Ever since I was born into this world, nothing good has happened to me. I was the second child of a high noble family, with an older brother who was skilled at almost everything and a little sister who was also talented despite being only five years old. And yet, I was very different from them. I couldn't do simple things, I was clumsy, naive, pathetic, unable to cast even a simple magic spell, and so on. My father was truly disappointed in me; every time our eyes met, I could feel that his gaze was a threat.
Amidst everything, my mother was the only one who stood up for me. She always saw me crying and being hurt, but she couldn't do anything but watch in agony because she couldn't defy my father.
"Elle, I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry... it's not your fault, okay? Your mother is the one to blame," she'd sob.
Her cries were louder than mine; she was hurt by it more than I was, emotionally.
And just like that, two years later, my mother was found dead in her room. The only person who cared about me was now gone.
"Mother... don't leave me..."
I used to think positively whenever I was right beside my mother, but now that she was gone, all those monsters in my mind started to reappear: the gazes, the looks of disgust people had toward me, and everything else my mind had stored for over two years.
Two months after my mother's death, my hellish life began.
"Ackk! I'm so—sorry, Father, I'm not the one who... " —Slap
"You imprudent brat! Are you trying to kill your little sister with your own hand?!"
It wasn't me... my little sister did it herself...
That smile... was she really trying to kick me out of this household? Even though I was three years older than her, I felt so inferior.
"This is not the first time you've harmed your little sister, Ellena! I already warned you multiple times, but this time I've made my decision! I'll dump you in the orphanage!"
Why...? You don't even have proof... I'm the one who's suffering here... and yet! And yet...!
"Big sis is so scary when she makes that face, Father. Kyaa! Help me!"
This scum is acting up again! Fine! If that's what they really want, I'll leave this house for good! I don't care anymore! I won't suffer in their hands anymore.
Seven Years Later at Eden's Orphanage...
"Mother Lilith, I've done all the chores! Phew, that was tiring."
"Oh, my~ You truly are a hard worker, Ellena. Good job! You can now go and rest or play with the children inside. There are no chores left, so enjoy your free time!"
"Thank you, Mother Lilith!" I chuckled.
I'm Ellena Orsephia... no, I'm Ellena Lorthier now. It's been seven years since my father neglected me as his second daughter and dumped me in this orphanage at the age of ten. At first, it was a bit chaotic for me since I wasn't used to living in a slump, and the other kids often criticized me. But Mother Lilith was there for me; she didn't neglect me. In fact, she treated me like her own daughter—not just me, but all the kids. Somehow, it reminded me of my mother.
"Father Komar, I'm done with Mother Lilith's chores. What can I do for you? Hehe."
"Haha, such high spirits! But you needn't worry about it; I'm almost done with everything. Besides, aren't you supposed to be resting now, as Lilith told you? Or, if you don't want to, you should train yourself instead."
"Ahaha—you're right, Father Komar."
Father Komar—he was my second father. Unlike my real father, Father Komar was the opposite. He was very gentle, kind, caring, considerate, and brave, just like Mother Lilith. I still remember the day I arrived here, when he carried me on his shoulder while touring me inside the orphanage. He's also the one who taught me swordsmanship.
"You've improved quite a lot since the last session, Ellena. Good job, keep going!"
"Yes, Master! It's thanks to your guidance!" I panted.
"I didn't do that much. You will soon learn more than I taught you, and someday you'll even surpass me. I know you can do it, Ellena Lorthier, my daughter."
Ah, that's right... I'm currently their daughter, and they're my parents and guardians.
"Father... I promise to do my best!"
I know why Father Komar said such a thing. It must be the invitation letter that arrived for us a week ago. It stated that I was invited to join Chaereal Academy, a prestigious academy mostly populated by noble students. For someone like me in my current situation, it's impossible to enter that academy unless someone is backing me up. The first thing that came to my mind was that it must be my ex-family who sent it. But how could they do that all of a sudden? They hated me, didn't they? Or perhaps they have ulterior motives this time.
"But the opening starts three days from now, and here I am, still thinking who sent the invitation... Could it really be..."
"You shouldn't overthink too much about it, Ellena. Remember, it's not just your mind that controls you. As long as you figure out how to pull a trigger in your heart, that'll be a different matter."
"As long as I figure out how to pull a trigger in my heart...?"
"I'll let you figure it out on your own, Ellena, my daughter."
I was flattered when she finally said "Father" without my name a moment ago... it's a bit embarrassing to hear, but I'm glad I raised your daughter in the right way, Caspius Orsephia.