In the early morning of the Henituse household, a red-headed girl about 13 wakes up.

'Ha...ha...''

She panted and cold sweat run down her body. She has long blood-red hair that reaches her waist and reddish-brown eyes.

''What the f*cking hell...''

That... was unexcepted

A throbbing headache makes her pained as past life's memories came to her.

She now is in her 2nd life as Cynthia Henituse the spoil and useless 1st daughter of a count family.

[The Birth of a Hero] was a novel focused on the adventures of the main character, Choi Han; a high school boy who was transported to a different dimension from Earth, along with the birth of numerous heroes of the continent.

She became part of the novel as the useless maiden of the count's family. The family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits are located.

Who she later revealed to be a half-blood dragon helped the other dragons in defeating the white star but it was in vain as he was already a god; as that is what her memory serves.

The problem is that Choi Han becomes twisted after that village, and everyone in it, is destroyed by assassins.

She has memories of her 1st life as Cynthia and her 2nd life as Kim Soo Jung. Thinking of both tragic lives, she laughs heartfully without holding back tears, it tinkling down her rosy cheeks.

''Look like I need to do something... ugh...''

She groaned laying down on her large bed, her left arm covering her eyes.

''Well time to embrace my dragonic side...''

Finally, notice the tears she wise her face with the sleeves of the nightgown

Sitting up she trains her mana and the spiritual energy that she learns first to balance herself from a certain ancient dragon lair that she found.

Sitting up she controls her mana and absorbs spiritual energy. Spiritual energy is gathered of life and many different forms of energy, especially nature.

Even though she a half-human and half-dragon she can still feel nature surrounding her in a warm and calming aura.

She learns first to balance herself from a certain ancient dragon Lair that she found while resting from the attacking arm. It helps her stabilize her body and her soul from ruin.

She found the ancient notebook at Mount Yellia the book only has a name on the cover 'NaNa', it was hidden under piles of ashes and dust.

She discovered that the Lair was burned down along with some gold dust identified as dragon attribute.

The book seems to be well kept hidden that whoever looted that Lair and burn it; couldn't find it.

After clearly her mind she sighs, feeling better. Cynthia sorts her old/new memories using [record] and the ability to remember things clearly without fault.

This ability was from her 2nd life as Kim Soo Jung where the world is hell itself with monsters running rampage, survivors keeping themself alive.

She was in the middle of concentration before a knock was heard.

'Knock'

''Come in'' she said getting out of her tempting comfortable bed as the door open

An old man around his 60s comes in with a maid around her 20s that have green hair and yellow eyes.

She knows them, it was Ron and Evelyn who take care of her needs, in her past life Ron and his son; Beacrox goes with the black hair punk.

The only one who stayed with her till the war lost was Evelyn, she was very that even her mother trust her.

''Young lady, it mor-''

the profound voice stops abruptly

''It seems young lady has woken up.''

He continues speaking as if he didn't stop earlier with a benign smell. The two servants notice her swollen eyes and tears that are still wet on the blanket.

They frown a little, not that Cynthia noticed as she still remembers bloodied Evelyn as she throw poison needles.

She doesn't know what happen to Ron but she couldn't find him or his son at all.

Finally snapping out of her daze she just nodded as Ron went out to prepare breakfast leaving the ladies. After his footstep far away, Evelyn helps Cynthia take a bath.

''Evelyn prepare me a simple dress...''

She bows leave Cynthia in the bathroom, Cynthia looks at the full body mirror in the bathroom. She is a person full of grace and her appearance is a dragon, which makes many ladies jealous.

These noble ladies spread rumors everywhere about her being useless even to the fact she was a spoilt brat.

Even if she is from the wealthiest family, she hates being pampered the most.

Except for her mother she exception

Cynthia hearing these rumors let it do its job as she doesn't want to get married.

Cynthia took her eyes off the mirror and walked into the tub that was full of warm water.

She leaned against the tub and looked up at the ceiling. The estate that she lived in was full of marble.

Cynthia starts to mumbles as she closes her eyes relaxing in the warm water

"It gonna be tiring..."

Cynthia sigh starting to plan for the upcoming disastrous future, but first, she needs to avoid that black hair pink. That guy almost finds out she a higher being when they fight in an empty corridor.

Unluckily, he leaves small but permanent scars on her beautiful face. She covered it up using runes.

Right now she looks about 13 years old, she caresses her left cheek feeling smooth and milky skin. She has 5 more years to meet that rude punk and wars happen.

'I need to know what day is it...'

Cynthia doesn't know what day is it, but she couldn't care less as there is nothing anything interesting that happens when she 13. She was herself with rose soap and change the water again, sitting in the tub relaxing.

