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I'm the Hero's Daughter Adopted by the Villainous Duke

Mabel is a sweet and innocent 8-year-old girl who has had a difficult life in the orphanage, where she has been bullied and mistreated by her peers. One day, her life takes a magical turn when the wealthy Ashford family offers to adopt her, and she becomes a beloved member of their household. Mabel quickly attached with her new family, especially the kind and loving Duke, Caius. She revels in her new life as a princess of Ashford, surrounded by magic and wonder. But one day, Mabel learns a shocking truth: She learns that she is the daughter of a great hero, and that Caius is actually a villainous Duke who tried to kill her father and was exiled to the barren land. How would the life of an innocent and guileless Mabel be affected after learning the truth about her past and her adoptive family, especially her relationship with Duke Caius? ---------------------------------------------------------------- The novel update: 5 Chapters/week

Suzu_Rim · แฟนตาซี
เรตติ้งไม่พอ
54 Chs

Magic Record

Aetherion was the grandest temple in all of Paladia City, and while it wasn't quite as large as the ones in the capital, it was still a sight to behold.

The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes, and the soft light filtering in through the stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the floor.

Today was the day Mabel would record her magic. To this special day, everyone dress accordingly.

There was no rule for dressing to the temple, but for today. The father and daughter pair using white clothes to this special day.

Duke Caius looks gorgeous with the white cape and suit for today occasion. So did Mabel with beautiful white dress she used.

With elegance, Duke Caius strode in first with Mabel at his side, their footsteps echoing through the cavernous marble halls. Clara and Vincent followed closely behind.

Mabel looked around, mesmerized by the beauty of the temple. She had never been to a place like this before, and the peacefulness of it all made her feel safe and warm inside.

Clara smiled at Mabel, "Are you ready to record your magic?" she asked.

Mabel nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining with wonder. "Yes, Nanny, I really want to do it! I want to have the strongest magic ever!" she exclaimed, bouncing up and down on her feet.

Duke Caius nodded, "Very well then, let's proceed."

They walked towards the altar, where the high priest was waiting for them. He was an elderly man, his face lined with age and wisdom.

"Welcome, Your Grace," he said, bowing respectfully. "And who is this lovely young lady?" he asked, looking at Mabel.

"This is Mabel, my daughter," Duke Caius introduced her.

As Mabel walked up to the priest, she curtsied and introduced herself with a shy smile. "Hello, Father. My name is Mabel. It's nice to meet you."

The high priest smiled kindly and patted her head gently. "Hello, Mabel. It's a pleasure to meet you too. Are you excited about your magic record today?"

Mabel nodded eagerly. "Yes, Father. I can't wait to do a magic record! I wanted to be the strongest mage!" she said proudly.

Mabel was super duper excited to finally know her magic. All the children of her age in the orphanage already found out theirs. But today was the day that she would finally discover her own talent!

The high priest's eyes twinkled with delight. "That's wonderful, my child. You are taking a big step today, and God will be with you every step of the way."

In the Isandora Empire, magic was a part of everyday life for many people. While not everyone possessed the talent to become a mage, it was still a common sight to see people using magic in their daily activities.

At the age of eight, every child was required to record their magical abilities. This was usually done in the temple since the magic tower was closed off to outsiders.

Whether they had magical abilities or not, the child's identity and magical records would be recorded in the temple and given to their family.

If the child was from noble family, their record would be sent to the palace to be recorded in the official family lineage.

It was a tradition that had been carried out for generations, and it was seen as an important step in a child's life.

The high priest's subordinates entered the room, carrying a golden bowl filled with translucent rainbow water.

The bowl was adorned with a beautifully carved raven with ruby eyes, which sparkled in the light of the temple.

Mabel gazed in awe at the golden bowl and the shimmering water within. "Wow, beautiful," she whispered, marveling at the colors dancing on the surface.

She never looked at something like this before. Her curious nature win the best of her. She wondered what would happened if she touched it? What in the deep of the water? Although it just a bowl of water, Mabel couldn't saw the bottom of it.

She reached out a small hand to touch the water, but Duke Caius quickly scooped her up. "Don't touch anything, Mabel. You need to be careful, it may be dangerous," he warned, his voice laced with concern.

"But it's just water!" Mabel protested, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. What the worst could happened if she touched it?

The Duke shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Better safe than sorry, my dear," he said.

