Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The regent, Tobias, was about to marry an unknown woman from the countryside.

The entire city was in shock, and even the palace was abuzz with the news.

The Emperor himself couldn't resist the urge to see what I looked like.

The day after Tobias submitted a request to the Emperor, we were summoned to the palace.

Princess Milly was also seated in the grand hall.

Princess Milly, the Emperor's only daughter, had never been denied anything she desired.

Except for Tobias.

Today's summons were likely at her behest.

I kept my head bowed, kneeling respectfully on the floor.

Princess Milly fiddled with her painted nails and asked, "Where are you from?"

I answered properly, "I come from a family of slaves. I was originally a servant at the Marsh Residence, but I was fortunate enough to catch Mr. Marsh's eye."

"A slave, how could you be worthy of Tobias?" Milly snapped.

If I had been a noble lady, she might have accepted it and used her status to pressure me.

But I was a slave, implying that she couldn't even compare to a slave.

She didn't need to be so angry.

After all, my identity was a lie, and Tobias's love for me was also a lie.

I still remembered the first day I met Tobias.

It was the day Zleanding was set ablaze. I was in the nearby mountains, tending to magical insects.

When I saw the thick smoke rising into the sky, I realized something was wrong.

Descending the mountain, I saw many soldiers surrounding the burning town, preventing anyone from escaping.

"Don't come here." Among the townspeople trying to flee, I saw my mother.

She looked at me in despair, telling me to leave and not come closer.

My legs felt heavy, and my hands clenched tightly.

"Only by living can you find a way!"

As the fire consumed them, burning them alive, their anguished screams echoed from the flames.

The soldiers had already dispersed, and the government officials arrived too late to extinguish the fire.

I hid nearby, watching the government officials speak respectfully to someone in a nearby carriage.

"Your Highness, the regent, everything is taken care of."

A breeze lifted the carriage curtain, and from my angle, I saw the face inside-sharp, handsome, and exuding nobility.

He was Tobias. Just one glance, and I etched his image deeply into my mind.

After the scene was cleared, everyone left.

I stumbled and knelt in the ashes, my trembling hands scooping up the ashes of hundreds of people.

I bit my lip so hard that I didn't notice the blood flowing.

In my grief, a piece of fabric sewn with gold thread appeared before me.

My heart skipped a beat, thinking the person in the carriage had returned.

Looking up, I saw a different face, not as sharp but gentle and refined.

He extended his hand to me, offering help.

In the darkness, he seemed like a ray of light.

Looking at the surrounding devastation, I forced my numb legs to stand.

"I will not rest until I avenge my family."