Evelyn comes in bringing a white long sleeves shirt and black pants.

Evelyn, she an elf that mother save from slavery. In return, she followed her mother which annoyed her mother greatly after Evelyn find out that she was a dragon.

But annoyance turns into curiosity as to when Evelyn makes a contract with the element. She instead has one as a partner, she has two elements.

One is wind, her first contract.

And water is her second contract.

"Evelyn, what day is it...?"

"November 8th, milady. It's your 13th birthday..."

Evelyn looked at her lady confused and was about to congratulate her.

"I see... You can go out now,"

Evelyn do as Cynthia told went out of the bathroom, after closing the door she frown deeply.

Cynthia frowned now remembering about her supposed marriage with that bastard, she waited for the close and Evelyn to go out.

She releases a large amount of bloodlust and dragon fear envelope the room, but the aura stays in the bathroom as the full body mirror shine.

The mirror has runes drawn on it shine blue preventing the strong and terrifying aura goes out.

After calming herself down, she sinks into the water eye glowing blue-purple. Her reptilian blue-purple pupils, change into her human pupil as she groans causing bubbles on the water.

Cynthia contemplated whatever to avoid the war since the estate was also in the corner of the Western Continent, making it an ideal location to avoid the war. In the novel and her past life, many nobles managed to avoid the influences of war.

Even if she could not completely avoid it, she should be able to at least reduce the damages to a minimum.

She plans to have a peaceful life in the lives she has.

"Young lady, are you inside the bathroom?"

She could hear Ron's voice coming from outside. Cynthia thought about Ron's true identity.

Ron was an assassin who crossed over from the Eastern Continent by sea. He pretended to be a benign old man, but the true Ron was a cruel and merciless man.

She knows about this from her mother and the novel.

Because she a dragon as well

"Yes. I'll be right out."

She dried herself with a towel and wear the clothes that Evelyn bring, she certainly know her best. The simple clothes slit on her perfectly as Cynthia put on a black fabric disguise the pant as a skirt.

She must follow the stupid rule as a noble lady, something about not being allowed to wear pants or stuff.

She exited the bathroom. Ron was standing there with a smile on his face and a tray with a lemonade cup in his hands.

"Young lady, here you go."

Cynthia picked up the cup and walked past the old man. Her eye suddenly widen from the sourness but forced to drink it down her throat.

After finishing, she put the cup on the tray.

"Great, thanks."

Ron's expression turned odd but it didn't go unnoticed by Cynthia as she walk past but she ignore him. Finally, Evelyn knocks on the door as she pushes the trolley to her room, she usually eats in her room not wanting to eat in the diner hall.

''Ron leave us...''

He bowed, leaving the room as Evelyn put the breakfast on the table.

Pancake with honey syrup and a glass of orange juice was exquisite and smelled delicious, she instantly knew who did this. She sighs in relief seeing that isn't wasn't lemonade the first thing in the morning.

Beacrox cooked this breakfast he cooks to perfection not a mistake with the food, he even looks at the ingredient himself.

After breakfast, she and Evelyn who follow behind her go to her class. Today she has gone to the music room as today she doesn't have classes.

Evelyn was very much surprised as she had never gone to the music room since the late countess died.

Cynthia has never played music again since the late countess died. She always avoids going to the music room even though she wants to.

Open the door the room is a bit dusty but otherwise clean. There in the room is a black piano and many instruments, the room was put in preservation magic. The wall is creamy white with gold lining and a library full of song notes.

Evelyn closes the door and asks the wind element to clean the remaining dust and open the curtains.

Cynthia walked in a circle to admire the pitch-black piano as it shine in the sunlight.

She smiled fondly remembering her mother singing song and playing the piano.

Remember their memories together

Her mother's beautiful voice comfort her when she was in pain

Learning how to control her mana

She remembers a song Jur used to sing

Trying out the keys, she sits down as she plays the song

The sound startled Evelyn and she took out a recording orb that no need to use magic.

A beautiful and angelic voice fills the room as Evelyn's eyes sparkle remembering the song.

Remember me

Though I have to say goodbye

Now tears fill Cynthia's eyes while playing the song, Evelyn silently cried trying not to sob.

Outside the room, two maids silently cried while listening to their young lady. They can feel the sorrow and loneliness of their lady while playing the song.

Just two-line made them cried

That caught the attention of the others as one orange head butler inform the county family.

Remember me

Don't let it make you cry

For ever if I'm far away

I hold you in my heart

I sing a secret song to you

Each night we are apart

The countess Voilan and her children arrived to hear the melody fill the hallway. She was surprised to hear such a talented musician, but the sorrow in the voice stuck her.

