knights laughed at the sight. Her face turned red. It wasn’t her fault she was so short. She quickly scurried inside and sat on the opposite side of the carriage.“Well, child. Speak,” the grand duke said, his eyes filled with curiosity. She took a deep breath before answering, fully aware that this was her chance to prove herself. She couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.“I can heal your son,” she said confidently, looking directly at him. Only a few people knew about the curse that passed down upon their family, and luckily, she had learned about it in her past life. The Adelsteins blood was poisonous, and during the red moon, the eldest son, suffered unimaginable pain. She could use this secret to her advantage.“Do you think knowing our secret poses a threat to us? I could kill you right now, child,” he hissed, creating a gloomy atmosphere. She could sense that he had the power to end her life in an instant. But she couldn’t let that happen until she achieved her desire."I'm in no danger from you, grand duke, because you need me," she whispered, her voice carrying a quiet but firm determination. "I can prove it to you."The grand duke mused for a moment, then grabbed a small knife, drawing it across his hand and causing blood to trickle out. Instinctively, she placed her hands on his, and they began to glow. Thankfully, her powers hadn't diminished despite being reborn. Was it the advantage of being a fairy? They were still weak, but she could practice with a magic stone."A fairy?" the grand duke said, gazing at his hands. "What do you want?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her.Elen was shocked that the duke of Adelstein knew about the fairies. "Yes, I am a fairy, and I can be beneficial to you. You just need to protect me until I reach my 20. You don’t need to pay attention to me. I will live as if I were dead, peacefully. I just need someone who can shield me from the Duke of Windsor," she said, gritting her teeth. She could see a smug smile creep across the Grand Duke’s face."Alright, child. I shall protect you," the grand duke said, his gaze penetrating. She couldn’t read his thoughts now, and she was relieved that he had accepted her proposal. She didn’t have to worry anymore. Had she achieved her goal? "But before that, you should buy some decent clothes."Upon hearing his words, she glanced down at her clothes. It was worn and patched in some places. Meeting the grand duke while dressed like this would be inappropriate. She coughed, trying to ease the awkwardness. The Grand Duke commanded his knights to purchase dresses for her and took her to the nearest parlor.“Greetings to the Grand Duke of Adelstein,” a woman said, welcoming them at the entrance. Her eyes fell upon her.“Go, child, change your clothes,” the grand duke instructed, taking a seat on a couch while waiting for her. The woman hurriedly helped her change her clothes, fixing her hair and attending to every detail.“This dress suits you, milady,” the woman said politely, while tending to her hair. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her silver hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. Her eyes resembled the ocean, and her face was flawless, unlike her previous appearance, which had been marred by scars.As the grand duke selected a beautiful piece of jewelry and placed it around Elen's neck, she felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. The exquisite blue ornament glistened in the daylight, contrasting against her attire. The woman at the store complimented her, but Elen could sense her attention lingering on the grand duke, his piercing gaze fixed on her face as he studied her carefully.After the grand duke gave instructions for the purchase and made arrangements for the items to be sent to his house, he took her hand and led her away from the store. Elen couldn't help but feel a shiver of apprehension as she followed him obediently. The grand duke's commanding presence was unsettling, yet she was relieved to have gained his protection."Let's go home," the duke of Adelstein commanded once they were outside, but as he turned to leave, Elen grasped the hem of his coat, halting his movement."Can we go to the nearest library?" Elen spoke softly, her voice betraying her hesitation.The grand duke regarded her with a quizzical expression. "Why?" he inquired, his gaze fixed upon her."I want to read books about fairies," Elen replied, her eyes pleading for understanding."All the books about fairies are forbidden," the duke of Adelstein informed her flatly, his tone matter-of-fact.The news struck Elen like a heavy blow. How could she learn about the life of a fairy if the knowledge was forbidden? Her desperation to understand her true nature intensified as she struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality."There are some books at home," the grand duke continued, breaking through her dismay. Elen's mind was clouded with conflicting