Alicia, ironically, benefited from the marriage contract following her mother's death."Back then, you had a choice. You could have refused to marry mother... you could have sacrificed fame and fortune to be with your loved one. Perhaps you and mother are happy. "Neither would I have been born."Alicia spoke her thoughts aloud for the first time.Her father was a self-centered individual. He was given a fair choice: for fame and wealth that he would never achieve in his lifetime, he'd have to forget his old lover and at least... learn to love the woman he would marry. Even if his heart was with another woman, it was a man's duty to care for and love his wife and daughter.It was a simple decision.He, however, did not.He had an affair with another woman and had a child with her.Perhaps it was for the best that her late mother died before she discovered the truth."Your mother was a terrifying woman who had pushed her away without my knowledge!" This child would not have suffered as
“…What? ”The Count was taken aback."Once you've calmed down and had a proper conversation with Lady Alicia...""You idiot!"Count Kenboe clenched his teeth.The old butler was a knowledgeable and nagging man who was a pain in his neck all the time, but he kept him around because of his loyalty. He did a good job, and his wife and daughter adored him."Are you saying you'll betray me and side with her?"He laughed.“Alright. I'll evict both you and Alicia! ”In a frenzy, the Count walked up the stairs. He waved his hand at Alicia in a single motion. And she closed her eyes, expecting it. She knew it would come to this, but she didn't mind. His assault would make evicting him easier.Boom!Instead of the expected burning tingling sensation, she heard someone rolling around on the floor. When Alicia opened her eyes, she saw Latty lying on the floor.“Latty!”The Count clicked his tongue as he realized he'd beaten the maid rather than Alicia. Latty unexpectedly stepped into the middle,
"What are you doing? Get him out of here now!"The employees exchanged glances and quickly turned their gaze away from him. They recently examined the documents, which bore the lawyer's signature and were certified by him. And based on what they had heard, they knew that if they supported the Count, they would be kicked out of the mansion with him."You... you"Alicia, who was quietly watching, parted her lips open."Eject the Count and his child politely."When Alicia's voice faded, a few strong servants moved. The Count did not realize his current situation until he was forced to leave."Al... Alicia! You're a jerk!""Don't worry, father. You will receive a minimum pension."Her voice was cold and devoid of any warmth."It won't be enough, but it will be enough to make a living and have a roof over your head." Regardless, I am still your daughter..."“Alicia!”Ignoring the Count's shrill voice, Alicia descended the stairwell slowly. Patricia, on the other hand, was perplexed by the
"Send them away."The two were immediately kicked out of the house after Alicia's words fell.Alicia, of course, knew this was not the end. Her father would try to reclaim the estate by using all of his resources, but he would eventually realize that all means of resistance would be futile."Let's get you treated, Latty. Was it painful? ”Alicia looked at James after giving Latty a warm hug."I'd like to speak with you after Latty's treatment, James.""Certainly, My Lady."Alicia dragged Latty into her room with her small hand. It appeared to be a child dragging a large, cuddly bear."Why did you do that, Latty?"Alicia inquired, tapping Latty's cheeks with a cold towel."What exactly do you mean?"”"How come you allowed yourself to be hurt? Like a fool...""You're a young lady, Miss. You're petite. If the Count really hit you, you'd die, and he'd go to... I'd rather take the risk and be sick for a few days."Alicia looked at Latty with affection and anguish. Latty was pure and kind-
************(Flashback)Anna Corty suffered humiliation as a young, naive princess. She was imprisoned in the castle for failing to recognize the signs of impending rebellion. She vowed she would never make the same mistakes again.Anna temporarily arrested the nobles who supported the late king's sons after learning of their malicious ploys and plot.Anna was correct.The nobles resisted vehemently, but their efforts were futile because they were quickly imprisoned due to damning evidence that no one could deny. If their plans came to fruition, it would be considered retaliation.So, before they could act, Anna severed all of their limbs.The late king's sons hid from Anna's gaze from then on.Since then, Anna has worked on a number of burdens and tasks in order to establish a strong, centralized government, including fixing the tax system, disbanding the nobility-affiliated knights, and weakening the aristocratic empire.The reigning Queen gained a notorious reputation as the most f
(The flashback continued)"...Are you crying?"Alicia's tears flowed uncontrollably like a river dam. The boy hid and flinched, unsure what to do and at a loss because he hadn't seen a woman cry since birth."Do not cry!" People will believe that I made you cry. Hey, don't cry... okay?"The boy grinded his teeth after failing to calm the troubled Alicia."All right, I got it! I'm going to save the bird!"The boy dashed to the big tree and climbed its trunk in one swift motion. The mother cat was about to pounce on the bird, its mouth wide open. The boy jumped over the thick branch without hesitation, judging that he was running out of time.Chirp, chirp, chirp!Swoosh!“Ahhhh!”Boom!At that moment, various sounds mingled with harmonious sounds that filled the entire garden.Alicia came running up, stunned, to see the boy fall to the ground."Do you feel okay?"The boy made an uneasy face and groaned softly. The small, little bird was in his hand, and the mother cat, terrified, fled.
(The flashback continued)"Will my wish come true?"The young boy inquired."Of course," she said. Dimi did it. He held the feather and wished long and hard, and Myastra appeared."“Dimi? "Who is he?""My cousin." Dimi is extremely knowledgeable."“Hmm…”The boy pondered something and returned his gaze to the yellow feather. Alicia's expression darkened."Do you dislike it?""No, I like it, but I was thinking you should write that wish.""However, you saved the bird.""Yes, but we did it as a team." The idea of saving the bird would never have occurred to me if it hadn't been for you. Accept it. Consider it my gift to you."Alicia's face lit up at his reasoning. She, too, desired the legendary feather."Wait, didn't you say Myastra?" Is Dimitri your Coulson cousin?"“Yes.”"Are you also a Coulson?""I'm an Ehrlich. I was born and raised in this town.""What is your name?"A womanly voice from afar rang out, Alicia's lips opened, about to answer the question repeated three times.“Ali
Ehrlich and the mansion were Alicia's birthplace and home for the rest of her life. Though she paid Coulson several visits, they were all brief and fleeting.Latty was taken aback; she couldn't believe Alicia, who'd never lived anywhere else, could leave her hometown without a trace of regret."I just want to get out of here as soon as possible. There are a lot of bad memories here."She bit her lower lip and shut her eyes.************(Flashback)************A few years had passed since the first visit to the royal palace. Alicia was dragged back into the royal palace as a queen candidate. The Queen was completely behind her.There are also several chances for her to meet Ivan, the boy king she once knew. He was, however, unusually cold to her. Alicia consoled herself by explaining that he had changed because he had matured into an adult. That sweet, little boy was only hiding behind a mask.Alicia didn't realize he would never welcome her until she entered the palace. Their relat