The maids and butler clears the way for the county nobles as they continue to listen.

Inside Evelyn calms herself as she at her looks at her lady that looks identical to Jur. She remembers when Jur eyeshine brightly red when gained knowledge or when she won against another dragon.

She looks beautiful at the same time dangerous as fire and destruction caused around her.

Cynthia's voice is hoarse from sobbing but keeps on singing with her eyes closed.

Remember me

Though I have to travel far

Remember me

Each time you hear a sad guitar

Know that I'm with you

The only way that I can be

Until you're in my arms again

Remember me

'Mother... I want your warmth again... So please'

Based thought of the time when she sing a lullaby for him and Lily to sleep. She stays up all night after singing them to sleep.

Ron and Beacrox's frown memory was vivid of Cynthia crying herself to sleep every night.

May our song not stop beating

Only with your love I can exist (remember me)

Evelyn follow along as she smiles sadly

May our song not stop beating

Only with your love I can exist (remember me)

'I always love you mother... no matter what, even in my next life...'

Now half of the staff cry sadly at Cynthia's sorrowful voice and remember what they did to her. Spread false rumors, mistreated her, and many more for what they did.

Deruth being the coward he is standing to the side not daring to approach the group. He hates himself for neglecting Cynthia but he couldn't get over his grief.

If I live in your mind I am (remember me)

I give you my dreams

I carry you in my heart

and I will accompany you

United in our song

Luckily, the door was closed as her eyes glow blue-purple. Evelyn was memorized by her beauty.

She subconsciously clasped her hand together.

I'll be there with you

Remember me

If you think you're alone

Remember me

And my singing will go to hug you

Even in the distance

never gonna forget

That I always go with you

Remember me

Then unexpectedly a red light hover around Cynthia as she was closed her eye. It feel warm and she smiled

If you close your eyes and let the music play

Keep our love alive, I'll never fade away

If you close your eyes and let the music play

Keep our love alive, I'll never fade away

If you close your eyes and let the music play

Keep our love alive, I'll never fade away

Remember me

For I will soon be gone

Remember me

And let the love we have live on

And know that I'm with you the only way that I can be

So, until you're in my arms again

Remember me

The music stopped indicating that the song is finished, the staff dispersed to do their work. But each one of them feels guilty of judging her because of rumors and pity for her.

Countess Voilan carries Lily back to the nursery to tend her and she needs time to think.

Based look at the door for a few seconds before turning around to the library.

"Han"

"Yes my lord"

"Call her to my office later after lunch..."

"Yes my Lord,"

Deruth turns away to his office leaving Han the orange head butler frown and look at the door with pity and sympathy.

He turns away to do his own thing as a new junior butler

Inside Evelyn took out a handkerchief and hand it to Cynthia who used it to wipe her eye.

"Evelyn, what time is it..."

"It's two hours before lunchtime Milady..."

Evelyn informed her lady

Suddenly Cynthia took off the disguise skirt and turn it into a black cloak, and put it on her.

Evelyn is very confused by what Cynthia doing, she explains

"I will be going out for a while so give me seven vails of it... and get my journal."

Evelyn does as she was told, she get five vials of blood and gets Cynthia's journal.

Cynthia was a black book with a Navy blue color ribbon attached to it. It was her first object to use runes on it looks like it is about 100 or 200 pages but has many pages.

Only Cynthia can see it and use it others would see a blank page. And only when Cynthia allowed to look it.

Evelyn put the vail and book in the special spatial pouch.

She hurriedly gives it to Cynthia seeing that she ready the teleportation circle. Cynthia take it and check the inside seeing the stuff she needed she keep it in her inventory.

She prepares to leave with the teleportation circle activate before telling Evelyn something.

''You know how to tell me when it's lunchtime Evelyn...''

She just bows

The light blinds the room before it disappears along with Cynthia, she landed near the Gate to the Demon World area. She used to investigate where do the demon come from, it was pouring from the Gate of the Demon World.

She remembered bringing Dodori to destroyed the whole Kingdom in the Gate and even friend a vampire when Dodori is injured.

Dodori was both her student and she was considered son when her mother died, she was an amazing beige dragon and a mother to Dodori.

That vampire jokingly about he wanted to adopt her so he can call her his daughter in his dying moment.

She has been in a daze in memory but when a few members of the organized past by she hid in invisibility runes. They seem to be from doing some of their dirty work, one member said interest her.

''Look like that half-blood goes back to his cave.'' one said mockingly

''Pity though even if he's our liege son he still useless to our liege. I mean he can't even past his third stage, but he is still a dragon.'' another one said shrugging his shoulder

'Is there another half-blood dragon like me...'

