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As the carriage rocked gently along the path, breaking the silence between us, I hesitated but decided to ask, "How did you find me?" I wasn't sure if it was the right question, but it lingered in my mind.
My father didn't seem offended; in fact, he answered calmly. "We had information. You may not know this, but green eyes are unique to the Greenstone family."
That revelation stunned me. No one had ever mentioned such a thing-not surprising, given the life I'd led. I forced a smile to mask my ignorance, unwilling to reveal how little I knew about the world. I couldn't afford to disappoint him.
Does this mean I really am his daughter? Could someone like me, with my past and scars, truly belong to a noble family? No, it's too early to accept that. It felt like a fantasy far removed from my reality.
"You're fourteen, right?" he asked, his voice softening as he tried to ease the tension. He hadn't smiled much before, but now he was clearly trying to bridge the gap between us.
"How is... Mother?" The words stumbled out before I could stop them.
His smile faded, replaced by a wistful sadness. I already knew what his silence meant.
"Was it... because of me?" I whispered.
His response was swift. "No. It was her choice. But you do have another mother now-her sister, Cecilia."
Another marriage with my aunt? The thought unsettled me, but I stayed quiet, not wanting to ruin the fragile connection forming between us.
"How many of us are there in the family?" I asked cautiously.
He offered a gentle smile. "You, me, your stepmother, and your sister"
"A sister? Is she from... my aunt?" I asked hesitantly, unsure how to react to this sudden revelation.
My father nodded and offered a reassuring smile. "They're looking forward to meeting you."
I returned his smile, though doubts clouded my mind. In most stories, stepmothers rarely wished to see their stepdaughters. Would my situation be any different?
"You need to know a few things before stepping into society," he continued.
I nodded and listened as he began explaining. "The Derous Empire is ruled by the imperial family, Va de Rous. The rulers are said to be flawless in health and character. The current emperor has two children-the crown prince, his heir, and a younger daughter who is engaged to an archduke's family."
I blinked, trying to take it all in as he continued. "Second in power is the temple, though unlike in other kingdoms, their influence here is limited compared to the imperial family. Then, there are the three archduke families. The most powerful is the Scorpio family, led by Mary Scorpio. She is rumored to have eaten an eternal jade and lived for centuries-or so she claims, and everyone believes it. Next are the Greenstones, led by me, and lastly, the Aqueans, whose heir is engaged to the princess."
I tilted my head at the unfamiliar names, but he wasn't done yet.
"The Tourosian University is the largest institution in the empire, open to both men and women. Your sister studies there."
I couldn't help but laugh lightly. "Too much... lore."
He chuckled, patting my head. "You'll get used to it."
After two weeks of traveling, we finally reached the capital. As the carriage approached, the brilliance of the city unfolded before me. My eyes widened, marveling at the towering buildings and magnificent architecture. "Beautiful..." I whispered, unable to hide my awe.
"Save some of that wonder for later," my father teased with a smile.
Hours later, the carriage finally stopped.
"We're here," he said as he helped me step down.
I stared, completely stunned. "Is this... where my family lives?"
He laughed at my shock. "It's big, isn't it?"
"So big..." I murmured, unable to believe my eyes.
As we approached the grand entrance, a stunning woman stepped out to greet us. Her coffee-brown hair gleamed under the sunlight, her dark, night-sky eyes holding a calm authority. She was adorned in a gown sparkling with jewels that seemed worth more than my entire village.
"Welcome home, daughter," she said with a warm smile.
I froze, unsure of how to respond. This was supposed to be my stepmother?
"Forgive your sister; she's away at the university," the woman continued.
"Ah... um... It's okay..." I mumbled, feeling like a lost child at a festival.
She gently patted my head, her shawl brushing against my face. I froze again. Were those... real diamonds embedded in her dress? Just what had I done to deserve this life?
"Guide her to her room, Cecilia," my father instructed before leaving, no doubt preoccupied with other matters.
"This way," she said kindly, leading me through the enormous house. Each corridor seemed more extravagant than the last. Finally, we arrived at a room.
"You'll be staying here. Call for the maids if you need anything," she said before leaving me alone.
I stood there, taking in my surroundings.
"Gahhh," I groaned, overwhelmed. The room was too much for me-so beautiful, so grand. I wasn't sure I could ever get used to this.
As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but cry softly. I've never laid on a bed before... it's too comfortable. It was a luxury I never thought I'd experience.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a maid barged in without knocking. "Lady Greenstone wants you to wear this," she announced, throwing a dull, gray dress at me before leaving without closing the door.
I sighed, getting up from the bed. The dress wasn't much to look at, but compared to my old rags, it seemed like fine clothing. I slipped it on without complaint, made my hair into a bun, and stepped out of the room.
