Skylume11

*Content Introduction*

Would you kindly leave?

In the fierce competition for the crown prince’s favor, the princess’s maid Lorisha harshly rejects the persistent advances of Prince Rocar, the powerful supporter of the second prince.

Surely, his unhealthy temptation is a plot to make the princess doubt her loyalty.

But her refusal only fuels the obsession of the empire’s most eligible heir… Rocar suddenly takes her hand and kisses it.

His lips whispering secrets, lightly brushing her hand like a feather.

“Once the competition ends, your fate will be in my hands, just so you know.”

She fluttered her fan like a butterfly’s wings, smiling coyly.

“Try if you dare.”

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*Brief Summary*

In a world where nobility, honor, and bloodlines dictate everything, Lorisha, the illegitimate daughter of Count Roar, struggles to find her place across the delicate line between nobility and the common folk.

A fateful encounter with Duke Rocard Kaidel, a young, charming, and mysterious nobleman, marks a turning point in her life. Amidst grand balls and hidden family secrets, Lorisha faces challenges from her past and societal pressures, while discovering her true self and the real value of kinship. 

As the opportunity to enter the Royal Academy - her dream to escape her unwanted reputation and start anew - slips through her fingers, a trip to Zevron Beach with her father, Count Roar, opens up hope and opportunities for a fresh beginning.

The story is an emotional journey of Lorisha - from darkness to light, from solitude to finding acceptance and love.

Stop Coming On to Me

"I thought I was going to be the top student. The questions were easy."

"You failed even including the unattended subject?"

"My violin string broke while I was tuning it. I've only been holding a sword lately, so I couldn't control my strength."

Though he didn't show it, the son's appearance seemed rather wounded in pride. The Duke laughed softly.

"The Academy has made it clear that there will be no reversal, so that's settled. Don't worry about it since they also thought of contingencies and kindly informed you."

"Yes, Father. But will the Academy be useful to me? The order doesn't seem right."

The scions of prestigious families often go through the Academy to decide on their masters or factions that determine their destiny.

Soon, like Rocard Kaidel had done, leading an army and participating in battle was an elite path taken only after graduation.

But since Rocard had already jumped ahead and started fighting, it was only natural for him to see the Academy as a waste of time.

"The Academy eagerly awaits your entrance. It's an honor for them to accept a student like you who has established a major at such a young age."

"There are things you can only gain at the Academy. Look carefully and reap those fruits. Live up to the name of your father's first lion."

The Duke scolded his son with a stern face, but Rocard left the room with a mischievous smile.

The Duke said no more. He knew and supported his son's choice.

If only his son, full of youthful vigor and overflowing with confidence, was a bit more careful with his words.

After all, the story of the Second Prince Greyion calling Rocard "Tagar's Cub" on the battlefield had already spread widely.

Second Prince Greyion Tagar. He owed his life to Rocard in the recently concluded Amata battle, which ended in an imperial victory.

If one is to become the strong heir of a powerful family, he must be chosen by the Emperor and take responsibility for the family's survival.

And creating the Emperor who would entrust himself and his family's fate was a more trustworthy survival strategy.

Misha insisted that she should only take brand new clothes and shoes when moving into the Academy dormitory.

'The other young ladies all do it too!' she said, magically persuading the Countess to call the merchants into the mansion. The mansion was quite chaotic because of them.

I listened to the noise without thinking much. As I read a romance novel bought from the city, lazed around, or snacked, the day flew by.

Eating and sleeping were enjoyable and comfortable, but I was increasingly uncomfortable.

I told myself not to, but I kept going on. Damn it.

The Count, who suddenly visited my room, kindly ignored the snack crumbs on my cheek.

"I'm going on a journey. Come with me."

The Earl called it a 'trip,' but leaving his estate was almost a business trip due to a royal command. So it was not something to take Misha, nor his illegitimate daughter.

Besides, if I spent time alone with the Earl now, I didn't know if my conscience might crumble and burst.

As I hesitated, the Earl looked a little displeased.

"I know that the fact that you're illegitimate gives you a strong drive. But try to let it go when you're with me. You need to know how to do that."

What would I say in response? I awkwardly asked where he was going and said I would prepare.

Seeing that the destination was a beautiful beach at the southern end, it seemed the Earl was deceiving me.

Under the pretext of a trip, consoling me.

Search "stop coming" at "redcatty . com" to read ahead chapters.

Chap 14