Chapter 02
“My name is Lili.”
The real young lady of the Vermilion Bird family stepped through the mansion gates, holding a red feather.
She had rich red hair and ruby-like sparkling eyes.
“I’m nine years old this year, and I recently had my first beast transformation.”
The moment Jeok A-yun saw the brilliant red feather—something only the direct lineage of the Vermilion Bird could possess—his eyes shook violently.
The girl had grown up wandering the streets, unaware that she belonged to the Vermilion Bird family.
Only recently, after completing her first transformation a little later than others her age, did she learn the truth.
“People told me that if I brought this feather here, I could meet my real family.”
She spoke clearly, like a true lady of the Vermilion Bird family, explaining why she had come.
“If that feather is really yours, then why didn’t you transform yourself instead of bringing it?”
In place of his frozen father, Jeok Hwa-yu spoke sharply, full of suspicion.
“T-that’s…”
The girl fidgeted nervously, making his gaze even sharper.
“How are we supposed to believe you?”
“I-I can do it! I can transform!”
After glancing around nervously, she shouted—
Boom!
With her eyes tightly shut, she transformed into a red bird.
“……!”
“……!”
Jeok A-yun and Jeok Hwa-yu froze in place.
There was no doubt.
She was truly of the Vermilion Bird bloodline.
But soon after, her transformation broke, and she collapsed onto the ground.
“My child!”
Jeok A-yun hurried to support her.
“My core is weak… When I transform, it puts strain on my heart. I was very sick when I was younger, but I couldn’t get proper treatment…”
The girl spoke hesitantly, as if making excuses.
“I’m sorry… I’m such a foolish child who can’t even transform properly…”
“Foolish? No! The foolish one is not you—!”
Jeok A-yun raised his voice and pulled her into a tight embrace.
“…The foolish one is me, for not recognizing you.”
Holding her, he silently wept.
With the return of the “real young lady,” the entire household was filled with celebration.
It turned out that their late mistress had not been unfaithful.
Instead, a greedy maid had switched the children.
The mistress’s honor was restored.
and the head of the family’s long-hidden anguish finally came to an end.
But even in this warm and joyful atmosphere,
Soya alone was left out.
She was seen as a sinner—
someone who had stolen the real young lady’s place and lived in comfort while Lili suffered on the streets.
Even though it had never been Soya’s choice,
There was no escaping the cold stares directed at her.
Naturally, she became even more withdrawn.
avoiding people and trying not to be seen.
***
And yet, of all days,
She had run into them while going out to do laundry.
I must not show my face.
Soya lay flat on the ground, her head lowered.
—
“If I see that disgusting face of yours again, I might cut off those worthless wings.”
—
The words her brother had said three years ago pierced her mind like thorns.
Feeling his cold gaze on her, she squeezed her eyes shut and curled in even more.
If he sees my face… he’ll cut off my wings.
Even though she no longer had her core and had never properly used her wings,
The thought terrified her.
Meanwhile, Jeok Hwa-yu did not recognize Soya at first.
Three years was a long time.
And for a growing child, the change was even greater.
But more than that—
His attention was caught by her shabby appearance and swollen, damaged nails.
The soya he remembered had always been loved by her family.
She wore fine clothes, ate the best food,
and had plump, lively cheeks.
But now—
“Um… who is this child?”
Lili peeked forward and asked.
“She’s just a servant working in the mansion. You don’t need to concern yourself with her.”
Hwa-yu turned away from Soya as he answered.
“Ew, she smells. Hasn’t she washed? That’s dirty.”
Lili covered her nose.
Soya’s face flushed red.
Now nine years old, she was unusually small and frail for her age.
Since her core had been taken three years ago, she hadn’t grown properly.
On top of that, she hadn’t been able to wash or clean her clothes for days.
To a noble young lady, she must have looked miserable.
Ashamed, Soya curled her fingers to hide her swollen nails.
***
“Don’t mind such things. Come this way. There’s a garden our late mother cherished over there.”
Hwa-yu gently took Lili’s hand and led her away.
He hadn’t said it to hurt Soya.
He was simply worried that Lili might take interest in her.
No one in the Vermilion Bird family had told Lili about Soya—
about the “fake” girl who had taken her place.
The reason was simple.
They didn’t want to hurt Lili.
While Lili struggled on the streets,
Soya had lived the life that should have been hers.
If Lili learned that truth, how painful would it be?
She was already a child with many wounds.
***
“Wait a moment, brother.”
Contrary to his wishes, Lili became interested in Soya.
“Hey, lift your head. Let me see your face.”
Soya hesitated.
Her brother’s terrifying warning echoed in her mind again.
“I said, lift your head.”
When Soya still hesitated, Hwa-yu spoke coldly.
“What are you doing? Lili has given you an order.”
…Is it okay?
Slowly, cautiously—
Soya lifted her head just a little.
The moment Lili saw her face, her eyes sparkled.
“I want this girl by my side! Please let her be my personal maid!”
Lili clapped her hands and declared brightly.
Hwa-yu stiffened in shock.
Soya’s face turned pale.
“But Lili, she’s too young and untrained to serve you. The attendants you have now are much more—”
“But the attendants I have are all older than me! I want someone I can be friends with!”
Lili clasped her hands together, acting cute.
But Hwa-yu did not budge.
“Friends? That’s absurd. How could you be friends with someone like her?”
“So you won’t grant my wish? I hate you, brother!”
Lili puffed out her cheeks in displeasure.
Though she looked adorable, Hwa-yu remained firm.
“…We should discuss this with Father.”
A “fake” girl who stole the real young lady’s place—
becoming that very young lady’s maid?
It sounded absurd.
***
But their father thought differently.
“Of course, Lili. If it’s what you want, how could I refuse?”
Jeok A-yun smiled gently as he stroked her head.
“Yay! Father is the best! I like Father the most!”
Lili jumped up and down excitedly.
“Father—”
“It’s Lili’s request.”
Hwa-yu tried to object, but A-yun cut him off calmly.
Then he looked at Lili warmly.
“Are you really that happy?”
“Yes! This was my wish!”
She clenched her fists, cheeks slightly flushed.
She looked truly adorable.
If only she hadn’t added the next words—
“When I lived on the streets, I didn’t have any friends my age. Everyone hated me. They called me a beggar without a father and bullied me.”
Both the father’s and son’s expressions darkened.
Lili sometimes spoke about her life on the streets.
Even though she spoke cheerfully, it only made it more painful to hear.
Perhaps it would have hurt less if she cried instead.
With a bitter smile, Jeok A-yun spoke.
“Lili, could you step outside with your brother for a moment?”
“Hm? Just me and brother?”
Tilting her head, Lili glanced at Soya—
who stood frozen near the doorway, pale and staring at the floor.
Then Lili smiled sweetly.
“Yes, Father!”
She kissed his cheek and left the room holding her brother’s hand.
Jeok A-yun watched her leave with a gentle smile.
But the moment she disappeared from sight—
That smile vanished completely.
He turned his cold gaze toward Soya.
The stark difference made her freeze.
“It’s been a while.”
His voice carried no emotion as it reached her.
