[The Savran Empire, Bianco Dukedom]
The Savran Empire's northern territory is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unforgiving climate. This frozen domain is ruled by the Bianco family, whose crest bears the symbol of the white moon, representing eternal illumination that vanquishes darkness. The Bianco family is the empire's protector, boasting unparalleled military prowess.
The snowflakes danced around Adelina, as she stood at the edge of the crowd, her eyes fixed on the commotion unfolding before her. In the distance, a procession of knights emerged, their armor glinting like polished steel in the pale winter light.
"It seems the Bianco Knights have returned from the battlefield," she whispered, her breath visible in the chilly air.
As the Bianco Knights led by their Lord, rode majestically through the snow-covered streets, the crowd's thunderous cheers swelled to a deafening crescendo. "Hail the heroes! Our brave knights and lord have returned," a voice shouted. "Long live, Lord Bianco!" the crowd chanted in unison.
Everyone was happy as their beloved lord had returned, having defended the borders. "Hurray to the brave knights!" someone exclaimed.
A small, solitary figure stood out in the crowd - a little girl who had been waiting there since dawn. As she had heard the tales of her lord's stunning looks, she mustered her courage and handed him a flower. And to her surprise, the busy lord accepted her gift with a warm smile, his kindness warming her chilly morning.
His striking silver hair glistened in the snowfall, but before Adelina could catch a closer glimpse, he rode off on his majestic black horse, swallowed by the sea of people.
With a swift motion, Adelina drew her cloak over her head and melted into the crowd, her eyes never leaving the spot where the lord had vanished.
Duke 'Zachary de Bianco', the ruler of the Bianco Dukedom, was a prodigy who demonstrated exceptional talent from an early age. He manifested his aura at the mere age of twelve and graduated at the top of the Imperial Academy in military studies at sixteen.
His meteoric rise continued on the battlefield, where he achieved a resounding victory by the age of twenty. As a result, Zachary de Bianco had become the empire's most sought-after bachelor, with numerous ladies vying for his attention.
However, his unwavering dedication to duty and unimpeachable character had earned him a reputation for integrity, untarnished by even a whisper of scandal. With his impressive credentials and unwavering principles, Duke Zachary de Bianco embodied the epitome of leadership and distinction.
But for Adelina, the return of the Bianco Knights held no significance. "They might have returned, but it doesn't have anything to do with me," she thought, "as I have lost my reason for welcoming them."
Their return may be a cause for celebration, but it held no significance for her.
Adelina reflected on the past, the memories still lingering vividly in her mind. Her father's treacherous plan to assassinate the former Duke was set in motion, and by the time she knew, it was irreversible.
"He carried out the deed, but his victory was short-lived," Adelina thought, her heart heavy with the weight of her family's past. "The former Duke's son, Zachary de Bianco, now the new Duke of the northern region, sought vengeance and claimed my father's life."
And Adelina, the daughter of the traitor, was left to face the consequences of a crime she didn't commit. The empire's law was clear: the entire family of a traitor would be put to death, leaving no room for revenge or retribution.
Lost in thought, Adelina wandered aimlessly, her feet carrying her into the middle of the street. The sound of horse hooves and the creaking of wooden wheels filled the air, but Adelina didn't notice. She was too consumed by her thoughts, her mind a jumble of memories and regrets.
Before she could react, a carriage struck her with unforgiving force. Adelina's body crumpled to the ground, her head spinning as she struggled to regain her breath. The cold ground beneath her seemed to seep into her bones, and her blurring vision signaled her fate.
"Ah... is this how everything's going to end?" Adelina thought, her vision fading. "Am I really going to die just like this, when I tried so hard to survive?"
The people's distant voices echoed above, growing fainter with each passing moment. A crimson halo spread around her, her lifeblood seeping into the frozen stones. Adelina's thoughts were consumed by deep regret, her mind racing with what-ifs and maybes.
"If I had made different choices, would it have been any different?" she wondered. "I don't know, but if I get a chance, maybe... maybe I could figure it out."
As Adelina's vision faded, her thoughts were consumed by a longing for a second chance. "I wish I could go back to the moment where things took a wrong turn," she thought. "If I could get a chance to make choices and change my life..."
"I don't want to die like this."
