As the maid walked towards the exit of the mansion, her form suddenly changed. Her once black hair turned white and her features turned from average to beautiful. The woman, who disguised herself as a maid, is none other than Duchess Henley, wife of Duke Henley.

“ I can’t believe your father would do such a cruel thing,” she murmured

Even if she was a null, a being despised by this country, and her father, she was her beloved child.

“ I’m so sorry. It’s my fault you have to endure this. If only your mother wasn’t so weak” she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

When Duke Heinley and her first met, he was a lot different than he is now. He was kind, passionate, and hard-working. He always helped those in need regardless of social status or magical class. But time as the Duke has twisted him into someone else– someone unrecognizable. He is now nothing more than a cruel man obsessed with his house's reputation.

“ I may not be able to save you, but I promise I will do all I can to help you live happily. “

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An hour later

Duchess Henley had arrived in the town a few miles north of the mansion’s gates. As the Duchess, she rarely had time to socialize with commoners so she—as her husband had said—was forced to choose a random home for her daughter. However; each house she walked past was more hideous and worn down than the last one. She unconsciously squeezed her daughter tighter, growing hesitant to leave her precious daughter in such a place.

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She walked around a little longer and discovered that all the houses in the town were in the same condition. After a few minutes of scouting, she decided she would try her luck in an other town, but then she saw a young child about 8 years old heading to a small cottage. Something about the boy called out to her. Maybe it was the bright smile on his face or his vigor. She just knew that if she gave her child to his family, she would lead a life full of happiness.

“ Hey, kid. Can you come here for a second?” she yelled, hoping to get his attention.

Thankfully, the kid turned his head and heeded her summons by running over to her. His mother had always said to be wary of strangers. But the woman, although strange looking, didn’t strike him as a bad person.

“ What’s your name?” she asked

“ My name is Henry.”

“Oh my. Well Henry, can I ask you a favor?” He nodded his head.

“ Could you please watch my daughter for a while? I need to go buy a few loaves of bread”

“ Yes. I’ll watch her” he said, nodding eagerly like a child awaiting a treat.

“ Thank you so much. Your mother must be proud to have such a good son,” she said and he blushed slightly in response. His mother always said he was a ‘clumsy oaf’ or an ‘idiot’; she had never said she was proud of him.

“ Careful not to drop her,” The strange lady ducked down until they were face to face and slowly placed the sleeping baby in Henry’s arms. She then proceeded to place a kiss on the baby’s forehead before she turned away from the pair and made her way back to the mansion.

Henry watched as the weird, pretty lady walked away. He knew the bread stall was about 20 minutes away, so he predicted she’d come back within 40 minutes. He looked around his surroundings, looking for somewhere to sit, and found a tree stump on the side of the street. He walked over to it and sat down.