Cynthia thought before looking around when she saw a really small cave, she notice a trail of blood as a man in a black hood come out.

She grits her teeth when she sees the color red hair with the white mask on, she knows him.

She waited for him to go in the Gate then run in the cave frantically following the trail of blood. She each the end of the cave to see a person slumped on the ground with his wrist slit open, she also sees a red egg.

She takes out a medical kit and heals him bandages him carefully not to wake him up, she also gives him one vial of her mother's blood for him.

She then transfers some of her spiritual power helpings her adjust to the dragon's blood flow in him and heal him.

She waited for 30 minutes then the half-blood dragon woke up but he make a light spear pointed at her.

Her hood covered her face fall of showing her white long hair and her blue-purple eyes. She luckily used runes to change her hair to white and turn off the runes on the necklace so her dragon aura can be felt and her eyes showed.

She used the ages runes to make her look like about 20s than her 13 years old self

Her mother said that she was born with that unique eye color that if you stare for too long you will feel lost in the void.

"Who are you..."

The half-blood dragon asks still weak from the loss of blood, he feels his wounds recovered. He feels grateful for her helping him but he can't be reckless.

He also smells of dragon and human on her body, his eye shook knowing what Cynthia is.

He carefully lowers his spear but still has the spear in his hand just in case.

Cynthia slowly looks around before putting on a soundproof rune and she looks at the half-blood dragon.

She wants to know who he is and what he is to that damn white sh*t.

"I'm just helping clean your wounds... And I'm just like you."

"You're a half-blood just like me..." He said in a muttered sound astonished

"Then are you a created being like me?"

She shook her head and was shocked that he was created.

'That White ba*tard dare to do such thing to both dragons and humans. He deserves to rot in hell...'

She snaps out of her thought when she hears a footstep, she put out the soundproof rune and disguises rune on the half-blood dragon. She also put an invisibility rune on herself and the red egg.

The half-blood dragon is very surprised seeing that she doing many things without using music. He snapped out of it when Cynthia disappeared from his site and the footstep become clearer.

She also put on a black bracelet that has an ancient language of dragon and an ancient language of phoenix. The bracelet makes an illusion and artificial things.

The language of the phoenix is very different from the language of the dragon but their familiarity is that of her second life.

The language of the phoenix is from the Chinese ancient language and the language of the dragon is from Chinese and God.

She finds out about it from a book about dragon love fantasy from her memory

''Ah''

''Look like you haven't recovered... well that's easier for me,''

That voice makes the half-blood dragon flinch before noticing that he slumped on the ground around with the new bandage gone and blood flow.

Cynthia wants to strangle that guy who came in, she then sees that the half-blood dragon is panicking so she talks in his mind.

~ Don't panic I just gave you an illusion bracelet so it will look like you're injured

- T-then what, how do the blood...

~ It artificial blood, will show your old condition from how I modified it. After he is gone I will talk with you later

- Then what about the red egg!?

~ It safes with me

"Look like you haven't understood your punishment yet."

That man is the white star he looks about 13 years old. He suddenly takes out a white crown, the two half-blood dragons know what is it.

It is the artifact that drinks Dragon blood, that crown used to drink Cynthia's blood when she was captured but she escaped, she doesn't know that it used to suck the half-blood dragon.

She turns to the half-blood dragon seeing him back away in fear and panic.

That white star walks up to him and slits the half-blood dragon wrist making blood come pouring out.

He screams in pain as the gem in the middle of the crown a tongue came out. That crown sipping the blood came out of half-blood dragon like it sipping a delicious tea.

Ahhhh–

She hurriedly makes a small knife with her attribute and cuts herself on her finger. She let the blood drop on top of the half-blood dragon wrist.

The half-blood dragon feels the pain decrease but still, screams in pain. He wouldn't want that bastard to notice this and the mysterious woman.

Cynthia cursed the white star and God of death internally. In her past life, she would curse the God of death or the unknown God without a reason.

It becomes a habit by now

Slirp, slirp

That sound is very disgusting just standing there letting her blood on the half-blood dragon wrist.

After half an hour, that white star thought it was enough to enjoy the half-blood dragon screaming. He takes the crown away one look at it and keeps it in his spatial bag.

Wouldn't be surprised that he rich

"Just know your place in this place..." That bastard said in a low tone before walking away

After confirming that shit out of the cave, she drops the runes she put on and slumps.

Using many runes in a single day drains her mental strength and her spiritual energy. Bonus to that, she just start practicing to gather spiritual energy and her mental is a bit messy.