With those final thoughts, Adelina took her last breath and died on the streets of the Bianco Dukedom.
Adelina de Alagna, the daughter of Marquess Alagna, had grown up unloved and abused by her father. Abandoned by her commoner mother at a tender age, she endured a lonely life.
After years of suffering, her father's passing brought no solace. Instead, it severed her last tie to the family, leaving her utterly alone. In order to survive, Adelina shed her noble identity, disguised herself as a young man and worked at a rustic inn of the Bianco Dukedom.
***
[The Empire of Savran, Grande Dukedom]
The Savran Empire's southern territory presents a contrast to the northern region, boasting a reputation as a vibrant travel destination, renowned for its sun-kissed landscapes and joyous festivals.
The esteemed House of Grande governs this enchanting territory, their crest featuring the majestic eagle. This symbol embodies the values of authority, wisdom, and insight, reflecting the Grande family's wise leadership.
It was a typical winter's day, the cold air surrounding the Grande Estate as Ellenia sat in her study, lost in the pages of her book. The warmth of the fireplace and the soft glow of the candles created a cozy atmosphere.
Suddenly, her nanny burst in, panic etched on her face. "Ellenia!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with urgency.
Ellenia's eyes lifted from her book, concern creeping into her voice. "Nanny?" she asked, her brow furrowed in worry.
Without hesitation, her nanny snatched the book from Ellenia's hands and flung it onto the table. She grasped Ellenia's wrist, pulling her up from her chair. "Come with me, child!" she urged, her eyes darting towards the door.
Ellenia's confusion deepened as her nanny dragged her toward the secret passage hidden behind a bookshelf. The sound of imperial knights storming through the mansion filled the air, their shouts and clanging armor sending shivers down Ellenia's spine.
"Where is she? Find her!" a voice bellowed, the command echoing through the corridors.
The one who gave the order was the imperial knights' Captain, Helder, the rumors of Ellenia's heinous crime had spread like wildfire - accused of slaughtering her own family, leaving no one of the esteemed lineage.
As she made her way out through the corridor, confusion etched on her face. "What's happening, Nanny?" Ellenia asked, her voice trembling with fear.
Her nanny's expression was grim, her eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Ellenia, you're the last descendant of the Grande family," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "Escape while you can, as they will spare no one."
Ellenia's eyes widened in horror as she stumbled through the narrow corridor. "What are you talking about, Nanny?" she asked, her mind reeling with questions. "What happened to my family?"
As they hastened through the winding passage, the imperial knights soon reached them, their shouts shattering the cold air as they pointed at her. "Captain, we found her!" one of the knights exclaimed.
Ellenia glanced back, confusion etched in her eyes. The knights were closing in, their armor glinting in the faint light of the passage.
The secret passage spat them out into the bustling streets of the south. Ellenia's nanny pulled her into the crowd, attempting to blend in. But as they turned to the corner, a shocking betrayal unfolded.
The nanny's gentle touch turned treacherous, shoving her into the path of a speeding carriage. Ellenia's voice was lost amidst the clattering people and shouting of the knights. The nanny's face, once warm and loving, twisted into a sinister smile.
The carriage's impact was merciless, sending Ellenia tumbling to the ground, blood pooling around her battered form. Her nanny's lifelong deception pierced her heart, alongside the physical pain.
"The ones I considered my own, turned against me while those I thought didn't care about me revealed their true concern," Ellenia thought, her mind reeling with shock and betrayal. "Ha! What a fool I've been."
As her vision began to fade, Ellenia's thoughts were consumed by anguish and regret. "If I had made a different choice, would it have been any different?" she wondered.
Ellenia's vision faded, her thoughts consumed by a longing for a second chance. "I wish I could go back to the moment where things took a wrong turn," she thought. "If I could get a chance to protect my family and change my life…"
"I don't... want to die like this."
With those final thoughts, Ellenia took her last breath and died on the streets of the Grande Dukedom.
Ellenia de Grande, the cherished daughter of the esteemed Duke Grande, had lived a life of luxury and privilege.
However, beneath the surface, she felt a profound void and loneliness, sensing a rift with her father after her mother's tragic death.
Ellenia's desperation for her family's love made her vulnerable to fall prey to her nanny's manipulation, who exploited Ellenia's deep-seated longing for love and acceptance.