Restia is a young woman burdened with a birthmark—a cruel mark that marred the understated beauty of her face. From the moment she came into the world, fate had etched a twisted design on her skin—a birthmark that spans half of her right side, running from her forehead to her upper cheekbones. It often draws unwanted attention, an incessant reminder of her perceived imperfection. To conceal this blemish, she puts on makeup and hides behind a curtain of long locks using it as a shield against the world's judgmental gaze. She shrouds herself in darkness, hoping to diminish the glaring spotlight cast upon her flaw.
But despite her efforts to hide, it remains a constant source of shame and embarrassment. From childhood, she endured cruel taunts and jeers from others, who saw her mark as an easy target for their ridicule.
“That cursed child.”
“She has the demon’s mark.”
“How ugly.”
And even as she matured into adulthood, the whispers of disdain persisted, haunting her every step like an unshakable shadow. In Eldoria, where perfection is revered above all else, her mark is a stain on her noble lineage. But she knows she does not belong to the pristine echelons of pure nobility. Duke Rugard Jarvinen, her adoptive father, took her in after tragedy struck his family. And so, she harbors a secret—a truth that gnaws at her soul. She is not the original Restia Jarvinen. No, the true heiress to the Jarvinen name, the firstborn daughter, suffered from the relentless grip of an uncured disease that has been plaguing the lands for decades. Eventually, she put a sorrowful end to her life and committed suicide, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unanswered questions. And in her place stands the substitute Restia, burdened by her birthmark and the weight of her predecessor's memory.
She had been thrust into the role of substitute heiress, a pawn in a game of familial intrigue orchestrated by the Jarvinen family. The Jarvinens, driven by fear and desperation, had needed a substitute to preserve their reputation and avoid scandal. They instructed her to conceal the scar that marked her face and to spin a tale of a tragic fire accident to veil the truth that lay beneath. Born as a love child of Duke's late half-brother Ruark, she bore some resemblance to the true heiress since they were relatives. With her darkish hair and brown complexion, she has replaced the dead Restia.
“If you convincingly portray my deceased daughter, I will fulfill your wish.” Those were the Duke’s words a very long time ago.
Restia has become the perfect substitute—a living embodiment of the daughter they had lost, a vessel for their desperate hopes and dreams. And in her innocence, she has played her part without question, eager for the warmth of their embrace and the promise of a place to call home. Despite being ridiculed by the Duchess, she persevered diligently to nurture hope. However, her optimism changed completely when the Duchess gave birth to a stunning, healthy baby girl named Raisa. With her mother's golden curls, captivating ocean-blue eyes, and pale ivory skin, Raisa seemed like a perfect reflection of the Duchess. As Raisa blossomed through her childhood, she effortlessly embodied the epitome of perfection, earning admiration from all who crossed her path. The spotlight perpetually illuminated her, casting a shadow upon her elder sibling, Restia. The Duke and Duchess, consumed by their fascination with their youngest daughter, inadvertently abandoned Restia to solitude. She was often left out and felt like she didn't belong. With each passing day, Restia's presence became an unwelcome reminder to the Duchess, her existence met with annoyance rather than affection.
The seeds of resentment took root in Raisa's heart as well, fostering a disdain toward her neglected sister, mirroring the sentiments echoed by her mother. “You do not belong to our family. You are not my sister. You are fake and hideous.”
At the age of 12, Raisa's talent for divination magic was discovered, bringing joy to the Duke and Duchess. However, this only deepened Restia's sense of neglect, as she lacked any magical ability herself. Following this revelation, Raisa was sent to study at the Royal Academy of Magic and Arts, while Restia remained at the manor, attending to daily practical tasks.
