Once upon a time, there was a story about identical twins that were born from a well-known noble family. They were raised in the same place yet never they've been treated the same way. It was as the first daughter a descendant of the light while the other one was the descendant of the dark. Even when they came from the same womb, their appearance was different. The first one has bright blonde hair with beautiful blue eyes, while the other one has pitch-black hair with pitch-black eyes. It became a surprise as everyone think that the family was blessed and cursed at the same time.

The first girl was named Alina, the other one was named Amaia as it was inspired by light and dark. The other one has a cheerful personality, known as a kind-hearted person where everyone easily falls in love with her. The other one is the real opposite as she was a quiet person and not talking that much. She always tried to avoid people as much. That's why no one likes her.

" What a miserable fate for a girl as beautiful as her, to be born with a wicked-cursed person. " Then they will always say while pitying the first daughter.

Then just tried as much as they can, to make the beautiful princess as happy as any girl can be.

As they are growing up, come the day for them to join their come-to-age ceremony. Many daughters all over the kingdom were so excited as they knew the crown prince will be there. They prepared the best dress, they do their hair, put on some beautiful accessories hoping the prince will look at them.

Yet people just knew who is the one that the prince will choose. As they saw Alina with her white dress decorated with a golden pattern, while Amaia wore a grey plain dress without any other accessorized. People praised Alina then cursed Amaia. Then, when the crown prince came, it was a dazzling moment when he came right away to the blessed lady. As he politely kissed the lady's hand and had one beautiful dance with her. Everyone was so happy, they clapped and cheered for a beautiful couple of the kingdom as they then sneered to the woman who stand in the corner.

" It will be better if she's gone."

" How shameless to stay here."

" Cursed lady!"

" Go away!"

Then the prince looked at her. As he then came toward her with her twin holding his hand. "... Today is a beautiful day as I am now meeting you, My Lady. Then, as much as I love seeing your beautiful appearance, I will do make your first ceremony to be as much as beautiful as yours," he said while staring coldly at the cursed and dark lady. " So begone, you cursed one!" as the lady runs out of the hall, and everyone cheers for happiness. Later on, the dark lady was nowhere to be found, nor as everyone cared about it. It was just a happy event when finally the miserable beautiful lady, lifted from her cursed life. It was surely a happy day as they believed the light will be brighter if the dark went away.

***

Today is a nice day. The weather is good and the temperature is refreshing. The sky was so blue without any single clouds, the wind breeze nicely, and the day runs peacefully. Yet, seems no one care about how their surrounding is, as their stiff cold expressions are on their faces. With splash blood all over their skin, with their sword covered with fleshes and fresh blood. Dead bodies lay down all over the peaceful forest near the border of the Imperial Kingdom of Fahir and the famous Oculis Knight drew their bloody sword.

It is as they do not care about what is in front of them, as they do not find the one that they have sliced is begging for forgiveness. They swiftly wield their sword as fast as the bird can fly. Then, as they know, their work is done, they put their swords back Into their sheaths. Then salute in unison as the man with his handsomeness, charisma, and elegance gallop his brave horse into the mess. With his silver hair and red bright eyes. The cold gaze he has in his expression, giving shiver to everyone who sees him. No one dared to speak to the famous Duke of the Imperial Kingdom of Fahir. The merciless, emotionless, inhuman with his death stared. Not to mention the power that he has as he was born to be the descendant of the God of the blue fire, Oculis.

" Clean this mess," he said in a very deep voice as he then galloped his horseback into the forest.

Then, the man in his back salute him as he said. " As your wish, Your Grace."

The duke just then goes back to his tent, as they are now in their long expedition ordered by the king to inspect the border. The dukedom of Oculis always known as the sword and the shield of the North and they are the ones who produced the best knight of the imperial. As for the Oculis Knight, is the best from the best who is under the lead of the famous duke himself.

" Greeting, Your Grace. May the god of Oculis bless your fire." said the man before, as he salute the duke who is sitting at his desk. " We are done cleaning up the bodies."