Duke Caius then sighed, it's hard sometimes to understand children and he didn't want Mabel to be hurt on her special day.

A moment later, The high priest then poured the magic substance into the bowl. The substance sank to the bottom of the water, and he began to chant, his hands hovering over the bowl.

As he chanted, Mabel saw the substance start to change, turning into sand that swirled and danced at the bottom of the bowl.

She watched in amazement as the sand slowly formed a complex magic circle, glowing with an otherworldly light.

"Now, little one, please give a drop of your blood into the water," the high priest said, holding out a small knife.

Mabel nodded, steeling herself as she pricked her finger with the knife. She watched as a small drop of blood fell into the water, and held her breath as the magic circle glowed brighter, pulsing with an energy she had never felt before.

And then, just as the high priest had said, her magic talent revealed itself, a shining golden color that sparkled in the light.

Mabel's eyes sparkled with joy as she saw the water react to her blood.

"I have magic!" she exclaimed, turning to look at the others with a wide grin on her face.

"Congratulations, Mabel," everyone smiling and clapping their hands except for the Duke and Vincent.

Vincent looked at the Duke with concern. "Your Grace, I'll tell the high priest," he said, knowing what the Duke might do. He quickly ran off to speak with the priest.

Vincent then approached the high priest and whispered something to him, but Mabel didn't pay attention to it.

Instead, she wanted the her father to praise her too. "Daddy, daddy, did you see? I have magic!" she tugged on his clothes, looking up at him with eager eyes.

The Duke then smiled at her, his eyes filled with pride. "I'm proud of you, Princess Mabel," the Duke said, ruffling her hair. "You'll become the best Mage in the world."

Mabel giggled with delight and hugged her father tightly. She was thrilled to have discovered her magic and couldn't wait to start learning more about it.

After about fifteen minutes, the high priest was done talking with Vincent. He looked at the bowl of water and looked at Mabel with a solemn expression.

"You have the gift of water magic, my child," he said, his voice echoing through the temple.

Mabel's face lit up with excitement. "Water magic? That's so cool!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

The high priest nodded, his expression grave. "It is a great responsibility. You must use your magic wisely and for the good of others."

Mabel nodded seriously, her eyes now filled with determination. She was ready for the challenge.

The high priest's subordinate then approached him, holding out a scroll. The high priest took it and began to chant an incantation, his eyes closed in concentration. As he chanted, the scroll glowed with a soft golden light.

Mabel's eyes widened in wonder as she saw her name, Amabelys Ashford, and her magic, water, being etched onto the scroll with the Duke name, Lirio Caius Ashford.

It was like a special record of her identity and her powers, and she felt a sense of excitement and pride building up inside her.

The high priest then handed the scroll to Mabel with a solemn expression. "This is your magical record, Amabelys. Keep it safe and always remember who you are and what you can do."

Mabel carefully held the scroll, feeling so proud and happy that her magic had been recorded. She can't wait to learn more about her powers and go on magical adventures!

Mabel looked up at the high priest with sparkling eyes, "Thank you, Father! I can't wait to learn more about my water magic," she said with excitement in her voice.

The high priest smiled warmly at her, "It is my pleasure to welcome you to the world of magic. I wish you all the best on your journey," he replied.

Mabel turned to the Duke, "Did you hear that, Daddy? I have water magic! Can we start practicing right away?" she asked eagerly.

The Duke chuckled, "Of course, princess. We will start your training as soon as possible," he replied, his eyes filled with pride for his adopted daughter.

However, Mabel noticed that the her father didn't seem as happy as he usually did. He looked more like Mrs. Jenkins when she tried to introduce Mabel to a new family for adoption. Why was he acting like that? It made Mabel confused and a little bit worried.

...

As Mabel and the Duke arrived at Ashford Manor, the sun had already set. Vincent and Clara had gone out, leaving the two alone.

However, the pair made the most of their time in Paladinia City, indulging in some shopping and savoring delicious food.

With Mabel feeling exhausted and drowsy, Duke Caius carried her to her chamber. But their steps were interrupted by a woman with strikingly beautiful red hair and emerald irises.

She greeted the Duke, but her expression changed to one of intense hatred upon seeing Mabel's presence.

Mabel woke up and felt scared when she saw the lady's eyes. It reminded her of someone who hurt her before. She hugged her father tightly for comfort.