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Restia immersed herself in tasks around the manor. Serving the Jarvinens as a versatile helper, she has become adept at cultivating various crops and herbs and learning the intricacies of planting and harvesting. She dutifully engages in additional household duties, including tending to laundry, preparing meals, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the manor's chambers. During the rare moments of respite afforded to her, she immerses herself in the expansive library, borrowing tomes to enrich her knowledge and understanding of the world. Before long, she had learned the art of medicinal potions, delving into the myriad herbs available within the manor to craft an assortment of remedies through experimentation. Whenever a servant fell ill, she frequently concocted remedies or ointments for them, resulting in quicker recoveries
The Duke paid her little heed as long as she remained unobtrusive, a situation she found acceptable. However, the Duchess and her daughter persisted in their torment, yet Restia endured it all, finding solace in the shelter of the manor rather than facing the harshness of the streets outside.
Upon reaching the age of eighteen, it was anticipated that she would enter into a marriage alliance with another noble family.
"Oh, spare me the jest. Who would wed a woman lacking in beauty and talent?” remarked the Duchess upon discovering the Duke's intention to arrange a marriage for her, aiming to strengthen the Jarvinen lineage and alliances within Eldoria. However, her presence remained relatively unknown due to Restia's limited attendance at social functions and her lack of suitors. Earl Bertleis, a middle-aged nobleman who initially proposed marriage, withdrew his proposal upon learning of the unsightly blemish on her face and her lack of magical prowess. While relieved to escape being bartered off for matrimony, Restia remained wary of provoking the Duke's ire, understanding his humiliation at the failed arrangement. Reflecting on the life of a noble daughter, she found it dull and passive. Despite any good traits a daughter possesses, she recognized that only those who fit the mold of an attractive maiden and have the gift of magic are deemed acceptable. Such daughters would inevitably be married off to older suitors, often for the prestige of their family.
On a crisp autumn morning, Restia received an unexpected summons from the Duke, sending a shiver of apprehension down her spine. Accustomed to the Duke's distant demeanor, their interactions had been limited to formal pleasantries exchanged in the corridors of the manor. His austere countenance and icy silence had always hinted at an underlying gravity, leaving Restia keenly aware of the weight of his authority. As she stepped into his grandiose office, adorned with tapestries depicting the family's storied history, she bowed her head in deference, bracing herself for whatever directive he might issue.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Restia greeted, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves within her chest. "I've heard you wished to speak with me. I hope I'm not intruding on your duties at this early hour."
"Sit, Restia," the Duke responded, his tone devoid of any warmth. "Raisa will come of age next week. We are hosting a debutante ball," he continued, his expression impassive.
"That's wonderful news, Your Highness. I'm genuinely happy for her. I trust she'll attract many suitors," Restia replied.
"Indeed, she will. Raisa possesses both beauty and intelligence, fitting for her noble status," the Duke affirmed. "And so, I must insist on your attendance at this event," he continued, his words cutting through the air like a blade. "It's challenging to arrange a marriage for you given your... appearance. But you must contribute to this family in some way. Otherwise, there's no place for you here," he concluded, his expression as cold and unyielding as stone.
Restia harbored a silent desire to express to the Duke her contentment with her current role as a servant within the Jarvinen household, far preferring it to an arranged marriage with a stranger. However, years of residence in the duchy had taught her the wisdom of silence and obedience, compelling her to keep her thoughts to herself
"Y-yes, Your Highness. I understand. I will endeavor not to disappoint you," she replied, her voice quivering slightly with suppressed emotions.
"Visit the seamstress and acquire a gown fitting for the occasion. It wouldn't do for you to appear in your usual attire," the Duke instructed with a tone that brooked no argument.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Restia murmured respectfully as she bowed before taking her leave.
Restia's mind buzzed with apprehension as she contemplated attending the upcoming ball—the prospect of socializing with strangers, coupled with her deep-seated anxiety about being scrutinized for her appearance, weighed heavily on her. Despite her reservations, she knew she had no choice but to comply with the Duke's wishes. Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the figure approaching until it was too late. With a startled gasp, she collided with someone in the corridor, stumbling backward and landing unceremoniously on the floor. As she looked up, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of a pair of striking bright hazel eyes fixed upon her. Restia's gaze falls upon a tall, muscular figure clad in resplendent clothes, his dark hair framing a stern countenance. Though his expression remains inscrutable, there's a distinct air of displeasure about him in the wake of their collision.