And without even looking at him, the duke said. ".. so? What is that?"

" Their identity is unknown, Your Grace," he said. " So, I assumed they came from the same enemy who once attacked you."

It was already the third time this sudden attack happening. Others looked like a typical bandit group but the skill was too good and they fight too neatly. The other one was faked mercenary and now it is the elite assassin. Clearly, they were ordered to murder the duke while the duke was ordered to a long expedition... as this coincidence was too suspicious to be a mere coincidence.

The man who stands in front of the duke, named Arkan, who is known as his personal guard which also the leader of the first division of the Oculis Knight knew that the duke already know who is the culprit behind all of it, yet... he still could not understand why he could be as calm as he is now, as anything that happened before was nothing.

"... Let's just wrap this thing fast. I just want to finish all this shit." He said.

And he nodded. " As your will, Your Grace."

Then, the troop continues their expedition as they also got near to their home back to the north. But, in their last checkpoint of inspection, there is an ambush. So many smoke grenades were thrown at them and blinded them.

The duke burst the blue fire that then vanished the smoke. Yet, a sudden arrow is shot right to his left chest.

" PROTECT HIS GRACE!" Arkan screamed as they surrounded the duke who swayed. He frowned as he know the duke will not lose with that kind of arrow, but then his eyes widen as he see a blue liquid in it. "... EVACUATE!" he said but then, a bunch of elite assassins attacked them as smoke bombs were thrown at them. It become a hellish war field that's lasted for almost three days yet, even after they cool down... the duke is nowhere to be found.

***

" Duh! Watch'e out you fool!" said the old man to his son in their big carriage. " That whole big damned stone, your'es Eyes blinded?" with the strange accent from the southern area. " We put our life just for coming here'e and you want to **** up our goods?"

" Oh come on, Pop'e! I avoid that, key?" he said.

" Humph, this rebel son of mine'e! Just stay focused here, that once caravan told as its near war field."

" The Oculis Knight, right pop'e?"

" Ya ya, they surely monster. So be extra careful, we will go near'e theirs" he said.

And the son just gulped. " But, do you heard'e about the myth here?"

" What myth? Ah... you mean'e the black lady?"

" Yaps, they said that if someone died here'e, the black lady will get the dead," he said. " Some men once said that he once met the lady, he said that he once stared the pitch dark eyes of her and looking at her long black-haired, it was terrifying as he passed out and be found'e near the gate a village." he said.

" Why you talking'e about creepy thing in this middle damned night forest'e you fool!"

" It's a myth! You believe'ed it?"

And the old man just look at his son's eyes deeply. "... keep this word'e son. Myth keeps the truth." as he lit his cigarette and blow away the smoke. Then they just passed the road night of the forest without realizing the missing duke leaning to the tree not far from them. With the arrow that stuck into his body. He breathes heavily as the sweat ran through his pale skin. He then tore his clothes as he sees blue color spreading from the point the arrow stuck.

Then he twitches, as he picks his sword again and swiftly wields it to a human shadow that coming to him. He knows there's someone coming.

" Ow, you sure have much energy don't you?" and a sweet voice comes as the shadow shows its true shape. It is a lady that has black long hair and black eyes wearing short pants with a dagger and sword on her thigh. Then she smiles softly, as she looks at the arrow that is stuck in his body. " Ah, the Oculis that being poisoned by the blue water? Ironic is not it?" she said. As she then slowly come to him calmly as she does not care he aimed his sword at her. " It is good folklore I could say, the god blessed the son of Regis yet created the blue water to curse them. Ironic, is not it?"

" Back off, or I will kill you," he said.

" Go ahead, better die together than alone, is not it? I am okay dying with someone as handsome as you... My Lord." she said as she brushes his sword calmly and kneels in front of him. They both stare at each other deeply when the woman then touches his chest. "... its been four hours. You did great holding it back," she said as she take off her shirt and leave only her underwear. Then casually tear the shirt into a long cloth with her dagger. "... I will take it out, then suppress the bleeding with this cloth," she said while staring at him.