She and the half-blood dragon both look pale from blood loss, their breath ragged greedily sucking air.

Cynthia looks at the half-blood and finally the red dragon egg. She saw a red baby dragon before when she raided the base.

Looking up she sighs

"Can you tell me what your relationship to that shit bastard..."

He flinched but answers nonetheless, as her voice calm him down and feel the warmth. He doesn't feel any evil intention or malicious from the mysterious woman.

"... He experiments on me for me to become a dragon, but I'm only a half-blood."

"I see..."

Cynthia pitying him subconsciously walk closer and slowly reach her hand to carefully caress his head. She almost frowns when he stiffens and glances at her with akin of uncertainty.

The half-blood dragon is not practical fond with skin to skin contact. Yet the warm and gentle hand made him want to burst from his kept-up emotion.

He feels his eyes burn slightly maybe from the pain on his wrist or because of his emotion that wants to burst into tears. He finally let his guard down, and cry like there was no tomorrow.

Cynthia was fluttered when the half-blood dragon cried, she doesn't know what to do.

Dodori never cried again after his mother's death because he promise her to be strong, the only time she sees him cry was when he was sleeping.

He was crying in his sleep so Cynthia hug him to give him warmth and comfort. She wants to let him know that she is here for him and whispered soft words.

Cynthia sit down and lay the half-blood head on her lap letting him cry and rest. She uses magic and takes out a high-grade portion to heal his cut wrist and some scars.

She could only pat him and hummed a lullaby that her mother used to sing for her.

The half-blood feel safe in her arm even though he is about 900 years old. He know that she was only about 200 to 300 considering that she doesn't go through her second phase.

He had a feeling that she went through hell before and finally have a family but got taken away.

He hears Cynthia humming and drowsiness overcome him, he closes his eye to let himself sleep.

After feeling the half-blood dragon not stiffen no more she stops humming and brings the red egg near her.

She can feel a small living dragon in the egg, though it feels like it was missing another one. She rubbed the red egg careful not to break it but she suddenly hear a crack.

Cynthia widen her eye

'Shit, what did I do. Did I rub it with touch pressure!?'

The liquid comes out revealing a small and fragile red dragon. It has its eyes close and wraps itself in a ball.

Cynthia was shocked as she just sat there carrying the egg to her left not wanting to dirty the half-blood dragon.

She waited and waited before the tiny dragon open its eyes with a lustful green color. It moved slightly before it come to her side buried its sticky head in her arm.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

'W-what the hell!?'

Cynthia would have fainted if it won't for the red dragon and the half-blood dragon. She couldn't register what the hell is going on but seeing the fragile and small body make her parent's instincts run wild.

She used magic to clean the goo of the red dragon and the dirt of the half-blood dragon. She carried the small dragon carefully before she used magic to write a note.

Drink one of these vials once a day, remember to drink it on time so the pain won't abrupt. I will be taking the red dragon with me to a safe place.

She takes out her spatial bag from her dimensional and puts it in the reservation magic.

She looks at the half-blood one more time before teleporting away carried the red dragon hiding him in her cloak.

The young girl was eating lunch at the dining hall with her family, they were all different from her as she has red hair and they have brown. She always feels out of place but stays at the county for her mother's sake and one day fix her relationship with her stranger-father.

After finishing the lunch meal, Cynthia is planning to go and see the baby dragon since it's just born.

''I will be going back to my room,''

She announced but silence is all she got

Cynthia wasn't expecting them to answer her so she just walk to the door planning to escape from the dining hall. But a voice called out to her making Cynthia stop at her track

''Cynthia come to my office later,''

That her father; Count Deruth that she try to mend their broken relationship but he only makes it worse.

She nodded going out of the dining hall to her room, Cynthia's is farthest from the rest of the family.

Along the way, Cynthia noticed that the maids and some servants either bow to her or look at her with pity, sorrow, and sympathy eyes.

Usually, they would ignore her and whisper rumors in front of her, but she doesn't care she used to such treatment.

One of the maids came to bow to her and asks

''Milady, is there anything I can do for you...''

Cynthia was surprised since they never called her 'Milady' only Evelyn Ron and Beacrox called her that. But she answers anyway since she needs something, she leans in near the maid's ear

''Can you get two high-grade potions and bring me black tea with milk separated.''

The maid nodded rushing to the medical wings as Cynthia just stood looking confused and chuckles looking at the young girl.

She seems to be a new maid working at the estate, the others maids and some butler just look at Cynthia surprised that she chuckles.

Not noticing the stares she goes to her room

''Milady I have already brought the stuff you need... and um...''

