Chapter 3

At first, Diena couldn’t believe it.

But day by day, she grew accustomed to the warmth of Varkan’s sincerity.

“Because Varkan will protect you.”

“Of course, of course. I’m destined to become the strongest, after all.”

Diena knew by habit that he was only saying those things to reassure her.

No matter how much darkness accumulated in his body, he never once considered using Diena.

Whenever unavoidable circumstances forced her to help first, he would thank her sincerely.

Even then, he always told her to put herself first.

It was the happiest time she had ever experienced in her life.

Only then did Diena realize it.

That her life before meeting him had been miserable.

‘So this is what a real family is like.’

* * *

But as always, her happiness was far too short-lived.

The people of House Rothwell discovered their hideout.

Varkan barely managed to escape with only Diena.

It felt as though her heart was being torn to pieces.

The final moments of the Kardian Mercenary Corps remained vivid in her memory.

Hasen.

Malakar.

And the other members as well.

They all died.

They managed to escape, but Varkan suffered a fatal wound.

It was the first time she had ever seen him look weak.

“You have to live. Be happy…”

For words she could never keep, she forced herself to smile and answered that she understood.

That she would do exactly that.

Only then did Varkan close his eyes in relief.

But Diena’s body had also reached its limit.

‘In the end, that’s how I died.’

Yet when she opened her eyes again, she had returned to her childhood.

And this time, she had the chance to meet Varkan much earlier than before.

‘If I get caught while trying to escape, they might discover my ability and keep me under surveillance.’

The only reason she had managed to escape House Rothwell in the past was pure luck.

‘No matter how carefully I avoid pursuit, I could still be caught.’

She would only get one chance.

Diena clenched both fists tightly.

No matter what it took, she would follow Varkan and leave this place.

* * *

House Rothwell had been busy since early morning.

Today was the day guests from the Five Great Families would gather at the ducal estate.

Hartmann.

Volkov.

Castleton.

Kardian.

And Rothwell.

These five families regularly held social gatherings, and this time House Rothwell was hosting.

It had been about two years since the Duke of Rothwell had changed.

This would be the first official occasion where he formally greeted them.

Standing before a mirror, Romie smiled in satisfaction.

Her appearance was dazzling.

A silk dress embroidered with pearls and golden thread.

Most eye-catching of all was the vivid red ribbon pinned near her chest.

“Perfect.”

She was certain she would stand out more than anyone else at today’s gathering.

‘Bianca, with her awful sense of fashion, isn’t coming after I put her in her place last time. And the heirs of the other Great Families are all men.’

The Duchess of Rothwell, Edeline, smiled approvingly as she looked at Romie.

“You look beautiful today, Romie.”

“This is my first official meeting with the people from the Five Great Families. Of course I had to prepare this much.”

Romie’s older brother Cain yawned with an indifferent expression.

“Let’s go already. Everyone’s waiting.”

“The star of the show is supposed to arrive late.”

Taking Cain’s arm, Romie headed toward the reception room where the guests were gathered.

The reception room was already filled with the children and ladies of the various families.

Their close attendants stood nearby as well.

Seeing so many eyes focused on her, a graceful smile spread across Romie’s lips.

The first people she noticed were from Volkov and Hartmann.

Unfortunately, neither family’s heir had attended.

‘It’s a shame Cassian and Dietrich couldn’t come. And the young master of Castleton isn’t here either.’

They were a year younger than Romie and were currently in their final year at the Academy, which prevented them from attending.

Ludric, the heir of House Castleton, was also absent due to poor health.

‘Still, there are some important figures here.’

Romie’s gaze slowly swept across the room.

Most families had only sent their ladies.

However, the Duchess of Castleton had attended personally since she had no spouse.

As a woman who had risen to become the Duchess of Castleton, she was one of the figures most admired by noble young ladies.

If Romie could catch the duke’s eye, becoming the flower of high society would only be a matter of time.

She was confident of that.

More than anything, she believed she would be the center of attention today.

‘They’re all interested in me.’

Unlike the unfashionable Bianca of House Kardian, any family would want her as a daughter-in-law.

But Romie didn’t realize something.

The expressions of the noblewomen had subtly stiffened.

Their gazes were fixed on the red ribbon attached to her dress.

Among high-ranking nobles, it was considered improper for a young lady who had not yet officially debuted in society to wear red.

Romie, who had never participated in upper-class social activities, knew nothing about that custom.

Neither did Edeline.

She wasn’t born into a high-ranking noble family, and the duke had always dismissed social etiquette as women’s business and paid no attention to it.

As a result, neither of them understood why the atmosphere had suddenly become so cold.

Then the Duchess of Castleton finally spoke.

“Miss Romie’s outfit is certainly quite extravagant.”

Taking it as a compliment, Romie blushed and replied,

“Oh my, is it?”

The Duchess of Castleton turned away with a displeased expression.

Still unable to grasp the situation, Edeline carefully guided Romie forward and spoke.

“It’s been a long time, everyone. This is the first time you’ve met my daughter, isn’t it? This is Romie Rothwell.”

Encouraged by the introduction, Romie gathered the hem of her dress and greeted them.

“I’m Romie Rothwell. It’s an honor to meet such distinguished guests.”

A brief silence followed.

Then Lady Volkov, who was acquainted with the current Duke of Rothwell, gently eased the tension.

“I’ve heard a great deal about you from my husband. Just as the rumors say, you’re very refined and lovely.”

Lady Hartmann added with a smiling gaze.

“Indeed. Among all the young ladies I’ve met, your beauty is especially striking. You’re quite charming as well.”

A faint blush spread across Romie’s face.

Receiving attention from the wives of some of the Empire’s most prestigious families felt rather sweet.

Then a certain man caught her eye.

The person she considered most important at today’s gathering.

‘Varkan Kardian.’

Romie personally held a favorable impression of Varkan.

His background wasn’t entirely to her liking, but it was rare to find someone with outstanding abilities and such handsome looks anywhere in the Empire.

“Hello, Sir Varkan. This is our first time meeting, isn’t it?”

Romie flashed a bright smile and spoke to him proactively.

However, Varkan only frowned slightly and gave no particular response.

Caught off guard by his reaction, Romie forced a smile and tried again.

“Would it be possible for me to visit House Kardian sometime soon? I’m somewhat acquainted with Lady Bianca.”

Varkan let out a quiet sigh.

Just as he was about to say something,

He suddenly sensed an unfamiliar presence and slowly turned his head.

“…Who is that?”

The noblewomen naturally followed his gaze.

Romie’s eyes widened.

The Duchess of Castleton murmured in surprise,

“Lady Diena?”

Diena was standing by the doorway.

Wearing a faded light brown dress, she stood frozen in place, blinking her large rabbit-like eyes.

The outfit was so shabby that even a maid would hesitate to wear it.

A look of bewilderment crossed the faces of the ladies.