As Sir Derrick guides me through the grand hallway, I glanced around, trying to memorize each details of the surroundings. The towering walls, the elegant paintings, and the soft glow of lanterns created an atmosphere entirely new to me. Soon, we arrive at my room, and as the servants open the door, my eyes widen in shock. My new bedroom is vast and beautiful, filled with luxurious furnishings and the warmth of a cackling fireplace—so different from the cramped attic I had once called home.

Stepping inside, I marvel at the space, and to my surprise, a maid awaits me, assigned as my personal attendant. The maid gently led me to a large bath, where I am pampered with care and gentleness I had never known. I feel a deep happiness welling up withing me, basking in this rare kindness. After my bath, the maid guided me to a small table set up in my room, laden with an array of mouth-watering desserts crafted by the head chef. Each desserts looks more tempting than the last, as I taste them, I feel the warm I never felt before—a warmth that made me feel welcome.

As the maid tucks me into the large, soft bed, I lay still, unable to sleep in this unfamiliar setting. Eventually, I decided to take a quiet walk around the castle, hoping the gentle stroll will help me settle. Wandering through the dimly lit corridors, I soon find myself in a beautiful garden. The crisp night air filled my lungs as I gazed at the moonlit flowers, each petal shimmering in silver.

Unexpectedly, I saw a figure nearby—a boy around my age, with soft black hair and striking crimson red eye that seems to glow in the dark. He turned around noticing me, and approached me with a warm smile.

"Hello," he said. "I'm Xavier, the crown prince of this country."

I felt a jolt of surprise and confusion. Why is a prince staying here? Sensing my curiousity, Xavier explains. "Its's safer for me here, away from the imperial castle. After my mother, the Empress, passed away last summer... well, there are those who would try to put me in danger." His voice was steady, but I could sense sadness beneath his words.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, sympathy filling my gaze.

But Xaview shook his head. "It's alright. Honestly, I'm happy to have a companion here now." His smile brightened, and I feel my own spirits lift.

"I'm glad to hear that." I replied, feeling a bond beginning to form between us.

As a chill swept through the garden, Xavier suggested, "We should head inside. It's getting colder."

I nodded, feeling grateful for this unexpected meeting and the warmth of newfound companionship in my new life at the Duke's estate.

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MEANWHILE... In the grand study room, the Duke sat behind a massive oak desk, his expression darkening as he reviewed the report Sir Derrick had compiled. Papers lay before him detailing Aveline's background, and with each page he read, the Duke's anger grew. Aveline, it turnes out that she was no cherished member of the Thorne family. Instead, she had been sent to him as an outcast—a child dicarded by her own kin.

"They sent her to me as if she's nothing more than a burden,' the Duke muttered, his voice laced fury. "Viscount Harry must think me as a fool, willing to accept any weak and unwanted child without question"

He leaned back in his chair, letting out a heavy sigh as the anger faded into something softer— a sadness for the young girl he met earlier, who had stood before him with a quiet strength, yet carried the unmistakable signs of mistreatment. The Duke feel an unexpected sympathy for Aveline, knowing the kind of courage it must take for someone to endure such rejection.

Turning to Sir Derrick, he spoke in a more resolute tone. "See to it that every member of the staff treats Lady Aveline with respect, care and kindness. She's endured enough, and I will not have her suffer further under this roof."

Sir Derrick nodded firmly, his own expression serious. "Understood, Your Grace, I'll make sure of it.'

The Duke watched him go, feeling a renewed determination. If Aveline's own family had failed her, he would ensure that she found a place here where she was valued and respected. For in this house, under his protection, no one would dare to treat her as anything less than she deserved.