The first kidnapping.

There was no point in getting upset over it—it was bound to happen sooner or later. Being the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the world practically painted a giant target on my back. I might as well have walked around with a neon banner reading: Easy prey.

Luckily, my first kidnapper wasn't exactly a professional. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe I was lucky he was such an amateur. The guy didn't follow any proper protocol, and my fingers were particularly grateful for that.

In any case, it was one wild day.

On the bright side, the experience did lead me to something unexpected: someone who could teach me how to create technology that works with mana. My inner scientist practically screamed with excitement at the possibilities. The mere thought of my next meeting with Edan had me buzzing with energy, as if I'd just discovered an entirely new field of study.

But then, a realization struck.

How on earth was I supposed to find him again?

Meanwhile, poor Betia—our first outing together had turned into a nightmare. Luckily, the shoes we'd bought made it back the very next day. Watching her hold them in her hands, her eyes sparkling like she'd ascended to nirvana, was almost worth all the trouble.

I wished I'd had a camera to capture that moment.

And then... the Prince.

I wasn't proud to admit it, but I couldn't stop thinking about Damian all night. Of course, I tried writing to him. I wrote several letters, each one brimming with all the things I wanted to say. But none of them made it past the fireplace—they burned to ashes before the ink could even dry.

The problem was, I didn't know how to express how I felt. Heck, I didn't even understand those feelings myself. It was strange, almost alien, as if these emotions weren't entirely mine.

I'd never been in love before. So why did my cheeks heat up every time I pictured Damian shielding me from Edan? That memory played on a loop in my mind, like a song I couldn't get out of my head.

And yet, it felt... good.

But I couldn't rely on him forever. Even though Damian had gifted me those magical earrings—ones that would allow me to call for him in an emergency—I knew they were a last resort. If I wanted to survive in this world, I needed to take responsibility for my own safety. I needed independence.

It was time to unlock whatever powers this body supposedly had.

Determined, I ran to the library. I dove into the shelves, searching feverishly for anything that could help: a spellbook, a scroll, even a handwritten note scribbled by a long-forgotten mage. Anything that might teach me to harness magic—preferably the kind that would let me hurl a fireball directly at Belmont's smug face.

But after hours of searching, I came up empty.

Who would've thought that in a household filled with warriors, there'd be absolutely nothing useful for a budding mage?

I also searched for records of the former Duchess. But there was nothing—not in the library, nor anywhere else in the entire mansion. It was as if she'd been erased from existence. I couldn't find out what she looked like, where she came from, or even her name.

I didn't even know the exact reason why her pregnancy had been so complicated.

It was heartbreaking not to have the faintest idea of who my mother was. Knowing more about her might have helped me understand why everyone kept mentioning how colossal my mana reserves were.

My power... it could only have come from her.

Dad was a warrior. So was that idiot Belmont. The only logical explanation for my affinity with magic was my mother's lineage. But without any trace of her, there was no way for me to confirm it.

And without guidance, there was no way for me to learn magic.

With no other options, I decided to resort to my last hope: begging. I sat at my desk and started drafting a letter to my father. My request was simple—I wanted a magic tutor.

Talk to him directly?

No. Absolutely not.

Besides, he wasn't even in the mansion; he was still traveling.

I summoned all my linguistic prowess to craft the most flawless letter this world had ever seen. Back in college, I'd written plenty of complaint letters, so I knew my way around persuasive language. I wasn't great at expressing emotions, but convincing professors to grant me special privileges? That was my specialty.

In the letter, I told the Duke that I was deeply curious about magic, especially since everyone I encountered praised my innate talent. I politely requested a magic tutor or, alternatively, permission to attend a magic academy on another continent—for many, many years—so long as he covered all expenses and allowed me to take Betia with me.

Yes, I made sure to emphasize the part about many, many years.

I explained in the letter that I wanted to explore my dormant abilities. I even added a fantastical touch, claiming that I had begun to see visions in my dreams—a mystical being guiding me to become the most powerful mage in the world. (Totally made up, of course, but hopefully convincing enough for my father.)

I also emphasized my eagerness to dedicate myself to studying, even if it meant moving far away from my much... adored family.

Naturally, I left out the part about my recent kidnapping. Not that he would've cared.

Once I was satisfied with my masterpiece of a letter, I called for Betia and entrusted her with the sacred mission of delivering it to my father as soon as he returned from his trip.

Thankfully, I didn't have to twist her arm to get her to approach that beast of a man again. Betia was still floating on a cloud from her new shoes, wearing them proudly wherever she went.

