CHAPTER 002
“You never study and just play around all day, do you?”
“I didn’t even play that much!”
My little brother, Levi, who is five years younger than me, was getting scolded by our mother. At fourteen, Levi no longer just quietly listened when being reprimanded. He was entering his rebellious phase.
“You never see me when I’m studying, only when I’m playing!”
“Hey, you! If you’ve done something wrong, you should apologize!”
“Mother!”
I called out to get her attention. Mother turned to look at me. Her furrowed brows softened into a warm smile.
“Selina, you’re back? Why didn’t you say something?”
“I just got here.”
While Mother’s attention was on me, Levi quietly sneaked into the house. He was so careful that Mother didn’t notice at all.
“Did you have a good talk with Lady Croft? You should invite her over next time.”
Mother repeated the suggestion she had made several times before.
“It’s good for the families to know each other, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I’ll ask her again.”
“Good, good. Now go inside and rest.”
Mother smiled, pleased with my immediate compliance. On the surface, we might seem like any other mother and daughter, but until recently, it was me who used to get scolded like Levi.
‘She didn’t use to be like this...’
I’m sorry to say, but it’s true. We didn’t always get along so well. It’s common knowledge among the nobility, but I’m not my parents’ biological daughter. They adopted me when they thought they couldn’t have children, but then Levi was born.
After that, my parents began to change, and their attitude toward me grew more and more distant and sorrowful.
‘Mother, I picked some flowers from the garden!’
‘Shh, don’t you see Levi is sleeping? You should be more careful-’
I was scolded for picking flowers once, and it wasn’t even me who woke Levi up, but Mother’s voice! That was my daily life until one day, their attitude changed again to one of kindness.
‘You’ve become friends with Lady Croft?’
‘Yes. Today, Bella even introduced me to the Duke’s son. I visited their estate.’
‘Did you know? I didn’t expect you to make such connections.’
Father twisted my pure intentions. He made it sound like I became friends with Bella on purpose, but I didn’t mind. It had been a long time since Father came to my room to talk to me.
Recalling my past life, I was even more grateful for my parents' renewed attention. Receiving affection, no matter the reason, was better than nothing.
Chapter 1: The Mysterious Man
Six days later.
It was the day before I was to meet Lewis. His reputation preceded him, and I wasn’t the only one feeling anxious.
‘They say Lewis tears people apart!’
‘Wasn’t that just a rumor?’
‘It’s true! My brother saw it himself in the magic tower!’
Two days ago, the young ladies I met were all abuzz with the news. There were a few who were actually looking forward to his return.
‘Still, I want him to come back soon.’
‘Why?’
‘Because he’s handsome! We need some eye candy among the trolls in the capital!’
They were so desperate for a good-looking man that they were willing to risk their lives... But for me, my life was more important. After all, looks don’t put food on the table. And we already have handsome men nearby, don’t we?
I turned to look at Mikael, who had joined Bella and me on our outing. With his dazzling blonde hair and striking red eyes, he was quite the handsome man!
“Look at that diamond necklace. Should I buy it?”
“Buy it!”
They were like a pair of wealthy twins. Though they looked different, their personalities matched perfectly. Maybe it’s because they’re twins?
Apart from the red eyes inherited from the Duke, they didn’t look alike at all...
Bella called out to me, interrupting my thoughts.
“Selina, pick something you like. Do you want that one?”
“Huh? I don’t need anything...”
“Don’t worry about the cost, just choose! It’s not that expensive.”
“It’s got one more zero than my usual earrings!”
I pointed out the price, but Bella didn’t even blink.
“Then it’s the perfect time to buy one.”
Bella was incredibly generous. I ended up receiving another gift from her. How many presents have I gotten from her already?
“I’ll pay, so wait outside.”
After our shopping was done, Bella sent me out first. I stood at the edge of the sidewalk, holding the paper bag Bella had given me.
“I shouldn’t keep accepting these...”
I was a noble too, but the disparity in wealth was astounding! I was grateful but also felt guilty.
Why is she taking so long?
Feeling a bit awkward, I turned to look inside the glass door. I saw an employee bringing several jewelry sets to the counter. The employee’s excited face gave me a hint. More purchases! She must have found something else she liked!
Shopping never ends. I took a step to re-enter the jewelry store when-
“Ouch!”
Someone suddenly bumped into me from the side. It was a tall man, and I was knocked back. He grabbed me to steady me.
“Don’t move so suddenly...”
“Sorry!”
His voice was irritable. I looked up at him, taken aback. I was standing right in front of him, and since he was taller, I could see his face clearly even though he was wearing a hood.
I was stunned. Despite the hood obscuring part of his face, I could tell he was incredibly handsome.
How could there be such a handsome man here? I stared at him, slack-jawed. With dark hair peeking from under his hood, I couldn’t tell if it was brown or black.
His eyes were dark too. I hadn’t seen black eyes in the empire before. Was he a foreigner? Regardless of where he was from, he was stunning. Ladies desperate for a handsome man would start planning to emigrate if they saw him.
Realizing I had been staring too long, I quickly stepped back and apologized.
“Excuse me.”
The man didn’t respond. Why isn’t he saying anything? Did I hurt him? I looked at him curiously.
He was staring at my wrist, the one he had grabbed. We stood there awkwardly until my two guards, usually idle, noticed and began to approach, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Not now, guys!
I signaled them to stop and asked the man, “Are you hurt? Did I hurt you when we collided?”
Of course, that was unlikely. But his unexpected reply shocked me.
“What if I am?”
“What?”
Could he really be hurt? That doesn’t make sense. He’s not showing any signs of pain.
Seeing my bewilderment, the man smirked.
“I think you’ve made my head hurt.”
He then glanced at my wrist.
“Oh, your head hurts?”
It must, be to say something like that with such a perfect face. It seems the gods are indeed fair.
“Should I compensate you?”
I was clearly confused. It didn’t make sense. If anyone was hurt, it should be me.
The man pointed at my hand. Just as I was about to understand, the jewelry store door chimed open.
“Sorry, Selina. I found something else I liked.”
“But who’s this?”
I’ve never been so glad to see the twins!
When I turned back, the man was giving me a strange smile.
Why is he smiling? This isn’t a funny situation.
Feeling uneasy, I watched as he walked away without another word.
If he was going to leave like that, why did he smile? Maybe he realized he couldn’t mess with the twins.
I started walking with the twins, glancing back once. The man was already out of sight.
* * *
Even a day later, the man from the street kept popping into my mind. It was so strange. Claiming to be injured and demanding compensation. And he didn’t look hurt at all!
I concluded he must be a scammer.
But I soon encountered him again, in a place I never expected, and much sooner than I thought.
“Bella...”
“What?”
“Is that really your cousin?”
Bella looked where I was pointing and nodded.
“Yes, he’s my cousin.”
“The... future Tower Master?”
“Yes, that’s Lewis.”
Oh my god.
I covered my mouth.
‘Why is that strange man at the duke’s mansion?’
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