Chapter 1: Prologue

Dearest Damon-onii-sama,

Thank you for your letter. Your words of concern touched me so deeply that I found myself weeping.

More than anything, I was overjoyed that you called me your "sister." In my happiness, I hope you will forgive me for addressing you as my brother in this reply.

Given the atrocities my father inflicted upon Lady Knowles, it may be inappropriate for me to yearn for you as a brother. And yet, for someone like me, who has been utterly alone since the loss of my mother, your existence feels like nothing short of a divine blessing.

However, it is for that very reason that I cannot accept your invitation.

The Grand Duchy of Lindor—this country ruled by that hateful man—is fast approaching its final days.

Most of the women of the harem are already gone. It seems they have stripped the place bare of jewels and gold coins, but given how accustomed they are to luxury, I suspect they will soon find themselves in dire straits.

My lust-mad father has not shown his face for some time now. I assumed it was simply because the harem had emptied, but it seems the war situation has grown that dire. Reading your letter, I finally understand the reason.

How wonderful it would be if I could pose as the daughter of the House of Earl Knowles, as you suggested.

But I cannot—I absolutely cannot—leave your sister, Letiana, behind as a substitute in exchange for my exile. Even if Letiana herself were to agree to it.

Until her final breath, my mother regretted creating the circumstances that allowed Lady Knowles to fall into my father's venomous clutches.

If I were to use Letiana as a decoy, I would feel the same... no. I would surely regret it more and blame myself far more harshly. After all, Letiana is your precious sister.

Please, leave me behind and escape from this country. The House of Earl Knowles is everything I aspire to, and you, Damon-onii-sama, are my light. My only wish is for all of you to escape safely.

My father always underestimated the Kingdom of Ultima, known for its moderation. Because of that, he misjudged his own position and recklessly provoked them into war. He likely never imagined that Ultima would join forces with the Saxon Empire.

You must have heard how ruthless the Emperor of Saxon is. While one might beg for mercy from Ultima, I doubt such a thing would work with Saxon. I seriously question whether my father's life alone will be enough payment to end this war. There is a high probability that he—and perhaps Lord Knowles, who repeatedly admonished him and tried desperately to stop the outbreak of war—will be brought to trial and hanged simply for being nobles.

There is not a moment to lose. Please, ensure your own safety.

Ah... if only I could have seen you, even for a fleeting moment.

Of course, I know that is a mere fantasy. No matter how deserted it becomes, men are forbidden from entering the harem. Furthermore, if my father were to discover that you are that man's son... that you are my half-brother... he would undoubtedly bind you to this sinking ship of a country, no matter how much Lord Knowles resisted.

I know that you and the people of the House of Earl Knowles worry for me. However, I intend to remain here, in the Grand Duchy of Lindor. If it is my fate to perish along with this nation, I shall submit to it.

Still, if the day ever comes when I can slip through the bars of the cage that imprisons me... if such a day arrives, I would like to visit the townhouse where you lived. For someone like me, who has never once stepped outside the harem, it would be my first and final adventure. Please do not worry; your sister is, perhaps, more resilient than she seems.

I am truly happy that I was able to leave this letter behind.

I thought of Lady Knowles as a second mother, and of Lord Knowles and Letiana as my own family. That is why I beg you, please be safe. That is my only wish.

I pray for everyone's happiness.

Your sister, who loves you from the bottom of her heart,

Florentia Luciana Vasquez