Chapter 2: Kind and Cruel (2)
The Heilon family had long been the defenders of the northern territory. The head of the family, Duke Abel Heilon, was known for his toughness and ruthlessness, traits befitting a man in charge of the front line. Yes, this was exactly how I wrote him. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
…And now, thanks to my parents and siblings, I was being sent to the northern territory, ruled by this very Duke Abel Heilon.
“I’ve really dug my own grave….”
As soon as I arrived in the northern territory, I made my way to Duke Heilon’s castle. Like its master, the place exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure. From the outside, it resembled the Demon Castle from a story, with its towering spires and walls as formidable as a mountain range. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Ha… my life.” Just standing outside the castle, I could tell this was going to be no easy task. I had a feeling I’d be buried in work—or worse, kicked out before I even got started, dismissed as a useless child.
In the story, Duke Abel Heilon played a crucial supporting role. More precisely, he was the mentor to the male protagonist, Sigren. He was popular among readers as a strong, middle-aged character who always helped the hero at critical moments. In the beginning of the novel, he was described as being in his late thirties. But now, since I was here six years before the start of the story, he was probably in his early thirties.
If there was a problem, Abel was unwaveringly loyal to the main character. In addition to that, his personality was terrible. And now, in this earlier timeline, he was in his prime—wild and untamed.
Could Fiona, the villainess I created, really handle someone like that?
“Come this way.”
The knight leading me through the castle stopped. I looked up at the massive door in front of me. It was enormous, and I knew it led to the room where I’d meet the Duke.
“Open the door,” the knight ordered the two knights standing guard. They pushed the heavy doors open, revealing the room inside. I blinked as the scene slowly unfolded. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
The interior was carved from hard stone, magnificent yet cold. In the center of the room sat a young man in a huge chair. His hair was as white as snow, and his eyes were as blue as ice. His face was sharp and beautiful, giving him the appearance of an intelligent strategist rather than a brute warrior. Yet, the sheer presence he exuded made it clear he was someone who ruled over the harsh northern lands.
I gulped.
This was Abel Heilon, the man who would later become the male lead Sigren’s mentor. The moment our eyes met, he frowned.
“I was told a new magician was coming to apply.”
His words were so cold that I felt goosebumps on my neck and arms.
“What is this? A scrawny little thing?”
Great, just great. My future looked bleak.
***
“I’m Fiona Green.” Despite his harsh greeting, I did my best to maintain courtesy.
Abel’s expression didn’t change as he turned to a man beside him, presumably his close aide. “Jeron, what’s going on here?”
The man, Jeron, appeared to be in his mid-twenties. He glanced at me with a puzzled look before turning back to Abel. “I was told that Count Green sent a magician who was his direct bloodline, but….”
Well, that wasn’t entirely wrong. I am a direct blood relative, though an illegitimate one, and I do know how to use magic. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Abel gritted his teeth. “So this child is their answer to my last order?”
Abel rose from his chair, his thick cloak billowing behind him. His gaze on me darkened, his blue eyes cold and unforgiving, making me feel like I was trapped in winter.
“At least, now, I can see, he thinks we’re ridiculous. After this damn war, I will get rid of that Green family”
Oh no. Father, you’ve really angered the strongest Duke in the north!
But honestly, I didn’t care what happened to the Green family. My real concern was facing Abel, who was on the brink of rage.
Stop staring at me like that!
Abel’s footsteps echoed ominously as he slowly approached me, giving me a lot of pressure. He was tall—far taller than I’d imagined. I was small for my age, malnourished, and weak, so I had to crane my neck just to look up at him. I met his gaze directly.
“Hey, kid.” His tone was as cold as his expression.
Wait, I introduced myself earlier, didn’t I? I think my name is quite nice. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Explain yourself. Why did Count Green send a child like you here? Does he have no competent people left?”
I owed no loyalty to anyone, so I decided to answer honestly. “My eldest brother, Caindel, is the family heir, my sister Jane is about to get married, and my other brother, Zen, is engaged.”
But as I spoke, I felt like a child tattling. I swallowed hard and added, “So, as the youngest, I was sent.”
“Huh.” Abel clicked his tongue, clearly unimpressed by my explanation. “I see. They’re treating this war as a joke.”
He looked down at me with disdain. “In any case, I understand now, kid. You may have come all this way, but go back home.”
His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. “A child like you isn’t needed here.”
As expected, I was kicked out. It took less than five minutes. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Abel turned away, his decision final. He had no time to waste on someone he deemed useless—and that included me.
There was no warmth in his cold demeanor, but I didn’t care about his lack of empathy. I had nowhere to go. Back to Count Green, the man who sent me to this battlefield? I was treated horribly there. My room was an old attic with no heat, and I ate nothing but their leftovers. Even if I returned, I knew he’d throw me out. He wouldn’t waste the opportunity to get rid of me.
In the original story, Fiona, before she discovered her magical talent, was kicked out by the Green family and ended up on the streets. Fortunately, she eventually found shelter, but the scars left by the world turned her into a villain.
But unlike in the story, I knew Fiona had great potential within her. Skilled magicians were highly valued, so my best option was to prove my talent early, gain experience, and secure a future. That was far better than being cast out into the streets.
After all, the war would eventually end with the appearance of the male lead. Until then, the best way to avoid despair was to endure, save money, and plan for a peaceful life in the countryside.
So my first task was to secure a place here as a magician. After that, I’d stay out of Abel’s sight until the male lead appeared. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
With my plan set, I called out to Abel, who was walking away without a second glance.
“Wait a moment, Duke. I have something to say.”
Abel stopped, turning back to look down at me. “What?”
“I can’t follow that order.”
Abel’s frown deepened. If I were a normal thirteen-year-old, I might have started crying.
“What did you say?”
I met his gaze, unwavering. “I’m not going back. But I’m not asking you to let me stay here without proving myself. Give me one chance.”
Abel’s eyes flickered with interest. It wasn’t every day that a child made such a bold request. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
He spoke in a rough voice, trying to intimidate me. “A little girl like you? What, do you want to do chores? We already have excellent servants here. How exactly do you plan to prove your worth?”
It wasn’t a difficult question. I knew how to handle Abel—don’t appear arrogant, but don’t be timid either. I clenched my fists, my voice steady.
“Give me one chance to fight on the battlefield as a magician. I’ll show you that I can be of real help in this war.” Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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