Cursed.
A place ruled by a monstrous duke.
Those were some things people in the capital believed about the Crown Duchy. Ever since Damian Crown became the duke after his grandfather's passing, the nobles from the capital started antagonizing the young duke. Not only because of his unpleasant appearance, but also the fact that the territory was the closest one to the borders between the light and the darkness.
… And darkness was referred to the places where monsters lurked.
However, contrary to the rumors Calista heard, the duchy wasn't anything like that. She could see a bustling town filled with people wearing radiant smiles. They may not be as lucky as those living in the capital, but they seemed satisfied with whatever they had. The bright smiles painted on their faces were enough for Calista to believe they were.
