In the royal library, the twins' teacher conducts their lesson. Addressing Lucas, he remarks, "Your technique is impeccable," placing a star sticker on Lucas' test with a smile.

Turning to Lila, the teacher attaches a square sticker, stating bluntly and rudely, "Lila, you made some mistakes; strive for improvement," before returning to his desk.

"Apologies..." Lila murmurs sadly, retrieving the paper. Lucas gazes at her reassuringly. "Don't fret, Lila! I'm confident you'll improve!" he exclaims, his face lighting up with a bright smile. However, instead of uplifting Lila, his words only deepen her feelings of distress.

As Claude, the king, enters the room, the teacher's demeanor undergoes a complete shift in attitude.

With a striking resemblance to the twins, Claude possesses blonde hair and pink, radiant eyes—characteristics shared by the entire royal family, including the eldest prince, Felix. Their collective appearance boasts attractive features throughout.

At this time, the twins, Lucas and Lila, are 10 years old, while the eldest prince is around 13 years old.

"Y-Your Highness! What brings you here?" The teacher inquires, his tone noticeably more respectful than before.

"Ah, I was simply checking on my children's progress," Claude responds, his gaze shifting to Lila and Lucas.

"Oh, they're doing splendidly!" exclaimed the teacher with enthusiasm before pausing and casting a glance at Lila. "Well, Lucas, at least," the teacher remarked with a smirk, directing a subtle glare at Lila that only she could sense, unnoticed by everyone else.

Claude's gaze shifts to Lila, followed by a sigh. "I suppose I should have expected as much," he murmurs. Lila flinches, hearing the disappointment in Claude's voice, struggling to hold back tears.

Unaware of Lila's reaction, Lucas is consumed by happiness at Claude's acknowledgment of his progress in class.

"Then, I'll be heading back to my office," Claude announces, his tone still tinged with disappointment as he glances at Lucas with a faint smile. "Well done, Lucas," he praises before leaving, leaving Lucas feeling elated and motivated to continue impressing his father.

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Later, Lila decides to pay a visit to her mother, who resides in a separate building due to her illness. Despite the distance from others, Queen Elizabeth doesn't feel lonely since Lila frequently visits her.

Once revered as a saintess and adored by her people for her boundless kindness, Queen Elizabeth had a strong connection to holy powers. She treated her children with equality, her innate abilities shining brightly. However, after the birth of the twins, her health deteriorated, rendering her unable to harness her holy powers effectively. Any attempt to do so resulted in severe strain on her body, often causing her to cough up blood.

Upon arriving, Lila is welcomed by the maid and granted entry into her mother's chambers. Elizabeth, sitting up on her bed, eagerly awaits Lila's arrival as she has been informed of her visit.

"Lila!" Elizabeth exclaims with a bright smile, filling Lila with joy as she swiftly moves to sit beside her on the bed.

"Mother, are you feeling better?" Lila inquires, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

"With your visit, yes, I am," Elizabeth responds with a gentle chuckle, noting Lila's excitement at being there.

Elizabeth's hair is a soft shade of pink, cascading gracefully, complementing her stunning gold-like eyes, which add to her exceptional beauty.

Lila presents her mother with a book. "I picked up another one from the royal library in case you need something new to read," she says with a slight smile.

"Oh, Lila," Elizabeth responds warmly, patting Lila's head affectionately. "Thank you, and it's perfect timing too, as I just finished the last book you gave me not long ago," she adds, her tone reflecting genuine appreciation.

Lila's smile beams upon hearing this, but her joy is interrupted by the arrival of the maid. "Your Highness, it's time for your medicine," the maid announces calmly, causing Lila's disappointment as it means she must leave.

Elizabeth notices Lila's reaction and offers a gentle smile. "You'll return tomorrow, won't you, Lila?" Elizabeth asks kindly, prompting Lila to smile brightly. "Of course, mother!" Lila responds happily before heading back to her room.

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The following morning, Lila knocks on her father's office doors. "Enter," Claude responds, his voice carrying a chilly tone as he remains seated at his desk, engrossed in paperwork.

Lila enters and notices a unfamiliar boy occupying the sofa.

"You requested my presence, Father?" Lila inquires, slightly puzzled. "Yes, please have a seat across from Cedric," Claude directs, his voice retaining its frostiness as he continues working without looking up.

Lila takes her place on the sofa across from the man she presumes to be Cedric.

As she looks up, Lila's gaze meets Cedric's striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes, exuding a confidence that matches his undeniable handsomeness.

"This is Cedric, your future husband," Claude announces bluntly, setting his pen aside and interlocking his fingers, resting them on his chin as he shifts his focus to the two.