emotions, and before she knew it, they were back in the grand carriage, the grand duke placing her by his side.She stared out the window, watching the bustling market and questioning the reality of her current situation. Was this not a dream? Had she truly changed her fate this time? So many questions raced through her mind. She needed to finalize her plans after this. She had to be of value to the Adelstein family so they wouldn’t cast her aside. She had to utilize her knowledge from her past life, offering them beneficial strategies."I will help you avenge your loved ones, grand duke." she whispered to herself with determination.She glanced at the Grand Duke from the corner of her eye, engrossed in reading some documents. The duke had a strong jawline, and perfectly arched eyebrows added to the intensity of his gaze. His piercing red eyes. They were like molten lava, intense and passionate, simmering with hidden depths. His hair, like a flowing waterfall of darkness, contrasts sharply against his pale skin. Every move and gesture he makes exudes power and confidence."The rumors are true," elen said, " you are ready handsome." she said in a low voice, she continues to observe the Grand duke until fatigue clings to her fragile form like a relentless adversary, her body yielding to the demands forced upon it. Unbeknownst to her, exhaustion had finally seized control, luring her into the depths of slumber. A wave of darkness consumed her consciousness, plunging her into the unknown.The Grand Duke's piercing gaze fell upon the sleeping figure before him, his features softening with an unfamiliar tenderness. In a gesture both gentle and protective, he carefully guided her head to rest upon his own lap. As the child slept on his lap, gently stroking her hair, the duke’s thoughts wandered to the battles they had both fought silently in their own ways. He had always been impressed by her resilience and determination, but seeing her now, vulnerable and peaceful in sleep, made him see her in a different light.They reached the grand house of the duke of Adelstein at three pm. As Elen looked out of the carriage window, she saw a line of people waiting at the front door to welcome the grand duke. The butler and head maid stood at the front with eager expressions. When the duke stepped out of the carriage, instead of leaving, he opened the door and glanced at Elen. It was as if he was silently telling her to join them. Nervously, she revealed herself to the crowd, her heart racing. The onlookers, especially the old butler, appeared shocked by her presence. “Grand Duke?” the old butler called out, seemingly in disbelief. Feeling uneasy under their gazes, Elen quickly moved to stand behind the duke. “Don’t frighten the child. Mathilda, assist her to the library,” the grand duke instructed, removing his coat. “Butler, come with me.” With that, he left Elen in the midst of the others. The kind head maid approached Elen and showed her to the library. Though they h
In the hush of the evening, Elen's eyes opened slowly, the glow of the bedside clock illuminating the room. The time, nine in the evening, shocked her. With a sudden burst of energy, she sprang from the bed and raced to the door. Her small frame strained as she pushed it open and made her way down the long corridor, marveling at the grandness of the house. "This place is massive," she whispered to herself. Lost in the labyrinth of hallways, she wandered until she stumbled upon the garden."It's so beautiful," she breathed, gazing at the colorful flowers. "I wish I was just born normal. Maybe I could live peacefully."Elen strolled through the garden, touching the petals of each flower. She was captivated until her eyes fell on a striking red rose in full bloom. A prick of a thorn caused her to yelp as blood oozed from the tiny wound. She gazed at the injury, the blood slowly oozing out, and pondered, "It doesn't hurt me anymore." Her delicate fingers were stained crimson, yet she fel
Early in the morning, the gentle sound of footsteps heralded the arrival of the maids entering Elen's luxurious chamber. Upon noticing her engaged in tidying her bed and preparing for her morning ritual, they quickly rushed to her, halting her in her tracks."Lady!" Rami's voice resonated through the room, causing Elen to startle and turn to them with wide eyes, visibly taken aback by the unexpected interruption."What's wrong?" Elen’s voice held a mixture of confusion and nervousness, as she wondered if she had somehow erred in her actions."Lady, you don't need to concern yourself with tidying your room. That's our responsibility. And if you require assistance with your morning ablutions, simply summon us. We are here to serve you," Rora spoke with kindness, her warm smile radiating an air of reassurance as they efficiently assisted in setting her bed in order."But I'm not a child," Elen objected, her feeble protest lingering in the air, only to be met by the maids' laughter, their
