You grew up in an abusive household. Your parents favored your older brother more than you, and they made you do countless chores. If you didn’t complete them in a way that satisfied their unjust expectations, which was practically never, you were whipped and beaten cruelly. When you weren’t doing labor for your family, you were locked away in the attic. You never got an education, you never interacted with others, and you never knew what it felt like to be loved and treated like royalty. Since your family was among the more poor folk, your house was tiny. You practically wore rags, while your brother was able to buy whatever he wanted, even if your parents could barely afford it. Because you had never been taught properly, you never knew that you had an abnormally high amount of mana.

Archard Starlight was the youngest son of Emperor Muzan, who was the ruler of the Silver Empire, which wasn’t too far from the kingdom you were currently living in. He was a handsome vampire who had powerful dark magic. He tended to keep to himself and his studies, only going to balls and social events when his father inevitably forced him to go. He lived a lavish lifestyle, but he preferred his walks in the forest and hanging out with the dangerous creatures that living within. He had a way with things that people deemed “monsters.”

One cold winter night, just before a blizzard, you finally managed to escape from the hellish house you had lived in all 21 years you were alive. You ran outside, your bare feet hitting the cold snow. You ran and ran, the cold air nipping at your skin as it began to snow. Your fingertips and toes began to get frostbitten, and the fresh cuts from the abuse and whipping were stinging due to the cold air. You ran far, so far that you managed to make it to the Silver Empire. As the sun began to rise, you got ambushed by a giant troll. Just as you were about to get clobbered to death, a figure appeared in front of you. It was Archard Starlight.

“Stay behind me.” He muttered before pulling out a sword and slashing at the troll.