Then, he either does not care anymore or just he believed in her- he just let his sword go and lean his body, as she then takes the arrow out and presses the wound with her hand. Then, give her a cloth to be bitten by the duke so that she can wrap it around his body. The body touches as she has to hug him while doing so, and the duke just watches her with his cold gaze.

"... done," she said as she stands and whistle with her clean hand and looks at him. " My house is not that far. I will treat you there, want to come?" asked her with a smile as a white horse come to her and pet her head to her.

The duke watches the black lady that her hair and eyes shine as the moonlight shines, then he grabs her hand as they then, riding the horse in the middle of the night.

***

It was a nice sleep before he wakes when the water touches his head gently with a small towel and warm little hand. He still had not opened his eyes yet, but he knew who the one who did it for him. As he then slowly opens his eyes and is being shown a beautiful nice house. It's small, made from woods but it's cozy as the owner decorates it nicely. Then, a nice aroma fills the room even though the door is already closed and he is left in a single bed alone. Then he realizes that his body becomes lighter, his skin comes back to its normal color and the wound is already treated well.

Then, he stands up as he walks to open the door and sees a warm scene of a black hair lady wearing a white dress with a soft shawl on her shoulder. Facing the burning stove that produces a nice smell. Then she turns to him as she smiles warmly and widely. " Oh, you already awake," she said, as she fixes up her shawl who reveals her smooth shoulder and her sensual collarbone. " Let's sit," she said as she put stew-like food on the table with one chair and a chunk of wood. " I live alone, so please don't mind the wood," she said. As he comes to sit down and stares at the food that puffs up smoke and aroma. " How are you?" she asked as she put her hand casually in his head. " Still warm, huh. Well, I already prepared your medicine, drink that after you eat," she said.

And the duke just does what she said to do. " You are a doctor?" asked him.

" Not really. But sure, I can do some medicine," she said while she eats her food.

Then he takes a moment to look at his surrounding. It's really a homey place with so many decorations such as plants, painting, and crafting. Then stares at her with his cold and deep gaze. " The black lady living in the deep forest, huh?"

" Ah, you heard about that myth? Well, I tried to avoid people though, but sometimes I approached one," she said as she put her cheek in her hand and imaging the past memories. " Either it's the injured one, the lost one of the fooled one," she said while then turning her gaze to him and asked. " So, which one are you? To be an injured with blue water as an Oculis."

And the duke just brushes his gaze and eats the food calmly. " You care?"

" Not really, it's just ... you slept for seven days straight and the thing that I know about Oculis is that you kinda like a noble? So..."

" seven days, huh?" and he just calmly responded. " Sure, I have to go back."

" Okay. You can use my horse, but please bring it back to me... she is my dear," she said calmly. Not realizing the fact that the duke looking at her. " Ah, but... I will change your bondage first." then tilting her head. " But, you want to take a bath first? It will refresh you up."

And then now they are both in the middle of the river not far from her house. As she jumps off the horse who is controlled by the duke who then followed her.

" No need to tie her, she will come back when I call her," she said while lying down a cloth near a tree and sitting down casually. Then she looks at the duke... " Go ahead, refresh yourself. After you done, I will treat your wound and this is the new cloth. " Oh, don't be shy, just go ahead," she said.

And the duke just stares at her and looks away as he takes off a cloth that covers him up and also his blood-stained pants. He then go inside the river and wet himself from head to toe. It is nice cold water that is so fresh and clean. As its creating a perfect image of his body.

" I am always thinking about it but you sure have a nice body is not it," she said as she sit down on the side of the river and smile at him. " Hey, my lord. Is it okay for me to touch you?" asked her. As she stretched her hand to him. " I have to make sure you wound are not open too so-" and she smiles widely as the duke grabs her hand.

