But in this world, people like them—people with principles and a sense of reason—weren't the only ones around.
There were also all kinds of people who put their own interests above their feelings, who were stubborn, biased, dim-witted, full of hatred, or just plain messed up.
People like that were selfish and self-centered. They only saw things from their own perspective and never put themselves in anyone else's shoes.
Among them were countless women who wanted to bear some big shot's child and use an illegitimate son to climb the social ladder.
Lynn, Lilith, and Leticia had seen plenty of them.
Back then, they'd just watched from the sidelines for the entertainment.
But there were also plenty of illegitimate children who turned out to be excellent, and who hated their fathers for being so cold-blooded.
Especially those White Lotuses. Many of them were very good at putting on an act.
"You can be sure your father loves you. Your father is amazing. Your father..." That kind of indoctrination about paternal love, combined with, "Mommy only has you. Mommy has had such a hard time all alone. Mommy..."—that sort of tearful lament from the mother.
Then it was over.
There was no hope of that child growing up with a normal mind.
Leticia hadn't been through any of that. Her mother had loved her dearly. In fact, her mother had once been a great mage in hiding and had known a great deal about magic. She just couldn't use any of it, because her Magic Circuit had died and her body had been badly injured.
But her mother had never complained about how hard things were or claimed she was doing it for Leticia's own good.
Instead, she'd strictly taught Leticia the things she needed to learn, saying they would be