As I turned a corner, another maid came rushing by, accidentally spilling a pot of hot soup on my hair. I gasped but bit my tongue to keep from crying out. She didn't apologize, simply walking off as if nothing had happened.
Smiling weakly, I returned to my room to rinse my hair in the cold water provided. My scalp stung, and a faint burn mark formed on my face. It's not like I was beautiful before, I reassured myself. Despite it all, I felt a flicker of gratitude for the dress and my newfound "mother."
Later, another maid brought me food, a plate of beautifully arranged dishes. My stomach growled in anticipation, but the moment I bit into the bread, I winced in pain. It was as hard as a rock. Before I realized it, one of my teeth cracked. Of course.
I pushed the plate aside and lay down, my hunger gnawing at me. I've starved before-this is nothing. But the thought of being surrounded by plenty and still going hungry stung in a way I wasn't used to.
Unable to sleep, I decided to find the kitchen. Wandering through the halls, I felt somewhat confident in knowing my way around now. Just then, a voice rang out.
"Oi, come here!"
I turned to see a young noblewoman, her sharp gaze fixed on me. She gestured toward her feet. "There's dust on my shoes. Clean them."
I hesitated but ultimately obeyed. Kneeling, I wiped her shoes as instructed.
When I finished, she smirked. "Wow, you actually did it. Good."
She tossed a gold coin at my face and walked off. The coin clattered to the ground, and I stared at it in disbelief.
Before I could process what had just happened, my stepmother appeared. "Daughter," she began in a sharp tone, "is it true you cleaned the Baroness Barney's shoes?"
"Yes, Mother," I replied, unsure what I'd done wrong.
"Are you kidding me? She's a lowly baroness who came begging for money!" My stepmother's voice grew louder. "She had the nerve to refer to you as a 'servant with red hair'! It's humiliating!"
I lowered my head, ashamed.
But then, her tone shifted. "Still... you may keep the coin. I suppose it's your first time earning anything for yourself."
She smiled, but it wasn't comforting. There was something in her expression that sent a chill down my spine-a look of disdain and condescension I knew all too well from my stepfather.
Is this what my life here will be like?
"Your sister will be arriving any moment. Can you welcome her?" my stepmother asked.
"I'd love to," I replied, eager yet slightly nervous.
The grand carriage pulled up, and a young woman stepped out. She was breathtakingly beautiful-reddish-brown hair like Father's, and those unmistakable green eyes that marked our family.
Is this my younger sister? I thought, feeling a pang of inadequacy. Compared to her, I felt plain. But before I could dwell on it, she rushed toward me and embraced me tightly. Her excitement made her accidentally step on my foot, her dainty shoes crushing my luxurious slippers.
Still, I hugged her back, touched by her warmth.
"Do you know how much I've always wanted an elder sister?" she beamed, her voice brimming with joy.
"Me too," I replied with a soft smile. For a moment, I felt at ease. Maybe this won't be so bad.
That afternoon, we all gathered in the grand dining room-Father, my stepmother, my sister, and me.
"Emerald?" Father called my name.
"Yes, Father?"
"Why are you wearing such an ugly dress? And what's that burn mark on your face?" he asked, his sharp gaze making me stiffen.
"This dress... isn't it beautiful? Mother gave it to me," I answered hesitantly.
The color drained from her face as the room fell into silence. "I never gave that dress to you. It was... different," she stammered.
Everyone could sense what had happened, though no one voiced it.
"I'll have a word with the maid," my stepmother said, her tone icy. But I knew there would be no "word"-only punishment.
"And the mark?" Father pressed.
I didn't want anyone to be punished on my behalf, so I lied. "I... accidentally poured hot soup on myself," I said, lowering my gaze.
"On your head," he repeated, his voice heavy with disbelief. After a moment, he sighed and moved on.
"I'm thinking of commissioning a family portrait this month," he announced.
"Very well, my lord," my stepmother agreed, bowing her head.
My sister, Emily, suddenly spoke up, her voice light and cheerful. "Father, I'd like to take Sister to a ball. What do you think?"
He laughed, a rare sound, and nodded. "Sure, Emily."
Her eyes lit up as she turned to me, smiling brightly.
Later that evening, she came to my room. Her lively chatter filled the space as we talked about everything and nothing.
Just before she left, she paused at the door. "We'll be going to a royal banquet tomorrow, Sister," she said with a mischievous grin.
I stared after her, unsure of how to feel. Excitement? Anxiety? Perhaps both.
End of Chapter 2
Thank you for reading this stroy,there will be many. Improvements in the future