Lila flinches at the revelation, but Cedric remains composed, having been informed of the arrangement beforehand. He calmly takes a sip of his tea before placing the cup back down.

"Husband!? B-But Father!" Lila interjects urgently, but Claude silences her. "it was challenging to find a suitable match for you, given your health condition," Claude states coldly, his words stinging Lila's emotions.

"Do you wish for me to leave the mansion so desperately...?" Lila inquires, her voice tinged with hurt.

"Yes, as you bring disgrace upon this family," Claude responds bluntly, further wounding Lila's feelings. Cedric flinches, taken aback by the harshness of the family's treatment toward one another.

"However, you'll have to remain here a bit longer, as the typical marriage age ranges from 16 to 18," Claude expresses with disappointment regarding the arrangements, as he had hoped for a swift marriage for her.

Lila averts her gaze, fighting back tears, while Cedric glances at her with sympathetic eyes, understanding her plight.

"You may both leave," Claude dismisses coldly, prompting the two to depart.

To be continued.

Outside Claude's chambers, Lila and Cedric stand awkwardly until Cedric finally breaks the silence.

"My lady, I apologize for how things unfolded. I assure you, I will be a considerate husband," Cedric says, his expression neutral but with a gentle gaze and sincere intentions.

Lila gazes at Cedric and offers a kind smile. "Thank you. It's not your fault," she reassures him, prompting a sigh of relief from Cedric.

"In that case, I will take my leave," Cedric says, bowing slightly as he begins to walk away, flanked by his two knights on either side.

Lila's smile fades as Cedric walks away, replaced by a pained expression. She heads back to her chambers, her mood somber.

Upon entering, her maids Margaret and Ruby appear, their movements quick and suspicious as if hiding something behind their backs.

"Lady Lila, you're back so soon!" Margaret stammers nervously, a sweat drop forming on her cheek. Ruby mirrors Margaret's nervousness.

However, what truly raises Lila's suspicion is the unusual behavior of Margaret and Ruby. They rarely speak to her unless it's something unkind.

Sensing something amiss, Lila feels a surge of blood and quickly retrieves a handkerchief, coughing up a bit of blood onto it. Margaret and Ruby shoot they're disapproving glares before hastily leaving the room.

Sighing, Lila settles onto her bed, her thoughts consumed by her upcoming marriage to Cedric. She wonders about his parents' disposition—will they be welcoming? She's heard cautionary tales about the challenges posed by mother-in-laws and sisters-in-laws in noble unions. However, being of royal lineage herself, Lila hopes they might extend kindness, albeit tentatively. Yet, she can't ignore her status as the sole blemish in her esteemed family line, adding another layer of uncertainty to her contemplation.

As Lila sighs, she is abruptly interrupted by her elder brother, Felix, bursting into the room.

"Lila," Felix begins, his expression tinged with concern. Startled, Lila stands up, her confusion evident, as Felix swiftly approaches and grasps her shoulders, causing a slight surprise.

Felix asks, "I overheard the maids discussing Father's conversation about your engagement to the duke's son. Is it this true?" His eyes reveal a trace of anxiety and concern.  

"Yes, brother," Lila responds, her voice tinged with resignation. "I am to marry Cedric, likely at the age of 16, as Father wishes for a swift departure." Her last words carry a hint of pain.

"Is it because of your illness, even though there might be a way for you to get better?" Felix asks, his voice tinged with panic, though deep down, he knows there's little hope for Lila's condition. Still, his unwavering optimism is a comfort to Lila, bringing a smile to her face.

"Don't worry, Felix. Maybe leaving is for the best; I've never truly felt happy here," Lila reassures him, prompting Felix to release her shoulders, considering her words.

Perhaps she's right; the Duke's mansion might offer a happier environment. But what if it's worse? He had promised his mother to ensure Lila's happiness. Should he take this chance and, if it fails, bring her back and search for a place that will cherish and protect her?

"Fine... but if they turn out to be vile, I won't hold back down from slaughtering them," Felix states with a protective edge, his voice carrying a hint of harshness, causing Lila to let out a soft chuckle.

"Absolutely, brother. You have my approval for whatever actions are necessary," Lila responds in her gentle and slightly playful manner.

With a subtle smile, Felix nods and bids farewell, expressing the need to return to his sword training duties as the mansion's future heir.

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A week has passed since that incident, and Lila realizes she won't see her fiancé often because he resides in the north. Given her luck, their next meeting might be on their wedding day. It was a pleasant surprise that he made the effort to come down here just to greet her. He's known for being a respectful gentleman, after all, despite being merely 12 years old.

As Lila wanders through the castle corridors, she catches sight of Lucas demonstrating his magic to his noble acquaintances, appearing somewhat boastful. This sight causes a frown to form on Lila's face, wishing she possessed magical abilities too.

