Nearly three months had passed since I first arrived at the Duke's castle, and I settled comfortably into my new life. The grand halls, lush gardens, and cold northen walls had become familiar, and my days had taken on a rhythm that are both challenging and fulfilling.

The Duke would take me to the northen wall to practice my magic by fighting off the creatures that appeared there. Under the guidance of His Grace, my magical abiliteis have advance remarkably. What was once unrefined now feel powerful and contorlled, and each victory filled me with a newfound confidence. On the weekdays, I would pour myself into my studies with Sir Raymond, my patient and kind teacher. Alongside Prince Xavier, I attended my lessons with determination, deeply valuing the education I never had access to before.

As time passes, my bond with Prince Xavier deepened. Both of us spend countless hours together, whether in study sessions, quiet strolls thorugh the castle gardens, or moments of laughter in the training grounds. Prince Xavier have become a close friend and confidant, someone who understand my past struggles without any form of judgement.

In these three months, no words had come from the Thorne family. It is as if they have forgotten my existence. I had expected to much, yet there was still a tinge of hurt that came with the silence. Meanwhile, I did heard the news from the castle's staff about the Viscount—now Marquess Harry. His recent promotion was dur to a successful research project on a rare gemstone, and his newfound title seems to bring even more wealth to the family. The gossip around spoke of Marchioness Diana and Lady Emilia's extravagant shopping sprees, their visits to fine boutiques becoming an almost weekly occurence.

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In the lavish sitting room of the Thorne estate, Marchioness Diana reclined in luxury, a satisfied smile on her face as she looked at her family. "Our lives have truly fluorished since we got rid of that child," she said with a smug glance toward her husband and daughter. Ever since, fortune seems to smile on us."

Emilia, seated elegantly beside her mother, nodded with a self-satisfied smirk. "She was nothing but a disgrace, mother. I always felt that she brought misfortune upon our family." "Can you imagine her at the Duke's castle? I doubt His Grace would even tolerate an illegitimate outcast like her. She's probably suffering right now, realizing she was never meant to be there."

Diana laughed in agreement, her laughter sharp and cold. "Indeed, she must be feeling the weight of her true place in the world. Only fitting that she finally learns what she deserves." Her words dripped with satisfaction as if each one tightened the bonds that had once kept Aveline under their control.

Marquess Harry, who had been silently enjoying his wine, raised his glass in appreciation. "Thank goodness we were wise enough to send her off when we did. Look at us now— wealthy, respected and finally living the life we deserve. WE wouldn't be basking in such luxury if we had not rid ourselves of that damn girl."

Emilia let out a laugh, her youth only intensifying the contrast between her sweet appearance and the malice in her words. 'Exactly, Father. Good riddance. Now we can enjoy this life without any hindrances."

Marquess Harry smiled approvingly, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "You're wise eben though you're just an eught years old. Emilia. My clever girl." he praised.

The three of them laughed together, utterly oblivious to the fact that Aveline is not the girl they thought she was—or stronger than any of them could ever anticipated.