This section of the light novel details the tragic early life and subsequent transformation of Shirley Argray, a noblewoman born with the feared traits of white hair and heterochromia.
**Chapter 3-12 Summary:**
Shirley Argray is born into the prestigious Argray ducal family, but her distinctive white hair and mismatched red and blue eyes immediately mark her as an ill omen. In this empire, these traits are associated with a historical revolutionary who overthrew the aristocracy centuries ago, making them deeply feared and reviled by the nobility. Consequently, Shirley is subjected to severe neglect and abuse by her own family. Her parents and siblings refuse to acknowledge her by name, instead calling her "white-haired demon" or "monster." She is dressed in rags, fed meager meals, and physically and emotionally abused, with servants remaining indifferent for fear of reprisal. Her younger sister, Alice, is particularly cruel, escalating her torment from spilling food to mock sword fights with wooden swords.
At the age of eleven, a despairing Shirley is discovered crying in the garden by Prince Albert Ragdoll, the Crown Prince, who is visiting the ducal estate. Albert is instantly smitten with Shirley's ethereal beauty and, upon learning of her mistreatment, impulsively declares his intention to marry her. The Emperor accepts, partly due to the royal family's favorable view of traits associated with the past revolutionary and the fact that Shirley's status is suitable. Shirley, finding love for the first time, dedicates herself to rigorous noble education, becoming a beautiful, kind, and respected lady over the next eight years. Her relationship with Albert is intimate, and she feels immense happiness as their wedding approaches.
However, this idyllic life is shattered by Alice's deep-seated jealousy. On the eve of Shirley's wedding, Albert publicly denounces Shirley, breaking their engagement and announcing his betrothal to Alice. Albert accuses Shirley of various fabricated crimes: abusing Alice, infidelity with multiple men, colluding with foreign spies, and embezzling state funds. Alice, feigning sorrow, manipulates Albert and the court, while Shirley, unable to comprehend the accusations, is dragged to prison.
In prison, Shirley endures brutal torture, including whipping, nail removal, waterboarding, and burning, all in an attempt to extract a false confession. Despite her initial hope that Albert would discover the truth, her spirit is broken after a month of relentless torment. Her beauty is ravaged, her body scarred, and her once gentle eyes are filled with burning hatred. She vows revenge on her family, the court, and Albert.
A miraculous transformation occurs: Shirley's physical appearance is restored, and she escapes her cell. She steals a sword and disguises herself, seeking refuge in a forest cabin. Driven by her desire for vengeance, she begins training rigorously, honing her swordsmanship and magic skills. During this time, she discovers she is pregnant with Albert's child. While initially disgusted, she decides to carry the child to term, intending to leave it at an orphanage. However, as her pregnancy progresses, her focus shifts from revenge to protecting her unborn child.
Shirley gives birth to twin daughters, Sophie and Tio, who inherit her white hair and heterochromia, with Sophie having blue eyes and Tio red. Her maternal love overrides her desire for revenge. She abandons her plans for vengeance, prioritizing her daughters' safety and future. She decides to leave the empire and start a new life with her daughters in the neighboring kingdom.
Ten years later, Shirley, now known as the "White Sword Demon," is a formidable B-rank adventurer in the kingdom's frontier town. She works to provide for her daughters, who are now attending school. Her past as a criminal and her immense power make her an anomaly, and she struggles to balance her desire for a peaceful life with her protective instincts, especially when her daughters start receiving attention from boys. Meanwhile, a young orphan named Kyle, inspired by Shirley's past heroism, begins his journey as an E-rank adventurer, facing his own trials and encountering the dangers of the world. The narrative also touches upon the kingdom's legal and social systems, particularly regarding adventurers and the challenges faced by those without established identities. Shirley's past trauma continues to influence her, manifesting as extreme protectiveness and a readiness to eliminate any perceived threat to her daughters. The story hints at a larger conspiracy involving dragons and intelligent monsters, suggesting that Shirley's past and present are intertwined with the kingdom's ongoing struggles.