Elen stared longingly out of her window, her desire to go outside growing stronger by the second. How could she possibly find a reason to leave? The air felt heavy with the weight of her yearning for freedom. Suddenly, Rami's suggestion to buy something for her brothers offered a glimmer of hope. Elen seized upon the idea, seeing it as the perfect excuse to step outside, knowing full well that there was something she needed to check on for her own benefit. "Yes! Let's buy something for my brothers!" Elen chimed in, a sense of relief evident in her smile. "Alright, but first we need the permission of the grand duke," Rora declared, dashing off to seek the duke's approval. As she waited for Rora's return, Elen took the opportunity to meticulously plan their purchases. She considered what gifts would bring joy to her brothers and, after much thought, settled on the idea of buying watch for them. And lastly, she needed to go to that place. Meanwhile, Ram
As the sun went down, Maxwell and Elliot got their things ready to leave the academy. They seemed serious and focused. Maxwell had silver hair and red eyes, looking determined and strong, wearing a blue cloak that made him seem mysterious and powerful. Elliot, his twin, had black hair and intense red eyes, with a strong passion for magic that showed in the energy around his fingers. They were twins, but very different. Maxwell studied warfare and was skilled in strategy, while Elliot was a prodigy in magic, obsessed with its secrets. " Hey, Max! do you think father is really serious this time?" Elliot asked while adjusting the straps on his horse. "Maybe? Maybe not" Chandler said, " You know, I'm also curious what made father adopt her" "Yes, I'm also curious about that. We knew father, he won't make a decision unless he benefits from it." Elliot said while pondering for a minute, "When will big brother come back?" "I'm not sure. Big broth
The night was calm and peaceful, with a gentle breeze brushing through the neighborhood. Most residents were winding down, their homes illuminated by soft glows from windows. However, for Lucas and his mother, the tranquility was disrupted by the frantic bustle of packing. The sound of hastily zipping suitcases and the hurried shuffling of belongings filled the air. Lucas, a 16-year-old boy with striking red hair and piercing golden eyes, neatly folded his clothes and carefully stowed away his personal items. "Lucas, let's pack up quickly," His mother's eyes betrayed an undercurrent of panic as she moved about the room, checking and double-checking that everything was ready to go. "Mom, why do we have to leave? I like living here," Lucas said while packing his stuff. Despite the urgency, the warmth of their home still lingered, and Lucas couldn't help but feel a twinge of reluctance to leave behind the familiarity of their current abode. "Lucas, you trust me, right?" his mother ask
Margaret stood frozen in the corner, a tangle of confusion and worry knotting in her chest as she watched her brother, Cain, holding hands with a stranger in a place she didn't recognize. Her throat tightened, and she found it hard to speak, but she managed to call out to him. "Brother," she said, her voice trembling with uncertainty. Cain and Elen, jumped at the sound of Margaret's voice. Cain hurried over to his sister, his eyes wide with fear and concern. He did his best to explain how they had come to be in Elen's room, hoping to ease Margaret's worries. As Cain spoke, Margaret took in the unfamiliar surroundings and tried to make sense of the situation. Her mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. With her red curly hair framing her anxious face and her piercing violet eyes searching for answers, she finally began to understand the series of events that had led them here. "Thank you so much for helping us, Sister," Margaret said, her eyes filled with admiration
The day began, the grand duke's vassals arrived at his house, consumed with curiosity and concern over the rumors that the duke intended to adopt someone of unknown background. An air of anticipation hung over the gathering in the duke's office as they waited for him to arrive. The room buzzed with speculation and unease, and the vassals exchanged knowing looks and hushed whispers as they wondered about the implications of the duke's decision. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and the vassals were eager to hear from the duke himself about this surprising development. They shifted in their seats, exchanging nervous glances, and the air was heavy with anticipation. Some vassals were openly skeptical, while others were more resigned to whatever the duke's decision might be. As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the room seemed to grow, until finally, the grand doors to the grand duke's office swung open. The duke entered, his expression unreadable, and the room fell silent as all
