AVELINE

As morning light filled the room, I wakes up to my first day at the Duke's castle. I feels a gentle sense of excitement as my maid dresses me up into a beautiful dress— a garment finer than anything she'd worn before. I marveled at the soft fabric and the intricate embriodery, feeling like someone truly valued for the first time. Once I was dressed, Sir Edward, my new personal guard assigned by the Duke himself, he escorted me to the dining hall.

I enter the grand dining room, I am greeted with warm smiled from the Duke and Prince Xavier, who were waiting for my arrival to begin breakfast. It feels so different compare to my last morning meal at the Thorne manor, where I had felt like an outsider.Here, I feel very welcomed.

When I take my seat, the Duke greets me warmly. "I'm delighted to see you've already met Prince Xavier," he said with a smile. 'Starting tomorrow, you'll be receiving a proper education alongside him"

My eyes widen with with surprise and gratitude. I had never receive the opportunity to learn as my half siblings had, and this news really fill me with excitement.

The Duke continued, "And soon, I'll be bringing you along to the northen walls, where monsters sometimes appear. It will be a good opportunity for you to practice your magic."

I feel a thrill of excitement tempered with a hint of fear. Despite my nerves, I nodded in agreement, eager to grow stronger. Sensing my emotions, Xavier leaned foward with a reassuring grin. "Let's eat, Aveline!" he said cheerfully, inviting me to enjoy the feast laid out before us. ——————————————————————————

Sun rised to the top. I am summoned to the grand hall, uncertain about the purpose of the call. As I step inside, I was surpirse to see several seamstresses waiting with measuring tapes and bolts of fabric. The Duke arranged for them to create a whole wardrobe for me, each garment crafted for me. My heart raced with excitement; I had never experienced such privilege before. I remembered watching, as a young girl, while my sister, Emilia was measured by the finest seamstresses hired by Viscountess Diana, longing for such attention but never receiving it.

Now, as the seamstressess measured me, I feel a deep warmth, savoring each moment of care. I am beginning to realizethat here, in the Duke's castle, I am no longer just an outcast—I am someone who is mattered.