* * *

In the world, theres always one person who shines like a protagonist in any situation. Someone who captures attention in whatever they do, always outshining others.

In that context, Aileen Everett was born far from being a protagonist.

An adopted child who didnt even have a middle name.

A child from a noble family yet tainted with a lineage considered lowly.

She could have been the only ducal lady, or even the duchys heir, but the girl faced constant criticism solely because of her mothers bloodline. Even those who sought to impress her talked behind her back about her origins.

Aileen loathed this reality, whether it was out of sympathy or advocacy.

That pink hair

Hair color on the red spectrum is seen as a mark of low birth, right? Though its a paler shade, her mother was a wanderer of pixie lineage, wasnt she?

If only some unknown woman hadnt charmed the eldest ducal son, he wouldnt have died.

Tainted bloodline.

Cursed lineage.

Filthy child.

People tend to feel their minor illnesses more acutely than serious injuries. Thus, Aileen always felt more pitiful than Violet.

Even after usurping Violet S. Everetts position and being adored by the entire ducal manor, the emptiness within her never faded. She couldnt even comprehend what was missing.

Why must it be so!

What exactly are you asking.

Why must I go to Liran!

On the day her departure to Liran was decided, she confronted Duke Everett, shedding her usual faade and shouting.

The duke, without even a glance at Aileen, indifferently turned the pages of his documents.

You will learn things there that you cant in our country. Its also known as the land of spring. It wont be unpleasant.

Is it because

Is it because Im not your true daughter?

The dukes hand paused at her quivering question. He looked at the girl who had become his second daughter long ago.

So, its because of my ignoble birth

No one in the ducal family had ever broached the subject in her presence. How could they, right in front of her?

The eldest son Mikhail, the second child Roen, and even the youngest son Cairn never discriminated against Aileen because of her blood.

The only exception was Violet, who was envious.

Thus, Aileens sense of deficiency was akin to an inferiority complex.

I cant grasp why the conversation has come to this.

I dont want to go.

Please, I really dont want to go. Please, Father

The decision has already been made.

Even with her entreaties, the duke was unwavering.

The dukes emotions towards Aileen were not familial love, but rather, sentiments stemmed from guilt.

Duke Everett was always haunted by guilt.

The guilt for having driven his elder brother and his wife to their demise.

The guilt for leaving a young child all alone.

This guilt lingered constantly in a corner of his heart.

In the end, Aileens overseas education was an initiative pushed by Roen. It was a place far from the ducal house, yet renowned as a resort and tourist destination. A place where she could live freely, almost like a queen.

It was a remote place, but not a bad one to live in. Hence, the duke accepted the proposal without much fuss.

I will do better. Please, Father?

Aileens voice wavered again as she spoke, yet the duke remained silent. He could no longer allow himself to be swayed by such superficial guilt.

Realizing that the duke was not going to respond, Aileen gritted her teeth in frustration.

Why, only me?

Tears started to drop from the girls eyes. She couldnt hold back her tears anymore.

The duke of a few years past might have succumbed to those tears.

Your date of departure is next week. I will prepare everything, you just have to go.

Why, only me. Why is it always only me

The girl, who continued to sob for a while, left the dukes office, murmuring to herself, One day, I will reclaim what is mine.

With that resolve, Aileen left for Liran. And after a few months passed.

Hello, everyone!

She had finally returned.

* * *

Violet thought the distant voice she heard was a hallucination. But the moment she saw that distinctive pink hair, reminiscent of flower petals fluttering in the spring breeze, she realized it was not a figment of her imagination.

If only it were a dream.

She couldnt contain the rush of emotions and opened her eyes wide.

Aileen, having spotted Violet, approached her with a light, breezy walk. A walk so light that Violet would have critiqued it for its lack of propriety in the past.

Sister! Its been a while.

The bright-faced girl greeted her.

Huh? That girl is

Has such a child ever been invited before? What kind of walk is that?

Such a greeting for a ducal lady.

Pink hair, could it be?

Whispers followed Aileens appearance. It had been three years, and not many recognized her immediately.

Violet frowned.

Why are you here?

Not even a warm greeting for the younger sister you havent seen in so long?

Im asking you. Why are you here?

The atmosphere grew tense. The murmuring stopped. The noble ladies who were gathered in small groups began to watch Violets reactions.

Violet usually carried a mild atmosphere, but whenever she pressed someone, her presence was intimidating.

And now was no exception.

Despite being of a martial lineage, she had not formally trained in swordsmanship. Yet, the aura Violet emitted now was almost murderous.

While everyone was wary of her, only one girl continued to speak nonchalantly.

Hiic, but Ive missed you so much, Sister. I rushed here to see you, and yet youre treating me so coldly.