"We've already settled the matter with the old men of the senate…"
"Then it's final. We'll have another child to take on the role of heir."
They were the voices of Dorian and Lumiére, speaking of their firstborn as if he were a problem already solved.
They had been fortunate that the emperors did not demote them for having conceived a cursed child. Now, their sole objective was to secure a new leader for the Seventh Legion.
One year after that event, the second child of the Amatsu family was born: Himari Amatsu. They had hoped for a son, but her birth did not disappoint them in the slightest. The girl was born healthy and, to both of their surprise, her hair showed two tones, with the white inherited from her mother predominating.
From the very first day, Himari was treated with extreme care. She received constant attention twenty-four hours a day, always accompanied by mages specialized in healing magic, prepared for any eventuality.
When she turned two, they began teaching her basic rules of etiquette, with the intention that she would one day become a woman worthy of respect.
Her parents could not have been prouder of their creation. Without a doubt, she would be a fine ruler.
◇ ◇ ◇
Himari Amatsu was a child loved by everyone in the mansion. Always cheerful and charismatic, ever since she learned to crawl she moved tirelessly through every corner, something surprising for someone so young.
"Who's going to turn three very soon!?" her mother exclaimed excitedly, holding the little girl beneath the shoulders.
With an enormous smile on her face, the child answered without hesitation, "ME!" shouting with enthusiasm. Despite her age, she already spoke with remarkable clarity.
It was further proof that Himari had been special since birth. To her parents' surprise, the only time they ever heard her cry was on the very day she was born.
After that, never again. Something unusual for such a small child, but the mages assured them there was no problem. Himari was strong, even from an early age.
"Where's my princess?" Dorian celebrated as he entered the spacious room. Upon seeing her, he couldn't restrain himself and went straight to lift her into his arms.
Lumiére smiled as she watched the scene.
"PA-PA!" the little girl exclaimed with the same excitement.
"Come on, let's walk through the halls," Dorian said enthusiastically, glancing sideways at his wife in search of approval.
She responded with a slight nod of her head. Without wasting time, Dorian headed down the long corridors of the mansion together with his daughter.
The guards bowed respectfully at his presence. Himari observed everything with a curious sparkle in her eyes.
"Someday, all of this will be yours," Dorian stated confidently, as the girl wrapped her arms around his neck.
From afar, Himari noticed an area where there wasn't a single guard, which caught her attention. Pointing with her finger, she asked:
"Daddy, what's over there?"
Dorian looked in that direction. For a brief instant, his expression turned serious. Then he shifted his gaze back to his daughter and, adjusting her hair with his free hand, replied in a calm tone:
"Don't worry, there's nothing important over there."
At that moment, a young woman of short stature passed by them, bowing before moving on. Dorian did not notice her until she had already passed his side.
He remained motionless for a few seconds, and when he glanced back over his shoulder, the woman was already gone.
Before he could reflect on it, he was pulled from his thoughts by Himari, who was beginning to grow restless from standing still.
◇ ◇ ◇
Himari wore a beautiful white dress that matched her bicolored hair. Several small tears were pooling in her eyes.
It was her birthday. Overcome with excitement, she had begun walking through the mansion's corridors on her own, without anyone watching over her.
When she realized she didn't know where she was, fear overwhelmed her—especially when she felt a presence that sent a chill through her blood.
"Heyyy! Don't worry, I'm coming."
The voice came from exactly where she felt that overwhelming presence. Trembling, she slowly began to turn around.
"AHH!" A muffled cry escaped her mouth. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably. Before her was something she had only ever seen in horror tales.
A monster.
A dark figure advanced toward her at a hurried pace.
'F-f-father…' was the only thing she managed to think before trying to move.
But fear betrayed her. She tripped over her own legs.
"Ahh?"
She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, bracing for the fall, but instead felt a strong grip on her left wrist.
In terror, she opened her eyes slightly. That misshapen figure was mere centimeters from her, holding her firmly.
Fear completely overwhelmed her. Unable to hold back, she began to soil her dress as her sobs rang out loudly.
The last thing she managed to see was her father holding her in his arms, quickly moving away from the place.
Desperate, she clung tightly to him, causing Dorian to grit his teeth in rage.
◇ ◇ ◇
"I told you that keeping it in this house would cause problems!" Lumiére shouted furiously. She was still holding her daughter, who continued to cry as if she would never stop.
Dorian brought a hand to his chest, irritated.
"I wanted to get rid of that freak, but the senate wouldn't allow it!" he defended himself.
Lumiére ignored him, focusing all her attention on Himari.
In the end, the birthday celebration continued without incident. Numerous nobles and families from other legions were present that night.
Himari managed to calm down by having both of her parents at her side throughout the evening.
Two days later, she could be seen sitting beside an elderly woman, with several books spread open across the table.
"I'm surprised you're able to understand intermediate magic books so easily, Himari-sama," the woman praised her.
The little girl narrowed her eyes in annoyance and rubbed one of them.
"Is something wrong, little one? Do you want me to examine you?" the tutor asked with concern.
Himari quickly shook her head.
"They already did, and it was nothing," she replied, turning her focus back to her book.