Chapter 1 - King Cinderella: Two Hearts Entwined in Sin

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In the kingdom of Aschenptel, a land blessed with pure waters and bountiful greenery, there lies an estate nestled beyond the western forests, far from the royal castle. It is there that a young boy named Erald James lives.

 

Though the James family held no noble title, they were prosperous landowners, and Erald's father had built a successful trade business. His late mother, too, had made a name for herself—despite her common birth, she became the first woman ever to serve as deputy director of the Royal Library, which stood adjacent to the palace. She was widely respected as a woman of wisdom and learning.

 

"I think… Father seems even sadder than I am. I can't cry too much, can I?"

 

So said young Erald, as soon as the mourning period came to an end, turning toward the household staff.

 

With honey-gold hair, sapphire-blue eyes, and cheeks the soft pink of rose petals, he looked for all the world like a little angel. And when he smiled, everyone in the estate smiled with him—some with tear-brimmed eyes, others with trembling shoulders—but all with warmth.

 

Whether a blessing or a cruelty, the world had not ended with his mother's death. The sun still rose, just as it always had. Erald came to understand that no matter how much you grieve, you still grow hungry. You still grow sleepy. And when you wake again, it is a new morning.

 

Even at an age when a boy most longs for his mother, Elard endured the sorrow—because her passing had made him feel what it truly meant to live.

 

As she had wished, he read many books. He studied languages, that he might access even more stories, and let his imagination take flight to worlds unknown.

 

And though he often lost himself in his reading, he never forgot to live in the real world as well.

 

Inspired by tales of adventure, he threw himself into swordsmanship and horseback riding, swam in the river, and, moved by romance novels, took to writing poetry. He danced both the stately steps of nobles and the joyful jigs of farmers during harvest. He never missed a day of practice on the piano or violin, instruments he had always loved. From morning till night, he was always learning something new.

 

He worked tirelessly, striving to become the hero of any story—for the sake of the mother who now dwelled in every corner of this estate, and within every book. To make her proud. And perhaps, to keep grief from catching up to him.

 

"Erald, this may come as a surprise… but I've decided to remarry. She's a widow—a baroness from the neighboring country of Auden. And she's a noblewoman by birth."

 

It was three years after Erald's mother had passed when his father, who had seemed to age a decade in grief, broke the news.

 

It was only natural for a wealthy man to take a second wife. And when Erald saw his father smile again, for the first time in so long, he shared in the joy of happiness finally returning to their home.

 

Though he had read many love stories, Erald did not yet fully grasp what lay between man and woman. So much so that he even wondered if this marriage had been his late mother's doing—perhaps her spirit, out of love, had brought it about to comfort his father.

 

"She has a son," his father added. "He's two years older than you."

 

"Oh! Then... I'll have a big brother? I'm so happy!"

 

"There's one more thing you should know," his father added, standing before the hearth. "As part of this marriage, I've promised that the inheritance of this land and estate will go to her son. But no matter what happens, your mother has left you her own inheritance. You won't ever be in want—take care of it well."

 

Erald answered with a calm "Yes" as he stood before the fire.

 

His mother had never been one for luxury. She left behind few jewels—hardly anything that might be called wealth. Her true legacy was the vast collection of books in the estate's library. Though certainly valuable enough to be called a fortune, to Erald, they weren't something to be sold, and it felt wrong to think of them as financial assets.

 

"I haven't met her son," his father continued, "but I hear he's a poised and intelligent boy. Be sure to get along with him."

 

"Yes! I'll get along well with both my new mother and my brother. Please don't worry."

 

Erald smiled brightly, trying to put his father at ease. But even at his young age, Erald already understood the responsibilities that came with being an heir, and to him—who believed that his mother's soul still lived on within this estate—the thought of the land and house passing into another family's hands was more than a little unsettling.

 

Still, he told himself: this boy isn't a stranger—not for long. One day, he will be my brother.

 

As an only child, the idea of having an older brother was an exciting one.

 

More than anything, he was curious about the lady who had so moved his father that he was willing to make such promises to marry her.

 

Surely, she must be someone wonderful—someone whose mere presence brought happiness.

 

She was a noblewoman from another kingdom—refined beyond imagination, deeply educated, and with both she and her son, Erald was certain there would be so much to learn. Things no book could teach.

 

The thought thrilled him.

 

 

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