It's so natural for them to touch each other. Even for the duke, he is just slowly being used to the touch of her and just follows her flow unconsciously. It is just so natural for him to accept the small hand that touches his shoulder and brushes his wet hair while then showing him her smiles. The scene of it is so fascinating, he could not even hear what she is saying.

" Now, get out from the water.. your wound will be open if you stay too long." and wakes him up from his thought as he sees the lady standing. Then she treats her like usual, and they both go back to the small house in the middle of the forest that is quite hard to find but the lady easily finds it.

" I already prepare things that you need for your depart," she said. As she stands in front of her door and watches him preparing the horse. " Just release Noah near the crossroad," she said. " I need in a week so please bring her back before that. You can do that, at least right?"

Then the duke mounts up the horse and looks at her. " Sure. What else do you need?"

And she just smiles at him. "It is okay. Just don't mess with the blue water again." and waves at him and tilts her head confused with his long gaze. " You are not going?"

" I will." but it will be nice if she asks something for her paying. " Then, I also come again to show my gratitude."

" Oh?" she surprised and smile with her surprised smile. " I am that black lady, you know?"

And he smiles who gets the lady with surprise. " Quite a pleasure, to be your loyal visitor then," he said. While then galloped his way and leave the lady who is waving.

Then the lady turns back as she closed the door. Then paused while looking at the house where she lived for a while. It becomes strangely quiet and empty. The traces that being left... the dirty dishes that usually not that much, big body traces on her bed, the leftover medicine... and the big wood on her dining table. She smiled, " I did not ask his name, do I?"

***

It's been a month since the duke that was missing come back to the Oculis State and it has became a normal day. The Oculis state that known for its elegant white and blue pattern. The symbolic blue flag with shield and sword that fluttering majestically all over the palace. The sights of elite servants and knights and the quiet places that have been the palace's norm.

Then, as their tradition when the duke comes to the palace, the servants and the knight greet him with the salutation. " Welcome Your Grace, May the god of Oculis blesses your fire." with such elegance as the duke goes off his horse after the long journey from the capital.

" Greeting Your Grace, I am glad to see you come home safely." and said the man with butler clothes who take his sword and coat naturally as he gives it to the maid behind him and walk in his side.

" Is there any report?"

" There is no major report, Your Grace, but there are some documents you should sign on your desk," he said. " ... How about the palace, Your Grace?"

" As usual? Full of disgusting rats," he said. As he then sit down at his desk and lean down sighed. As he right hand, who poured his tea elegantly named Lucas knew what situation the duke was in. Even after the news of the well-known duke missing, there is no action from the capital about it. They just stayed silent until the duke then came back home by himself. After the day, just in a few days the letter from the palace came asked the duke to come to meet the king as the king was concerned about his safety. But of course, it is just an act.

The Oculis dukedom is known as the first family who put the king on his throne. The Oculis family was the one who bring the victory in the last world war and then put the crown to the first king. They are so powerful that many think that the Oculis should be the ones who leads the Kingdom but the Oculis only and always stand for their land in the North. No one even until now could interfere with his land even for the king. It Seemed, the now king was kinda concerned about it and seeking a way to gain his fullest loyalty... but because the Oculis never did so, they become more furious.

Its because the crown prince is already in his suitable age for the throne. And the reason makes sense even for Lucas especially knowing how wicked the prince is.

"... while you bring the horse to the place I asked, did you find a woman?" asked him.

And, it's something that change from the duke after he came back healthy after one week. "... No, Your Grace," he said and even the duke did not tell about anything, Lucas predicts that It seemed a woman helped him back. "... to know that a person could treat Oculis who poisoned by blue water, she sure is a good doctor."

" Sure. She is." and how the duke responses him if he talks about the lady, sure, the duke attached to that lady. Even Lucas looks calm, to know that the duke that he knew, think about a woman this way, what kind of person is she?

" Why don't you ask her to work with us then? Her ability is surely needed to protect you in the future," he said and the duke stares at him with his usually cold gaze.

"... cancel my schedule for tomorrow," he said. And Lucas nodded as he then excuse himself.