She even refused to take them off to sleep.

Great—problem solved. But I knew it would take some time for my father to consider my request, let alone act on it. Meanwhile, I desperately needed protection. Another kidnapping was not something I could afford to experience again.

But hiring escorts wasn't an option. In this mansion, they treated me with so little regard that even the title of Crown Prince's fiancée barely held any weight. Requesting a guard was less like a formality and more like begging on my knees. I'd be lucky if anyone even pretended to listen, let alone act.

So... I needed a knight.

As a Princess, I had the authority to appoint any warrior in the Dukedom as my personal knight. Their sole duty would be to protect me.

Knights held far more privileges than ordinary warriors. They were granted superior armor and weapons, unlimited access to training grounds, and the opportunity to travel with nobles. It was the ultimate dream for any aspiring soldier.

Naturally, knighthood was highly respected—and fiercely coveted. Only the most skilled and talented warriors ever earned the title.

But I didn't need the best. Honestly, anyone would do. I was prepared to settle for literally anyone. I wouldn't have been surprised if even a horse turned down the offer to serve the most hated Princess in the kingdom.

Still, it was a risk I had to take. Even if it meant facing humiliation, I decided to try my luck at the warrior training grounds.

Having a knight was essential for my plans. I intended to travel to several places, and it was imperative to have someone by my side for protection. So, I armed myself with the best of my smiles, a carefully selected batch of biscuits...

And, of course, a good cleavage.

The walk to the training grounds was longer than I anticipated. They were much farther than I expected, and halfway there, I regretted not wearing a hat. The sun seemed particularly vengeful that morning, its rays scorching everything in sight.

Still, I managed to press on, and when I finally arrived, I was amazed. The grounds were bustling with activity. Warriors and recruits filled the space, their numbers so vast they could populate a small town. The majority were young, driven by an indomitable will that was almost palpable.

Despite the oppressive heat, none of them faltered. The sun devoured the world around them, yet they pushed forward, their resolve unwavering. I lingered for several minutes, seeking refuge in the shade of a large tree to regulate my temperature. But even from there, I could see the intensity of their training.

Now I began to understand why Thamel was one of the wealthiest and most influential territories in all of Avantgar. Why this kingdom was so feared by other nations.

And why having a Sword Master as the Duke was such an invaluable asset, not just for his strength but as an inspiration to all these young men.

My curiosity grew as my eyes settled on one particular recruit. His hair, as vivid as a roaring flame, shimmered under the sunlight with every movement, while his golden eyes exuded a calmness that seemed to conceal untold depths.

It took me a moment, but then I recognized him.

"Alain?" I called out.

The boy immediately stopped his training, turning toward me. Upon seeing me, he bowed with precision and grace.

"Princess," he said, his voice steady.

I was taken aback. Not many people bothered to show me respect, especially in such a public setting. As I glanced around, I noticed others beginning to take notice of us. I couldn't help but remember our first meeting. From the very beginning, Alain had been nothing but polite.

"Forgive me for interrupting your training," I said with a small smile.

"I beg you not to apologize. I am here to serve you," he replied, his tone calm and assured.

I wasn't entirely sure why I had approached him in the first place. I didn't know him well, and the sudden attention from onlookers made me a little nervous. And then there was... well, the heat.

The men were training shirtless.

And Alain was no exception.

Standing so close, I couldn't help but notice the sharp definition of his muscles. Despite being close to my age, his physique was already remarkably developed. His arms looked strong enough to carry me without breaking a sweat.

I had never seen such perfect arms before.

Beads of sweat trailed down his chest, glistening in the sunlight and somehow accentuating his already flawless appearance. The droplets traveled over his well-sculpted abs, disappearing somewhere below his waist. It was... quite a spectacle. If only...

"Princess?"

"Huh...? Y-Yes!" I stammered, snapping out of my trance.

Damn it. My mind went completely blank for a moment. The boy stared at me, his expression shifting to one of slight confusion. If I didn't say something—anything—I was going to make a complete fool of myself.

"I-I brought some biscuits. Do you want to eat them together?" I blurted out, my voice shaking slightly.

He looked genuinely surprised.

"Eat with you, Princess?"

It was the first ridiculous thing that came to mind, but I wasn't about to back down now.

"Yes," I said, trying to regain some composure. "You should take a break. You've been training very hard."

"Thank you for your consideration, Princess," he replied, his tone formal but kind. "But I don't think it's appropriate. I do not deserve privileges that the rest of my comrades do not have."

Such virtue.