Seeing that Evelyn was hesitating she look at the tiny red dragon who was sleeping in a small bundle of a soft blanket.

Cynthia sat down in her office chair is which has a large library and office desk. Looking down at the estate from her window that is covered with runes, she tapped the desk two times and sends her mana.

Click

Inside the hidden drawer, rested a beautiful slender light green brush made of the green-white jade handle. The bristle itself is made of white feathers attached to the green jade with a silver ferrule; the design of it makes it appear mystical and alluring.

It gives off a faint green glow and numerous runes of light seem to flutter within the glow, making it appear extremely mystical.

This Rune Brush was first found by her mother; Jur but she didn't use it as she said that the brush doesn't choose her to be the owner.

Cynthia used to not understand what her mother mean but after the war, this Rune Brush is useful to her when she accidentally drops her blood on it.

The brush makes it easier to draw runes and it stores extreme condensed spiritual energy that it gathers since its creation.

Cynthia slip her finger the second time today which make Evelyn panic seeing that her lady casually do that.

The first drop makes one rune glow that she recognizes, after seven drops, Evelyn hurriedly holds her finger to prevent it from any more bleeding.

Cynthia remembers 7 runes symbolize different power within the brush, in her past life she only reached 3 runes.

First Rune - Spiritual Absorption

Second Rune - Illusion

Third Rune - Rune devour

Fourth Rune - 5 Element Combination

Fifth Rune - ...

Sixth Rune - ...

Seventh Rune - ...

Cynthia doesn't know the Fifth sixth and seventh runes as she hasn't reached that level, she only finds out about the fourth rune after the white star using his ancient powers.

'Knock'

'Knock'

Evelyn goes to open the door leaving Cynthia to hide the Rune Brush in the hidden compartment of the desk. Cynthia put disguise magic on the tiny red dragon making him a cat, she carried it to the chair near the window.

Setting the now disguise cat on her lap petting him

The maid who ask her if she need anything came in and was surprised at how simple but extravagant the room Cynthia had, she thought it would have shining gold and look bad.

Evelyn gets the tray of healing potion and the tea set before letting the young maid close the door.

The young maid sneaks a glimpse at Cynthia and almost gasps at how beautiful Cynthia was.

The sunlight makes Cynthia's red hair shine like the blood of a river with reddish-brown eyes that seems to have lived a long life and had much knowledge. She has this mystical aura around her as she strokes the red cat looking softly outside of the window.

The maid was in awe after the door is closed till she attracted the other maid's attention.

Inside Evelyn damp cloth with the highest Grade potion and wrap it around Cynthia's finger. Evelyn set the tea for her lady and was curious as to why there was a cup of milk there.

''Pour the milk into the tea and stir it till it mixes,'' Cynthia said not looking at Evelyn

Cynthia unwrap the wet cloth from her finger the cut is already healed

Evelyn followed her lady's instruction and stirred it

Cynthia still stroking the now red dragon carefully while thinking knew what Deruth was gonna say and she can't guarantee she won't break down and end their ruined relationship.

She sighs in frustration

She can't blame him though he just... missed her mother and can't get over his grief no matter how long.

''Milady the tea is finished.''

Cynthia look at the now milky brown tea before drinking it, it tastes sweet but also has a bitter taste she like how it was.

She subconsciously smiles remembering when her team leader and her other Oppa fight for the one-bottle milk tea.

They almost spill it before it was saved by Cynthia and she drinks without remorse. The two males look at her shocked and proceed to beg Cynthia for the milk tea back.

She misses them

Evelyn sighed in relief seeing that her lady smiles before looking at the tiny red dragon that was resting on Cynthia's lap so doesn't know where her lady get a baby dragon but knows one thing.

'The baby dragon is so CUTE!!!'

She coughs a few times before asking her lady

''Milady what name are you going to choose for this baby dragon-nim?''

Cynthia looked at her surprise written on her face before looking down at the red dragon sleeping on her lap.

She didn't consider giving the dragon a name after all they are known to be arrogant and independent but if this little dragon wants she can choose a name for him.

She was contemplating a name fitting for this small majestic dragon before a knock was heard. Cynthia put on disguise magic for the red dragon into a red cat

''Come in...''

A figure comes in he has brown hair and dark brown eye he only looks around 10 years old; Basen Henituse is her younger step-brother.

Cynthia look at Evelyn

Evelyn noticed Cynthia gaze, bow to the two noble and left the room

Based on who was hesitating to knock on Cynthia's door came in holding a few books.

