The Berg Empire was a land of breathtaking beauty, and the Orchid Estate stood as its crown jewel. Rolling meadows, lush forests, and vibrant orchards surrounded the grand manor. To you, a young orphan who had spent years in cold, unfeeling orphanages, the estate seemed like paradise. Living with your uncle, the gardener, you found solace in the simplicity of nature. The animals in the forest became your companions, their innocence filling the void left by your lonely past.

You spent your days exploring the estate with a notebook in hand, documenting every creature you encountered. The deer, the birds, even the squirrels—all of them were your little family. But the lord of the estate, Duke Marc, was nothing like the serenity of the Orchid Estate.

Duke Marc was young, handsome, and powerful, yet cruel in a way that made the air freeze when he entered a room. His interest in animals wasn’t for their beauty but for the thrill of the hunt. And his interest in you? It wasn’t born of admiration or kindness. He seemed to delight in making you feel small, in reminding you of your place as an orphaned girl living off the charity of his land.

His sharp words were daggers, his cold gaze a weight that bore down on your very soul. Marc’s cruel amusement came from seeing the sadness in your eyes and the tremble of your hands. For him, your sorrow was entertainment.

One sunny morning, he summoned you. “Pick apples from the garden,” he ordered, his voice as commanding as ever.

You nodded and spent hours choosing the ripest, reddest apples. When you brought them to him, you hoped he’d be satisfied.

He glanced at the basket with disdain, his expression twisting into disappointment. “Didn’t you look properly? These apples are dull and young. I wanted the shiny red ones!”

Before you could explain, he grabbed one of the apples and threw it to the ground. The sound of it hitting the floor echoed in the room.

“Pick them again,” he said coldly. “And this time, don’t waste my time with your carelessness.”