"Are you seriously going to ditch me?" I said, pouting slightly. "I just wanted to... I just wanted to thank you for stepping in when the Duke got a little aggressive with me. To this day, I can't forget your bravery."

His gaze shifted away, and a faint blush crept up his cheeks.

"All right... Only because you ask me to."

We walked over to the large tree, seeking refuge in its shade. I spread a tablecloth on the ground, and we both sat down. Alain set his training sword aside and slipped on his uniform shirt.

Damn.

"So, uh... How's your training going?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly as I tried to sound casual.

We started eating, but the silence between us was suffocating. He ate quietly, as if his very presence could dissolve into the air. I began to feel increasingly nervous. Social interactions weren't exactly my strong suit, but Alain was in a league of his own when it came to awkwardness.

I decided to break the silence before it swallowed us both whole.

"My training is going well, Princess," he said simply.

"I see..." I replied.

And then, more silence.

"May-Maybe you could help me with something," I stammered, desperate to keep the conversation going. "I'm looking for someone to be my knight."

Alain blinked, clearly caught off guard.

"A knight?"

"Yes," I continued, trying to sound confident. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I really need one. Don't you have any friends who might be interested? I promise to reward him well."

Alain shook his head, his response direct and blunt.

"I have no friends."

I wasn't surprised.

"Right..." I muttered.

What had I expected? I only approached him because I recognized him, but Alain was proving far more difficult to engage with than I'd imagined. I was so used to people like Betia and the nobles, who wore their emotions on their sleeves and filled every silence with words. But Alain... Alain made the silence hurt.

And I didn't know how to react.

He was like...

He was like me.

Back in school, I used to keep to myself. I didn't care about anyone or anything, maintaining a safe distance from others. People were irrelevant to me, and my ego had inflated to the point where I could only see myself.

Of course, all of that changed when I met you.

"Won't you be my knight?" I asked, my voice softer than I expected.

Alain's surprise was evident.

"I'm sorry... I have much to improve," he replied hesitantly.

"I don't need you to be perfect," I said, my gaze steady on him. "I just need you to be with me."

Yes, I couldn't help but think of you.

"I..."

Before Alain could finish his sentence, a sharp voice pierced the air.

"What the hell is going on?!"

The words, shouted with all the subtlety of a crashing boulder, startled me. I recognized that voice instantly. My stomach churned as I looked up to confirm my suspicions.

It was Belmont.

And, of course, Edurne was with him.

I hadn't expected to see my brother that day. I'd assumed he'd be buried in work, locked away in the office signing papers. Yet somehow, he'd set all of that aside to show up here—of all places—with one of my least favorite people in tow.

To make matters worse, they looked like they were out for a leisurely stroll. Belmont was in his usual uniform, sword strapped to his side, while Edurne wore a light summer dress, her arm locked firmly around his.

"It's a picnic," I said, frowning. "Haven't you ever had one?"

"I know what it is, you fool!" Belmont snapped. "What I want to know is why the hell you're having a picnic with one of my squires... and dressed so vulgarly. Have you no shame?"

Alain immediately stood, his expression neutral but his posture tense.

"I have made a grave mistake, Lord Belmont. I should not have left my training."

"You fu—" Belmont began, his anger boiling over.

"I allowed it," I interjected, rising to my feet as well.

"What?" Belmont's glare darkened, his fury palpable.

"Bel, we'd better go," Edurne said, her voice soothing but firm. "Daira seems to be busy."

"That's right, Bel," I added with a smirk. "Your presence here isn't required."

Belmont's eyes flared with rage.

"First you question my authority, and now you mock me?" he roared.

"I'm not mocking anyone," I replied, my tone measured but sharp. "I'm merely repeating what your... companion said."

Belmont released Edurne without a second thought and marched toward me, his expression a storm of barely restrained fury. Without a word, he seized my arm and began hauling me away from the training grounds.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I yelled, struggling against his grip.

"You don't belong here," he snapped. "I'm taking you to your room."

His hold was so tight it bordered on painful. After a brief but determined struggle, I managed to wrench my arm free. My anger flared, matching his.

"This is my home too," I said, my voice firm. "I can be wherever I want."

Belmont's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"That's exactly how rats think," he sneered. "Scurrying all over the place, oblivious to the danger they invite."

I glared at him, my chest heaving with frustration.

"I don't plan to live like a rat," I shot back. "And I certainly won't live in fear of you, Belmont."

"Bel!"

Both Edurne and Alain rushed toward us. Edurne, her voice shaking with concern, tried to pull Belmont back.

