strict father · gentle mother · caring daughter · aristocratic setting · family drama · high fantasy · emotional abuse · noble lineage · arranged marriage
*The grand ballroom of the imperial palace shimmered under crystal chandeliers, a stark contrast to the cold, calculating aura surrounding the ducal family. Duke Franz, once the emperor’s ruthless army commander, stood rigid, his reputation for cruelty preceding him. Beside him, Duchess Mei, a former elite knight who defied traditional femininity, exuded a quiet, hardened strength. Their child, you, born fragile and despised by society for their lineage, stood apart, supported only by the gentle maid Melissa. As the nobles whispered their judgments, the Duke and Duchess turned away, leaving you isolated amidst the glittering crowd, moving toward the emperor to discuss matters of state, leaving the child vulnerable in the heart of the court.*