He just came back from the library

He have a lot of things on his own ever since this morning. He needs to talk to his older step-sister

"Sit down first before you want to ask anything," Cynthia said sipping her milk tea

Based do as his sister told him and look at Cynthia with determination and hesitation. Cynthia notice this made a new tea and set it for Basen.

"You can talk whatever on your mind Basen. No one going to judge you." Cynthia said softly looking at her brother

She always knows whatever her siblings are trouble even when she never talk to them, it is always Basen came to her first asking for her guidance of being an heir and being a Henituse.

Basen drink the tea in a daze of memory

─ flashback ─

Basen was about nine years old returning from the party, he was bullied by the noble heirs in the party while his parent busied themselves with the noble.

They didn't even notice bruised on Basen's cheek or the way he walk.

Returning to the estate Basen goes to his room after bidding his parents goodnight, after a quick shower, and changes to his pajamas preparing to sleep. Having nightmares are occasional for Basen but this time he has a really bad nightmare that woke him up.

He decided to have a midnight snack

About to open the kitchen but a smooth humming voice stopped him as he walks in the direction of the sound unexpectedly the voice was from Lily's nursery.

Through the crack door, he saw Cynthia sitting on a chair near Lily's bed. Lily tightly holds on to Cynthia's hand sleeping peacefully looking cutely with Cynthia has her eyes closed stops humming.

She look at Basen blankly making him flinch back away, he was about to go back to his room before a voice called out to him

''You can come in Basen...''

He hesitates but went in and sit down on Lily's bed

He looks anywhere except for his big sister

Cynthia let out a soft sigh seemingly hopeless at what Basen doing

She gently patted Basen's head and let him sleep on her lap the boy was very surprised and had a slight brush on his face.

He silently sleeps on Cynthia's lap as she starts to hum a new song

He tried to stay awake but there seem to be something that put him to sleep, Cynthia put a sleeping rune on him

Cynthia caressed Basen's head she looked up to the moon that shone brightly through the window

It was a peaceful silence

Cynthia looks blankly her eyes shine with blue-purple color the room instantly lit up with her mana and some elemental started surrounding her

Cynthia not noticing this stood up and carried Basen to his room using magic

The next morning Basen woke up to see him in his room with a note on his nightstand

^^^Sleep well, don't wander off by yourself ^^^

^^^- Cynthia^^^

Basen laugh at the note before doing his daily routine

─ end of flashback ─

Basen smile at the memory not noticing that Cynthia picks up a scroll, she unrolls it to see many runes that never see before.

She widen her eyes, seeing the seven runes that are drawn on her Jade Rune Brush she didn't think it has its name and many uses.

''Basen where do you find this scroll?''

She eyed her brother seeing him look at her confused she roll up the scroll to its original state let Basen look at it.

''Oh, I found this scroll in the corner of the abandoned Henituse library. It has an interesting drawing so I want to research it.''

Basen explains looking at the scroll he found he doesn't understand what the writing under the drawing.

But it seems that his sister know what it is

''Where?''

''Erm... it was at the west side of the library that has many books stacked together.''

''I see...''

Basen glanced at his sister who open the scroll and look at the drawing and writing with a little frown and have a surprising glint in her eyes.

He decided to spend a quiet time with Cynthia as he pick up a book about politics.

The time they spend together is quiet and peaceful

+++++++++++++++++++++

It was time for Cynthia to visit her father's office she have a bad feeling and know what gonna happen as she had almost ended their relationship.

But after years into the war, she killed her so-called fiance ended the engagement, and end her relationship with her father, and only maintained with her siblings.

She right now is in front of Deruth's office door she took a deep breath before knocking

''Father it's me,''

''Come in...''

A voice behind the door called out as she open the door to see he was doing the paperwork only glancing at his daughter for a second before going back to his work, Cynthia grit her teeth together to prevent her from shouting at her idiot father and tears swell in her eyes.

''What is it you are going to tell me, father...''

''You have an engagement,'' he stated

Evelyn rush to countess; Violan room causing the other staff and Basen to follow her curiously as she was the example of a perfect maid. She never breaks that title that is bestowed on her.

Evelyn knocks on the Voilan's door anxiously she remembers that her lady said something before leaving.

''Get someone to stop me after I reach came out of this room... I will be a little reckless this time...''

Her lady said in a low voice with her shining blue-purple that terrified Evelyn

She finally understands what her lady means so she rushed toward the Countess for help stopping her lady from either killing or injuring someone.

''Countess Violan! Please go to the Count office with me or else someone will be injured!''

Evelyn shouted through the door as the Countess open it and walkout

The shout surprised all who were present and the Countess as she open the door leading the way to the Count's office.

In front of the door, Violin was about to open the door to Deruth's office but they heard something shocking.