Lucas spots Lila and calls her over, prompting Lila to reluctantly approach them. "Oh... Hello brother," Lila says flatly, devoid of emotion, indicating her reluctance to engage in conversation with him, knowing that Lucas will likely show off to her as well.

"Lila, check it out! My fire and ice magic have really leveled up, and my earth magic too! Want me to demonstrate?" Lucas exclaims with enthusiasm, clearly indulging in a bit of showing off.

Lila stifles a yawn. "No, thanks," she replies, already turning to leave. However, Lucas intercepts her, grabbing her arm. "Wait! You've got to see this!" Lucas insists, his tone now tinged with a whining quality that irks Lila.

"I said no!" Lila retorts in irritation, causing Lucas to release her arm in surprise, taken aback by Lila's unexpected and firm refusal.

This infuriated Lucas. "Fine! I'll demonstrate regardless!" Lucas begins using his earth magic, a risky move indoors as it can spiral out of control when he's angry.

"Hey, Lucas—" Lila starts in a panicked tone as the ground begins to shift and crack slightly. "Lucas!" Her words are cut off as a rooftop threatens to collapse on her.

In a reflexive flinch, Lila shields her face with her arms, anticipating the impending crush until someone intervenes—it's the king, using his own magic to halt the falling debris.

To be continued.

Lila's eyes widen in disbelief. Could her father truly have saved her? Perhaps he does care about her after all!

"Lucas..." Claude's voice cuts in, his gaze turning deadly as he looks at Lucas, causing Lucas to flinch.

"How are..." Claude starts to speak, and Lila's eyes widen with hope, thinking Claude might actually care for her, until he continues, "How are we supposed to arrange Lila's marriage to the Duke's son if there isn't even a body to wed?"

Lila's heart sinks immediately at his words, and Claude's cold stare shifts to her. "Lila, be more cautious next time. We can't afford to lose you before the illness takes its toll," Claude says icily, as if he never had any concern for Lila.

"Yes, father..." Lila responds, her gaze dropping slightly in disappointment at the prospect of her father harboring even a trace of affection for her. However, she knows deep down that such a notion is merely a distant fantasy, one she can never attain, and she begins to suppress her tears once more.

Claude stares at Lila as if he could throttle her on the spot but restrains himself, recognizing the necessity for her to stay alive. With that acknowledgment, he turns away, followed swiftly by his knights.

"Hey, Lila, I didn't-" Lucas begins, his tone reflecting remorse, but Lila cuts him off. "Forget it," she says sadly, already walking away. Lucas watches her retreating figure, a hint of surprise crossing his face before he shifts his attention back to his noble acquaintances, offering apologies and resuming jovial conversation with them.

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In the northern kingdom, within the dukedom's borders, Cedric dons his suit's jacket, casting a glance at his servants.

"Prepare immediately for our journey to the capital," Cedric commands authoritatively, prompting the butlers to nod and swiftly begin organizing everything.

Cedric intends to travel to the capital to offer Lila a formal proposal—an admittedly foolish endeavor, but Cedric has always been a stickler for proper procedure, even in matters of arrangement.

With a sigh, Cedric exits the room, making his way downstairs and out to his waiting carriage. The journey to the capital will span two weeks by standard route, though expedited travel could cut it down to ten days at best.

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6 days later.

While strolling leisurely in the garden, Lila tilts back her umbrella to enjoy a better view of the blooming flowers and chirping birds. Her peaceful moment is interrupted when a maid approaches her.

"The queen requests your presence, milady," the maid announces calmly, prompting Lila to stop in surprise. "My mother? Is she in her chambers?" Lila asks, assuming Queen Elizabeth would be in her usual place as she starts walking.

"Wait, she's in the forest," the maid adds, her tone carrying a hint of panic that Lila picks up on, although she remains unaware of any deeper significance. "Ah, alright..." Lila nods, deciding to go to the direction of the forest, curiosity piqued. As she walks, Lila mutters to herself, "The forest? What could she be doing there?"

Upon entering the forest, Lila is greeted by two signs. One, adorned with a skull symbol, warns of danger, while the other, featuring a sunshine symbol, assures safety. Without hesitation, Lila chooses the path marked safe, trusting her instincts.

As she ventures deeper into the forest, the canopy of trees above casts dappled sunlight on the forest floor, creating a magical atmosphere. Unknown to Lila, hidden in the nearby bushes are two mischievous maids, stifling giggles and exchanging smirks as they observe her.

Lila continues her journey, the tranquillity of nature surrounding her as she remains unaware of the playful eyes watching from afar.

To be continued.