In the morning, the duke goes out from the Oculis State with several knights. They have never been told where they will be going. They just follow their duke that seems to know where he is going. And it is a surprising thing for them to then find a small house in the middle of the forest. Yet, it seems to be left unattended with the door open. The glasses broke and a messy house as someone just broke into the house.

And the duke paused for a while as he casually go inside. Checked all things he has ever seen gone, and the room is just a mess.

" it seems, whoever broke into this house leave quite a while," Arkan said. " Do you know who lives here, Your Grace?"

And the duke grasped his hand. "... black-haired woman," he said. "... bring her to me if you find a black-haired girl with black eyes," he said. As he mounts his horse in rush and anger.

For a while, he will be asking him his report of the lady, but, no sight of that lady even after 2 weeks. It is almost impossible as there is no person that has black hair on this continent. Black also is the color that is despised by most people in the country, it is so rare, so gloomy, so dark... many antagonist folklore is represented with black colored. The prejudice and stereotype that is created, then leave people thinking that everything in black is cursed.

" ... It's really hard to find a black-haired lady, Your Grace," he said. " Even there is one, to think she lives in this kind of world... she probably avoided people."

"... but people come to her, to her hidden house?" he glared.

Arkan gulped as he feels a shiver from his back. "... I will send more people, Your Grace." and excuse himself.

Then the duke sighed as he thinks the time he spent in that little house. Her touch and gaze, surely drown himself. As he knows that he eagerly wants to meet her and is addicted to her touch.

" .... Your Grace, the meeting will start soon," said Lucas while looking at the duke who had just gotten off from his horse in front of the government office in the outer town near the border with the Imperial region.

And he just calmly walks down as the people who are waiting for him greet him with salutation.

" May the god of Oculis bless your fire." they then, let him be the one to walk first and follow him soon. It took a while for the meeting and then the sun just sets when he will go back home.

Another Count comes to him then. " Your Grace, with due respect why don't you stay a night in my place?" he asked. " My beautiful daughter will be in your service so that you will take a rest." and a common thing to see for the noble trying to introduce their daughter to the duke.

"... No, I still have something to do," he said.

" But, It will be so late-"

" YOU WITCH!" and a scream comes out loud as they turn their head toward it and see a man grab a lady's hair roughly, but, no one there seems to help the weak lady. " GO AWAY FROM MY INN! YOU CURSED!" as he then slapped her hard as she fell down and the people chattered in furious and curious to see the cursed black lady who trying to stand.

" Go you bitch!"

" Oh no, is there any disaster?"

And they whispered insult and anger to that lady who then start to walk away after putting her hoodie up.

" GO AWAY!" and as the screaming go wild, she just prepared herself to get hit again. Yet, there's nothing happened so she puts her swollen face up to see the person that she believed will attack her with stone. Her eyes widen, as she sees the man that makes her smile wider. The duke who holds the man's hand who will throw a big stone at her is surprised when he is looking at the woman that he tries to find who has so many wounds and swollen faces.

" We meet in an unexpected situation again, do we My Lord?" and she laughed casually as if nothing was happening. Then she swayed, as the duke run to her and catch her. Then, the familiar feeling that both of them felt the second they touch each other again. She sighed in relief as a whole burden lifted from her shoulder. "... I spent three days running around in the forest and working my body so hard that I thought I will die... I don't have a choice to then hide in this inn.... it was only for one day, I just want to sleep for one day.... then I will leave again... so, My Lord...." she whispered as she snuggles herself to him. As she is so comfortable and close he eyes. "... Is it okay if I sleep now, as I am with you?"

And he brushes her hair gently, as he stared at her swollen eyes and the wounds in her body. " Of course. Just sleep, I will take you to the safest place you've ever been." and picked her up as she then passed out in his hand. " Prepare carriage, I will go home to my state," he said.

" As your wish, Your Grace," Arkan said.

And he hugs her gently as he looks at her calm face. Sure, it is the right thing to do. For her, to be in his arm... it is the right thing to do,

***