—Why did the Duke, feared as a monster, call for me?—
About
In the Kingdom of Archeria, there are those who harbor sky-blue gemstones known as "Azure Crystals" within their bodies.
The power to sense human emotions, mana, and disturbances in the land is rare, making bearers of the Azure Crystal objects of both awe and respect. Most famous among them is Guest Asteria, a Baron's daughter known as "Lady Asteria of the Azure Crystal." With a large Azure Crystal on her neck and unparalleled intelligence, she is well-versed in etiquette, ancient linguistics, and magicology; there is no one in the kingdom who does not know her name.
One day, an invitation arrives for Guest.
The sender is Veig Valentia, head of the Duke Valentia house. A man feared as the "Cursed Duke" and a "monster who enjoys human experimentation," whose body is half-consumed by an ancient curse.
A few years ago, Veig caused a stir throughout the kingdom by adopting Peche, a young girl with an Azure Crystal. Now, he invites Guest to the ducal estate as Peche's tutor.
However, this was not a request for a mere educator.
Azure Crystals and ancient curses. Two powers that were never meant to cross paths. A scarred young man, a genius called a heretic, and girls with special powers.
At the Duke's estate, where those cast out by society gather, the gears of fate begin to turn quietly.
This is a story of people burdened by curses becoming a family and eventually learning of love.
Characters
Name: Veig Valentia Half of his body is eroded by the black script of an ancient curse. Despite rumors of him enjoying human experimentation, he is actually rational and sincere. An old-fashioned noble with excellent etiquette and education. He does not show his emotions outwardly but has a strong protective instinct and is overprotective of those he holds dear.
Name: Peche Valentia A five-year-old girl with sky-blue eyes. Veig's adopted daughter. A bright, honest girl who is good at acting spoiled. Sensitive to people's emotions and able to see through to their true nature due to the power of her Azure Crystal.
Name: Gail Morgan Veig's friend. A man with a large burn scar on his left cheek. Taciturn and intimidating, but actually caring and looks out for his companions. Easily misunderstood due to his hard-to-read expressions.
Name: Louis Violet Veig's friend. Characterized by lemon-colored hair, purple eyes, and numerous piercings. A brilliant noble well-known in social circles, but a free spirit who hates formality. Bright, friendly, and interacts naturally with everyone.
Intro
"How pitiful." "She'll surely become a test subject for that Duke." "She's an Azure Crystal bearer. The reason he took her in is obvious."
A few months ago. At the Winter Ball of the Archeria Kingdom, Peche Valentia, making her first appearance in society, was surrounded by the gazes and whispers of adults.
No one was looking at her for who she was. They only saw her title: "The Cursed Duke's Adopted Daughter."
Her small shoulders trembled as she looked down, and the tears she had been holding back finally rolled down her cheeks. It was then.
A quiet voice resonated. When the people turned to look, a woman was standing there.
Greige hair. Black sunglasses hiding her eyes. And a beautiful sky-blue Azure Crystal shining from her neck to her collarbone. The moment they saw her, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
"Lady Asteria of the Azure Crystal."
It was Guest Asteria, whose name was known to everyone in the kingdom. She neither scolded them for their gossip nor asked why the girl was crying. She simply reached out to Peche as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Release Date 2026.10.01 / Last Updated 2026.10.01