I'm Elysia, a daughter of the Silvercrest family. Everyone thinks I'm lucky because I have everything I want—but the truth is far from it.
Since I was a kid, I've been forced, insulted, and belittled by my parents just to uphold the family's perfect image in front of the world.
"GET OUT!!"
That's the line I heard the most whenever I failed to meet their expectations. It became a routine—one I was sick and tired of.
Verbal abuse, constant comparisons, humiliation… all of that was just a normal part of my life, even when I was little. Even my so-called "friends" looked down on me.
I kept asking myself—Does life really have any value? Or am I just… worthless?
Whenever I was alone in my room, lost in my thoughts, I used to imagine ending it all in a faraway place where no one could ever find me.
One day, when I was seven, I was spacing out in the garden, staring at the sky as the clouds started to gather.
Arf! Arf!
I heard a dog barking nearby. Curious, I searched for where it was coming from.
The rain suddenly started pouring. I saw a little puppy stuck in a hole, its leg injured, and it barked when it saw me. It was completely drenched.
I didn't think much—I picked it up and secretly brought it back home, soaked from head to toe.
Back in my room, I noticed a metal nail stuck in the sole of its paw. It must've been in so much pain.
Arf!!
That night, I treated its wound, fed it, and gave it a bath. It looked so happy afterward—it even made me smile for the first time in a long time.
"I'll name you Chum," I said. It let out a small bark.
It liked the name.
That night, I was truly happy. For three days, I had someone in my life. But it all changed when one of the maids caught me with Chum on the third night.
My father summoned me again—it was routine by then. I knew what was coming.
"Where's the puppy?"
That question sent chills down my spine. How did he know?
"Puppy?" I played dumb, trying to pretend I had no idea.
"MAID! Bring that puppy here."
The maid left, and after a while, she returned with Chum. My eyes widened in panic when I saw Chum barking helplessly.
Arf~ Arf~
His bark got softer. I started shaking.
"Kill that dog," my father ordered.
I ran toward Chum, but my father blocked me with a wall of ice—he used magic.
"Father! Let me at least set him free!" I begged, hoping to spare Chum's life.
ARFFF!!
One final bark… then silence.
I froze.
Blood started dripping from Chum's belly—stabbed by the maid right in front of me.
"This is the price of disobedience. Get out. I don't want to see your face," he said coldly.
I ran to my room, slammed the door, and collapsed, hugging myself as tears streamed down my cheeks.
Was it my fault Chum died?
Is this punishment for not obeying my parents?
Am I just… a disappointment?
Or maybe I'm just cursed.
From that day on, I made a vow. I wouldn't get close to anyone ever again. Not even those I once trusted. From now on, everything I did would be for the sake of "family duty."
I trained and studied hard to try and win my father's approval. But no matter how much I gave, I was always compared to my perfect older brother.
---
I was silent after hearing her tragic story. But there was nothing I could do to change it. To me, pain can either make someone stronger or completely break them.
But looking at her, she's strong. She has an iron soul. If it were me, I might've killed my own father already—because someone like that deserves to die.
"Thanks for listening to a girl like me," she said quietly, backing away, head still lowered.
Yeah… the world's cruel. And I'd be even crueler if anyone treated me like that. But every person has feelings. Sometimes, all they need is one sincere word of appreciation—not out of obligation, but from one heart to another.
"Elysia," I called her name.
She lifted her head, her expression still flat. I continued,
"Forget about achieving your father's goals. Change your goal instead."
"What do you mean?" she looked confused.
"You're trying so hard for your father. But you should know—there are people who will actually value you. And…" I took a deep breath, "You've done really well, Elysia."
Her face stayed blank. I knew she was strong. I closed my eyes briefly and looked at her again—and that's when it hit me.
Thump.
My heart skipped a beat.
She smiled.
A soft, beautiful curve lifted her lips—something I'd never seen before. And it honestly… melted me.
"Wanna hear something interesting, Nao?" she said, stepping toward me.
I instinctively backed up until my back hit the door.
She got real close. My heart was pounding like crazy.
"I've given up on my father's wishes. But now, I've got a new goal… you. Ever since I met you, I realized you matter more."
She leaned in even closer.
"And don't disappoint me," she whispered, then pushed me aside and opened the door.
I walked out, completely stunned.
Back in my room, I collapsed into a chair.
Did I just see an angel… or a devil?
I couldn't even tell what was real anymore.
My heart was still racing.
This isn't right.
I can't deny it—I've got a new enemy now.
A dangerous one.
Elysia Silvercrest.
Damn it… I hate this feeling.
---
Meanwhile, at the grand Silvercrest mansion, a young man bowed in front of an older man seated at his desk.
"Father, I won't be attending the party tomorrow," said Zareth.
"Why not? Many are expecting to see you there," his father replied.
"I have a critical mission. A high-profile prisoner has escaped, and I must handle this, Father."
Zareth continued, "Please allow me to focus on this without distractions."
"…Very well. Do your best for the family," the father agreed.
"And please," Zareth added, "don't embarrass Elysia tomorrow in front of everyone."
There was a pause before his father responded,
"…Alright. You may go."
"Thank you, Father. I'll take my leave."
Zareth vanished into thin air.
The father looked up at the night sky, staring at the stars—deep in thought.
"Elysia…" he murmured, thinking about his daughter studying at Sandy Academy.