In the afternoon, the grand duke was engrossed in his office tasks, finalizing documents to be sent to the palace in advance. Meanwhile, the monster egg remained hidden from all, especially the imperial family. A knock interrupted his work."Who?" the grand duke called out, still signing a document."Grand duke, it's me, Elen," came the voice outside his door, seeking permission to enter."Come in," the grand duke granted, awaiting Elen's presence. "What is it?" he inquired as she entered."Can I visit the boy?" Elen asked, her gaze averted, not meeting the grand duke's eyes."Why?" the grand duke questioned, his brow furrowing in curiosity."I just want to say thank you," Elen replied softly."Your servants can convey your gratitude to him," the grand duke suggested."But I want to thank him personally," Elen insisted. "He saved me.""And?" the grand duke prodded further, wary of involving Elen with the imperial family dynamics, given Lucas's status as the emperor's illegitimate son.
Three days had passed since Elen had awoken from her deep slumber, and the next day they were due to travel back to Evreux. The air was filled with the hustle and bustle of preparation as everyone busied themselves with getting ready for the journey. Meanwhile, Elen sat on her bed, observing Rami and Rora as they carefully packed her belongings."Can I help?" Elen inquired, her eyes hopeful as she gazed at them.Rami shook her head gently, "No, my lady. The doctor advised that you need rest."Elen's expression fell, a hint of boredom evident on her face. It had been three days since she had woken up, and she was beginning to feel cooped up from the constant vigilance everyone held over her activities.Rami let out a soft chuckle at Elen's eagerness and continued with the packing, making sure everything was neatly organized. She made a mental note to include a supply of medicine for Elen, anticipating the possibility of motion sickness during their journey back to Evreux.Elen's curios
The Grand Duke left Elen's room, feeling relieved that she had woken up from her deep slumber. He made his way to his temporary office, intending to catch up on his duties."Grand Duke," Theron greeted as he entered, placing a stack of documents on the table. "The boy who helped the lady wishes to see you.""The boy?" the Grand Duke inquired, his attention divided between the papers in front of him and Theron's words."Yes, the one who came to the lady's aid," Theron clarified."Very well," the Grand Duke replied, intrigued by the idea of meeting this young man who had displayed impressive combat skills at the marketplace. While not extraordinary, the boy's potential had caught the Grand Duke's attention."I will arrange for an appointment later," Theron informed him before bowing respectfully and exiting the room, leaving the Grand Duke to ponder the upcoming meeting with the mysterious boy.The Grand Duke sat in his office, reflecting on the mysterious young man who had caught his a
As the sun began to rise in Asteria, casting its gentle light into the room where Elen lay in deep slumber, a sense of urgency gripped the hearts of those gathered around her. The doctor, beads of sweat forming on his brow, had tried everything within his power to rouse Elen from her unconscious state, but her body remained unresponsive.The tension in the room was palpable as the grand duke, a grave expression etched on his face, questioned the doctor about Elen's condition. "When will she wake up?" the grand duke inquired, his voice tinged with concern."It seems that the medicine has not taken effect on the lady's body," the doctor responded, his own anxiety evident in his voice.A heavy silence hung in the air as all eyes turned to Elen, her face pale and serene in her slumber. The implications of her continued unconsciousness weighed heavily on the doctor, knowing the gravity of the situation.The grand duke's next words sent a shiver down the doctor's spine, his tone carrying a
Elen, still feeling groggy from her deep sleep, found herself wandering aimlessly in a never-ending white hallway. The complete lack of doors or exits made her feel trapped, like she was stuck in a never-ending limbo. The silence was deafening, and the sterile white walls seemed to stretch on forever, giving her the eerie sensation of walking towards her demise."Where the heck am I?" Elen mumbled to herself, her voice barely audible, "Am I... dead?"Despite the uncertainty of her situation, Elen pushed forward, determined to find a way out of this strange place. She couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her about the well-being of Rora and Rami."I hope they made it..." Elen thought to herself, a pang of concern tugging at her heartstrings."Child," a voice echoed through the empty white hallway, startling Elen."Who's there?" Elen called out, scanning her surroundings in confusion. But there was no one in sight, just the endless expanse of white that seemed to stretch into infinity."