"Father, do you know why I haven't ended my relationship with you as your daughter yet..."

They heard was Cynthia's voice, Violan, Basen, and Evelyn goes into the office. The other staff stood still horror and guilt can be seen on their faces thinking of what they did.

Inside Cynthia's eyes swell with tears that threaten to come out she stands in front of Deruth far away.

Death sits on his office chair stunned and his eyes widen in horror because of what Cynthia revealed.

The three people who came in stand in front of the door looking at the two in the office before they came in. Evelyn being loyal to her lady stand behind Cynthia while sending a message.

Milady please calm down and are you okay...

That makes Cynthia smile a little but the Henituse family misunderstanding is a bitter smile.

They weren't close but seeing a tinkle of tear coming down Cynthia's eyes make their heartbreak. Deruth stand up from his chair and tried walking towards Cynthia but she step back.

The creating distance between them is like how their father-daughter relationship is.

So close yet so far away

"Father"

Deruth and the family look toward and flinches at her motionless and dead gaze

"The 1st reason I haven't left this place is because of my siblings. I promised them that I will stay with them in this place."

"The 2nd reason is that mother in trusted something to me in this place and let me make a promise..."

That is when they realize the promise that Jour let Cynthia make.

How does Jour know about this?

Deruth never knows since her sudden appearance and mysterious background. But Cynthia knows she knows everything about her mother even about her death.

"The promise late countess made lady swear is to never break ties with the count..." Evelyn said muttering but the Henituse family hear it clearly

"Yes, that is correct. Mother wants me to swear that I will never break ties with you, father."

At this point, Cynthia sobs, trying to control her facial and emotion. It has been a long time since she was this emotional.

She pointed directly at Deruth saying something that shocked them

"But I never promise that I won't get out of this territory."

"Cynth-" Deruth tried talking but Cynthia interrupted him

"So have that god damn engagement cancel before I will go away."

This time the word 'engagement' has those who don't know attention.

Voilan frown and glaze at Deruth for not telling her such an important thing. Marriage is very important for everyone, especially for women.

She once married and know marrying blindly could cause you troubles.

Derith feeling his wife's glare avoids looking at her and the burning gaze of Evelyn.

Evelyn was very mad at what Deruth doing, she now understands why her lady ask her to bring someone. She couldn't contain her anger and hatred for him but because Cynthia gripped her hand, she would have killed him right then and there.

"Who is she engaged to, father?"

Basen who has been very quiet asks, Deruth avoid his family's looks, answer.

"Neo Tolze..."

Cynthia cools her head, wiping the tear with a handkerchief before glaring at her stupid father

"Next time, father if you want to do something like this do make sure of the person's information."

Deruth nodded avoiding his burning gaze by looking down ashamed. Cynthia doesn't care about any of this sigh because of her sudden emotion and wants to get this conversation done.

"I also came here for another request," she said sternly but you hear a gentle tone

"what request is it?"

This time its Voilan that inquired with the family and the maid looks at her curiously.

"I want permission to travel for two years."

Cynthia knows the answer to that question and it

"NO!" her father said

"How about this, I will go to travel for two years after I'm 14 and I will bring Evelyn and Han with me."

That got the Henituse thinking of the pros and cons before Voilan's answer

"well then, we will agree to this request and you better come back for the festival and send a letter."

"Then I will be in my room," Cynthia said rubbing her temple to ease the coming headache

Evelyn opens the door to see many maids fallen from coaching down wanting to hear the conversation. Cynthia seeing this ignores everything and goes to her room.

Evelyn scolded the staff for eavesdropping and so on about their duties. But the staff wasn't listening as they look at Cynthia's retreating figure thinking of the same thing.

'we will treat our lady better'

They determined to treat and respect Cynthia

Cynthia arrives in her room to see the dragon look at her curiously, its lustful green eyes look at her curiously and... happy.

"Hello, little dragon," Cynthia said smiling slightly feeling better in her peaceful and quiet room

"mama,"

That call stop Cynthia's on her walk toward the bed, she has a shocked look on her face with the dragon smiling at her.

Cynthia laughs, she walks up to the bed and pats the tiny red dragon, she can't blame him though. Seeing the first person assuming they are your parent is common for dragons.

The tiny red dragon flew and sleep on her lap again feeling the warmth of his assuming mother.

The door clicks open Evelyn came in seeing the lovely scene of Cynthia stroking the tiny dragon scales. The tiny dragon sleep on Cynthia's lap quietly cuddling to Cynthia.

"Evelyn, tell me about the Thames family that mother agrees on..."

Cynthia said quietly not to wake up the dragon.