Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 13

Mila's birthday had come and gone, and now a family meeting was being held. As she entered the main family meeting room, a sense of unease settled over her. She was acutely aware of the hostile gazes from her half-siblings, who had never hidden their dislike for her. Trying to keep her composure, she walked further into the room.

"Mila, come and sit down," her father called out to her, his voice firm but gentle. She noticed the other figures in the room—her step-mothers, who each had their own children. With a small nod, she made her way to the seat next to her father, Duke Reynard, who offered her a reassuring smile.

Lady Thali, with her striking red hair and pink eyes that mirrored her daughter Vita's, looked at Mila with thinly veiled disdain. Across from her, Lady Nance, who shared the same green eyes as Elsie but had brown hair like Darren, kept a more neutral expression but didn't hide her indifference.

"Why did you bring her here? She can't even bring back a beast if she went to the event," Lady Thali sneered, casting a disapproving glance in Mila's direction.

Duke Reynard's eyes narrowed, and his expression hardened. He wasn't about to let anyone undermine Mila, especially in front of the entire family. "We cannot exclude any member of the family," he said firmly. "It is the rule that every noble child must attend the event. To do otherwise would be a disgrace to the Noble Family." His tone was cold, leaving no room for argument. He fixed Lady Thali with a sharp glare, making it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any further disrespect. She fell silent, though her irritation was still evident.

Duke Reynard then addressed the room, his voice commanding attention. "It is once again the time for those of Duke status to attend the event with their children. As you all know, we must uphold the proper image before the emperor and empress. The rules for this event have been in place for three generations, established by the previous emperor and empress."

The room was quiet as everyone took in his words. These rules were not to be taken lightly, and Duke Reynard always made sure to remind them of their importance whenever the event approached.

The laws surrounding the event were strict, particularly the one about preventing the death of young children. Mila had often wondered about the origins of these laws, especially the curse within the Mireraweth Kingdom that only the Dukes seemed to be aware of. It was a curse that had shaped their lives, and though it was shrouded in mystery, it was said to protect children from the brink of death. Mila herself had been touched by this curse, surviving an incident in her infancy that should have claimed her life. The thought lingered in her mind—what had caused the curse, and who had witnessed its beginning?

For now, though, she focused on the meeting, knowing that the event ahead was crucial for her and her family. Despite the hostility from some, Mila was determined to face the challenges ahead, not just for herself, but to uphold the honor of the Noble Family.

"The event will be held soon, and everyone must be prepared," Duke Reynard announced, his voice carrying the weight of the upcoming responsibility. "We all already have one beast, but if there is another available, you may form a contract with it if it hasn't been claimed yet."

His gaze swept over the room, pausing on each of his children before finally resting on Mila. She was the only one who had yet to form a bond with a beast, and this would be her first year attending the event. Duke Reynard's eyes held a mixture of concern and hope, knowing that this event was crucial for her.

Mila felt the weight of her father's gaze and understood his worry. He didn't know that she had already made a connection with a beast, one that awaited her at the event. She intended to keep this secret to herself, at least for now. The last thing she wanted was for rumors to spread about her sudden ability to bond with a beast. Mila knew that being perceived as a "useless nobody" could work in her favor, helping her avoid unwanted attention, especially from those involved in the political intrigues of the court.