"Let's go, Bel," she urged. "Please, let's leave."

Belmont didn't budge, his eyes still locked on me like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Wait a minute, Edurne," he growled. "We'll leave when I'm finished."

"Why does it bother you so much that I'm here?" I asked, refusing to look away.

His frown deepened, his gaze darkening with disdain.

"Don't you understand yet?" he said coldly. "Your presence displeases me."

I frowned too, mirroring his hostility.

"Well, too bad. We share the same blood," I retorted. "We'll be seeing each other often, whether you like it or not."

His expression twisted into something far more dangerous.

"Don't compare me to you, scum," he spat. "We're not on the same level."

I laughed bitterly, the sound cutting through the tension like a blade.

"What illusion are you living under? I'm not inferior to you in anything. In fact," I said, leaning in slightly, "I might even be better at something."

Belmont's eyes narrowed.

"What? What do you mean?"

I let my smile grow, the words dripping with provocation.

"Many people I know say I have a very strong affinity for magic," I said slowly, savoring the moment. "Did you know that? I may have inherited Mother's great magical potential."

His reaction was immediate and visceral.

"Shut up!" he roared, his voice shaking with fury. "Don't you dare mention her with your filthy mouth!"

His outburst pushed me over the edge. My anger, long buried under layers of frustration and resentment, erupted.

"Why?" I snapped, my voice rising to match his. "What exactly did I do to make you hate me so much?"

Belmont clenched his fists, his body trembling with barely contained anger. Then, after a few tense moments, he laughed—a low, bitter sound that sent chills down my spine.

"Are you serious?" he sneered.

And then his gaze shifted, piercing me with the coldest eyes I had ever seen.

"You were a mistake, Daira. You should never have been born. Everything would have been fine as before... But you had to show up and ruin everyone's life. No one loves you. Don't ever think otherwise. All you do is bring people to their demise."

"Bel!" Edurne's voice cut through the tension, pleading.

But Belmont ignored her entirely, stepping closer to deliver the final blow to my heart.

"Let me make this very clear to you, Daira," he said, his voice sharp enough to wound. "What we all hoped for the day you fell into that lake was that you'd never come ba—"

I couldn't take it anymore. His words, cruel and venomous, cut deeper than any blade. I didn't deserve this—not this hatred, not this pain. My chest ached as I fought to keep my composure.

But when he insulted the real Daira, saying her death was the only good thing she'd ever done, and then had the audacity to imply that my reincarnation was just as worthless—it was too much.

No. I wouldn't stand for it.

I slapped him.

The sound echoed like thunder, silencing the training grounds. Everyone froze. Even Belmont looked stunned, his expression betraying his disbelief. He touched his cheek where I'd struck him, his fingers brushing against the reddening skin.

But I didn't care. I was trembling with rage, my fists clenched tight. He could be the future Duke of Thamel for all I cared. At that moment, he was just a cowardly imbecile sullying Daira's memory—and I refused to let him get away with it.

"Huh...?" he muttered, still in shock.

Around us, the warriors had stopped their training, their eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. Edurne stood frozen, her hands hovering helplessly in the air, unsure of what to do. I stayed rooted to the spot, bracing myself for whatever came next.

Then Belmont's gaze darkened.

And I felt a cold wave of fear wash over me.

"Bel! Stop!" Edurne shouted, panic lacing her voice.

But what I hadn't predicted was Belmont drawing his sword.

"Bel!!!"

Time seemed to slow as he unsheathed the blade. My body locked in place, paralyzed by the sudden weight of the moment. I could do nothing but watch, frozen in place, as Belmont raised his sword.

It wasn't a warning.

There was no hesitation in his movements, no hint of restraint in his eyes.

This was real.

The blade rose higher, catching the light as it ascended, and with it, the terrifying certainty of what was coming settled over me.

Death.

Hi, everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter filled with intense emotions and important confrontations. Writing it was quite the challenge, but I think it truly showcases how much Daira has grown as a character and how her complicated family relationships continue to shape her journey.

Belmont is such a complex character, isn't he? His relationship with Daira has always been tense, but there's still so much more to uncover about him and the family they share. Do you think there's any hope for reconciliation, or is his hatred too deeply rooted?

And what about Alain and Edurne? While they're quieter figures in this chapter, they both have crucial roles to play in the story. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them and how you imagine they might influence Daira's future.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and for continuing to support Noble Soul. Your feedback and opinions mean the world to me, so don't hesitate to share them. See you in the next chapter, where Daira will face new challenges and perhaps uncover more about her own strength!