This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

Heather Frost grew up the apple of her parents' eyes.

Anything she wanted, she received. Anything she disliked was swiftly removed from her sight.

Heather's whims dictated the atmosphere of the Frost estate. Her parents, as relatives of the prestigious Storm family, had amassed their wealth by capitalizing on this blood relationship. With the money they garnered through shrewd connections and implied prestige, they lavished Heather with gifts and attention as if she were a rare jewel.

By the age of seven, Heather was accustomed to the adoration of her tutors, the endless compliments of family friends, and the envy of other children. She had never once doubted her importance.

But there was something more insidious beneath her privileged life: the unspoken lesson that she was superior simply because she was a Frost. And so, she felt an added pressure to prove that she was superior not only for her last name.

When her parents announced they would visit their distant relatives, the Storm family, Heather was curious but indifferent. "Why should I care about them?" she had asked, her voice petulant.

Her mother's soft laugh rang out. "Oh, darling, the Storms are family. Not to mention that much of our current business relies on our relationship with them. From what I've heard, the Storm family has a girl your age—Serena Storm. She's quite special, Heather. You'll see."

It was the first time she heard the name Serena Storm, and though she didn't realize it then, it marked the beginning of a deep fissure in her carefully curated world.

The Storm estate was nothing like the Frost manor.

Where Heather's home gleamed with polished marble, gilded edges, and opulent displays of wealth, the Storm estate exuded understated power and elegance. It wasn't loud in its splendor, but the sheer scale of the estate and tasteful additions of rare and significant historical artifacts hinted at their superiority and prestige. For the first time in her life, Heather was forced to interact with someone whose background overshadowed her own.

Heather, dressed in her finest pastel gown with ribbons in her hair, expected to be the center of attention upon their arrival. But as soon as they stepped into the grand hall, she was overshadowed.

Serena Storm was the first person she noticed, as though a spotlight followed her around the room. The other girl stood near the adults, her long, silvery-white hair flowing like a cascade of moonlight over her shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes seemed to glow with an ethereal light, a fitting match for her aloof, yet captivating, demeanor.

Serena's beauty was striking, but it was her presence that truly set her apart. There was an air of quiet confidence in the way she stood, as if she didn't need anyone's approval yet naturally drew it anyway.

Heather had never seen someone so beautiful—Serena looked like one of the princesses in her storybooks brought to life.

Heather was used to compliments, but when the gathered Storm and Frost relatives turned to look at her, she felt the weight of their indifference.

Her parents ushered her forward. "Go on, darling, introduce yourself to Serena," her mother whispered.

Serena turned her bright blue eyes toward Heather and gave an impassive smile. "Hi, I'm Serena." Her voice was calm, polite, but carried a subtle distance, as if she were measuring Heather with her gaze.

Heather hesitated before taking Serena's hand. "Heather Frost," she replied.

That was the beginning of their acquaintance, and at first, Heather found Serena pleasant. The Storm family seemed to adore her, but Serena wasn't arrogant or dismissive. Her cool demeanor gradually softened as the two girls spent hours exploring the expansive grounds, chatting about their lives, and discovering common interests.

For the first time, Heather enjoyed the company of someone her age who didn't seem to envy her.

But the friendship quickly soured.

"She's a good influence on Heather," one of the adults remarked at dinner, loud enough for Heather to hear. "Serena's strength and discipline might rub off on her."

Another laughed softly. "Not everyone can be a prodigy like Serena, but I'm sure Heather will find her way."

The words, though offhand, planted seeds of resentment. Heather began noticing how Serena effortlessly charmed everyone around her, how the Storm family looked at her with pride and admiration. How no matter what Heather did, Serena always seemed to do better.

Simple manipulations of her small amount of spiritual power were already an astounding feat for a child. However, Serena had been manipulating her spiritual power and even boosting her senses since she was five. She was now learning simple spiritual skills that Heather couldn't even fathom attempting.

Even her parents, who had always doted on her, seemed to prefer Serena to her.

Heather overheard her father speaking to her mother in hushed tones. "The Storms are incredible. Their daughter—did you see her control during the sparring demonstration? If only Heather had that kind of talent."

Unable to confront any of the adults around her about their unintentionally hurtful words and comparisons, Heather could only grit her teeth and clench her fists in silent resentment.

Serena, oblivious to Heather's growing discontent, continued treating her as her only friend of the same age. But every compliment Serena received, every comparison to her strength, intelligence, or looks, gnawed at Heather's self-worth.

As the years passed and their families crossed paths more often, Heather's bitterness deepened. However, she became skilled at hiding her resentment, smiling sweetly at Serena while seething inside.

Also with age, the pressure from her parents to be more like Serena began to increase. After all, in this world, more than a good business, a powerful beast-tamer in the family was invaluable. They placed much of their family's hopes of elevating their status on their only daughter.

"Why don't you try sparring with Serena? It could be fun, and you could learn from her!" or "Serena says she's been practicing a new spiritual skill—maybe you could ask her for tips on improving your control of spiritual power?"

The idea of asking Serena for help was unbearable. Heather wanted to surpass her, not rely on her!

What little friendliness Heather had for Serena turned into a deep, burning hatred. Her smiles grew sharper, her compliments more calculated, and her schemes began to take root.

If Serena Storm was like a princess, Heather Frost was determined to become the one who pulled her down from her throne.