The Grand Duke rushed through the marketplace, battling monsters along the way as he desperately searched for Elen. Despite his efforts, he found no trace of her or the group she had been with. The Adelstein knight arrived as well, aiding in the evacuation of civilians and joining the fight against the monsters. They scoured the area, trying to locate Elen and her companions, but they remained elusive."Grand Duke," Theron reported, "this area is clear.""Hmm," the Grand Duke responded, scanning the surroundings. "Find Elen and the group."As the Grand Duke set off once more in search of Elen, he encountered Rami and some knights still locked in combat with monsters, despite their injuries and bloodied appearance. Still, Elen was nowhere to be seen. Without hesitation, the Grand Duke jumped into the fray to assist Rami and the knights in clearing out the remaining monsters.Rami's eyes widened as she spotted the Grand Duke in the midst of the chaos, a mixture of surprise and relief fl
The Grand Duke and Theron were occupied searching for the monster's egg in the mountains when a villager was spotted shouting and running in their direction. The knights immediately intervened to prevent the villagers from getting too close to the Grand Duke."Grand Duke, it's a monster attack!" the villager exclaimed, prompting the Grand Duke to signal for the villagers to approach."Details," the Grand Duke requested, his gaze fixed on the panting villager."A monster has suddenly appeared in the marketplace, and the people there are in chaos," the villager reported between gasps for air."The marketplace?" realization dawned on the Grand Duke as he remembered Elen's whereabouts. Without a moment's hesitation, he swiftly departed, mounting his horse. "Theron, inform the knights and rally them at the marketplace."Racing with urgency towards the marketplace, the Grand Duke regretted not foreseeing the monster's imminent attack there. If he had known, he would have never allowed Elen
The next day, Elen felt her body was light and full of energy. She thought it was because of the good rest she had the previous night, along with the pastries the grand duke had brought for her. She planned to go to the market, eager to taste the delicious food Asteria had to offer."Good morning, lady!" Rora greeted as she entered the room."Good morning, Rora!" Elen replied with a wave."What would you like to eat, lady?" Rami asked while fixing the curtains."I'll just have the pastries today," Elen decided. "Uh, can we go to the market place?""I'm not sure, lady," Rami replied. "We should ask for permission from the grand duke.""Okay," Elen agreed, though she knew the grand duke might not allow them to visit the market.Rami quickly reheated the pastries for Elen to eat, and then they helped Elen dress herself. Considering the sunny weather in Asteria, Rami chose a light pink dress that would suit both Elen and the weather. They styled Elen's hair into two ponytails and paired i
The grand duke and Theron carefully surveyed the village, their eyes scanning every corner for any signs of danger. With Elen in their midst, safety was their top priority, especially with the looming threat of a potential monster egg hidden somewhere nearby."Grand duke," Theron reported, "my knights haven't spotted any suspicious eggs in this area."The grand duke nodded, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings as they continued their search. Hours passed with no sign of the monster's egg."Should we head back?" Theron inquired, concern evident in his voice as he observed the grand duke's thoughtful expression."Are there any bakeries nearby?" the grand duke suddenly questioned, a knowing look in his eyes as he considered Elen's well-being without directly addressing it."Huh?" Theron was caught off guard by the unexpected question."Don't make me repeat myself," the grand duke's tone was firm as he awaited an answer.